Event - #Travel - #Texas - Slaton - 2026 Texas Banana Pudding Festival - September 5, 2026

Slaton, Texas - 2026 Texas Banana Pudding Festival
September 5, 2026
Slaton Bakery
There are people in my life who think they know how to make Banana Pudding. Well, they don't. It's terrible.
But, here is an opportunity for us to try four professionally made puddings (one is not banana) and $5 for every ticket is donated to charity. You will get 5oz of each flavor.
The website says we can bring coolers to take any leftovers home (which I doubt there will be any).
This is a bigger event than just eating pudding. There will be music, vendors and other entertainment as well. The whole town will turn up.

Address: 109 S 9th St Slaton, Tx 79364
Hours: 10:00am CST - 2:00pm CST
Fees: Puddin' Pass is $26.50 online ($25 plus $1.50 fee)

For more information, click here: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/slaton-bakery/2026-texas-banana-pudding-festival

Event - #Travel #Texas - Fredericksburg - Gillespie County Fair and Festival - August 27-30, 2026

Fredericksburg, Texas - Gillespie County Fair and Festival
August 27-30, 2026
Gillespie County Fairgrounds and Exhibition Hall
Gillespie County is hosting this year's 138th fair! It's the oldest continuous county fair in Texas.
Check out the antique tractor pull and the 42 domino tournament (which I've never seen before so I'll be stopping by to watch).
There will be livestock shows, contests, goat roping, and horse races as well as other agriculture-related exhibits. Check the website for entry details if you want to participate.
Of course there's a carnvial and midway.
From the website under "concessions": All food and beverages must be purchased with tickets. 1 ticket = $1. Beer/Wine (limit of 2 per person) are 5 tickets each. Sodas are 2 tickets. Water is 1 ticket.
Per the "FAQ" on the website - No dogs allowed. No coolers allowed. You can bring a lawn chair.

Address: 530 Fair DriveFredericksburg, Texas 78624
Hours: Hours vary
Fees: Entry fees, Concession and activity prices vary. If you purchase entry tickets online they add a service fee.

For more information, click here: https://gillespiefair.com/

Event - #Travel - #Texas - New Braunfels - The Peddler Show - August 7-9, 2026

New Baunfels, Texas - The Peddler Show
August 7-9, 2026
New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center
Since 1977, New Braunfels has hosted this vendor-oriented show with a small gap and now it's back!
Come browse over 70 booths of shopping, services, food and drinks. Christmas is only four months away so what a great place to get your shopping done early while support local and small businesses.
While you're in town, check out these other activities:
Preschool/Toddler Dance Party - August 7th from 10:30am CST - 11:00am CST at the Main Library Branch (700 E. Common St). (FREE) Bring your kiddos for some fun dancing and book reading time.
First Friday Art Haus - August 7th from 6:00pm CST - 9:00pm CST. (FREE) Opportunity to enjoy art, live music and entertainment with others in the parking lot on the Main Plaza (263 Main Plaza).
Night Hike at the Fischer Park Nature Education Center on August 8th from 8:45pm CST - 9:45pm CST. ($8 per person; kids under 3 are FREE).

Address: 375 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: Friday 12:00pm CST - 6:00pm CST; Saturday 9:00am CST - 6:00pm CST; Sunday 11:00am - 4:00pm CST
Fees: Everyone over age 12 will pay $10.00 to enter.

For more information, click here: https://peddler.tixonlinenow.com/newbraunfelsaug/

Review - Travel - Florida - Orlando - Walt Disney World - Disney Springs - Fourth of July Weekend and the New Level 99

Yep, I'm a month late posting my July fourth weekend travels. It seems my calendar has been booked solid this last month plus some weekend trips here and there which I'll get to - eventually. Anyhoo, Fourth of July weekend at Disney World is always busy because most families take a long weekend to visit Orlando.

What is Disney Springs?

Disney Springs, if you've never been, is the giant outdoor mall of Disney World. There are a lot of high-end brands (Tommy Bahama, Anthropologie, Coach, Lily Pullitzer, and more) and some trendy brands (Corkcicle, Everything But Water, and more). You can find lots of restaurants and food stalls. Amorette's Patisserie is highly recommended for their Disney-themed cakes and their cake-decorating classes. Everglazed™ Donuts and Cold Brew has fun donut flavors in addition to more normal flavors and a cool prop for photos outside. And of course you can find lots of Disney-themed stores and the World of Disney store is the biggest Disney store in the world. Uniqlo is a fun Japanese casual wear store which offers Disney-themed merchandise only here. San Francisco-based Gheradelli's is here and they have the same menu items (nothing special for Orlando or Disney). They used to have free chocolate candy samples in their store which wasn't the case the last time I visited due to the remodel but they might have brought it back. You can also get free cups of water here without waiting in the order queue.

How do I get to Disney Springs?

You can get dropped off (by bus, Disney bus if you're a paid guest, uber/lyft, etc) or you can park in one of their massive parking garages (named, appropriately for Florida, as Lime, Orange or Grapefruit). You will see signs letting you know if a particular garage is full (then just go to the next garage). Inside each garage is a board letting you know which floors have spaces available and each floor has parking available lights at the ends of the rows and above each parking spot (red means not available and green means available). There is also surface-level parking but it fills up really quickly especially if there's a Cirque du Soleil show.

Everyone goes through the security line to get into the shopping area. I recommend keeping umbrellas and phone chargers out because those always set off the alarm for extra checking.

You can bring strollers. You can bring food and drinks.

Will I see Fireworks?

This year there were no drone shows or fireworks or other displays.

You may be able to see small bits of the nightly EPCOT fireworks show from a really high spot at Disney Springs such as Aerophile - The World in Balloon ride (if you time it right), the top level of the parking garages, the top level of the Coca Cola store.

The AMC movie theatre at Disney Springs plays the latest movies and there's a special Star Wars Galactic ID Maker machine inside to try before heading to watch your movie. The fun part, in my kids' opinions, is having food delivered to your theatre seat. Of course it's fun when someone else is buying.

Do they have special treats for Fourth of July?

Absolutely! You can find special treats and drinks at many of the vendors. Because this year was also America's 250th birthday, they also had products and deals to coincide with that. So for next year, keep your eyes out for special Fourth of July cakes and cocktails.

If you're planning a trip soon, they already have Halloween-themed treats and drinks for sale.

Should I bring the kids to Disney Springs?

I always do. Keep in mind two things - if you're on a budget, inform your kids up front because there will be a lot of "I want this" type of whines. And the second thing will be the amount of walking. I always bring a stroller for the younger kids even if they insist on walking. There are some experiences you can purchase like the carousel and the train. There are also a lot of entertainment that is free especially in the evenings. If you visit during the holidays you can get a scavenger hunt type map and stickers to keep kids entertained while you browse the shops.

One place I always take my kids is the Lego Store. There's a queue to get into the store which in the evenings can run long. But once you're inside, there is some hands-on minifig building and on the way out they have brought back the car build and race ramps. If you're kids are real Lego fanatics, you might not be able to leave empty handed so consider that before getting in line. They do have a great wall of parts where you can fill a box with any part you want from the wall display and then pay a set price. That's how my family has ended up with hundreds of Lego pink heart pieces.

Level 99 is the newest entertainment venue at Disney Springs which caters to teens (aged 12+) and adults. It took over the spot formerly occupied by Disney Quest and then the NBA Experience. Young kids will not be admitted and I've seen plenty crying outside because their parents didn't know. The games are challenging and timed so it makes sense. The premise is hands-on puzzles you work through as a team of 2-6 players. Each puzzle takes about 1-4 minutes. My older kids really enjoyed it. There are two options for length of play - 1.5 hours or 2.5 hours. The site has dynamic pricing so tickets for 1.5 hours starts at $29.99 and goes up. For 2.5 hours it starts at $39.99 and goes up. There is also food and drinks available for sale which is great for a rainy day so you can stay inside.

Also if you visit during the Christmas holiday, be sure to check out the decorated trees, plants and photo-ops.

Visiting Disney Springs Tip - bring your umbrella. Almost every time we visit there is a drizzle or what locals call a five-minute-downpour. If it's not raining, you can always use your umbrella to make your own shade on a hot and humid afternoon.

Overall, Disney Springs is a nice break from the amusement parks and a good opportunity to "chill" for a few hours.

If you need more information, check out https://www.disneysprings.com/

More info on Level 99 can be found here: https://www.level99.com/?loc=disney-springs-fl

Book Review - Moon Paris Walks: See the City Like a Local

If you're planning a trip to Paris, France, this is a really useful book to take with you. It's small enough to fit into your backpack or sling bag (or you can rip out the pages you need and take them with you).

The book contains 6 suggested walking itineraries. Each itinerary comes with an introduction to the walk, an overview of the neighborhoods, a "short on time" section that emphasizes the main sights to see, a full-color map with points of interest labeled (which are also color-coded), and the walk description (with the labels included). Followed by more details sections for "sights and attractions", "food and drink", "shopping" and "more to explore" which also correspond to the color-coded labels.

The introduction of the book includes lots of useful information - good to know practical info, museums, French food culture, useful shopping tips, public holidays, transportation and biking, Top 10 sights and museums, Top 10 restaurants, Top 10 On Sundays, and Top 10 Nightlife.

Walk 1 = Batignolles and Montmartre

Walk 2 = Quartier des Martyrs, Grands Boulevards, Louvre, and Madeleine

Walk 3 = Les Halles and Le Marais

Walk 4 = Les Iles, Latin Quarter, and Saint-Germain-des-Pres

Walk 5 = Eiffel Tower, Invalides and Champs-Elysees

Walk 6 = Belleville, Canal Saint-Martin and Menilmontant

The very last chapter offers more things to do "With More Time".

In summary, this is a keeper to take with you on your French trip.

Title: Moon Paris Walks: See the City Like a Local
Author: Moon Travel Guides
ISBN: 979-8886470222
Pages: 152

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Jacksonville - Tomato Fest - June 13, 2026

Jacksonville, Texas - Tomato Fest
June 13, 2026
Downtown
Lots of fun tomato-themed activities including a Tomato Eating Contest, a Kid Zone, food/drink vendors, markets, talent contests and a car show.
If you stay until 7pm, there is a street party with dancing, music, food/drink vendors, and more. Bring your lawn chair or blanket.
There are other events happening from June 6th through June 14th. Check their site for details.

Address: Commerce Street
Hours: 8am - 11pm CST
Fees: Free with various costs for activities

For more information, click here: https://www.jacksonvilletexas.com/tomato-fest/

Book Review - Culture Shock Vietnam by Ben Engelbach

I wish I had read this book before my trip to Vietnam because it would have helped prepare me a little bit more and given context to some of my experiences. I appreciate the honest and concise writing of the American-born author who lives and works in Hanoi. Even though this book is aimed more at long-term visitors, there's plenty of good information for short-termers as well.

Chapter one, "First Impressions", was amusing but since I had gone first to Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City it didn't quite match my own first impressions.

The next chapter, "Overview of Land and History" will give you a good idea of how variable the country is (there are beaches, mountains, big cities, etc) in addition to some history lessons.

Chapter three, "People" is really good. It includes sections on values (respecting elders, saving face, family first, etc) and religion (Vietnamese people celebrate their ancestors and are pretty tolerant of other religions).

Chapter four discusses Socializing and Fitting In. This chapter is aimed more at people who are staying longer in Vietnam than a basic tourist or if you're planning to visit a family member or friend it will be helpful.

Chapter five, "Settling into the Country" has a lot of useful information for shopping, public transportation, staying safe, health and hospitals, and more. From my own experiences, I agreed with most of the information presented. I never had to worry about schools or taxes but those are discussed as well.

Chapter six is probably the best one in the book as it focuses on Food. And yes, Vietnamese people really do eat pho noodle soup for breakfast (and pretty much any time of the day or night). After a few breakfasts you will get used to it (there aren't very many bacon-and-eggs type meals available). There's also information on drinks (coffee, beer), entertaining, fast food and more.

You can find a list of celebrated holidays and events in chapter seven, "Enjoying the Culture and Travel" as well as recreation and sports (football or soccer).

The "Languages" chapter, or chapter nine, gives a quick overview of the language. Keep in mind, however, that there are two dialects in Vietnam - the northern and the southern. This will make communicating more complicated. There is a great little sidebar detailing how to address others. Jump to the Glossary for some useful words.

The eighth chapter concerns with working in the country which is complicated on visitory visas. If you're interested in volunteer work, look at the last section of the chapter.

Chapter 10 offers "Fast Facts" followed by some useful Do's and Don'ts and a Glossary.

Overall, this a great introduction to Vietnam from an American's point of view. Not really a keeper so try to locate a copy through your local library.

Title: Culture Shock! Vietnam
Author: Ben Engelbach
ISBN: 978-9814771672
Pages: 248

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Book Review - Lonely Planet Montreal and Quebec City by Steve Fallon, Regis St Louis and Phillip Tang

This summer I am hoping to make a trip to La Ronde, the Six Flags owned amusement park in Montreal, so I picked up a few Canadian tour guides. It's been over twenty years since I'd last visited Montreal and I can't wait to go back. Just FYI, Quebec is pronounced kay-BEC and people from Quebec are called Quebecois or Quebecoise (kebekwa).

I like how the Lonely Planet guide books are broken into four main sections (with color-coded tabs) - Plan Your Trip, Explore, Understand, and Survival Guide. Lots of full-color photographs and maps. At the end of the book after the index is a tear-out section of useful maps.

The first section, Plan Your Trip, includes the following: Montreal's Top 10, Need to Know, Top Itineraries, Monthy by Month festivals, Travel with Kids, Visiting Quebec City, Eating highlights, Drinking highlights, Entertainment, and Shopping.

The next section, Explore, is broken out into the following chapters: Neighborhoods at a Glance, Old Montreal, Parc Jean-Drapeau (where the La Ronde amusement park resides along with some other family-friendly places to visit), Downtown, Rue St Denis and the Village, Plateau Mont-Royal and the Northeast, Little Italy and Outremont, Lachine Canal and Little Burgundy, Day trips from Montreal, Accomodations, and Quebec City.

Understand Montreal and Quebec City section contains chapters on the history of Montreal and a separate history for Quebec City, People and Culture, Music and the Arts, and Architecture (a brief four page chapter on some key architectural points to visit).

Survival Guide is a chapter of interest to visitors - Transportation, Directory A-Z, and Languages (a very handy pull-out guide on some basic French)

This is a wonderful guide to this area. The walking itineraries with detailed maps and points of interest are great. Just a note, I saw on Amazon there's a newer edition coming out this year. Always be sure to validate operating hours and days as well as costs before heading out.

Title: Lonely Planet Montreal and Quebec City
Authors: by Steve Fallon, Regis St Louis, Phillip Tang
ISBN: 978-1788684507
Pages: 288

This article may contain photos and links that take you to third-party Affiliate sites. If you purchase any item on those sites may contribute a small monetary amount back to our website without any cost to you.

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Frisco - Texas Pinball Festival - March 20-22, 2026

Frisco, Texas - Texas Pinball Festival
March 20-22, 2026
Frisco Convention Center
If you love pinball or playing pinball, this is the festival for you! There will be over 440 games. Meet pinball creators and artists. Purchase merch. Feeling competitive, join one of the many tournaments (including one for kids). There will be entertainment and swaps. They will also have food trucks available.
For collectors, there are also special awards for machines you can enter: Best Antique, Best 60’s, Best 70’s EM, Best 77- 85 Solid State (SS), Best 86 – 91 Solid State (SS), Best 91-2010 (DMD Era), Best Modern, Best Original, Best Restoration, Best Custom Pinball, Best Custom or Innovative Arcade Video Game, Best Classic Arcade Video Game, Best Newcomer, and Grand Champion.
Some extra fun includes visits to the nearby National Videogame Museum and trivia sessions.
If you pre-register, you can get a collectible name badge.

Address: 7600 John Q. Hammons Dr., Frisco, TX 75034
Hours: Friday 4:00pm-1:00am; Saturday 9:00am-11:30pm; Sunday 9:00am-2:00pm CST
Fees: Day passes start at $30 for adults or $20 for kids; Weekend pases are available for $105-$115

For more information, click here: https://texaspinball.com/

Book Review - DK Eyewitness - Nashville Like a Local

I enjoy getting tips from locals on where to go, what to eat, and what to avoid. This book provides that but, let's be honest, I could have gotten the same information from a quick search on the internet. What makes this book valuable are the wonderfully illustrated maps. Of course, if you're handy with Google Maps you could easily drop pins on places you want to try. If you like paper maps, you could easily print Google Map views off with a little bit of work. Otherwise, I enjoyed the authors' sense of humor throughout and learning about some new spots to try.

The book is divided into the following chapters - Eat, Drink, Shop, Arts and Culture, Nightlife, and Outdoors. There is a handy directory at the end.

Try to find this book in your local library and make a list of places you want to try to visit in Nashville.

Title: Nashville Like a Local (Local Travel Guide)
Author: DK Eyewitness authors including locals Bailey Freeman and Kristen Shoates
ISBN: 978-0241686829
Pages: 192

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Book Review - Fodor's Travel - Cancun and the Riviera Maya

I'm hoping to take a cruise next year that will head down to the Mexican coast stopping in Cancun, so I picked up this guide to get some suggestions on what we can see or do. Most cruises out of the United States stop in Cozumel or Cancun. I've stopped in Cozumel several times and would prefer exploring beyond the small offerings from the cruise line.

Beyond that, this is a great guide if you plan to fly into one of these major cities and stay a few days.

The first chapter is dedicated to a lot of great "Best Of" lists - Best Beaches in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Best Snorkeling and Diving, Top Maya Ruins, Most Romantic Experiences, What to Eat and Drink, What to Buy, etc. And some tidbits like "Weddings and Honeymoons" or "Kids and Families".

There's an excellent chapter titled "Travel Smart" with a Know Before You Go intro, Getting Here and Getting Around, advice on rental cars (it's more complicated than a normal rental - and if you plan to go to ruins or areas away from the main tourist zones you will want a All-wheel Drive (AWD) type vehicle that can handle dirt roads). There's also a helpful Spanish phrase section that you can pull out and take with you.

The area is divided out into separate chapters - Cancun, Isla Mujeres, The Riviera Maya, Cozumel, and the Yucatan and Campeche States. Each chapter is further broken down into useful sections such as regional foods, hotels or resorts, getting there and getting around, etc. Each section also has full-color, easy-to-use maps. There's a listing of all the maps in the Table of Contents in case you want to view a specific one.

I like that you can find suggestions on shopping, beaches, historical sites as well as useful tips. Really a great guide.

Title: Fodor's Cancun and the Riviera Maya: With Tulum, Cozumel, and the Best of the Yucatán
Author: Fodor's Travel Guides
ISBN: 978-1640976825
Pages: 352

This article may contain photos and links that take you to third-party Affiliate sites. If you purchase any item on those sites may contribute a small monetary amount back to our website without any cost to you.

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Salado - Lighted Christmas Parade and Christmas Stroll - December 4-14, 2025

Salado, Texas - Lighted Christmas Parade and Christmas Stroll
December 4 - 14, 2025
Salado's Main Street
The Christmas Parade runs the night of December 4th starting on Royal Street and Main Street and ends at Salado Civiv Center (671 North Main St). Bring chairs or blankets to sit and watch the lights pass by. Check the website for a map of the route and where to park (for free). Then stay for the Christmas Stroll on the weekends December 5-7 and 12-14 consisting of entertainment, visits with Santa, and holiday shopping.

Address: (throughout town)
Hours: Parade: 12/4/25 at 6:00pm CST - 8:00pm CST; Christmas Stroll: Friday and Saturday 10:00am CST - 8:00pm CST; Sunday 12:00pm CST - 6:00pm CST
Fees: (varies by activity)
For more information - https://business.salado.com/calendar/Details/2025-salado-lighted-christmas-parade-1479226 and https://business.salado.com/calendar/Details/65th-annual-salado-christmas-stroll-1457103

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Midland - Home for the Holidays Gift Market - November 14-16th, 2025

Midland, Texas - Home for the Holidays Gift Market
November 14-16th, 2025
Bush Convention Center
In addition to hundreds of merchants selling all kinds of goods, handmade crafts, and more, there will be a Santa Photo Booth, as well as Food and Drink vendors. Lots of holiday-themed fun and gifts. A fun all-day shopping event.
Address: 105 N Main St, Midland, TX 79701
Hours: Friday 12:00pm - 5:00pm CST, Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm CST, Sunday 11:00am - 4:00pm CST
Fees: General Admission $6.00; First Call Shopping (Friday 9am-12pm) $10.00; Children under 12 are FREE
For more information - https://homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com/midland-hfth

Book Review - DK Eyewitness Travel - Family Guide Paris

I'm hoping to be able to take my family to Disneyland Paris at some point especially after the updates they made to the park, so I grabbed this Paris guide to see what other fun activities we could do and foods to try. DK Eyewitness Travel books are so colorful, and I love the detailed maps and floorplans. The "Lowdowns" sections are really helpful and give you the websites you can access for further research.

Keep in mind that this book was published in 2018 so always be sure to verify information like operating hours and costs ahead of time since Covid negatively impacted many businesses.

There's a great section on Disneyland with lots of information.

This book is broken out by areas which makes it easy to focus your day in a location. Lots of suggestions on dining, etiquette (especially helpful to know when dining in a restaurant as opposed to a cafe), shopping, and ways to entertain your children.

Title: DK Eyewitness Family Guide Paris (Travel Guide)
Author: DK Eyewitness
ISBN: 978-1465468185
Pages: 288

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Book Review - Insider's Guide to Williamsburg and Virginia's Historic Triangle

Since I'm planning a trip to Busch Gardens Amusement Park this summer, I thought I'd pick up this guide to see what else I could see while I'm in Williamsburg, Virginia. This travel guide is divided into categories - Accommodations, Entertainment, Shopping, Parks and Recreation, and more.

I like the callout sections that describe some historical tidbits of an area since Williamsburg is so full of history and historical events. There's even detailed information concerning Busch Gardens. Lots of easy-to-read suggestions and even a section if you're considering retirement in the area.

Title: Insiders' Guide® to Williamsburg: And Virginia's Historic Triangle (Insiders' Guide Series)
Author: Susan Corbett
ISBN: 978-1493045310
Pages: 297

This article may contain photos and links that take you to third-party Affiliate sites. If you purchase any item on those sites may contribute a small monetary amount back to our website without any cost to you.

Special Offers - Amazon Prime Day Deals on Travel Related Products

Amazon Prime Day Deals are live today and here are some things that I purchased for myself, my family and as gifts for my coworkers and friends. Shop around because sometimes Target and Walmart will price-match these deals on their websites or have even lower prices.

Packing Cubes:
There are a few sets marked down for Prime Day. I love using these to separate my family's travel clothes by day or by person so I usually buy different colored sets.
Amazon Basics 4pc Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set, Slim - Currently 32% off (depending on color and sizes) - https://amzn.to/3rBZwXX

Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes (6pk) - Currently 26% off (depending on number and color) - https://amzn.to/48PCNbm

Laptop Bags:

Amazon Basics Laptop Computer Backpack (for up to 15inch) - Currently 43% off - https://amzn.to/3ZM9CC5

Amazon Basics Laptop Computer Backpack (for up to 17inch) - Currently 50% off - https://amzn.to/3RYy6WZ

Amazon Basics Rolling Travel Bag Laptop Computer Case (up to 15.6 inch screens) - Currently 38% off - https://amzn.to/3tyBgWX

Luggage:

Amazon Basics Suitcases Softside Spinner - Currently up to 50% off (depending on size and color) - https://amzn.to/3PXCqmK

Amazon Basics 3pc Luggage Set Hardside Spinner - Currently up to 30% off (depending on size and color) - https://amzn.to/3Fa48HF

For Cruise Travel:

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with Hanging Hook - (perfect for hanging in cruise cabin) - Currently 30% off (depending on size and color) - https://amzn.to/3RRiWCy

BESHON Flat Plug Power String (3 outlets with 3 USB (2 USB C))(3.2ft cord) - Currently 41% off - https://amzn.to/45qutvG

Misc:

General Medi Mini First Aid Kit (110pc) - This is an awesome set that I have in each of my cars and work bags - Currently 50% off - https://amzn.to/3Q8DIMS

SURE LOCK TSA Compatible Luggage Locks - Currently 44% off (depending on number and color) - https://amzn.to/3ZP6lBP

MrsDry Travel Bottles for Toiletries (TSA approved 3oz)(4pk) in clear bag - Currently 21% off (depending on color) - https://amzn.to/3PNKu9j

Amazon Basics RFID Travel Wasite Belt Fanny Pack - Khaki - Currently 50% off PLUS 20% off coupon - https://amzn.to/3rJTwwe

This post contains some affiliate links whereby if you make a purchase this channel will make a small commission. It won't change your price or contain any hidden fees. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases which go right back into maintaining this channel. Win-Win.

Special Offers - Even MORE Amazon Discounts on Selected Travel Books and Maps

I went down a bunch of rabbit holes last night looking at more travel related goodies Amazon has marked down. I purchased a bunch for next year's trips that I wanted to share with you. As always, check your local library to see if they offer these books and maps for FREE. I like to have hardcopies of maps so I can circle and make notes on them.

Fun Guides:

50 Places to Travel with Your Dog before you die - https://amzn.to/3ZDXK57

Texas:

National Geographic Texas Guide Map - https://amzn.to/46BddVO

National Geographic Adventure Map of Texas and Oklahoma - https://amzn.to/46rRHmi

Field Guides to Wildlife, Birds, Trees and Wildflowers of Texas - https://amzn.to/3PKcL0q

Moon Travel Guide - 52 Things to Do in Austin and San Antonio (this is a great weekend guide) - https://amzn.to/3F3UQNt

Yosemite National Park:

National Geographic Topographic Map to Yosemite National Park Day Hikes - https://amzn.to/45ebWml

A Field Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks - https://amzn.to/3F16k4g

Regional Hiking Series - Hiking Yellowstone National Park - (I'm really excited to get this guide) - https://amzn.to/3PL6Atj

Frommers Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park - https://amzn.to/3ZHbonQ

Bird Watching Books:

Bird watching is a great way to observe nature in your location or while you travel. I used to bring binoculars but now our cell phones have such great zooms that I just use that instead. I usually bring my guide so I can check off the birds I see as I go.
The Bird Watching Answer Book - https://amzn.to/46bmB2u

American Birding Assoc State Field - Birds of Texas - https://amzn.to/46bmB2u

Hiking Guides:

The Falcon Guide - Hiking with Kids New England - https://amzn.to/3toU3UA

AMC's Best Day Hikes near Boston - https://amzn.to/3MaFZoz

AMC's Best Day Hikes in Vermont - https://amzn.to/3RKBnsM

National Parks:

Our National Parks by John Muir - https://amzn.to/46hJuBh

Moon USA National Parks Guide - (This is an excellent guide) - https://amzn.to/3LKuKTe

Joshua Tree: The Complete Guide to Joshua Tree National Park by James Kaiser - (this place is definitely on my must-visit list) - https://amzn.to/3F3CcoQ

National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map to Arches National Park - https://amzn.to/3RISmeU

National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map to Bryce Canyon National Park - https://amzn.to/46y1rve

National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map to Canyonlands National Park - https://amzn.to/45gLgBE

Other Guides:

Explorer's Complete Guide to North Carolina's Outer Banks - https://amzn.to/3RKxzYg

Moon Travel Guide to Floriday Keys with Miami and the Everglades - (this is an excellent guide) - https://amzn.to/3tcKBnc

111 Places in San Franciso That You Must Not Miss - https://amzn.to/3PIe1RZ

The Everything Travel Guided to Ireland: From Dublin to Galway and Cork to Donegal - (definitely on my bucket list!) - https://amzn.to/3PL6phx

Wild Philly: Explore the Amazing Nature in and around Philadelphia - https://amzn.to/3rBUWZw

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