The big book of surprising facts and 100+ amazing activities featuring our fascinating, unique, wacky 50 states! Welcome to the wild and wonderful United States of America! With 50 states, a capital in Washington, DC, and several territories, our country is home to spectacular national parks, exciting cities, and stunning vistas—as well as the only place in the world where you can dig for diamonds and keep them, the largest tree in the world, and the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles live together! In this book, you’ll discover where to find the only royal palace in the United States, a river that flows backwards, and the smallest park in the country (and the world!). This awesome travel activity book helps 6–10 year-olds: LEARN fascinating and often weird facts about each state, Washington, DC, and five territories, including their unique history, landscape, and attractions. Kids will learn valuable geography skills, too!DIG DEEP INTO 100+ ACTIVITIES—ranging from mazes, dot-to-dots, and word searches to coloring pages, crack the code, and matching games—that teach even more about the states and territories and reinforce what kids have already learned.LEAP AHEAD OF CLASSMATES in knowing where the 50 states are located, plus each state’s capital, flower, bird, nickname, and more.Whether you want to learn more about your amazing country, take a virtual trip that reveals hidden attractions, or have fun with activities and wacky facts, Fun with 50 States is an educational and exciting guided tour of the USA. Read more

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Packed with innovative ideas and inspiring photographs, this gift-worthy treasury features 1,000 dream escapes from sunny beach retreats to lush mountain idylls, exotic city sojourns, and wild adventures around the world.Whether you're looking for a way to unplug from the busy work week, take the family on a quick getaway, or add to a vacation itinerary, this practical and inspiring book provides the perfect way to plan your next escape. Spend two days sailing off the coast of the Bahamas. Indulge in a foodie tour of Mexico City's markets. Camp with wild horses on Assateague Island. Take a drive through Italy's "Chocolate Valley." Skate the world's largest ice rink at Ottawa's winter festival. Whatever your pleasure, 1,000 Perfect Weekends has a unique itinerary built to excite you and your travel companions, illustrated with dramatic National Geographic photographs. Divided by theme and interest--including nature parks, city escapes, country weekends, mountain retreats, and more--this fun-packed guide offers an adventure you can experience in 36 to 72 hours. Highlighting the best short escapes from hubs across the globe, these trips cover more than 40 countries around the world. You'll also find 50 snackable top-10 lists--from the best places to go antiquing to the most relaxing spas to the top museums in the world--to add to your bucket list, along with first-person accounts from travelers who have scouted out each location. Read more

The first international history of railroads and railroad infrastructure told through stunningly reproduced maps. Since their origins in eighteenth-century England, railroads have spread across the globe, changing everything in their path, from where and how people grew and made things to where and how they lived and moved. Railroads rewrote not only world geography but also the history of maps and mapping. Today, the needs of train companies and their users continue to shape the maps we consume and consult. Featuring full-color maps primarily from the British Library's distinguished collection—many of them never before published—A History of the Railroad in 100 Maps is the first international history of railroads and railroad infrastructure told through maps. Jeremy Black includes examples from six continents, spanning a variety of uses from railroad planning and operations to guides for passengers, shippers, and tourists. Arranged chronologically, the maps are accompanied by explanatory text that sheds light on the political, military, and urban development histories associated with the spread of railroads. A final chapter considers railroad maps from games, books, and other cultural artifacts. For anyone interested in the history of railroads or maps, A History of the Railroad in 100 Maps will offer new and unexpected insights into their intertwined global history. Read more

Observe your world through the pages of a sketchbook and find art in the everyday moments of ordinary life.How would life change if, whenever you found a free moment, you reached for a sketchbook instead of your phone? Make (Sneaky) Art is not just a guide to drawing on location; it is a way to actively engage with our world and reclaim our attention spans.After moving to the United States, author Nishant Jain began carrying a sketchbook to better understand his new world and learn to draw. Hesitant to do “this silly thing” in public, he developed a practice of sneaky art—making quick, secret sketches from observation inside a small sketchbook. Make (Sneaky) Art is the culmination of this journey of self-education—to become an artist and a more mindful observer of the world.In this book, you will find:Techniques to draw your environment: Learn to draw as a way to be present in your world, free from the distractions of devices and notifications.Ideas to overcome your impostor syndrome: Let go of the baggage that prevents you from following your creative instincts.Tips to sustain a lifelong sketchbook habit: Integrate sketching into your daily routine, wherever it takes you.Today is the day to begin the visual journal of your life. Read more

Hike, Bike, or Ride on America’s Premier Rail-Trails with This Official GuideAll across the country, unused railroad corridors have been converted into public multiuse trails. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy recognizes the best of them through its Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. Selections are based on scenic value, amount of use, amenities, historical significance, excellence in management and maintenance, community connections, and geographic distribution. These Hall of Fame rail-trails are found in 29 states and in nearly every environment―from downtown urban corridors to pathways stretching across wide-open prairie, along coastlines and through mountain ranges. In Rail-Trail Hall of Fame, the experts from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy present the 33 best rail-trails―from Massachusetts’ Minuteman Commuter Bikeway to Mississippi’s Longleaf Trace to Oregon’s Springwater Corridor. You’ll appreciate the detailed maps for each trail, plus driving directions to trailheads. Quick, at-a-glance icons indicate which activities each trail can accommodate, from biking to fishing to snowmobiling. Best of all, the succinct descriptions are written by rail-trail experts, so you know it’s information that you can rely on! As an added bonus, this official guide takes a look at the fascinating railroad history behind each trail. These rail-trails represent pioneers of the movement; they inspired trail development across the nation, or they’ve revolutionized how trails impact communities along their routes. Whether you’re on feet, wheels, or skis, you’ll love the variety in this collection!STATES REPRESENTEDAlabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin Read more

The best-selling author of Italian Neighbors returns with a wry and revealing portrait of Italian life - by riding its trains. Tim Parks’s books on Italy have been hailed as "so vivid, so packed with delectable details, [they] serve as a more than decent substitute for the real thing" (Los Angeles Times Book Review).Now, in his first Italian travelogue in a decade, he delivers a charming and funny portrait of Italian ways by riding its trains from Verona to Milan, Rome to Palermo, and right down to the heel of Italy. Parks begins as any traveler might: "A train is a train is a train, isn’t it?" But soon he turns his novelist’s eye to the details, and as he journeys through majestic Milano Centrale station or on the newest high-speed rail line, he delivers a uniquely insightful portrait of Italy. Through memorable encounters with ordinary Italians - conductors and ticket collectors, priests and prostitutes, scholars and lovers, gypsies and immigrants - Parks captures what makes Italian life distinctive: an obsession with speed but an acceptance of slower, older ways; a blind eye toward brutal architecture amid grand monuments; and an undying love of a good argument and the perfect cappuccino. Italian Ways also explores how trains helped build Italy and how their development reflects Italians’ sense of themselves from Garibaldi to Mussolini to Berlusconi and beyond. Most of all, Italian Ways is an entertaining attempt to capture the essence of modern Italy. As Parks writes, "To see the country by train is to consider the crux of the essential Italian dilemma: Is Italy part of the modern world, or not?" Read more

Make your dream trip to England, France, Germany—or anywhere in Europe—a reality.Every year thousands of people dream about strapping on a backpack and embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Europe, but they are often discouraged by the perceived cost and daunting idea of traveling abroad. This travel resource is the ideal guide for students, backpackers, flashpackers, and budget-minded travelers who want to reduce their travel costs without sacrificing the quality of their travel.It identifies the common travel mistakes that waste valuable time and money, and shows the proper techniques to ensure a safe and successful adventure abroad.This guide has in-depth advice for:Estimating your daily budget and the total cost of travelFinding the best price on airfarePlanning a logical and efficient itineraryTraveling by plane, train, bus, and automobileChoosing the right backpack, luggage, and travel gearSelecting what to wear and packing lightSaving money as you travelSelecting the best hostels and making friends on the roadPicking the right rail passStaying safe and avoiding pickpocketsTraveling alone or with friendsUsing electronics and technologyAnd much more!After reading The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide to Europe on a Budget, you’ll be able to explore Europe without breaking the bank. Read more

Trains are fascinating. They make you want to expolore. They call you to climb aboard for a ride or inspire you to study the history and technology behind them. This unique book will guide you to the places where you can do just that. Inside, you'll find more than 500 train rides, museums, trolleys, dinner trains, and historic depots across the US and Canada. You'll discover trains that travel over historic lines, journey into the wilderness, and provide scenic vistas only experienced by rail. Read more

"This comprehensive guide will assist the traveler in planning an excursion and executing it with minimum effort and maximum pleasure" -Library Journal All Aboard-first published in 1995, and here completely revised and updated-is much more than just a mile-by-mile scenery guide for train travelers. It will make any trip smoother and more enjoyable with its insightful travel trips and information about how railroads operate. With trains attracting new riders in record numbers, the time is perfect for a new edition of All Aboard. All Aboard is more than an ordinary travel guide. The author tells us how and why the first railroads came about, describes the building of America's trans-continental railroad, and explains how individual trains are operated. He also offers advice that can only come from a veteran traveler: booking trips, finding the lowest fares, avoiding pitfalls, packing for an overnight trip, what to do on board, whom to tip and how much. This new, fourth edition includes a new chapter about eight major railway stations, and is updated throughout with new information and photographs. It discusses Amtrak's new locomotives and Viewliner sleeping cars, changes in rules regarding pets and bicycles on American trains, and much more. Jim Loomis writes frequently about train travel for Sunday newspaper travel sections and has ridden every one of Amtrak's long-distance trains multiple times, logging nearly 200,000 miles. He is a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Railroad Passengers. Read more

Tired of Tourist Traps and Cookie-Cutter Vacations? Discover the Real Europe by Rail.Ever dream of waking up in a charming French village, exploring ancient Roman ruins by lunchtime, and then enjoying a delicious tapas dinner in Spain, all without the hassle of airports and packing and unpacking a million times? Imagine the freedom to change your plans on a whim, to linger longer in a place that captures your heart, or to simply hop on the next train to a new adventure. This isn't a fantasy; it's the magic of Eurail.I remember my first Eurail trip like it was yesterday. The sheer thrill of hopping on a train in Paris, no set itinerary, just a map and a heart full of wanderlust. The serendipitous encounters with fellow travelers, the breathtaking landscapes that unfolded outside my window, the freedom to change my plans on a whim – it was pure magic. That trip ignited a passion for train travel that has taken me across the continent countless times, and now I want to share that magic with you."Europe with Eurail" is your passport to a truly authentic European adventure. Inside, you'll find:Expert guidance on planning the perfect Eurail itinerary: From choosing the right pass to navigating train schedules, I'll demystify the entire process.Insider tips on finding hidden gems and avoiding tourist traps: Discover the local secrets that guidebooks often miss.Strategies for maximizing your budget without sacrificing your experience: Learn how to travel comfortably and affordably.Inspiring stories from fellow Eurail travelers: Get motivated by real-life adventures and learn from others' experiences.Practical advice on everything from packing light to staying safe on the rails: I'll cover all the essential details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.I know what you're thinking: "Eurail sounds complicated," or "I'm not sure I can afford it." I've heard it all before. And in this book, I'll address all your concerns. I'll show you how surprisingly easy Eurail travel can be, and I'll provide practical tips for making your dream trip a reality, no matter your budget.Stop dreaming about Europe and start experiencing it. "Europe with Eurail" is your key to unlocking a world of unforgettable adventures.Ready to trade the ordinary for the extraordinary? Grab your copy today and let the rails be your guide! Read more

Escape the frenetic modern world and embark on a journey of a lifetime. Ever dreamed of walking the Camino de Santiago, driving Route 66 or riding the Trans-Siberian Railway? It may sound clichéd, but sometimes it really is all about the journey, rather than the destination and what better way to see the world than by moving through it.If setting out on an adventure is on your bucket list, but you don't know where to start, Unforgettable Journeys will have you lacing up your hiking boots, hitting the road or taking to the high seas. Encompassing everywhere from Antarctica to Zambia, over 200 hikes, drives, cycling trails, train routes and boat trips are brought to life with inspiring narrative, sumptuous photography and illustrative maps. We even suggest alternative routes, so it’s easy to plan your next trip. Make your next trip magical as you explore: - Over 200 journeys illustrated with inspiring photography and maps- Experiential text to transport the reader there; descriptive, narrative and full of story - Practical information (duration, difficulty, start and end point, options to take an organized tour – if available – or go it alone).- Sustainable and slow travel options have been covered where possible- Feature boxes give the routes context- Alternative ways to make the same journey and similar trips are pulled out Organized by type of trip – cruises, road trips, train rides, and journeys by two feet and two wheels, each chapter follows the same geographical order with chapter maps showing every country covered. Each section covers a different way to travel the world and is broken down by continent. Whether you want to explore the Atlas Mountains or Torres del Paine on foot; drive the Pan American Highway or cross the Australian Outback; cycle from the top to the bottom of Africa or enjoy a leisurely ride across The Netherlands’ bulb fields; go interrailing around Europe or board the Orient Express; island hop in Greece or the Philippines: these journeys will stay with you forever! Read more

Japan is steeped in legend and myth, perhaps the greatest of which is the popular misconception that the country is simply too expensive to visit. The truth is that flights to Japan are cheaper than they've ever been, accommodation can be great value, while the warm hospitality which awaits every visitor costs nothing at all. The real secret to travelling around the country on a budget, however, is the Japan Rail Pass. Use this comprehensive guide in conjunction with a rail pass to get the most out of a trip to Japan.• Practical information – planning your trip; when to go; suggested itineraries; what to take; festivals and events• City guides and maps – where to stay, where to eat, what to see in 30 towns and cities; historical and cultural background• Kilometre-by-kilometre route guides – covering train journeys from the coast into the mountains,from temple retreat to sprawling metropolis and from sulphurous volcano to windswept desert; 33 route maps• Includes new routes – including the extension of the shinkansen route from Nagano to Kanazawa (the Hokuriku shinkansen)• Railway timetables and frequency charts – Bullet trains and all described routes• Customs, etiquette, Japanese words and phrases – with kanji• With kanji/hiragana/katakana for all place name text – readers can point to the text when asking Japanese speakers for directions• Extended Highlights – extra colour sections make this book even more user-friendly and attractive Read more

Discover how America's abandoned passenger trains hold the key to preserving our nation's scenic treasures and wilderness landscapes. In this timely and provocative work, renowned environmental historian Alfred Runte challenges our blind embrace of highways and airports, revealing how the decline of passenger rail has scarred America's legendary landscapes. From national parks to urban corridors, Runte demonstrates how modern transportation choices are destroying the very vistas we claim to cherish. Drawing on decades of research and his experience as advisor to Ken Burns's acclaimed National Parks documentary series, Runte offers a compelling vision for reuniting transportation with conservation: Reveals how European nations successfully preserved their scenic landscapes through rail transportation Explores the hidden environmental costs of abandoning America's passenger rail system Demonstrates how restoring rail service could protect wilderness areas from destructive development Challenges conventional wisdom about "progress" in transportation policy This expanded edition, featuring a new preface and epilogue, arrives at a critical moment as wind farms and solar installations threaten even protected wilderness areas. For anyone concerned about preserving America's natural heritage while addressing climate change, this passionate appeal for the return of passenger rail offers hope for a more sustainable and beautiful future.   Read more

4" x 6" Travel Journal for Eki Stamp Collecting, while traveling around Japan.110 IVORY numbered pages (55 sheets)Each page carries the Japanese symbols 駅スタンプ (Train Station Stamp)Beautiful Soft Matte cover in a traditional Japanese designAlternative designs available via the Author Link above or browse a selection below.An Eki stamp (駅スタンプ, train station stamp) is a delightful collectible rubber ink stamp that you can find at many train stations in Japan. These stamps are not just ordinary imprints; they are beautifully designed and unique to each station and will serve as a lasting memory of your Japanese travels.Origins and Purpose:Eki stamps were first introduced in 1931 at Fukui train station. The initial goal was to encourage local tourism, especially among young people.Over time, this tradition spread, and now collecting Japan train stamps has become a quest for travelers to gather as many unique “signatures” from different stations.Design and Significance:Each eki stamp reflects the character of its associated city or the landmarks nearby. You’ll find imagery related to the station’s locale, mascots, and locally produced goods.These stamps offer a snapshot of the station’s essence, making them a charming memento of your visit.How to Get Eki Stamps:Most train stations in Japan, particularly JR (Japan Rail) stations, have stamp stations. Look for them near the ticket gates, station master’s office, or waiting areas.To collect an eki stamp:Open your eki stamp book.Press the book onto the inked pad at the stamp station.Add your own notes and observationsVoilà! You’ve captured a piece of your journey.If you can’t find the stamp station, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly station staff for assistance. Read more

Take to the rails and have a European adventure with this inspiring and practical guidebook.Thanks to Europe's ever-expanding and improving rail network, there's never been a better time to explore this diverse continent by train. But with so much ground to cover, it can be difficult to know where to start - and that's where Europe by Train comes in. Compiled by a team of travel experts, our 50 hand-picked itineraries will kickstart your plans, showing you how to join the dots between Europe's must-see destinations and introducing you to plenty of lesser-visited stops along the way. Featuring a mix of short trips and epic adventures, cross-continent and region-specific itineraries, this book provides endless inspiration, whether you're looking to hop between Europe's capitals, explore Scandinavia or experience the best of Italy.Packed inside Europe by Train you will find:- 50 inspiring and practical itineraries for exploring Europe by train.- Routes cover a variety of distances, from four-day trips to month-long adventures. - Each route covers either an epic cross-continent journey (eg from the North to the South, East to West) or a particular area, region or country (eg Beneluxe, Northern Italy, Finland), with the text describing the places you stop at rather than the journey between them.- Practical information details how to get between each stop, total distance travelled, trip duration and ticketing tips.- Some routes feature suggested detours and opportunities to extend your trip.Once your head is well and truly packed with rail trip ideas, you'll be ready to start planning out the details. This handy guidebook has all the route infographics, network maps and practical information - including advice on what tickets to buy, how to catch connections and tips for travelling on night trains - you need to get started. We've also included detours and opportunities to extend the route, so you can curate your own rail adventure. Read more

Welcome to Columbus! The county seat of Colorado County, Columbus is the oldest surveyed and platted Anglo American town in Texas. It was first platted in 1823 by Stephen F. Austin and Baron DeBastrop as a possible site for the Texas capital. It was platted again in 1837 by W.B. DeWees and J.W.E. Wallace. Many of Austin's "Old 300" settled in Columbus and the surrounding area, including Alleyton and Glidden, which were founded as railroad towns. The area played an important role in the history of Texas, including Santa Anna's pursuit of Sam Houston's Texas army that resulted in the burning of Columbus during the "Runaway Scrape." Columbus suffered other setbacks, such as the long-running Stafford-Townsend feud and lawlessness resulting in disincorporation in the early 1900s, and enjoyed the good fortune of its reincorporation in the 1920s. However, today, it is a town of people who greatly value their heritage and seek to preserve it. Read more

A blank travel stamp and sticker book, perfect for backpackers and travelers, lightweight and pocket—sized. It contains 99 paper spreads, each consisting of one blank page, ideal for your stickers or stamps, and one ruled page to facilitate note—taking. The book is made of paper, making it easy to draw on, apply stickers, and be creative, allowing you to personalize it.This travel stamp and sticker book contains examples to help get started. Collecting stamps and stickers is one of the best ways to make your travels unforgettable. This stamp and sticker book provides space for note—taking as well as room for stickers and stamps. Thank you for letting qp Books be part of your memorable moments. Have fun and stay safe on your trips! Read more

A blank travel stamp and sticker book, perfect for backpackers and travelers. It is lightweight and pocket—sized. It contains 99 paper spreads, each featuring one blank page, ideal for your stickers or stamps, and one ruled page to facilitate note—taking. The book is made of paper, making it easy to draw on, apply stickers, and be creative, allowing you to personalize it.This travel stamp and sticker book contains examples to help you get started. Collecting stamps and stickers is one of the best ways to make your travels unforgettable. This stamp and sticker book provides space for note—taking, as well as room for stickers and stamps. Thank you for letting qp Books be part of your memorable moments. Have fun and stay safe on your trips! Read more