SUMMER TRAVEL
Pack up the bags and get ready to travel with these timely websites
and travel guides.
When traveling throughout Michigan, be sure to check MiDrive. Construction, lane closures, traffic cameras, traffic information, and more can be found before setting out for a destination.
If traveling out of state, check the National Traffic and Road Closure website to find travel information for all fifty states. Not just for road construction, this site can lead to travel information along specific highway corridors and much more.
Some travelers are staying closer to home this year. Consider Pure Michigan’s One Tank Trips through Michigan’s Official Travel and Tourism Site. Also consider a day trip to Ohio when making travel plans with their 101 Things to do in Ohio guide via the Discover Ohio website.
Want to track a family member’s flight? Try FBOweb. Just type in the flight number and watch the plane fly to its destination. Flight alerts and airport traffic are just two of the many options also available on this site to help travelers with air travel.
FlightAware is another live flight tracking website.
511 Travelers Telephone Information System. In 1999 the U.S. Department of Transportation petitioned the FCC for a three-digit dialing code to make it easier for consumers to access travel information services. The FCC assigned "511" to the transportation community on July 21, 2000. Free travel information includes weather and road conditions, traffic updates, public transportation, service interruptions, routes, fares, and schedules. Some 511 services may charge for additional, premium information such as tourist information, special events, parking locations and lot status, trip routing and planning, etc. The caller will be notified about any charges. The State of Michigan has yet to activate their 511 system, however more than half the states have been activated.
TRAVEL READS
Try a book in the Fun With the Family Series to help plan a vacation. A variety of states are available from the Monroe County Library System including Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northern and Southern California, Florida, and many more. In the online catalog search box type “Fun with the family.”
Bundren, Mary Rodgers
Travel wise with Children: 101 educational travel tips for families
Includes creative activities and seatwork to keep children busy during road trips.
Greenburg, Peter
Don’t go there!: the travel detective’s essential guide to the must-miss places of the world
Presents a selection of vacation destinations to avoid, with advice to travelers on steering clear of places that are vulnerable to such vacation-ruining elements as crime, natural disasters, and overpriced or overrated venues.
Kaufman, Emily
Travel mom’s ultimate book of family travel
Explains how to find entertaining and affordable destinations for the entire family and provides tips on packing, snacks, budgets, and activities for a long road trip.
Lansky, Vicki
Trouble-Free Travel with Children: Helpful hints for parents on the go
This handy guide offers practical ideas and tried-and-true advice based on the experiences of other parents on how to best plan for stress-free family travel.
Salter, Richard
“Are we there yet?” travel games for kids
A book of travel games and things to search for that will keep the kids busy on the road.
Ure, Susan
Scrapbooking your vacations: 200 page designs
Every page suggests fabulously original ideas for layouts and for incorporating beloved photos of interesting locales and family fun. The hints and tips keep things organized and looking great and the result is a scrapbook as interesting as the vacation itself.
FUN TRAVEL OPTIONS FOR KIDS
Curious George Takes a Vacation and Discovers New Things (DVD)
Curious George loves to travel, and no matter where he goes, adventure is always waiting for him!
Hubbell, Patricia
My First Airplane Ride
Follows a young traveler through a first airplane ride, from takeoff to touchdown.
Rosen, Michael
A Drive in the country
Relates the adventures of a family and their dog on a Sunday drive to the country.
Songs for the Car (sound recording)
A fun collection of songs, all on one disc, that makes for the perfect companion while traveling with little children.
