CHECK IT OUT:

Our fascination with travel, encountering new people and places, and our curiosity about different cultures and traditions is seemingly insatiable.

The new titles discussed today celebrate travel locally and internationally as personal discovery.

Literally expand your horizons and step out of the travel agent cookie-cutter vacation to discover unusual and unique places in America and abroad.

DVDs on various countries and cultures are also available to borrow on a seven-day loan period in the library.

Ask your librarian before you plan your next vacation.

“1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die” by Patricia Schultz: A follow-up to the popular, “1000 Places to See Before You Die,” this new title describes famous and important spots to visit. Enjoy vicariously, or plan your own expedition.

“Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips” introduced by Keith Bellows: This is a gorgeous book compiled by National Geographic Society travel writers. Using more than 400 full-color photographs and maps, the contributors describe their favorite trips and voyages to exotic and well-known places all over the world.

“America from the Air: a Guide to the Landscape Along Your Route” by Daniel Mathews and James S. Jackson: This is a must for your next airplane ride! Follow your progress using these fantastic aerial photographs and identify landmarks, rivers, mountains, cities and other features dotting the United States.

“The Most Beautiful Villages and Towns of California” by Joan Tapper; photographs by Nik Wheeler: Discover the back roads and below-the-radar small towns that radiate gentile hospitality, old-fashioned coziness and tranquil settings.

This pictorial work exemplifies the spectacular heritage of California.

“Transit Maps of the World” by Michael Ovenden; edited by Mike Ashworth: The book’s cover bills it as the world’s first collection of every urban train map on earth. What emerges is a history of each subway system complete with current routes. Read this book before you go to New York, Tokyo, Moscow and other of the worlds’ great transit centers. Each train story is fascinating in its evolution.

“Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West” edited by Debbie Harmsen and Michael Nalepa: Along with the new “Frommer’s National Parks of the American West,” these traditional publishers of well-loved, trusted travel guides provide information on the accommodations and attractions of parks as well as the flora and fauna unique to each. Tried and true, these are especially recommended for unforgettable family vacations.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.