Description:
National Geographic made its name in multimedia by digitizing the whole of its printed magazine. Since then, the company has produced several CD-ROMs, and this one, Trip Planner Deluxe, provides what you need to plan the perfect journey through the USA and Canada. The software has a standard route planner component. If you give it a start and end point, and any stopping-off points in between, it will work out a driver's route. Tell it how fast you tend to drive on different kinds of road, whether you prefer scenic routes, and even when to nudge you to take a rest, and it will take this into account when planning. The software incorporates a reference database covering everything from how to find the perfect camera bag to general weather statistics for different times of year throughout the U.S. and Canada. There is a notebook for your own jottings, and a huge database called the Guidebook, which lists places to eat and stay, attractions, and even guided walks around towns and country. If you find a place you want to visit, a quick click locates it on a map at the appropriate scale. If a place has been recommended by friends that have already tried it, slot it into the locator and the software will find it for you. Trip Planner Deluxe is brimming with information, yet it remains easy to use. It could be very useful for anyone planning a North American holiday. --Sandra Vogel
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