For me, warmer weather always brings a bit of wanderlust: I’m ready to see something new and interesting. While gas prices are currently limiting my ability to indulge in one of my favorite activities – making miscellaneous turns while driving the back roads – I’m hoping local wanderings and future planning will help scratch that itch.
Whether you’re looking to leave it all behind through destination travel, planning local outings, or happy to see the world from the comfort of your own porch, you can find lots of inspiration through the library. Here are a few titles from our Travel neighborhood that recently caught my eye.
222 Cemeteries to See Before you Die – I’m someone who enjoys walking through an interesting cemetery, so this book has gone to the top of my list. From Père Lachaise in Paris to a lovely wooded hillside cemetery near where I grew up, I’ve had a great time exploring the names, little histories, and sculptures found in their lanes and lawns.
Bradt’s USA by Rail – The allure of rail travel lives on, even if we can’t all take one of the famed Orient Express carriages from 100 years ago. The United States rail system can get you to a lot of great places with some stunning views along the way. Plan your ideal journey within these pages.
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The Tourist’s Guide to Lost Yiddish New York City – It can be fascinating to rediscover a place you know through a new lens. With New York City so nearby, many of us have spent time there, but there are so many layers to uncover. This book uses archival materials and never-before-published images to highlight New York’s historical Yiddish culture through music, food, architecture, theater, and more. It’s complemented by an interactive Google Map to help you dive further into these stories.
100 Runs of a Lifetime – Now, this could never be me, but if you’re the type of person who enjoys running recreationally, then why not do it surrounded by beautiful scenery? This National Geographic guide will take you around the world, highlighting both trails and formal races to help runners new and seasoned find somewhere thrilling to spend their time.
Explore our Spring Sojourns booklist for more inspiration.
This is just a tiny sampling of ways to approach travel, but there are so many more! If you’re interested in local cemeteries or walking tours, explore our resource guides on Princeton’s history and attractions. Let me specifically recommend the interactive map of Princeton Cemetery. If you’re heading outdoors, make sure you check out our Library of Things for binoculars, nature explorer backpacks, portable power stations, and more to enhance your travel plans. Our museum passes let you explore a wide range of culture and history fairly close to home. Of course, however far you travel, you can bring our elibrary with you to keep reading, listening, watching, or learning on the go.
I hope you’ll find the inspiration you need this season. Let us know if we can help!
Photo by Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash