Inspiration and information for travelers

NEW YORK — Sure, there are apps and websites — not to mention Facebook posts from all your friends and relatives — to help you decide where to go and what to do on your next trip. But there’s still a place in travel for the old-fashioned book — from lavishly illustrated hardcovers to informationpacked guides.

Here are a few recently published books with grand itineraries to inspire you and practical advice to help you plan.

Lonely Planet’s “Best Trips” series, which includes first-ever editions for Italy, Ireland and France ($25 each), along with fully updated second editions for California, New England and the Pa- cific Northwest ($23 each). Each book includes about three dozen itineraries for road trips. The contents include maps and detailed directions for each itinerary, classic trips with wellknown destinations and top activities, ideas for detours to local spots, and recommendations for dining and lodging.

Travel + Leisure’s “100 Greatest Trips” ($35). This collection of stories from the magazine and its international editions features memorable destinations from exotic locales like Zanzibar to driving itineraries in Florida and Texas.

“500+ All-American Family Adventures” by Debbie K. Hardin (Countryman Press, $25). The book is designed to help families plan vacations and day trips that are both educational and entertaining, all centered around the American experience. The book has a chapter on every state plus Washington, D.C., with listings that range from natural parks like Zion in Utah or Denali in Alaska, to fun activities like surfing in Hawaii or visiting Coney Island in New York.

“Hiking and Traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway: The Only Guide You Will Ever Need, Including GPS, Detailed Maps & More,” by Leonard M. Adkins (University of North Carolina Press, $18). The book advertises a “detailed description of every official trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway.”

“The Yellow Book: CDC Health Information for International Travel, 2014” (Oxford University Press, $47.50). For travelers and others needing information on staying healthy around the world. The book lists vaccines recommended by country, prevention for disease, where to find health care abroad, and advice on jet lag, insect bites, sunburn and altitude sickness.