Are you going on a trip and don’t want to lug a bunch of travel books around with you? You don’t want to constantly be worrying about losing the books, or how they’re going to fit in your suitcase, or how much your suitcase is going to weigh at the airport. We have plenty of travel guides that can be checked out from the Aurora Public Library District if you prefer to have the hard copy of a book in front of you, but we also have several little-known online travel resources that are available.

Of course, you know that you can download digital formats of books and audio books from the Indiana Digital Download Center, but what you might not have known is that we have an abundance of travel books and guides available to download as well. Since this selection of downloads are little-known, it is likely that you will be able to borrow and download a title right away. Just make sure you have your lending period set for as long as you’re going to be away; you don’t want your download to disappear halfway through your trip! If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to call the library or stop in with your device today!

If you go under the Online Resources tab through the Aurora Public Library District website and scroll down, you’ll see a whole list of databases that you, as a library patron, can use at no cost. All you’ll need to have handy is your library card number! Most of the databases listed are available through any computer and Internet connection.

A to Z in the USA

This website is amazing because you can select information by state or the country as a whole, rather than slogging through a bunch of information you don’t really need to know. You just have to log in with your library card number and you’ll be ready to go! You can explore the different climates throughout the various regions of the Unites States, as well as culture and society, education, food, history, geography, and so much more. If you narrow your search down by state, there are more tabs to go through that are more specific than the general overview of the state that is provided, including information about demographics, energy, maps, and more.

A to Z World Travel

This site is similar to the former website, however, this page is expanded to include the entire world. You can select where you’re traveling to by popular cities listed in alphabetical order with the country in parentheses. There is also a section included on the homepage with links to information you might need quickly, such as the different time zones of the world, satellite telephones and international calling, and tips on how to save money. Once you have selected the city you will be traveling to, you will be directed to a page with in-depth information devoted strictly to that city with a real-time clock telling you what time it is there at the top of the screen. There are tabs listed that will offer neighborhood information, maps, activities, emergency information, and more.

Global Road Warrior

This website allows you to search by country where you are traveling. Once again, there are tabs running along the left-hand side of the page after you have selected your country that you can select for more in-depth information pertaining to these specific tabs, such as business culture, facts about the country, language glossaries, human rights information, health and medical information, religion, and travel essentials. There is also a section where you can see news feeds in real time so you will be as up-to-date as possible on information.

These three resources working together will provide you with an arsenal of information so you will be as prepared as possible for your next trip. And the best part is, you can access this information from anywhere with an Internet connection as long as you have your library card number with you!

Happy Traveling! Also, I’d really like to come with you.