Travel and Tourism

"Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience."
--Francis Bacon.

"See America First" -- Travel in the U.S.

Weather

Clickable Forecast Map: Forecasts for cities and regions in map format from the NOAA Network Information Center.
Current weather maps: from the National Hurricane Center.
Current U.S. Radar Summary: from the Auburn University Weather Maps, Radar Plots and Satellite Images Gopher.
Weather Gopher: Current satellite maps, state-by-state forecasts and bulletins, earthquake and tropical storm information, and Canadian weather forecasts via gopher from the University of Michigan.
Current Seismicity Information: from the National Earthquake Information Center

Tourist Information

U.S. Travel & Tourism Information Network: A central clearing house of travel, tourism, and recreation information.
National Park Service: Information on National Parks organized by state, by park name, by region, and by theme.
USDA Forest Service: The Forest Service is charged with maintaining "America's Great Outdoors. Information available includes instructions on reserving campsites, as well as details on resources and recreational opportunities for each National Forest and Grassland. This data is accessible by clickable map, by state, or by forest or grassland name.

Publications

Consumer Information Center

Order travel-related publications direct from Uncle Sam at reasonable prices. A Text Only site is also available. The text (no graphics) for these publications is on-line and accessible below:

Discover America: A Listing of State and Territorial Travel Offices of the United States.: Use this list to order free vacation information including maps, calendars of events, travel guides, and more.
Fly-Rights.: Practical advice for airline travelers on how to get the best fares and what to do when faced with lost tickets and baggage, canceled or overbooked flights, travel scams, and much more.
Fly Smart.: Lists more than 30 things you can do to help make your flight a safe one. Includes a passenger checklist.
Foreign Entry Requirements.: Embassy and consulate addresses where visas may be obtained along with any special requirements.
Lesser Known Areas of the National Park System.: Listing by state of more than 170 national parks, their accommodations, locations, and historical significance
National Park System Map and Guide.: This full color map lists activities at over 300 parks, monuments, and historic sites.
National Trails System Map and Guide.: This full color map describes eight national scenic trails and nine national historic trails
Passports & Customs.: Explains how to apply for a passport and provides useful customs advice for returning U.S. residents.
New Horizons for the Air Traveler with a Disability.: Describes accommodations, facilities, and services that are required to be available and accessible.

Also available from the Consumer Information Center -- National Wildlife Refuges: A Visitor's Guide, a full color map showing the best viewing seasons and recreational and educational opportunities at nearly 400 wildlife refuges nationwide.

Mapping Products from the U.S. Geological Survey.: Includes information on topographic, satellite image and thematic maps.

International Travel

U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets: Travel Warnings are issued by the U.S. Department of State to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Consular Information Sheets are available on every country in the world and include information such as the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate, health conditions, unusual currency and entry regulations, and other important information. The State Department also provides on-line information on obtaining Passports and dealing with emergencies while traveling overseas. Pamphlets of practical travel tips can be ordered from the Travel Tips and Information page at minimal costs.
Country Studies/Area Handbooks: From the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress, each of these books deal with a particular foreign country.
The 1995 CIA World Fact Book: Information on every country in the world, prepared by the U.S. Government for use by U.S. Government officials. Sources include (among others) the CIA, Department of State, and the Foreign Broadcast Information Service.
U.S. Information Agency: Educational and Cultural Exchanges including the Fulbright program.

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