Check the Web for hotels and motels in the area you're visiting. Most chains have Web pages, and these provide toll-free reservation numbers. Search the Web for libraries and archives. Call ahead for hours and to ask specific questions about materials available to the public. Access library catalogs online.
Many libraries now make their catalogs available online at their Web site.
Take advantage of this facility to determine the size of their collection, what genealogical materials they might have, or to check for specific titles in their collection. If you're looking for the address of the courthouse, the coroner's office, the city offices that issue licenses and certificates, and other government entities, most will have a Web page. Here you may find a full directory of services and contacts, or you may find only a central telephone number. Call ahead for hours and to ask specific questions about materials available to the public. Search the Web for genealogical and historical societies.