If you’re a train aficionado and Great Britain is in your travel plans, the 320 page “Britain from the Rails” by Benedict Le Vay needs to be in your possession. Not only does it give you a “from your seat” description of some of the most remarkable rail trips in the UK, but it also provides unusual anecdotes and diverse facts, news and information about the history of British railways, such as: The extraordinary saga of the Flying Scotsman & The Flying Scotsman; Hell & Horror in the High Hills; The Highland Main line – a Summit Special in Railway Building; The Barry Scrapyard (where most of England’s steam engines ended up to “rust away,” but were saved by devoted preservationists) and an intriguing section on “Britain’s Best Kept Secret Railways.”

I loved the Train Trivia section and the pages devoted to such topics as Speed Limits, Clocks, Whistle Boards, and Patterns Repeating Canals and Roads. The British call them “Points” and in the good old USA they’re known as “Switches,” and you’ll find other British and American railroad terminology explained in these pages, some of which may surprise you. Here’s a riveting railway book you should gift someone with, plus buying it for yourself.

The 210 page “Lost Railway Journeys from around the world” by Anthony Lambert is a captivating book about fabulous gone forever railways in Europe, Asia, Australasia, The Americas and Africa. When you see how spectacular some of these railroads were, it makes you want to cry and ask WHY did “Officialdom” put an “Out-of-Business” mark on all of them? As an ex-Brit I was mesmerized by the story about the British “Somerset & Dorset Railway” that shut down in 1966. Because of its stunningly scenic route, photographers flocked to the line not only to capture on film some of England’s finest countryside, but also to have photos of the line’s classically magnificent steam engines.

Like so many of the unforgettable routes and locomotives lovingly described in this book, many tracks on which they traveled and mesmerized thousands, are now nothing more than bicycle routes or hiking trails. Railroad buffs will love – as I did – the many stunning photos, several in color, of those one-of-a-kind steam engines from around the world.

As a kid growing up in London, America was personified for me by, among other things, the blue and white colors of the US airline Pan American. Every time in the 1940s when I saw one of their propeller driven Douglas DC 4 and DC 7 airplanes, and of course the majestic Boeing Stratocruiser aircraft, it made me long, even more, to live and work in the USA. So it was a “No Brainer” for me to buy the superb, 208 page, coffee table sized book “Pan-Am – An Aviation Legend” by Barnaby Conrad the 3^rd.

Although quite a few books have been written about this iconic US airline, none have – in my view – captured the magic, elegance and an only one of its kind sentiment and yes, the atmosphere of Pan-Am, that this book does. Centering mostly on its ambitious, focused and forward thinking founder and driving force, Juan Trippe, this book clearly – and vividly – shows why, after Trippe’s passing in 1981 at 82, Pan-Am faltered and failed, sadly collapsing completely on December 4^th, 1991.

Filled with B&W and vibrantly evocative, even “thoughtful” color pictures, as well as some early history look sepia photos that are “magical memories” for any aviation buff or Pan-Am devotee, this is a true treasure trove of airline reminiscences. They range from the marvelous days of the unique Clipper Flying Boats to the “Plain Jane” (or should that be PLANE Jane?) looks of today’s aircraft, which makes this a must buy book. The powerful prose is uncommon and unusual in its brilliance, and gives you a personal involvement of “I wish I could have saved Pan-Am.”

For anyone considering, or taking, a RIVER cruise in Europe, get THIS book — even if you’ve previously  enjoyed many cruises on the scenic rivers of Europe. The 255 page “River Cruising in Europe” by ace cruise expert Douglas Ward, is a goldmine of news, facts and information that I’ll bet many are not aware of, as it gives you an insider’s look at river cruising in that part of the world.  It’s so well written, and there is so much data, statistics, news and knowledge here, it makes you want to go online and make a reservation right now. The photography is also stunning with most of the images in full color that likewise give you that “urge to splurge” on a river cruise in Europe. Check out the reviews of all MAJOR river cruise lines; what to see & do on river cruises, plus over 280 river ships rated, and you’ll know why it’s worth getting. I’ve found it VERY helpful in making my river cruises even more spectacular.

To contact John, email him at

jd******@gm***.com

The post Get These Unusual and Remarkable Travel Books appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Travelers must be flexible, curious, observant and have a sense of adventure. They must understand transportation and be open-minded to learning about new places, cultures, people and foods. If you want kids to be open to the world and open to the beauty that surrounds us, there are ways to help guide them along and then the sky is the limit. Here are a few fun fabulous gifts that can inspire kids and even adults.

1. Budsies

One of my personal all time favorite gifts is Budsies – a super cute, creative way to cherish kids creations. They turn children's drawings, artwork or a photo into a custom, handmade stuffed animal. So if your little one draws a picture of themselves in front of the Eiffel Tower or the Sydney Harbor Bridge, you can give them the gift of turning their creation and forever imbedding the location in their hearts as it comes to life in a stunning stuffed animal. Budsies are designed and handmade (mainly) in the USA and are the results are absolutely gorgeous and most important meaningful.

2. The Night Sky

It’s written in the stars and The Night Sky is both beautiful and an educational way to commemorate a special occasion. The Night Sky arrives as either a poster or a framed print. It is created by using the star catalog of the European Space Agency's Hipparcos mission, a high precision catalog of stars generated by the Hipparcos space-based telescope.

3. Wonderbly: Personalized books – The Wondrous Road Ahead

An all time favorite is way to teach kids about travel is through books and Wonderbly’s “The Wonderous Road Ahead" is truly a special way to make a child feel unique and loved. The book allows the gift giver to choose from three qualities that they want the child to feel passionate about. The choices are Kindness, Bravery, Curiosity, Determination, Respect, Honesty – the story is personalized and it brings up the chosen characteristics.

The book then takes the reader on a personalized magical adventure that is filled with gorgeous, colorful pictures.

4. Yoga Cards for Kids

Traveling can be stressful, especially with younger kids. One great gift is to teach your kids about yoga and mindfulness is the new Yoga for Children – Yoga Cards, by Lisa Flynn. The yoga activity cards are fun. There are over 50 cards with colorful photos and easy instructions. It is a calming activity that can be done at home, in hotels and even at the airport. They are four color-coded categories: Mindful Me mindfulness activities, Time to Breathe breathing exercises, Strike a Pose yoga poses, and Rest & Relax relaxation exercises.

5. GeoSafari Jr. Talking Globe

A great way to open up the world is to bring home the GeoSafari Jr. Talking Globe narrated by Wildlife Warrior Bindi Irwin. It provides a high-tech, hands-on, interactive introduction to geography. It’s also a great way to show kids how to explore without leaving your home, as it shows them how to find locations, animals and nature.

6. Osmo's Detective Game

This game is entertaining, educational and a blast for both kids and their parents to play with both at home and is perfect for airplane rides. Generally, I’m not a fan of IPAD games, but this one is enchanting, especially as it is a physical-digital, search-and-find experience.

The Detective Agency uses Osmo’s proprietary Reflective AI technology to let iPads, and Kindle Fires “see” objects in front of it so kids can use anything – hands, blocks, maps, a magnifying glass, to control the on-screen action and story.

The game teaches geography and culture while players track down missing item across Paris, New York, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, Cairo, Sydney, Osmo Town, and the World.

The clues are hidden in the fold-out maps of each city, and players use a real-life magnifying glass to unlock the next chapter in each story. It’s a winner game.

7. Telescope™

The sky is the limit and a great way to explore the solar system is with the GeoSafari® Jr. Talking Telescope™. The telescope talks to you and will educate both kids and adults alike will learn over 200 facts. It also provides images of planets, stars, and space and includes images from NASA!

8. PLAE Shoes

PLAE Shoes are all about playing, having fun and making happy memories for kids and adults alike. The shoes are comfortable, well made, cheerful and are made with recycled and non-toxic materials and operated in a solar powered fair-labor factory.

One of their latest endeavors is creating adult shoes to match kids shoes called Sidekicks.

It is an adorable option for Moms who never have truly good options to match their little boys in a significant way. Plus shoes are great for travel, lightweight and truly playful.

9. Highlights: Jumbo Book of Hidden Pictures

If you want to teach kids how to notice the details in the world around them, the Jumbo Book of Hidden Pictures is a fabulous option. It is a collection of more than 175 illustrated Hidden Pictures puzzles. It’s a brain- teaser for both kids and adults, and helps teach observation and concentration skills. There are over 1,500 objects to find.

10. smArt Sketcher

Part of travel is seeing the art of every town, city and country whether it is on the wall of a museum or the building in a city. Now you can take those photos in front of the Great Wall of China, from an African Safari or the Empire State Building and transform them into artwork. The smART sketcher allows children and adults to transform photos taken from their smart devices into a sketch. The free app allows photos to be filtered and transferred via Bluetooth to the projector. Instantly your artist in training can find their desired image projected onto paper.

11. Plus-Plus: Learn to Build Set

Made in Denmark, Plus-Plus is a creative toy that provides endless ways to create wild animals, buildings, and designs. The Plus-Plus Learn to Build set contains 400 pieces, a base-plate and a guide book. Player can build in 2D, making patterns and mosaics, and then try their hand at 3D building to make people, animals and more.

12. Super Food Explorer Kit

Travel involves new places, faces and foods. The Super Food Explorer Kit, created by Dina Rose Ph.D. who is also the author of “It’s Not About the Broccoli: Three Habits to Teach Your Kids for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating” is a fun way to introduce kids to the discovery of new foods which is an integral way to experience travel. The Super Food Explorer kit contains many items including a magnifying glass, kids tongs, eye droppers, mini cups, and exploration tray and more.

13. 1-2-3 Build It™ Rocket-Train-Helicopter

The 1-2-3 Build It™ Rocket-Train-Helicopter shows kids that if you can create transportation, you can operate it. The toy comprised of 15 pieces provides clever mix-and-match pieces to build three different modes of transportation — a rocket, a train, or a helicopter, one at a time. Creative kids can also come up with their own unique form of transportation by combining the parts in different ways!

14. Fun Socks

Traveling is fun – and so are “Fun Socks” – especially as they come in packages of three – which makes it useful because they can be mixed and matched. You can always make a pair out of two of them that are not the same design, which is the trend these days. Also if you lose one along the way while traveling or somehow one magically disappears you can use the one you have with the other designs in the pack.

They are soft, durable and cheerful.

15. Mainstays Kids Inflatable Chairs

Kids like familiarity and fun, and Mainstays Kids Inflatable chairs are a great way to make your little ones feel at home in any hotel or new travel location. They are filled with Gold Holographic foil glitter in the shape of pentagons. It is easy to blow up – just use a hair blow drier. An added bonus, they are lightweight. The chairs are a great gift for both boys and girls.

16. Hess Trucks

Hess Toy Trucks are one way of keeping young kids entertained while on the road, and they teach about travel as they are created depicting different types of travel. This holiday season the 2018 Hess models are an RV, ATV and Motorbike set. They are sleek, loaded with lights and exceptionally well made with switch-activated lights. The details are sublime and the quality excellent. Best part batteries are included, so it’s ready to roll when you are!

17. Look Big: And Other Tips for Surviving Animal Encounters of All Kinds

When exploring the wild world, you inevitably will run into critters both big and small. In this book, "Look Big: And Other Tips for Surviving Animal Encounters of All Kinds" by Rachel Levin, she provides an illustrated field guide to avoiding interactions – both dangerous and annoying – with 50 wild animals, including survival techniques, wildlife etiquette, and other essential advice.

18. Gift of Camp – Maine Camp Experience

It might be winter, but one heck of a great gift is summer camp where kids can experience a whole new world. One avenue to explore is the Maine Camp Experience where kids unplug from technology and connect with nature. It provides an opportunity to learn communication skills and participate in outdoor activities. Campers get to try new things such as horseback riding, sailing, lacrosse, ceramics, playing guitar, acting in plays, taking overnight wilderness trips and much more. Also it is a great environment to try new activities and overcome fears.

19. The Melissa and Doug Water Wow! Reusable Color With Water Pad 3-Pack – Farm, Safari, Under the Sea are both educational for travel and useful while actually traveling. The coloring books use a refillable water pen to color on re-usable pages that depict an ocean theme, a safari and sea creatures. They can be used to teach kids about can new animals and the environment. It’s both practical while traveling as well as a clever teaching tool.

20. Beaker Creatures™

Science makes travel possible, so why not explore new worlds while you are at home. Beaker Creatures™ provides hands on science experiments. While the set explains how they are cute characters that hail from distant worlds, the game provides a working lab including fizzing reactor pods. The kit is a good way to foster a curiosity about the world around us and how it works.

The post How to Turn Your Kids Into Travel Detectives appeared first on Traveling Archive.

If you are looking to surprise that person in your life who has seen it all, traveled the globe and is hard to please. Sit down, relax, we’ve done the research for you. Here is a gift guide that has something special for all those spectacular people in your world!

1. Siege Brands Soap

My favorite brand of natural handmade soaps is Costa D’Oro by Siege. This moisturizing soap created with shea butter leaves my skin smooth and soft. I adore their scents and gorgeous packaging. The soaps are safe to use on adults and children as they don’t contain parabens, phthalates or detergents and are not tested on animals. It’s a perfect gift and I always take a bar or two when I travel, to use and also so the scent will keep my clothes fresh and ready to use.

2. Tapp Lock

The Tapp Lock is a great gift for the traveler because it has a variety of uses. It can be used by backpackers to lock up their gear to home owners who have people come to their home to clean their pool or tend to their gardens when on the road. It uses technology to have fingerprints lock and unlock in under a second. Each lock stores up to 500 fingerprints and is water resistant. It can also be remotely unlocked using a corresponding app.

3. Kwilt Shoebox Backup Photos

The Kwilt Shoebox Plus creates a private, personal cloud. It is great for the person who takes endless photos and videos.

Users can offload photos and videos from their smart phones and still access their content anytime, anywhere. What makes it unique is that all of the content is saved in its original format and resolution.

Also, all of your photos are stored on your own personal hardware device so you have total control over content and can easily move it from one device to another. This also ensures more privacy as you store the photos and videos on your own personal cloud. Also there are no monthly fees – just a one-time purchase.

4. David J Witchell Spa Line

I never travel without a few of my favorite products from the all-natural David J Witchell Spa line.

To wash my face I use the effervescent Matcha Wash, which gives me the same feeling as being at a spa. Then from the Shaman Collection, try the Longevity oil that is a serum loaded with vitamins. It illuminates the tone and texture of your skin and its scent is divine. To hydrate your skin use the Time Traveler which is a formula that brightens, hydrates and protects your skin.

Finally- forget about buying conditioner – the Indra Hair Tonic which has a gorgeous scent serves as an amazing conditioner and makes your hair look sleek and styled.

5. Myphoto.com

Bring your photos to life with MyPhoto.com. They offer a variety of ways to publish your photos in fun ways from glass to wood. It’s a simple and easy process, just find that favorite photo and email it from your phone to 123@myphoto.com.

They offer free shipping and delivery within 5 business days.

6. MZ Wallace

MZ Wallace bags are beautiful, useful and their colors especially the elderberry and boysenberry bags are so delightful you can’t help but smile and want to take one home with you.

MZ Wallace prides themselves on bags that are high quality, easy to clean and are great for traveling. Check out the Thompson Hobo for a fun night on the town, while the Marlene Backpack is great for everything you need plus snacks for the kids. If you are going on a trip check out the Soho Travel, it’s roomy, stylish and has a built in luggage sleeve which is an added bonus.

Thompson Hobo

Marlena Backpack

Soho Travel

7. A Good Book: Tip of the Iceberg

Curling up on the couch with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate is a dreamy way to spend a day. One book that will both chill and thrill is by author Mark Adams who takes the reader on an Alaskan journey through time and travel in his book “Tip of the Iceberg”.

It illustrates his 3,000 mile journey around Alaska with interesting stories and a historical background to events.

8. Rocketbook

The Everlast notebook is similar to a regular pen and paper, but it has the ability through an app to transfer your notes to your laptop and phone. It is reusable and can be cleaned with water. It’s a way to take notes while at work, travel or on the road without having to use up your phone battery and have to be typing away.

9. Vivobarefoot

Travelers are always on their feet – and perhaps a new brand to explore is the Vivobarefoot. The shoe brand takes a whole new view and philosophy on shoes and on the science behind walking. They offer stylish shoes that are akin to walking barefoot.

The science behind their shoes comes with a variety of benefits as feet can provide sensory messages to the brain when barefoot. Their shoes for both men and women are versatile, stylish, lightweight and comfortable.

10. The Comfy

I admit the Comfy, this blanket meets sweatshirt seemed so silly at first and with once size fits all — it felt really big. Then I started using it and just fell for it as did the rest of my family. It is luxurious, warm, soft and perfect for cool winter days. It comes in a variety of colors and can be used to wear, sleep in, sleep on and just get cozy with on the couch.

11. Vertellis

A fun, lightweight game that is great for road trips or relaxing chats around the dinner table is the Vertellis. It's a game with a list of questions to guide families to engage in meaningful conversations about family, life and world-views. It’s a great way to facilitate fun and impactful conversations.

The game aims to get people to truly connect, the old fashioned way — by conversing with one another. It comes in three versions. Vertellis Classic for friends and family. The Relationship Edition for couples and the Family Edition for parents and children eight and older.

12. Marketplace Africa

Marketplace Africa is a unique place to shop, as it is a shopping portal that supports entrepreneurs and artisans in emerging African markets.

You can find a plethora of gorgeous items from women’s and men’s fashions to jewelry, body care, handbags and works of art.

DHL works with the website to deliver and verify products prior to shipping.

13. Arcopedico’s Shoes

These boots are made for walking – and that exactly what you can do in the Liana boots. They are lightweight, only weighing 14 ounces, comfortable, stylish and washable. They are easy to pack and great for traveling.

If regular shoes are more your style and for your season check out the LS – Arcopedico knit shoe. And for a more classic shoe the Net 3 is a great option and has a removable insole with arch support.

14. Baskits

For your traveler who enjoys staying home for a few minutes — why not bring Canada’s delicacies to them. Baskits, Canada’s leading luxury gift service company, based out of Toronto produces wonderful options. They have adorable Baskits with yummy Canadian products ranges from the sweet to the savory.

The “Oh Sweet Canada” Baskit is a tasty option. It includes tasty items such Truffini Cappuccino Crisp Truffles, Newfoundland Cilk's Extra Smooth Pure Milk Chocolate and Muskoka Roastery Coffee's Butter Pecan Coffee.

They also custom build Baskits with a wide range of options from spa themed to ones specifically for kids.

15. OGIO ALPHA Convoy 525 Backpack

One of the most essential pieces of travel gear is a backpack and the OGIO ALPHA Convoy 525 Backpack is a great option. It is made from discarded and recycled plastic and is good for everything from day to day use to hiking long distances.

What I like about it is there are so many pockets, as well as a hidden compartment on the side where you can store and easily access personal items such as a wallet and cell phone. Additionally, there are two pockets for water bottles. The OGIO backpack makes it easy to be organized and is constructed with durable material.

The post Gift Guide appeared first on Traveling Archive.

I do not know if someone taught me about not having expectations or if I just evolved.  But I know this for sure, you are almost guaranteed to be disappointed anytime you are expecting a certain outcome or something to happen to benefit you from someone else.  But if you expect nothing, you may be pleasantly surprised occasionally.

Giving other people the latitude to do or not do something for you is always best.  Some things are completely out of our control so hoping, praying or expecting something for your birthday or some other occasion will fail nine out of ten times.  If you want something, you have the option of making that happen yourself.  I call that a Un-Birthday present.  Remember, there are a total of 364 of them each year.  On your mark, get set, GO!

Personally, I love picking up a gift for someone for no reason at all.  Just the fact that I saw something that made me think fondly of them is fun for me.  Also, there are times when your budget just doesn’t allow us to even buy something we really need for ourselves, or for someone else’s special day.

A note is something that is affordable and most people hang on to them just because of the sentiments inside and the special thoughts we include in them.  I have been sending notes and cards to friends all of my life.  I really never thought much about that until I lost my husband and son.  The cards and notes I received meant so much to me and I will cherish them always.

I have a special box that has cards that I have received from family members and friends that have been gone for decades and I enjoy re-reading them occasionally.  They are like little gifts to me.  Recognizing the handwriting of someone you have loved and lost is so endearing to me.

I think in the end, it comes down to a little box that holds the mementos that have the greatest meaning for all of us and can transport us back in time where we can savor a memory that is capable of filling us up.

I also think that the little acts of kindness we do for others are actually gifts we give ourselves.  The joy that something as simple as a phone call brings to you and someone you call, is the gift that keeps on giving, because you can play and re-play that call in your mind as often as needed!

So remember, expect nothing and you may be pleasantly surprised.

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