Resources For Travel - Using The Local Library?

Libraries are a great way to get ton of books on a single subject quickly. The local library in Calgary allows us to take out 99 books at a time. 99 books! Obviously we don't need that many books but you can take out a large selection to learn a bit before traveling

If your trip is only for a short amount of time then you can often take the library book with you to the country. This saves you money by not having to purchase a book but still having the handy reference with you.

Tour Book

This is the most obvious choice to take out at your local library. The tour book is a great way to find out information about your destination of travel. You're looking for a tour book with a map, places to stay, places to eat, safety concerns, etc... Some recommended brands of tour books are the Fodor's and Lonely Planet. You should ensure that you're getting a rather up-to-date copy of the book though (depending on your destination).

Cultural Book

Depending on your destination of travel learning some basics about the culture is important. This is often found in your tour book, however, this is often not adequate. You'll find a book about the culture quite handy to ensure that you're not offending anyone or creating a fool out of yourself.
Translation Book

If you're traveling somewhere with a different language get a language book. Something that is very basic is a great way to start. I just got the book, "Japanese Made Easy" by Tazuko Ajiro Monane. It's a very basic guide to learning Japanese and actually surviving while over there.

Audio Tapes

Again, this is great for foreign countries with different languages. The local library will have tapes, CD's or DVD's that you can listen and learn the local language. The advantage of this method is that you'll hear the correct prounciation and get a feel for the language before arriving.

Check out your local library today and get prepared for your trip. Do you use the library when you're going on a trip? Or where do you get your travel books from? Leave a comment and let us know.