I’m one of those people who can’t stand finding out that I missed a particular art gallery, a legendary candy store, or even a special restaurant when I left a town I was visiting. I could have been there on vacation or a business trip.

Usually, I don’t spend enough time researching a new area, or I’m too quick to assume there’s nothing worthwhile for me to justify my time. I have a New York attitude. If it’s not in New York, then it’s second rate. Thank goodness age has given me the wisdom to know how wrong I have been. Now I want to know every little thing. I want my options. What golden nuggets lie where? Lucky for me, I live in the age of Google and Wikipedia. I have Google to help me with my writings and I have Wikipedia to help me identify what I would like to see when I travel.

I was thrilled to learn that Wikipedia launched a new feature called “Nearby” that recommends articles based on a user’s location. The Nearby page helps readers learn more about their current surroundings. For example, visitors to the Los Angeles Wikipedia page will see articles on the the Pantages Theater and what is currently playing there.

As many more traveling baby boomers take to the road or skies, Wikipedia Nearby is going to replace the Fodor guides we all used to carry on first trips out of our comfort zones.

Happy trails to you!