Retail Notebook: Seattle travel store is a good first stop

Going somewhere?

For many, the first stop on their travel itinerary is Wide World Books and Maps, a traveler's wonderland with a slightly misleading name.

		Meryl Schenker / P-I
	Simone Andrus in her store, Wide World Book and Maps. The store opened in 1976, one of the first shops dedicated to travel books, but it has since expanded to include travel gear and accessories. "We carry things that we use ourselves," Andrus says.

While there are plenty of books and maps inside the Wallingford store, there are also shelves and walls full of gadgets and equipment to make your load a little lighter and your travel a little smoother.

The store opened in 1976, one of the first shops dedicated to travel books.

More and more travel gear has been added over the years.

"We carry things that we use ourselves," said Simone Andrus, who has owned the business for the past decade -- a tough 10 years for the travel business.

A recession, followed by terrorist attacks, some anti-French sentiment and a war kept some would-be globetrotters close to home.

But Andrus said the urge to travel seems to be back, stronger than ever this year, with adventurers heading to Latin America, Asia, Australia and almost anywhere in Europe, especially Italy -- which remained a popular destination even when Americans were avoiding some other countries.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Italians," Andrus said.

In the U.S., Hawaii and Alaska remain popular treks, and jaunts to Canada are, too.

Wide World stocks a variety of brands, including Rick Steves travel gear and Baggallini -- those full-size tote bags and packs that squish back into their own tiny pouch.

And of course there are the books and maps.

Guidebooks are arranged geographically around the perimeter of the shop, instead of alphabetically as in many other stores.

At Wide World, a tour book for France is right next to one about Paris, and next to others about Belgium, which are also near the Netherlands and Amsterdam guides.

But there are also books for the travel-minded, even if they are staying home: stories set in exotic locales, books about political leaders, and birds and wildlife of other lands.

Andrus and her well-traveled staff seem genuinely excited about the travel plans of everyone who comes through the door.

Programs are scheduled once or twice a week, with customers returning from exciting trips sharing their tales, and travel experts or travel writers coming through town on book tours.

What is the one thing you should always have tucked in your suitcase? Andrus doesn't hesitate as she reaches over to a shelf and brings up a big, flat rubber sink stopper.

"I've been in five-star hotels that don't have sink stoppers," she said.

It could come in handy if you want to take a bath, wash laundry in the sink, or are a little worried about losing your contact lenses or your rings down the drain. And it takes up hardly any room in your suitcase.

There are money belts in all shapes and sizes that you can wear around your waist, around your neck, or slung across a shoulder under your shirt. Use them to keep your passport, extra cash or credit cards close, but out of sight.

"You never leave those things in your hotel room," said Chris Cortese, a frequent customer at Wide World.

"It doesn't matter which one you choose, as long as you use it," Andrus said.

Andrus also fields questions about gear by e-mail. The bulk of those queries are about traveling with technology and finding the right adaptor plugs.

How do I keep my iPod or digital camera charged in Africa? Will my laptop work in Sri Lanka? What kind of electrical adaptor do I need for my hair dryer in London?

Usually Andrus has a simple answer and just the right converters and adaptors in the store.

"More and more appliances are being made for a world market," she said.

Andrus has also noticed changes in trends. Travelers now are more likely to focus their trip on a single region or maybe just a city, she said. Travel has become more activity-oriented, with trips built around hiking or biking.

The Wallingford shop is also a likely place to find a gift for adventurous friends.

"Travelers are interested in the world," Andrus said, pointing to globes and wall maps.

"If there is something you are looking for that we can order, we will do it," she said.

Even with all the gear and goodies available in the store, Andrus says she always offers travelers going anywhere the same advice: "Pack light, pack light, pack light."

IF YOU GO

Wide World Books and Maps

4411A Wallingford Ave. N., Seattle

206-634-3453

wideworldtravels.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

Chez Moi: Buying Your Dream House in France

Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Laurence Raybois, author of "Chez Moi," provides a practical guide to buying real estate in France, including dealing with real estate agents, lawyers and architects; how to rent the property for profit; and avoiding common cultural mistakes.

Slides & Tell: It's Your Turn to Shine

May 29, 7 p.m.

Customers are invited to bring five slides or digital images that can be projected, and a story that goes with them.

Tony Wheeler, author and founder of the Lonely Planet travel guides

June 17, 4 p.m.

Wheeler talks about his new book, "Unlikely Destinations: the Lonely Planet Story."