Fabulous Travel Guides

Whether you’re working, in school, or at home, it’s undeniable: summer fever is in the air. Mother Nature has teased us with those 70 and 80 degree days, leaving summer thoughts lingering in our heads. What’s better in summer than to take a vacation?

What kind of vacation do you like? Leisurely and calm? Rigorous and adventurous? Or perhaps it’s an artsy and intellectual trip you’re looking for. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, and I have been blessed with trips around the world. Below are some destinations, my personal favorite travel guides for them, and some highlights.

Hawaii: Who says you have to leave the United States for a tropical adventure? Before planning a trip and committing to buying a travel book, I suggest surfing the web to get some basic information on your destination. Some travel books such as Fodor’s and Lonely Planet have the same information in their books on their website. If you want to stay on just one island, research them to see which island is the right fit for you. If you’re going all that way and want to get the most out of your trip, I recommend making arrangements to travel between the islands. After doing some preliminary research, go to your local bookstore and look through the various books to see what caters to your needs. What I did before my month-long Hawaii trip was check out these books from my library to take on my excursion:

The Complete Idiot’s Travel Guide: Hawaii: I loved the preliminary quiz that helps you discover which island is best for you. There are specific chapters dedicated to each of Hawaii’s islands, which is useful when you’re traveling from place to place. This book is very valuable for a first timer, but once you commit to an island(s), try checking out or buying a more specific book.

Hidden Kauai: Including Hanalei, Princeville, and Poipu, Hidden Travel: Kauai is a relaxing island with a non-city feel to it. This travel book provided me with great, secluded beaches and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, I recommend Outfitters Kauai in Poipu. I did the zip lining here, which included a hike, rope swing at a remote spring-fed waterfall, a swim in a mountain spring, various zip lining through the forest canopy, and a free lunch! While you’re in Poipu, you can’t miss eating at Puka Dogs, a truly unique and gourmet hot dog experience. Pierced in the center of their specially baked buns, Puka Dogs injects their special relishes and sauces (or more traditional ones) to the high-quality hot dogs. I recommend trying the Mango relish.

Nothing is worse than lugging around heavy travel books, maps, and your pen and notebook when you’re out and about exploring a new place. That’s why I am in love with the Inside Out travel books. They’re practically pocket-sized books that include a small compass (for those of you like me who have no sense of direction), a pen with a light on the end, pop-out maps and a complete insider’s guide with everything you need to know about the city of your choice. Are you looking to go abroad? I can recommend the Inside Out books for London and Paris. Paris: It’s difficult to escape some famous, historical landmarks, museums, art, food and fashion no matter where you are in Paris. My Inside Out guide has the best pop-out maps. It took me a while to figure out how to use the Metro system, but walking with my map and destination suggestions proved to be the best way to get around Paris without missing a thing. If you’’re planning on spending awhile in the Red District area to visit the famous Moulin Rouge, think again. I think spending a whole day here in a shady, sex-filled area of beautiful Paris would be a waste. If you are in the area and are up for a chuckle, visit the Musee de Erotica…yup, it’s exactly what is sounds like, an Erotica Museum. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re at the Moulin Rouge and want something else to do in the area, give it a whirl. I stayed in the Latin Quarter, which is a great and practical area to stay in. It is centrally located to sites, cafes, shops and gardens.

London: Some of my friends spent their days shopping in the crowded, popular shopping streets at the same stores we shop at home (but for almost double the price). But my Inside Out guide pointed me in another direction. Featured among many of London’s markets is the Camden Market. I found completely unique and trendy clothes at prices I could afford, or could bargain for. Precious antiques and exotic foods add to the diverse atmosphere that Camden Market provides. Take a Jack the Ripper, Dark Side of London tour that includes a bus tour, walking and boat tour of London’s historical “dark sides.”