At one time travel magazines were largely a collection of puff pieces with lots of pretty color photographs, but they have become more honest as well as focused on particular types and categories of travel. Most carry articles by experienced travelers who are not just shills for the travel industry. They have become more like mini guidebooks with lots of detailed information and web links. Although regional magazines don’t fit into the travel category per se, they provide local flavor and insight into a particular area. It’s worth spending an hour or so in a local Barnes & Noble or Borders browsing through the magazine racks to pick up a couple of particular interest even if you don’t plan to subscribe. Most of these are available for free at your public library, but finding time to get to the library may be a problem for some. I admit that I subscribe to too many.
Like newspapers, the connections between the print version and the online version of travel magazines are becoming blurred with access to most web sites still free. If you’re looking for specific information, it may be easier to go directly to a web site. If you’re an “armchair” traveler looking for ideas, then the print version may be preferable.
Most states have travel or tourist bureaus and provide printed booklets that are updated annually and web sites for free. They are basically just listings of attractions, events, and accommodations without much comment. In North Carolina we even have a connection between our state tourist bureau and our regional magazine Our State to produce a television program on PBS and well as provide regular email newsletters. Most major cities have convention and visitor bureaus that also provide loads of travel literature and magazines/newsletters for free. For example, Philadelphia http://www.gophila.com/ and Fort Lauderdale http://www.sunny.org/ have excellent web sites that are very comprehensive and will also mail travel brochures or booklets.
Travel magazines focus their content ranging from budget to luxury and from specialized topics such as adventure, sports, culture, history, mode of travel, or region. Here are a few samples:
http://www.southernliving.com/southern/
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/
http://www.budgettravel.com/?hpid=partnersites
http://www.travelandleisure.com/
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/?mbid=google&npu=1&gclid=CNjG_o2S-JECFU-oGgodQAht4g
http://www.townandcountrymag.com/
http://www.travelafricamag.com/