Travel and geography

Websites for this Topic | Research guides and databases

Databases

Databases with the image may be used from outside the Library.
All other databases area vailable in the Library only.

CultureGrams
Experience the cultures of 190 countries and territories in reports that include maps, statsistics, and in-depth information on 25 categories.

Gale Virtual Reference Library
A database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research.

General Reference Center Gold (Infotrac)
Citations and full text articles from thousands of different scholarly journals, reference sources, and general interest magazines and newspapers.

Newsbank
Full-text articles from Illinois newspapers and America's news magazines. Special features include Hot Topics and Special Reports.

ProQuest
Full-text articles from the Chicago Tribune and the historical Chicago Tribune.

World Book Online
The popular World book encyclopedia in an online, multimedia format that includes articles, printable maps, and pictures.

Websites

Planes

www.airsafe.com - Safety information and tips for flying. Includes accident and fatality statistics by airline and aircraft, who to contact in case of a complaint, advice on flying with children, and more.

www.cheaptickets.com/trs/cheaptickets/flighttracker/flight_tracker_home.xsl - Graphically tracks airborne flights in real time.

Trains (USA):

www.metrarail.com - Official Metra train site.

www.yourcta.com - The Chicago Transit Authority Website.

www.amtrak.com - Amtrak's useful site. Online booking is available.

Trains (World):

www.viarail.ca - Canada's rail system.

www.railpass.com - The official Eurail site.

www.railconnection.com - A "conductor" helps choose the best Eurail pass for you.

www.acprailnet.com/britrail - The official Britrail site.

www.eurostar.com - Channel Tunnel's official booking site.

Automobiles

www.mapquest.com - Maps, driving directions, road trip planners, live traffic reports, and city guides for the U.S. and Canada.

www.byways.org - National Scenic Byways homepage sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration. Describes the nation's scenic byways and includes information for planning a trip.

www.roadsideamerica.com - Offbeat roadside attractions, such as the world's largest catsup bottle, a petrified wood car dealership, the Liberace Museum, etc. Includes sample "hypertour" road trips.

www.enjoyillinois.com - Trip planners and brochures with information about Illinois travel destinations. Includes Spanish sections.

www.travelwisconsin.com - Wisconsin calendar of events, seasonal choices, attractions, and recreational opportunities.

www.enjoyindiana.com - Indiana trip ideas and a suggested weekend getaway for each week of the year are among the many included features.

City Guides

http://metromix.com - Things to do in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs: movies, restaurants, stage productions, art exhibits, museums, festivals, parades, and more. Feature articles and restaurant and movie reviews from the Chicago Tribune are also included.

www.citysearch.com - (City Search/sidewalk.com) City guides to U.S. and several international cities. Great for getting information about arts events, restaurants, and concerts.

www.timeout.com - Produced in London, this city guide focuses on major European and U.S. cities. Online Booking Sites Use these sites to research trips and prices and to book flights, rental cars, hotels, vacation packages or cruises. Destination information and travel tips are also included on most of the sites.

www.expedia.com - Expedia's site is well designed, easy to use, and provides good information and travel bargains.

www.travelocity.com - Another inclusive site, easy to use and with a reputation for good customer service. Requires registration (free) for access to all parts of the site and for bookings.

Other good sites in this category include:

www.lowestfare.com

http://travel.yahoo.com - Good specialty travel links.

www.travelguides.com - Lanier Travel Guides include great bed & breakfast section.

Helpful Government Sites:

www.state.gov/travelandbusiness/ - U.S. State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs site. Links to information and forms for passports and visas, travel warnings, U.S. embassies worldwide, and more.

www.customs.gov - U.S. Customs Information.

wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Traveler Health site. Includes information about specific travel destinations, outbreaks, and required vaccinations. Also provides tips on healthy and safe traveling.

International Travel

www.oanda.com/converter/travel - Currency converter. Includes historical data.

www.towd.com - Worldwide directory of official tourism offices.

www.columbusguides.com/ - Travel, city, airport, ski, attraction, events, and weather guides for around the world. A well-organized and easy-to-navigate site.

Specialty Travel

www.access-able.com - Access-Able Travel Source. Travel information for disabled and mature travelers.

channels.gay.com/travel/ - Gay.com's travel page.

www.ecotourism.org - The Ecotourism Society Web site promotes environmentally responsible travel.

www.elderhostel.org - Elderhostel is a not-for-profit organization that provides high-quality, affordable, educational adventures for adults who are 55 and older.

family.go.com/Travel - Family.com's travel page. Emphasis is on Disney vacations since Family.com is owned by Disney.

www.journeywoman.com - Journeywoman Website with travel resources especially for women.