What permissions do I need for nonfiction travelogue?

I am writing (and self publishing) a non-fiction travelogue about a cross country roadtrip. I have already obtained permission from the person I traveled with, and there are no other main characters involved. What I am wondering is, what do I need to get permission for with regard to places we visited?

It is my understanding that as long as I am being truthful about a hotel, business, or attraction I visited, I am OK (while I mentioned some things that could be improved at certain locations, I didn't say anything paticularly negative). When giving any historical background of a location, I will be citing the sources where I obtained that information. I have also been planning on listing the websites for each location in the back of the book. Am I correct in understanding that this should all be fine, or would any of this require legal permissions?

I am slightly unsure about any photos that I may use. I personally took all photos myself and the ones I would like include are just of the location without any people in the picture. I'm wondering what, if any, permissions I would need to get from the business or attraction in the photo? Furthermore, is there a difference with regard to legality between publishing a photo of a national landmark like Mount Rushmore, versus a privately owned location like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or a local museum?

Lastly, (and I think I already know the answer to this but am not completely sure), is it legal to mention the name of a television show or movie without permission when I'm doing little more than just mentioning that we watched it?

I tried to research these questions and have found conflicting answers so that made me a bit nervous and unsure just what I could do. Because I am self publishing I would also like to avoid the cost of having a lawyer go through it if possible.

Thanks in advance!

posted almost 12 years ago

CC BY-SA 3.0

James‭

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