12 W. 19th St., 212-414-8888
Gone are the days when travel planning consisted of merely perusing a guidebook and a bus map. At Idlewild Books—a store that in name and effect is a fitting homage to the airport that has since become JFK—travel planning becomes an evocative and user-friendly exploration. With a carefully curated selection of both nonfiction and fiction arranged by country, the store boasts juxtapositions like a Time Out Buenos Aires guide next to a Jorge Luis Borges anthology and a collection of modern Argentine literature. This sort of "hyper travel text" provides voyagers with a nuanced understanding not just of their destinations but of the people, culture and street life that await them upon arrival. Owner, seasoned traveler and avid bibliophile David Del Vecchio will assemble an individualized "destination kit" of books for customers based on their travel budget and interests. For less literary travel essentials, scour the selection of travel pillows, book lights, luggage tags and other travel gear by the register.

7 of 15