Two of the best travel bookstores that stock a wide variety of travel-related accessories are the Savvy Traveller, 50 E. Washington St.
More Top Picks Best Skincare Fridges
(312-263-2100), and the Rand McNally Map & Travel Store flagship location at 444 N. Michigan Ave. (312-321-1751). Other Rand McNally outlets are in Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg (708-995-9606); 150 S. Wacker Drive (312-332-2009); and in the Oakbrook Shopping Center in Oak Brook (708-571-3006).
To get on the Savvy Traveller mailing list, drop them a line at the Washington Street address. Rand McNally catalogs are available at most of its stores.
Other travel-oriented bookstores in Chicago:
– Le Grand Tour World Travel Bookstore, 3229 N. Clark St., 312-929-1836. All types of travel-related books as well as language tapes from Arabic to Yiddish; guides; maps of cities and countries; world flags; dictionaries. Also posters, mugs, T-shirts and postcards.
– Rizzoli Bookstore, Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-3500. Large travel section, also maps, language reference books, postcards, travel diaries and calendars, coffee-table books, art videos and an extensive music selection.
– Sandmeyer`s, 714 S. Dearborn St., 312-922-2104. Handsome bookstore in the historic Printer`s Row district that carries a nice selection of travel books and maps.
In addition, Hammacher Schlemmer (618 N. Michigan Ave., 312-664-9292) is always a fun place to shop, especially around the holidays. Not only will you find unusual seasonal fare, such as a commemorative ”Nutcracker” music box, but also functional travel items, such as garment bags, wallet-size alarm clocks and a compact shaving kit.