Showing posts with label Travel and holiday guides. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel and holiday guides. Show all posts

1/19/2010

Review of Paris: True Stories of Life on the Road (Travelers' Tales Guides) (Paperback)

Ahhh Paris.As a graduate student fortunate to be studying in Paris, I found myself falling into the dull routine of class and studying.I was failing to appreciate one of the prettiest cities on earth.This book opened my eyes to the multitude of interesting "trucs" around me in the Latin Quarter.Although some of the stories are more interesting than others, there is genuinely something for everyone's taste in this book.I now often study at the "Deux Magots" cafe due to its history and popularity with Jean Paul Sartres and Simone de Beauvoir that I read about.This book is wonderful for anyone interested in Paris, wanting to take a mental journey there, or a seasoned traveller who thinks they already know Paris.Anyone armed with "Paris Traveler's Tales" can discover the "Joie de Vivre" en Paris!

Product Description
The stories in Travelers' Tales Paris throw open the creaky door of history and let the light of this marvelous city flood out. Just a few of the many authors found in the book are John Gregory Dunne, Ina Caro, Herbert Gold, Jan Morris, Edmund White, and Mort Rosenblum.

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1/01/2010

Review of Lonely Planet Montreal (Paperback)

I used this guidebook while visiting Montreal in summer 2001 and had no problems at all.As to be expected from Lonely Planet, the color maps at the back are great and the three walking tours really give you a feel for the city.The restaurant list was excellent, especially an extended section on Montreal's famous bagels.There was a large chapter on excursions from Montreal, which included Ottawa, Quebec City and the Laurentian mountains among other places.All the standard Lonely Planet bits on history, culture, arts and religion were very informing; best was the little section on Canadian French where I learned to say "y'est quelle heure" instead of "quelle heure est-il."

The only complaint I could have was the lack of a map of the underground shopping city, which we found confusing to navigate, even with the map provided by the tourist authority.Otherwise it's as good a guidebook to Montreal as you're likely to find anywhere.

Product Description
Croissants and cobblestones...jazz and joie de vivre...laid-back cafes and lush parks...hip clubs and haute couture...let yourself fall under the intoxicating spell of the Paris of the West.This smart, streetwise and stylish guide will help you discover all that this vibrant, cosmopolitan city has to offer.

- EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY - expanded cuisine and nightlife coverage of Canada's most indulgent town- SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP - hunt down the newest styles, above and below ground- WALK THE WALK - new walking tours include the Plateau, Parc du Mont Royal and romantic Old Montreal- LEARN THE LINGO - earn smiles from the locals with our handy French language section- GO BEYOND THE CITY LIMITS - explore the other charms of the province, including Quebec City and the Laurentian Mountains

From the Publisher
"Montreal" offers detailed information on special events such as the Winter Carnival or the two-week Summer Festival, wonderful recommendations for the best food, shopping and accommodations, and scenic walking tours. Enclosed with a French phrase index and a host of city maps, any traveler will be fully armed when accompanied by Lonely Planet's "Montreal".

- 18 full-color, detailed maps - restaurant listings to impress every palate and budget - auberge de jeuness or fite du passant? Accomodations options in detail - walking tours of Vieux Montreal, Downtown and Quartier Latin - coverage of gay and lesbian Montreal, as well as the International Jazz Festival - North America's biggest - tres handy French language section and glossary--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lonely Planet Montreal (Paperback)

12/31/2009

Review of Lonely Planet Dubai (Paperback)

This is the one and only good guide on Dubai. For the visitor to the worker it covers all aspects of life and pleasure, ranges of activities and budgets. Using this guide I managed to bargain my way into a budget of $40 a day, which certainly meant low range accomadation and eating, but this city is still definately kicking and worth a much larger 'splurge', after spending time in some of the neighbouring countries. Well worth the extra money then simply buying the UAE and Oman guide, or the middle east guide for that matter, if you plan on spending a lot of time in the city. The guide captures the essence of the place and truly prepares you on a realistic scale as for the weather, costs and atmosphere of Dubai. As usual there could have been more flowing information on getting there and away. The next guide should expand on day trips, especialy to the good beaches in the region, have a better variety of car rental information.As well check out some more of the cafe's in town, which is one of the few ways to meet locals and expats. Five Stars Five Stars.

Product Description

Long sandy beaches, glittering gold souqs, soaring skyscrapers and a lively nightlife make cosmopolitan Dubai the Gulf's coolest destination. Grab a piece of the action with this indispensable guide.

  • Navigator's delight - 11 maps, including seven full-colour maps
  • Shopping spree - the best bargains, the most opulent malls
  • Beach holiday - where to eat, drink, swim and play
  • Desert adventure - explore the dunes and experience the Bedouin lifestyle
  • Architectural feast - a special section on traditional Arabian and ultra modern building styles


Click Here to see more reviews about: Lonely Planet Dubai (Paperback)

12/07/2009

Review of A Hedonist's Guide to Eat New York (A Hedonist's Guide to...) (Imitation Leather)

Going to New York is a treat for most of us, and when I go, I want to eat at the best places I can find. I've bought several of the Zagat NYC Restaurant Guides in the past, but there's just so many places listed in those and not all of them are even good to start with (by their own ratings).

The Hedonist's Guide to Eat New York takes a different approach. You're one of the best by inclusion. They don't include places to stay away from, and they're not trying to rate every establishment in town. Instead, they pick the best of the best and serve them up for your picking. Each restaurant gets one page, with a photo, cuisine type, reason to go, average price per person, and a review including quotes from why other top NY chefs love that restaurant.

This is the true foodie's guide to New York restaurants. Sure, you'll find the greats like Jean Georges, but you'll also find little neighborhood gems. Be warned though, most of these places are not really "budget traveler friendly".

If you have (or are considering) the Hedonist's Guide to New York, you'll find that there is NOT much overall between the places listed in this restaurant-only guide and the overall guide. I actually bought both, and used both in my recent travels, and would recommend the same to anyone else who really loves to eat -- and to eat well!

Product Description
This is not the typical restaurant guide. Hg2 Eat New York has been compiled from the thoughts of New York's top 150 restaurateurs, chefs, sommeliers, critics, suppliers, and maitre'ds. Each was asked which restaurants were best and where they go to eat when they're not working. Color maps help readers plot each location, while the small size makes it easy to tote and consult.

Click Here to see more reviews about: A Hedonist's Guide to Eat New York (A Hedonist's Guide to...) (Imitation Leather)

12/01/2009

Review of Frommer's San Francisco 2005 (Frommer's Complete) (Paperback)

I have been to San Francisco dozens of times and used at least five different travel guide books. I especially liked this one because the author gave a real sense of the places and gave me a better idea of whether I wanted to go to the places--especially when it came to restaurants. As far as sights go, all the essentials are covered. And there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops to choose from. I found some real neighborhood gems thanks to this book. It definitely helped me to see more of authentic San Francisco.

Product Description
You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go-- they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us!

Thoroughly updated every year (unlike most of the competition), Frommer's San Francisco featureseverything you need to know to enjoythe sights and experiences that await you in the City by the Bay. Our author, a longtime resident and noted dining critic, hits all the highlights, from Golden Gate Park to North Beach. She's checked out all the city's best hotels and restaurants in person, and will help you find the choices that suit your tastes and budget. Her honest, irreverent, and opinionated dining reviews encompass everything from the best dim sum to the freshest seafood, from affordable burrito joints and Vietnamese restaurants to trendy bistros opened by California's hottest chefs.

Look for up-to-the-minute coverage of shopping and nightlife; detailed walking tours; accurate neighborhood maps; and side trips to Berkeley, Sausalito, Muir Woods, Point Reyes, and more. There's also a detailed chapter on the nearby Wine Country, with the best wineries, inns, spas, and gourmet shopping, and the most decadent restaurants in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. You'll even get a free color fold-out map and an online directory that makes trip-planning a snap!

From the Back Cover
Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer. Frommer's. The best trips start here.

  • Insider tips on the best side trips from San Francisco, from the Napa and Sonoma valleys to Berkeley, Sausalito, and Muir Woods.
  • Outspoken opinions on what's worth your time and what's not.
  • Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip no matter what your budget.
  • Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Frommer's San Francisco 2005 (Frommer's Complete) (Paperback)

11/30/2009

Review of Fodor's Colorado, 6th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides) (Paperback)

This book was essential to our wonderful trip. I was able to focus on the things that really interested me, and I actually suprised my relatives who live in the area with some little-known places thanks to the book. It is full of useful info and great travel tidbits.

Product Description
Colorado is an outdoor paradise second to none. For ski enthusiasts, The Rockies create a mountain spine, eternally covered in snow, that's larger than Switzerland.It's eastern third is a sea of waving grasslands, and its southwest is a multihue desert, carved with pink and mauve canyons. Whatever the activity, you will be captured by Colorado's beauty.Our local writers have explored the state to find the best hotels, restaurants, attractions and activities to prepare you for a journey of stunning variety. Before you leave be sure to pack your Fodor's guide to ensure you don't miss a thing.

The San Francisco Chronicle sums it up best - "Fodor's guides are saturated with information."

- Two-color interior design makes it easier to find the information you need
- Fodor's Choice Ratings flag must-see sights and hidden treasures
- Hotel and restaurant reviews cover all budgets
- Plus multi-day itineraries to help you build the right trip for you and/or your family

From the Publisher
We've compiled a helpful list of guidebooks that complement Fodor's Colorado. To learn more about them, just enter the title in the keyword search box.

  • Compass: Colorado (4th Edition): A stunning, full-color guide to the character, culture, and history of Colorado.
  • Skiing USA: The Guide for Skiers and Snowboarders (2nd Edition): Where to Ski, Snowboard, Stay, and Eat in the 30 Best U.S. Ski Resorts.
  • Mobil 98: Northwest and Great Planes: America's favorite domestic series, famous for its encyclopedic listings.
  • Complete Guide to America's National Parks: The Official Visitor's Guide to All 375 National Parks.
  • Great American Sports and Adventure Vacations (2nd Edition): 500 of the Country's Best Outdoor Trips and Sports Schools ... Selected by the Pros.
  • Healthy Escapes (6th Edition): 255 Resorts and Retreats Where You Can Get Fit, Feel Good, Find Yourself, and Get Away From It All.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

    Click Here to see more reviews about: Fodor's Colorado, 6th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides) (Paperback)
  • 11/24/2009

    Review of Frommer's California 2007 (Frommer's Complete) (Paperback)

    I purchased this book for a family driving vacation that started in Los Angeles- up the Pacific Coast Highway to San Fransisco and then to the Sequoia National Forest. We found the budget hotel suggestions to be very helpful and stayed in several that were listed and were very pleased. The restarant suggestions were not as helpful as it seemed most listed were the most expensive and exclusive in the cities- not an option with a family. We were dissapointed with the one nice resteraunt we chose out of this book. Overall the book seemed to be very up to date and having the addresses and phone numbers for attractionsand facilities was very helpful. I would reccomend the book for someone like ourselves who has not visited CA previously

    Product Description
    Frommer's. The best trips start here.

    Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer.

    • Explore the bounty of the Golden State-from its cosmopolitan cities to its ancient redwood forests, beaches, deserts, and mountains.
    • Outspoken opinions on what's worth your time and what's not.
    • Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip whatever your budget.
    • Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions.

    Find great deals and book your trip at Frommers.com

    From the Back Cover
    Frommer's. The best trips start here.

    Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer.

    • Explore the bounty of the Golden State-from its cosmopolitan cities to its ancient redwood forests, beaches, deserts, and mountains.
    • Outspoken opinions on what's worth your time and what's not.
    • Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip whatever your budget.
    • Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions.

    Find great deals and book your trip at Frommers.com

    Click Here to see more reviews about: Frommer's California 2007 (Frommer's Complete) (Paperback)

    11/07/2009

    Review of Fodor's Hong Kong, 20th Edition: With Macau and the South China Cities (Fodor's Gold Guides) (Paperback)

    My husband purchased and took this book with him last month to Hong Kong and Macau and found it most helpful.

    Product Description
    Is there any place more contemporary and timeless than Hong Kong? The country's 8 million residents are sailing rapidly into the new millennium in dragon boats. Modern commercial temples rise not far from ancient Buddhist ones. Brand-new boutiques offer retail therapy, while age-old markets tender more time-tested treatments. Fodor's Hong Kong 20th Edition takes readers straight to the best of the city-both the new and the old-with more wit and wisdom than ever.

    - Brand-new illustrated features include topics such as "All the Tea in China: Culture in a Cup," "Philosophies, Beliefs, and Lucky Charms," "Traditional Prescription: Pins, Needles, and Pressure," "Tailor-made to Suit You," and more

    - A fresh look at shopping and golf. Valuable insights from local gurus focus on what to shop for---and where and how---and what to avoid. In-depth course reviews make it easy to select the best places to play.

    - New neighborhood coverage: Three-to-six page profiles describe places of interest, set the contemporary scene, and give historical highlights, bits of trivia, and at-a-glance geography

    - Full-color pullout map

    - 8-page color insert

    - Includes side trips to Macau and other cities in the Pearl River Delta-an up-and-coming destination

    About the Author
    Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by resident experts.

    Click Here to see more reviews about: Fodor's Hong Kong, 20th Edition: With Macau and the South China Cities (Fodor's Gold Guides) (Paperback)

    Review of Travelers' Tales Paris: True Stories (Travelers' Tales Guides) (Paperback)

    Francophiles will find much to love about TRAVELERS' TALES PARIS. "Imagine leaving this world without ever having seen Paris," the editors observe in the Introduction to this fascinating collection of Paris-inspired essays."For those who have been there, the thought is unthinkable.For those who haven't yet had the chance, the thought is a reminder that their lives will be impoverished until they go, for Paris is the center of the civilized universe, the capital of the Western world, a city of transcendent beauty, which belongs to everyone" (p. xix).

    Paris is the ultimate travel destination for Francophiles, lovers, flirters, thinkers, and cafe sitters, and for good reason.The thirty-six essays collected here reveal that Paris is as much a place as a state of mind.Paris means something different to everyone."There may be no city more uplifting to the human spirit.It is a place to explore the dimensions of yourself or those of someone you love--to walk and talk, to argue about life, to sit and contemplate the events of human history which have played themselves out here on these streets, on the banks of this river (p. xx).

    Organized into five Parts;the "Essence of Paris," "Some Things to Do," "Going Your Own Way," "In the Shadows," and "The Last Word," TRAVELERS' TALES PARIS immerses its reader in the rich diversity of Parisian culture and the French mind, including, French existentialism, the twenty-volume French encyclopedia of Paris's 20 arondissements, Vie et Histoire, the Latin Quarter's literary and philosophical past, the Louvre, the Paris Catacombs ("Death's Kingdom"), the Turkish Baths, the Concierge tradition, and French strippers.

    One caveat emptor, however:this collection of is an updated edition of PARIS:TRUE STORIES OF LIFE ON THE ROAD (Travelers' Tales Guides)(April 1, 1997).

    G. Merritt

    Product Description
    Paris is one city that everyone should endeavor to know over the course of a lifetime, and not just in one or two visits. The City of Light has bestowed on millions the gift of the incandescent present, an image or experience into which all life is condensed and reflected upon for years to come. Travelers' Tales Paris captures the romance of the world's favorite city through stories that entertain, inform, and touch the heart. John Gregory Dunne reveals the manic pleasures of driving in the city's chaotic traffic. Joseph Diedrich and Katya Macklovich explore romantic encounters that could only happen here. Herbert Gold and David Applefield take aim at the nostalgia surrounding The Left Bank, one reveling in its literary past, the other urging the visitor to reach out to a new, modern Paris in the outlying area of Montreuil. Tim O'Reilly and Coleman Lollar evoke the appeal of unexpected tourist sites, and Marcel Laventurier recounts his harrowing escape from the Nazis on a train bound for occupied Paris in a tale you will never forget. "If Paris is the main dish, here is a rich and fascinating assortment of hors d'oeuvres." - Peter Mayle

    Click Here to see more reviews about: Travelers' Tales Paris: True Stories (Travelers' Tales Guides) (Paperback)

    11/03/2009

    Review of Frommer's San Francisco 2007 (Frommer's Complete) (Paperback)

    After reading the book from cover to cover, I feel like I am now an expert on San Francisco! We have been there before, but are looking forward to exploring (next month)areas of SF that we haven't been to yet. The in depth reporting, and mapping, of all areas of the city will make it a breeze to get around in. It was a good idea for them to put a fold out map in the book as well. Can't wait to go!

    Product Description
    According to the Department of Commerce, San Francisco is one of the 10 most visited U.S. cities. In 2004, San Francisco hosted more than 15 million visitors.

    From the Back Cover
    Frommer's. The best trips start here.

    Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer.

    • Insider tips on the best side trips from San Francisco, from the Napa and Sonoma valleys to Berkeley, Sausalito, and Muir Woods.
    • Outspoken opinions on what's worth your time and what's not.
    • Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip whatever your budget.
    • Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions.

    Find great deals and book your trip at Frommers.com

    Click Here to see more reviews about: Frommer's San Francisco 2007 (Frommer's Complete) (Paperback)

    10/31/2009

    Review of Central Italy: The Collected Traveler: Tuscany and Umbria (Paperback)

    A guidebook without maps?A guidebook you can curl up and read cover-to-cover?Yes, this is it.As one who has vacationed in Tuscany for a total of 36 weeks in the past 11 years, I found this book not only evocative of fond memories but instructive by pointing me to places, eateries, and certain facts of Italian life of which I was unaware.The early sections covering tipping, car rental, trains, etc. are of particular help to the first time traveler.There's even a little Frances Mayes in there for the 1% of the people interested in Italy who have not read her books on Tuscany.But after reading this book, you'll have to get a map or two anyway...because you'll have booked a flight to bella Italia.

    Product Description
    Each edition of this unique series marries a collection of previously published essays with detailed practical information, creating a colorful and deeply absorbing pastiche of opinions and advice. Each book is a valuable resource -- a compass of sorts -- pointing vacationers, business travelers, and readers in many directions. Going abroad with a Collected Traveler edition is like being accompanied by a group of savvy and observant friends who are intimately familiar with your destination.

    This edition on central Italy -- tuscany & umbria features:

    Distinguished writers, such as Muriel Spark, Gerald Asher, Erica Jong, Jason Epstein, Pope Brock, Nancy Harmon Jenkins, and David Downie, who share seductive pieces about the side roads of Tuscany, wines of Montepulciano, renting houses in Tuscany and Umbria, cooking schools, outdoor markets, and the Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio.

    Annotated bibliographies for each section with recommendations for related readings.

    An A-Z "informazioni pratiche" (practical information) section covering everything from accommodations, hiking, and pazienza (patience) to the Italian yellow pages.

    Whether it's your first trip or your tenth, the Collected Traveler books are indispensable, and meant to be the first volumes you turn to when planning your journeys.

    From the Inside Flap
    Each edition of this unique series marries a collection of previously published essays with detailed practical information, creating a colorful and deeply absorbing pastiche of opinions and advice. Each book is a valuable resource -- a compass of sorts -- pointing vacationers, business travelers, and readers in many directions. Going abroad with a Collected Traveler edition is like being accompanied by a group of savvy and observant friends who are intimately familiar with your destination.

    This edition on central Italy -- tuscany & umbria features:

    Distinguished writers, such as Muriel Spark, Gerald Asher, Erica Jong, Jason Epstein, Pope Brock, Nancy Harmon Jenkins, and David Downie, who share seductive pieces about the side roads of Tuscany, wines of Montepulciano, renting houses in Tuscany and Umbria, cooking schools, outdoor markets, and the Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio.

    Annotated bibliographies for each section with recommendations for related readings.

    An A-Z "informazioni pratiche" (practical information) section covering everything from accommodations, hiking, and pazienza (patience) to the Italian yellow pages.

    Whether it's your first trip or your tenth, the Collected Traveler books are indispensable, and meant to be the first volumes you turn to when planning your journeys.

    Click Here to see more reviews about: Central Italy: The Collected Traveler: Tuscany and Umbria (Paperback)

    10/28/2009

    Review of Fodor's Buenos Aires, 1st Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides) (Paperback)

    It's amazing how important it is to get an up-to-date guide book.This book was extremely helpful with great restaurant selections, helpful tips about cabs and insightful history notes.A couple of the addresses were correct as listed, but incorrectly marked on the maps, so beware.And prices had changed slightly, but that's to be expected.All and all, a good bible for a visit to a new city.

    Product Description
    Packed with insider information in an easy-to-use format, Fodor's guide to Buenos Aires explores an exciting and extremely popular holiday destination

    Click Here to see more reviews about: Fodor's Buenos Aires, 1st Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides) (Paperback)

    10/27/2009

    Review of Hedonist's Guide To Buenos Aires 1st Edition (Hedonist's Guide to..., A) (A Hedonist's Guide to...) (Hardcover)

    Doesn't hold back. Get's straight to the point. HG2 have got under the skin of BA. It's a great book. the shopping is great here. this book has all the best shops and some really cool hidden ones..
    Covers some whacky places too..


    Product Description
    Luckily Buenos Aires is not all about football and tango. Currently the toast of South America, Argentina's capital has seen unprecedented growth and development since the economic crash of 2002. Urban renewal has led to the gentrification of the city's seedier barrios transforming artisan's workshops into cutting-edge restaurants, chic shops and the hippest of hotels. The recent opening of small, design focused hotels such as Home and Bobo have attracted as much interest as Phillippe Starck's offering the Faena Hotel + Universe. Buenos Aires is stylish, the elegantly sophisticated porteñas know how to shop and the streets of Palermo Viejo, the city's hippest barrio, are littered with cutting edge Argentine fashion and design led restaurants/bars. Beyond the look, locals possess almost unfathomable levels of stamina and are often to be found partying into the morning sunlight on a weekday night.

    About the Author
    Charles Froggatt is one of the world's leading polo journalists, he has worked for Reuters, CNN and more recently Hg2, writing our book on Miami. He has produced an extreme sports documentary in Los Angeles and has lived in Buenos Aires for two years. He is the ideal candidate for the job.

    Click Here to see more reviews about: Hedonist's Guide To Buenos Aires 1st Edition (Hedonist's Guide to..., A) (A Hedonist's Guide to...) (Hardcover)

    10/24/2009

    Review of Time Out Sydney (Time Out Guides) (Paperback)

    Plenty of information on restaurants (especially pricey ones), cafes, clubs, etc... but less focus on touristic places and hotels. Average on general info (how to get in and out of airport, tips, currency, etc) and history. Not so much on excursion outside the town. I guess this is exactly what we should expect from Time-Out, which is mainly for entertainment of the locals.

    If you visit the city to "enjoy the city" rather than enjoy tourism, this is probably the book for you.

    Product Description
    Time Out Sydney is the definitive guide to the multicultural, laid-back, sun-kissed delights of Australia's most exciting city

    About the Author
    Juliet Rieden lives in Sydney and has edited and contributed to three Time Out Guides to Sydney. She has worked for The Mail on Sunday's Night & Day magazine, The Daily Mail newspaper, Radio Times, The Sun-Herald, The Australian and currently for In Style magazine. Co-editor Katie Ekberg lives in Sydney and has contributed to two Time Out Guides to Sydney. She has worked for Woman magazine and TV Times and was editor of TV Week magazine in Australia, deputy editor of Who Weekly and currently works as a freelance non-fiction book editor.

    Click Here to see more reviews about: Time Out Sydney (Time Out Guides) (Paperback)

    10/15/2009

    Review of When You Look Like Your Passport Photo, It's Time to Go Home (Mass Market Paperback)

    Erma Bombeck has crafted a glorious travel book that explains just why you should keep your behind firmly planted indoors. Over the course of thebook, she goes to Mass in a church where people go topless (and yes, I meanthe women), goes to Europe with the weirdest bunch of people ever to go ona tour, tackles the hard rolls from hell, and buys the tiniest mobile homein history.

    She dryly comments on every weird detail of travellingfurther than five miles, from languages to airplanes to foreign bathroomsto travel snobs to stuffing yourself with food.Oh, and guess the meaningof this if you haven't read the book: "Number One JesusMan."

    BTW if you enjoyed this book, scamper off and check out"Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need" and "IfGod Had Meant For Us To Travel". These guys are a bit wackier, butjust as funny.



    Click Here to see more reviews about: When You Look Like Your Passport Photo, It's Time to Go Home (Mass Market Paperback)

    10/11/2009

    Review of Moon Texas (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback)

    As a mom with a family who loves to travel, I will use this book over and over. Need a weekend getaway suggestion? Visiting Aunt Pearl in East Texas? Wanting some ideas for a girl's trip? This guide has it all. These Moon Guides are a nice mix of history, enlightened comment, and useful information.

    Product Description
    As a longtime Austin resident and writer for the Texas Historical Commission, Andrew Rhodes knows the best ways to experience the Lone Star State. As the saying goes, "everything is bigger in Texas," and Rhodes includes a colossal amount of sights and activities, from catching up-and-coming indie bands at Austin's South by Southwest music festival to taking in the rugged beauty of Big Bend National Park. Andy also offers unique trip strategies that help travelers plan trips according to their interests, such as Texas Food - an exploration of Southern cooking and Tex-Mex - and the Overlooked Natural Wonders tour. With detailed information on surfing and fishing on the Gulf Coast, exploring museums in Dallas, and checking out Cadillac Ranch, Moon Texas gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

    Click Here to see more reviews about: Moon Texas (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback)

    9/06/2009

    Review of In a Sunburned Country (Paperback)

    Thank you, thank you, thank you, Bill.As a proud Australian, it has been a never-ending source of irritation that Australia is forever portrayed as a land of beer-swilling "yobbos" who say "cobber" and"fair dinkum" rather a lot.For instance, 'The Simpsons' -usually such a witty, clever and insightful show - completely missed thepoint in their Australian episode.Finally, someone has managed to capturea bit of the character of this great country.He releases it from theshackles of the Paul Hogan stereotype.

    This is a terrific read.Brysonhas, mercifully, gone well and truly off the beaten track to explore manydifferent parts of Australia - the cities, the outback, the tropics, andeverything else in between.But as ever with a Bill Bryson book, more thanthe destination itself, the pleasure is in getting there.Laugh-out-loudmoments abound, though perhaps more in the restrained way of "A Walkin the Woods", as opposed to the guffaw-fest that is "NeitherHere Nor There".

    You don't have to be at all familiar with Australiato appreciate and enjoy this book.I am, sadly, one of those Australiansto which Bryson refers that has never seen Ayers Rock / Uluru myself.Infact, I have never been to the majority of places Bryson visits.It was arevelation for me, too.

    Bryson once again recounts numerous historicaland trivial anecdotes which, together with his unique view of the world,elevate this book well above the mere travel genre.This is insightful,this is informative, this is FUNNY.

    Perversely, my only criticism isperhaps that he likes Australia a little too much.God knows, I'm sopleased that he does.However, he is, I believe, at his best whendistressed.Dull and drab places, and stupid, mindless people bring outthe devil in Bill Bryson, and have always proven to be useful comic fair. There are elements of that here - his body boarding experience, his viewson Canberra, and his trials and tribulations with hotel receptionists inDarwin - but at the end of the day, opportunities to vent his sarcastic witare somewhat limited.

    Being an enthusiastic and devoted fan of the greatStephen Katz, I would also have loved to have seen him deal with thehardships of outback Australia.He would have absolutely LOATHEDit.

    Read this book.It is a treat.



    Click Here to see more reviews about: In a Sunburned Country (Paperback)