It’s National Travel and Tourism Week (May 1-7) here in the United States! As you begin to daydream of your next travel adventure, make sure to take a look at some of the latest materials offered by the EVPL to assist you with your planning. Who doesn’t want to get lost in the readings or audiobooks of exploration?
Here are a few recommendations on what to read and listen to when planning your next trip! This list aims to provide you with a little bit of everything, as the topics include camping, national parks, traveling solo, family travel, hiking with man’s best friend, and adventures around Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Want more recommendations? Check out EVPL Recommends for more suggestions from our library staff.
Books, eBooks, and Audiobooks
50 States, 500 Campgrounds: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do by Joseph R Yogerst (book)
“Plan your next getaway to the great outdoors with this one-of-a-kind resource for campgrounds across North America. In this comprehensive sequel to the best-selling 50 States, 5,000 Ideas, you’ll discover the top tent and cabin campsites, as well as RV resorts and glamping destinations around the United States and Canada. Along with destination information—location, contact info, open seasons, and amenities—along with expert recommendations for activities including hiking, biking, and water sports; the best restaurants for days you need a break from the camp stove; and nearby attractions—from sights within nearby national and state parks to local museums.” – Goodreads
The Essential Guide to Hiking with Dogs: Trail-Tested Tips and Expert Advice for Canine Adventures by Jen Sotolongo (book)
“With The Essential Guide to Hiking with Dogs, you and your four-legged friend can be ready for anything the wilderness might throw at you. Set yourselves and others up for the very best hiking experience. Need-to-know topics are covered for the novice hiker or new owner, from trail etiquette to leave no trace ethics, important gear and packing guides to essential commands you should train on the trail. Featuring beautiful and illustrative photography, this must-have guide will inform and inspire any adventure dog and their parents.” – Goodreads
Hiking Waterfalls Kentucky: A Guide to the State’s Best Waterfall Hikes by Johnny Molloy (book)
“Hiking Waterfalls in Kentucky includes detailed hike descriptions, maps, and color photos for some of the state’s most scenic waterfall hikes. Hike descriptions include history, local trivia, and GPS coordinates. Hiking Waterfalls in Kentucky will take you through state and national parks, forests, monuments, and wilderness areas, and from popular city parks to the most remote and secluded corners of the area to view the most spectacular waterfalls.” – Goodreads
50 Hikes on Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau by Johnny Molloy (book)
“Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, a wide tableland cut with a dizzying array of deep gorges, is a geological wonderland. It is a place to behold and savor. This updated second edition covers hikes from the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area near Kentucky to the fascinating Walls of Jericho astride the Alabama state line; from the thousand-foot gorge cut by the mighty Tennessee River down Chattanooga way to the watery beauty of Virgin Falls by Sparta.” – Goodreads
Hiking Indiana: A Guide to the State’s Greatest Hiking Adventures by Phil Bloom (eBook, book)
“Written by award-winning outdoor editor and author Phil Bloom, this guide includes more than 70 hikes, ranging from easy afternoon jaunts to multi-day backpack trips.” – Goodreads
Fodor’s The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA: All 63 parks from Maine to American Samoa by Fodor’s Travel Guides (eBook, book)
“Whether you want to hike through the jaw-dropping scenery of Acadia, see rare wildlife and natural wonders in Yellowstone, or go river rafting in the Grand Canyon, the local Fodor’s travel experts in all the National Parks are here to help! Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time.” – hoopla
Wanderess: The Unearth Women Guide to Traveling, Smart, Safe, and Solo by Elise Fitzsimmons and Nikki Vargas (eBook, book)
“Wanderess features expert tips from leading women in the travel industry. You’ll find everything you need to experience life-changing adventures, both near and far. And because travel is not a one-size-fits-all experience, our experts offer helpful advice for specific travelers, whether you’re a woman of color, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, or an expecting or new mom.” – Goodreads
The Family Travel Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to take Unforgettable Trips with your Children by Imogen Hall (eBook, book)
“Full of practical advice, ideas, and inspiration from Lonely Planet’s parents to you, this essential guide gives you the lowdown on the wealth of amazing travel experiences around the world – and how to plan and enjoy them with your family. From navigating air and train travel to approaching unfamiliar meals and a change in routine, The Family Travel Handbook encourages curiosity, exploration, and independence.” – Goodreads
Hiking Kentucky’s Red River Gorge by Sean Patrick Hill (eBook, book)
“The rugged wilderness of Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is like no other. Dense forests, wondrous rock formations, and awe-inspiring views make it a paradise that’s waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’ll find carefully maintained trails that are perfect for your needs. Hiking Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is the definitive guide to the Red River Gorge Geologic Area, Natural Bridge State Park, and Clifty Wilderness. This updated, full-color edition by Kentucky author Sean Patrick Hill showcases 25 of the best hikes in the Gorge, as well as a selection of recommended nearby trails.” – hoopla
Indiana: Off the Beaten Path by Phyllis Thomas (eBook, book)
“President Lincoln memorabilia at the Lincoln Museum, a fascinating underground world at Squire Boone Caverns, and the largest collection of model aircrafts are just some of the unique attractions travelers will find in this guide to offbeat places in Indiana.” – Goodreads
Little Indiana: Small Town Destinations by Jessica Nunemaker (eBook, book)
“Perfect for any length of excursion–day or weekend–the book is organized by region and town and provides travelers easy access to information found nowhere else. From wineries to antique shops, alpaca farms to chocolate stores, unique attractions are awaiting discovery. Full-color images showcase specialty stores, mouth-watering meals, and exciting attractions tucked off the beaten path. Proof that there’s always something to do in a small town, this book is the perfect way to kick-start your next Indiana adventure!” – Goodreads
The Complete Guide to Indiana State Parks by Nathan D. Strange (eBook, book)
“Whether you are looking for a weekend hike in the woods, a family outing, or great locations to study the local flora and fauna, Indiana state parks provide something for everyone. Visiting 24 state parks in Indiana, Nathan Strange and Matt Williams describe and photograph the features that make each park beautiful and unique. Each park profile includes an engaging history of the park. The Complete Guide to Indiana State Parks is essential for every Hoosier and visitor to the state.” – hoopla
50 Great American Places: Essential Historic Sites Across the U.S. by Brent D. Glass (audiobook, book)
“From Massachusetts to Florida to Washington to California, 50 Great American Places takes you on a journey through our nation’s history. Sharing the inside stories of sites as old as Mesa Verde (Colorado) and Cahokia (Illinois) and as recent as Silicon Valley (California) and the Mall of America (Minnesota), each essay provides the historical context for places that represent fundamental American themes: the compelling story of democracy and self-government; the dramatic impact of military conflict; the powerful role of innovation and enterprise; the inspiring achievements of diverse cultural traditions; and the defining influence of the land and its resources. Expert historian Brent D. Glass explores these themes by connecting places, people, and events and reveals a national narrative that is often surprising, sometimes tragic, and always engaging—complete with photographs, websites for more information, and suggestions for other places nearby worth visiting.” – Goodreads
World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain (audiobook, eBook, book)
“A guide to some of the world’s most fascinating places, as seen and experienced by writer, television host, and relentlessly curious traveler Anthony Bourdain” – Goodreads
Our National Forests: Stories from America’s Most Important Public Lands by Greg M. Peters (audiobook, eBook, book)
“In Our National Forests, Greg Peters gives an inside look at America’s most important public lands and the people committed to protecting them and ensuring access for all. From the Forest Service growing millions of seedlings in the West each year, to their efforts to save the hellbender salamander in Appalachia, the story spans the breadth of the country and its diverse ecology. And people are at the center, whether the dedicated Forest Service members or the everyday citizens who support and tend to the protected lands near their homes.” – Goodreads
