In your imagination, you're hiking the Dolomites trek in Italy, the maps are open, the guidebook is right in front of you, and there's an indispensable book from the library with information on local flora, fauna, food and customs.
Isn't planning a holiday just as good as going there? Well, almost.
To get you going and whet your appetite, the library has such inspirational titles as 1,000 places to see before you die, Frommer's 500 places to see before they disappear, Unforgettable Things to do Before You Die, Travel and Learn; 1,001 Vacations Around the World. These are all rich and engrossing books to refer to, even if you're not actually travelling.
If you've already made up your mind which country you're going to travel to, before rushing out to get the most up to date Fodor's or Lonely Planet guide, check out what the library has first.
Another useful tool, which the library has just acquired, is the database Global Road Warriors. Go to the library's website, click on "find articles" and enter your library card number.
What a fun site: full of pictures, currency values, tips on local customs and even a smattering of useful phrases.
Often at the checkout desk, when someone comes up with an armful of guides and travel books, I'll ask: "So you're off to Cuba?" When the reply comes "Yes, tomorrow!" the next question will be "Would you like these books out for longer than the three-week usual borrowing time?"
Not everyone is aware that the amount of time an item can be checked out can be changed at the computer at the time of borrowing.
Let us know, and we can make sure books don't go overdue while you're on holiday.
For those of us who are contemplating a "staycation" this year, try the library's extensive collection of travel videos and DVDs.
There's one showing the 1,000 places to see before you die. There's British Rail Journeys, Hawaii, Scenic America, The Ganges. You don't even need to get up from your recliner.
If you're seriously considering getting away and wish to mix business with pleasure, check out the fascinatingly titled How to get a job with a Cruise Line - Adventure, Travel and Romance.
Most of us love to travel, but let's face it, you simply can't beat the glorious Sea to Sky area to come home to - still one of the most beautiful areas in the world.
