(NUI) - Travelers need to know where they're going, but they also like to see where they've been. There are some great travel gifts available this year for under $50, designed to delight nomads of all ages.
A gift for every driver is the 1998 Rand McNally Road Atlas, the world's bestselling atlas since 1924. Completely updated, the 1998 edition boasts over 382 maps, city and state tourism directories, and many travel planning aids - plus the support of an award-winning Web site (www.randmcnally.com) that provides updates on road construction, address-to-address routing and much more ($9.95).
For friends and family who like to plan by computer, the TripMaker 1998 travel planning CD-ROM is a wonderful gift. New features include the RoadSense network, which automatically finds the most practical routes; street-level detail; highway exit numbers on maps; and tools to save travel dollars. This market-leading program also works seamlessly with the Rand McNally Road Atlas ($24.95; deluxe edition $44.95).
The brand new Premier World Atlas takes readers around the globe with stunning photographs, lyrical descriptions and 144 pages of new maps created by a team of digital cartographers. This addition to Rand McNally's famed line of atlases is ideal for research or just dreaming ($24.95 hardback; $15.95 paperback).
Travelers and dreamers of all ages can take the world for a spin with the just-released New Millennium World Atlas Deluxe CD-ROM software. Users can view the world as a 3-D globe or wall map, create their own map styles, add personalized information, and look at 1.6 million place names. They can gather and save geographic, historic and scientific information in personal notebooks ($44.95).
The Signature World Map is Rand McNally's most popular wall map with its antique style and parchment-like paper. Yet, it's completely up-to-date. The 52-by-34-inch map is a work of art, perfect for framing ($5.95).
Rand McNally for Kids has two items made especially for backseat riders - making everybody's trip more fun.
The TripTracker travel journal and gamebook contains 80 pages of reusable stickers, markers, make-your-own postcards and a photo sleeve. It is designed for use before, during and after a trip. It's a Dr. Toy Vacation Product of 1997 award winner. Ages 8 and up ($16.95).
Around the World, a Parents' Choice Approvedª winner, has been re-released with all updated maps and text. Unique 3-D perspective maps make this truly a breakthrough atlas. The maps are surrounded by illustrations, unusual information and interesting statistics. Ages 7 to 12 ($14.95).
For more information or to order, call 1-800-234-0679, or visit the Rand McNally online store at www.randmcnally.com.
