Travel Books

I have been a fan of the "Streetwise" calendars for years -- a folding laminated city map that always folds nicely, stays firm and fits easily in pockets, purses, etc.

On the reverse side, it also has a wider regional map, which is helpful to put your travels into context, especially if you use the map alongside tour books that often point out destinations outside the downtown region.

This is a laminated, card stock map that fits easily in a pocket. Very easy to manage. Amazing detail for its' size.

I like these laminated, folding maps. They have good detail and fit in a purse. Never go out without one.

This is a good and inexpensive resource for Portland. It easily folds up to fit in a small purse or pocket. It is also waterproof and easy to read.

I have a couple of these Streetwise Maps now and find them a joy to use. In Portland there are a few streets I can't find, so an index of some kind would be good. But generally they are so easy to work with - no complicating folding schemes - that I would recommend getting one today. I also have an Artwise Map of London by the same company. Terrific!

I had heard about this book and had it on my "to read" list for sometime but was in no hurry to purchase it. One of my friends had read it and told me how highly he thought of it, so I moved it up the priority list.

I don't normally read fictional books, but this one was very good and I appreciated it when using it from a "self-help" growth book as the lessons the book provided I feel are extremely beneficial.

The lessons, which are seemingly simple that we should all know and apply, I feel were made stronger and possibly more 'memorable' by having them applied in the form of the story that was told. The use of historical figures to deliver the individual lessons appealed to me as well.

The book was a quick read and I found myself highlighting many pages for comments that really hit home. Statements such as "...while public opinion might sway back and forth, right and wrong do not" really stood out to me and I don't think it was necessarily because I filtered the line through the current political election mindset we're in.

In the end, I feel that this should be part of everyone's "to read" list of books.

Personally, I feel that this book does not deserve all of the negative reviews. I do agree that the message near the end about finding financial success is not very humble, since Jesus says clearly to his disciples in the parable about the landowner, "So the last shall be first and the first shall be last." I think this is a terrible book for new Christians who need to learn to be humble, but good for seasoned Christians who know how to take such books with a grain of salt. And there are some good Christian messages in the book. What about when Truman says, "Until a person takes responsibility for where he is, there is no basis for moving on." Isn't this what is needed for confession of sins? Or the obvious message from King Solomon to "seek wisdom," a frequent God-inspired message from him throughout the Bible.

If readers are seeking a book to find sound Christian advice about living a successful life, start with the Bible, God's help book for Christians. The very idea of "self-help" goes against what Christ asks of us anyway. But if you're looking for a good read that plays around with the neat idea of meeting some of the most memorable historical figures, peppered with some really good advice about the power of attitude, then this book is a good read.

Andrews' THE TRAVELER'S GIFT reviews the seven decisions that lead to personal success, emphasizing and analyzing the difference between failure and success. David Ponder was a successful executive once, but feels like a total failure now: once an executive, he works a part-time, minimum-wage job and faces many crises. A life-threatening situation sends him on a journey of discovery in this inspirational saga.

The Traveler's Gift is excellent. Andy Andrews uses historical figures to demonstate the seven laws of success. The historical people that Andrews uses to teach the seven laws are for the most part common people who had been thrust into critical periods in history. One was a college professor whose courage in battle turned the tide of a war. Two were ordinary men who, against great odds, became President's of the United States. These two men were faced with the most critical decisions in the history of the Presidency.
To find out how these ordinary people used the seven laws of success to make a mark on history, read this book. You will be thankful you did.

The Traveler's Gift is a fascinating combination of self-development principles and captivating fiction. How great is it to be able to learn wisdom from King Solomon and forgiveness from Abraham Lincoln? The author takes us on not only a historical journey but also one of self-discovery.

Do you enjoy reading about self-development, history, time travel and/or a just want to escape into a good book? The Traveler's Gift; The Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews has all that and more. There are great lessons for personal success, insights into significant historical events and a look into what it may have been like talking with inspirational figures. All this is blended with a well written "I can't put this book down" story.

I found this book by accident and was very pleasantly surprised. I literally couldn't stop reading. The Traveler's Gift is a unique twist on the usual self-development lessons. The seven lessons of personal success became vivid and "real" in my imagination. Stories are a perfect way to learn how to apply abstract concepts to real life. I found myself saying, "You know he's right, I really should do that / be conscious of that more often."

The central character, David Ponder was at a personal and professional crossroads in his life. An auto accident takes him back in time to converse with the likes of Christopher Columbus, Anne Frank and Harry Truman. Each inspirational historical figure has a life lesson to impart and success advice to share. It's a history lesson and self-discovery journey all rolled into one. When David awakes from the accident the world is changed and life has more purpose and greater meaning. The basics: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. David Ponder is just like all of us - searching to live a fulfilled and meaningful life.

I was fascinated by this inspiring story. It wasn't preachy - it was entertaining. I've never read any quite like this, a self-development book that teaches so much more. I was literally transported back in history each time I read about one of the seven personal decisions. It was evident that the author did his history homework and historical research.

If you are a fan of Og Mandino, as I am, you'll enjoy this book. It is written with an Og Mandino flavor.

I read the paperback book although I understand the audio is exceptional. Andy Andrew's newest book is Mastering The Seven Decisions.

Five stars from me - highly recommended. Sit back, relax and prepare to learn more about yourself with a little history thrown in for good measure. If I'm gushing I apologize but I really enjoyed The Traveler's Gift!

Very detailed and informative guide. I find Lonely Planet's books to be consistently the best.

Purchased as a gift - arrived in very short order and in great shape - what can one say about a book?

I used this book during my six weeks in Nepal spring 2004 (trekking in Lantang, Helambu and Annapurna regions), and was glad to have it. In fact, I have my copy sitting in front of me right now! It gives detailed information on many of the better-traveled treks, along with some that are more out of the way. Plenty of information, including topo maps, to help you plan your trip or your day. Before I bought it, I sat down with several other guidebooks in an actual bookstore (yes, they do still exist!), and really felt that this one was the winner.

The most major component that I felt lacking was that there are many small guest houses or tea shops along most routes that are not mentioned at all, or that have sprung up since publication. But I soon figured that out on my own, and simply asked locals and other trekkers for advice. Overall, I definitely recommend this book. Enjoy your trip! I can't wait to go back!

*Note: Kathmandu has some great bookstores in the Thamel (tourist) district, and many (not all) books are cheaper than in the US (maybe pirated??). If you can wait, consider buying there.

If you are going the Nepal to trek, this is an invaluable guide. I was in Nepal for three weeks and I used this book everyday. Stan Armington knows Nepal better than anyone. He has help from people like Jamling Tenzing Norgay and many others. This is an essential guide to the trekking in Nepal.

This is the fifth in this series that I have read. Only one other (I think it was 2002) was this good. I love this series and give it as Christmas gifts every year. This editor had exactly the right point of view in compiling these stories.

I loved this year's collection, edited by Susan Orlean. Many great essays, but the highlight is definitely Elizabeth Gilbert's report of a two week eating/walking tour through Provence via rural trails.

This has to be the worst "Best American Travel Writing" edition I've seen so far. As a big taveler and a big fan of travel writing, I buy this book every year. There's usually four or five great essays in it, which makes it worth the money for me. But this issue of 2007 is so off the mark. I found almost nothing in it of real interest. I don't know what the editor was thinking. As far as I can tell, Susan Orlean is not known a a traveller. Why she was chosen to put together this year's editon of this book is beyond me. I think it takes one to know one.

I've long been a fan of the various Best American books, but this was my first year to read the travel writing, but I figured, Susan Orlean, okay. My mistake. Most of the pieces were tedious, though I did enjoy Jason Anthony, Ian Frazier, Steve Friedman, Nando Parrado (but didn't he already write this), and my two favorites, though I'm not sure I'd call them travel writing, Andrew Solomon and Jonathan Stern. It's because of them two that I'll probably pick up next year's edition.

As a fan of the series who has the previous seven editions in a prominent space on the bookshelf, I too was disappointed with this year's collection.

Only about half the entries really held my interest. Unfortunately, the least compelling were also the lengthiest, led by Elizabeth Gilbert's tedious "Lonnnnnnnnnnnng Day's Journey Into Dinner". Most telling about the lack of depth (perhaps there wasn't a lot to choose from this year?) is that the most captivating piece is Nando Parrado's harrowing blow-by-blow account of his personal ordeal in the Andes --- an event that took place 35 years ago and was immortalized in the 1993 movie "Alive". Perhaps Nando was understandably only now able to come to terms and write this essay about the events, but its inclusion in this "current" volume seemed curiously timed.

Kevin Fedarko's "High in Hell" was troubling. He describes Djibouti as a hellhole filled with men constantly having affairs behind their wives' backs..."in a country whose infant mortality rate is 10.4 percent, where half the population is unemployed and 70 percent of children are malnourished." Somehow, this all becomes just backdrop for what redeems the place: getting stoned on khat with a rag-tag group of men who've surrendered their ability to address their responsibilities.

He spends days getting high with this group of idlers, and amazingly begins to see them as charitable do-gooders. His bizarre conclusions:
"...in the process of hating Djibuti so much, I had somehow managed to fall in love with the place." He concludes by summarizing the addict's day-long sessions as the "most triumphantly African of achievements. They have trumped the devil himself. In the center of creation's hellhole, they have managed to chisel out a sliver of paradise."

Jonathan Stern's 4-page spoof of Lonely Planet guides tries to be clever, but never rises above the level of one of those repititious filler pieces found in National Lampoon or Mad Magazine 25 years ago.

A few other pieces do provide real insight on the world today (notably, Andrew Solomon's report on Libya). On its own merit, the mixed bag in this book might earn 3 stars, but compared to the standard set by its predecessors, this disappointing volume gets only a "2" from me.

The Benchmark Atlas series are the most accurate, detailed and attractive maps available. They put all the other atlases of this type to shame. You won't be disappointed with any of these.

If you drive anywhere off the main highways in Colorado, this is the book of maps you need. Best map detail unless you use the USGS maps, that are cumbersome while driving.

This map book is the best! Better than all the others I have seen which cover a state in a book format. I can only wish the mapmakers covered more states.

Excellent source of info. Great details. Only thing better is the Trail Maps that are available for additional detail. This Atlas is a musy have for traveling and camping Colorado.

Since moving to Colorado from the UK in 06 I've been looking for a detailed enough map of Colorado - and I think I've found it. I've worked with maps and GIS back in the UK and have always appreciated the level of detail provided by the Ordnance Suvey, but struggled to find a comparable line of products for the US.

I do a great deal of hiking, mountain biking, 4 wheeling and general exploring of the State, and wanted a comprehensive map which would show me trails, roads and interesting features/places.

The atlas is separated into 5 sections.

Section 1 shows regional maps: Entire US (1:9600000), western mountains (1:4500000) from Dallas in the SE to Bend (Oregon) in the NW, and Colorado (1:650000).
Section 2 shows recreational maps and separates the whole of Colorado into 13 areas. Each one goes into great detail about the recreational facilities of each area, lists climate info and gives addresses and phone numbers for all kinds of services, camp grounds etc. Scale is 1:500000, except for the eastern plains area which is at 1:1350000. The final map shows locations of all the 14ers, major ski areas and 22 popular off road trails.
Section 3 shows landscape maps at 1:200000. These are fantastic and show all the trails I've ever hiked, biked or wheeled.
Section 4 shows the metro areas of Denver, Colorado Springs and the Boulder area at 1:125000.
Section 5 has a comprehensive index.

Overall this is an invaluable resource and miles better than any other Atlas I've looked at (and I've looked at them all!). A great all in one buy and a bargain at the moment on Amazon.

Other products to consider: Latitude 40 produce some great, detailed maps at a smaller scale, but they cover selected areas and some sections are about 15 years out of date. National Geographic maps are best for hiking in the wilderness, but are only available for limited areas.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. The book has great artwork. Just a great book all around!

I found this book to be quite disappointing. It begins well with a very readable and page-turning first chapter but from there on things just go downhill and never really recover. Every now and then an interesting and believable scary story pops up but mostly it seems just like what you could expect to encounter if you took a class entitled Creative Ghost Story Writing For Beginners 101. It seems that an awful lot of the tales stem more from the imagination of the narrator than from some otherworldly realm. And not a few times I cringed in embarassment when a paranormal suggestion or explanation was offered for events that were so obviously nothing of the sort. If you like your ghost tales served up with credibility and objective research and investigation then this book is definitely not for you. Spared from a single star rating only by the heroics of Chapter One.

This was a very interesting book. My only regret is I will never get to go to most of these places to experience these things for myself. Great reading for ghosty people.

Weird Hauntings by Joanne Austin is quite good for a book of ghost tale compilations. This is from the same team that does the entire "Weird" series of books (Weird U.S., Weird Arizona, etc.), and reminds me of the best of the books that I would find at my local library as a child with a voracious appetite for the macabre. Off the bat, the introduction by Ryan Doan in which he relates the fact that his father used to hide under his bed as a child starts off the bizarre proceedings on a wonderfully weird note.

In particular, another value in the book is that it details investigations or stories from individuals that have not been repeated ad infinitum in other books on the subject. There is also mention of a few famous areas such as Alcatraz or Gettysburg to keep one interested as well.

Well done: 5 out of 5 skulls

I enjoyed reading this book, very interesting as it leads you to different places and each author has his/her own story to tell. The table of contents was organized from haunted houses, historic haunts, terrifying travels, the otherworldly outdoors and so forth. It was a well-researched book with detailed events. Some of the photos of places and people were such a good addition that made the book more interesting to read. Although I'd like to add that some of these photos were edited to make them look more scary. One of the exceptions is the main photo for pages 214-215 (Eerie Eateries, Spooky Salons), it was a bit cheesy and tacky. The Graphic Artist/s could have done a better job than that and made the images look more realistic and believable. I am a Graphic Designer and I saw the flaw in this book. I gave the review 3 stars because with all these edited photographs, the authors could have used the space for more text and information. I will give the authors credit for the great content of the book. Overall, the book is more interesting than scary.

This book started off really well with lots of interesting narrative and great pictures. Although it was obviously written in spanish and translated to English, the strange wordings add to the fun of the book.

But as time goes on, he writes less and less and relies on pictures to tell the story - whole countries pass with barely more than "then I went to...". By the time he gets married, there is almost no narrative at all, so it seems that he lost interest in the book and had a publisher's deadline to meet.

The first half of the book is 5 star, the last half 1-2 star, so I give it a 3 star rating overall.

The book starts off in tremedous detail and gives an insight into how someone unprepared for the journey ahead can meet and conquer unforeseen obstacles both figuratively and physically. As with other road trip books, as it nears the end, large chunks of the trip are missing as the book races towards completion. I felt very dissappointed at the end of the book to have missed so much of the journey compared to the start.

Words can not give this book justice. I bought it to read about a ride and I was given an in-depth geography and political lesson. This is a fun book but with tremendous insight and humor. One of the few books about motorcycle travel I could not put down. It is real and revealing not only about the man but the peoples and human nature of the world. If you can't take a trip like this, this is one book you can read and almost experience the ride yourself. I plan to buy two more, one for friends to read and one for my college Library. This book will always be on my personal bookshelf, Thank you Emilio Scotto.

This book is an absolute must read for any serious motorcycle adventure rider. It is a testament to one man's courage and determination to follow your dream whatever it may be.

very nice expept the last 50 pages from there its as he was trying to just finish it.

I am leaving soon for a two-week trip in Siberia. This book has been an exceellent primer. I'll know more about how to judge it when I return.

I have not been able to find any single travel book that covers as much useful information as this! I will be traveling the Trans-Siberian rail this summer, and this book has been a constant companion through my planning process. Detailed information on all of the towns and cities along the way along with maps to avoid getting lost while wandering. Definitely a bonus for the all of the information on smaller towns- it's very difficult to find a travel-worthy guide book that covers more than just St. Petersburg and Moscow, not to mention UB!

Can't recommend this book higher to anyone considering journeying the Trans-Siberian Railway!

Because I plan to trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway next year I bought this book hoping to read some advice and tips on how to travel the whole trip, where to stay, how much it costs, where to stay etc.

But his book absolutely surpassed all my expectations!! There are not only those tips on trans-siberian rail, but also "travel guides" for cities like Moscow, Irkutsk and even tips on how to get to Mongolia, where to stay in Ulan-Bator and so forth.

I have no idea how I would plan my trip without this book! It's really amazing how much information (and even with tips from other "ordinary" travellers!!) is in that, for instance bus-numbers from Moscow airport heading to the center of the city ...

The book absolutely worth the money.

For passengers on traveling on all or most of the Trans-Siberian Railway and visiting the cities along it, there are only two English-language travel guides. The Lonely Planet guide appeared in 2003 with a second edition in 2006, while Bryn Thomas updates his guide almost yearly and in 2007 it reached its seventh edition. I'm a two-time veteran of the Trans-Siberian, using the 1st edition of the Lonely Planet on the eastbound Trans-Manchurian route, and the 2nd edition on the eastbound Trans-Mongolian. When I recently discovered Bryn Thomas' guide in the local library, however, it struck me as the guide that I wish I had had on the trip.

The Lonely Planet guide and Thomas' have much in common. Both include a history of Russia in the Trans-Siberian era and general information about culture. They both give sightseeing guidance and lodging listings for the cities along the way. The LP sticks to the three traditional routes between Moscow and Beijing or Vladivostok, but Thomas has now added Yakutsk, soon to be accessible by rail) and other possible rail terminus cities like Prague and Hong Kong.

What makes Thomas' guide real special is his enthusiasm for the train journey itself. Unlike the LP guide, he gives timetables for the route, truly equipping the reader to prepare for the trip without having to look for too much information outside the book. Thomas discusses in detail the layout of carriages, specifics of what the carriage attendant can do for those under her charge, and things to look out for at kilometre markers along the way. The LP guide has little about the journey itself, and what little interesting information it did have in the first edition disappeared in the second.

Thomas' tone is also much more pleasant to read than in the common guidebooks for independent travelers. He doesn't try to sell you places you have already decided to visit with an overuse of words like "vibrant" and "spectacular". I also admire that he succeeds in writing for a general audience. While some of the accomodation listings are pricey, it doesn't feel like he is dismissing backpackers like certain sell-out guidebook lines.

I don't think I will ever travel the Trans-Siberian all the way again. While still fairly low considering the distance, fares are rising and I usually have the three free weeks needed to hitchhike from Europe to Ulan-Ude or Vladivostok. Nonetheless, I'd certainly recommend this to travelers planning a trip that is well-worth doing at least once.

My friend and I did part of the trip last summer, and the guide was simply invaluable. We were in the major cities decribed in the book, and we took the train Irkutsk--Ulaan Baator. The book was very helpful both when we were planning the trip (has train schedules) and on the spot, directing us to places of interest. Overall, gives you a good idea what to expect. Start reading the guide at least half a year before the planned trip. You'll need good 4 to 5 months to arrange everything.

First off, this is a great book. If anyone thinks this is just a glorified first-aid book, think again. Dr. Forgey's is quick to point out that some medical emergencies are best treated at a hospital by professionals, having said that he plays a "what if" game where evac is not possible and then provides detailed treatment strategies based on your level of skills and supplies on hand. It's a clever approach where plan A is better than plan B which is better than plan C which is better than plan D. Although, he'll point out that plan D is better than doing nothing. His sense of humor is not lost in this book which makes for a compelling read. It's a must have for laymen or practicing pro new to wilderness medicine. I couldn't recommend this book enough. My only complaint, if it qualifies as a complaint is that there isn't a 6th Edition with the latest in medical technology represented. Having said that, if a technique worked in 1999 it should still work in 2009 or 2019!

Favorite excerp from the book: "Red-hot branding irons and pouring gun powder into a wound and lighting it, while effective in killing germs and among Rambo's favorite techniques, also destroy good tissue." (Chapter 3 p.93 paragraph 2)

This one is a keeper, and at the current price, you should buy one for anyone that travels a lot...anywhere!


J.D.

I found this book to be of outstanding usefulness. The book is designed for a person with advanced medical skill. It is not a first aid book. It is what the title says "Beyond First Aid". The writer displays his knowledge of care from his own experience as an outdoors man and lays out and describes in detail what is needed under various adverese circumstances.
Mingmei Jiang [BVocEd&Train(C.Sturt)]

The book was a bit too basic for my taste. I understand that the layperson doesn't have access to many things that a doctor does. But to me, the book was more about band-aids than it is about stitches. I think it could have been a little meatier.
Due to the limited availability of many medicines to the average Joe (or Jane), I suppose the writer couldn't put in a lot of information on how to treat as a doctor would. But I was actually hoping for more of that kind of information.

Living out in the wild, in the wilderness, is a contest with Nature. Most of the time, man wins the contest, but sometimes ... stuff happens.

Chapter One is about Assessment and starts with that key question: scene safe? Then Dr Forgey takes his reader through the ABCD's, vital signs, levels of consciousness, head to toe examination, shock, respiration rates, heart rates, and CPR. (The numbers for chest compressions and breaths has been changed by the AHA since Dr Forgey updated this book, but that is a minor issue.)

Chapter Two is about body system management. The focus of this chapter is on the systems in the head but the abdomen and reproductive system are given sections as well. There is also a very good, short section on poisoning from food poisoning to shellfish poisoning.

Chapter Three covers soft tissue wounds and treatments ... and suturing and stapling.

Chapter Four covers orthopedic injuries from head to foot.

Chapter Five covers bites and stings and anaphylactic shock. Interest-ingly Dr Forgey finds that rubber suction cups are as worthless as mouth suction. His lone endorsement is the Sawyer Extractor (which is available from Amazon.com).

Chapter Six is on infectious disease. Dr Forgey lists the most signif-icant *wilderness* diseases for North America and the world should one be contesting Nature abroad.

Chapter Seven's environmental injuries include hypothermia, heat stress, high altitude related illnesses, and ... being struck by lightning. Step current is caused when lightning hass struck and the current spreads out like a wave across the ground and the victim's feet are different distances from the strike point. Since the body has less resistance than the ground, a circuit is completed.

There are two useful appendices at the end of the book.

I am EMS certified and as a BLS instructor. I had a few quibbles with Dr Forgey such as his choice of prescription medications to list in one of the appendices. However I had no major disagreements and found the book to be more easily readable than any EMS book I have read. Lots of nuts and bolts and no fluff.

Also as I write this review, I am preparing a first aid segment for a TCLEOSE course on mantracking. Dr Forgey's book provided me with a lot of detail and anecdotes to include. However just as the title says this book is about wilderness medicine *beyond* first aid.

It's no surprise that every reviewer has given this excellent and comprehensive book five stars.

Written by William Forgey, MD, former president of the Wilderness Medicine Society it goes beyond first aid, dealing with situations where you cannot merely administer initial care and then count on a rapid evacuation. Forgey writes with a light hand; he avoids jargon and has a dry sense of humor. For example (p. 157): "How do you calm a person who's just been bitten by a snake? Not surprisingly, just telling him to remain calm won't work."

There are seven chapters, beginning with assessment and stabilization, and going through body system disease symptoms, injuries, bites and stings, infectious diseases, and environmental injuries. There is an excellent appendix for putting together wilderness first aid/medical kits, both with prescription, and non-prescription meds, and with a bandaging module.

You don't have to be physician, nurse, or EMT to benefit from the book. All the information, is practical and hands-on; of value to the layperson who is interested in first aid and emergency medical situations. After an initial reading, Wilderness Medicine is a fine reference work.


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I used this map in Israel in 2003 and LOVED it -- and was in fact the envy of my class. I left it with a friend only on condition that she return it to me immediately upon returning to the states, and even then it was tough to leave behind. Anyway, since the other reviewer didn't like it, it seemed important to add a voice from the other side. It's laminated and foldy, like FastMaps, and while it includes even tiny streets, it's not at all hard to read. There is also an index of cultural sites, hotels, gardens, points of interest, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim sites, and other stuff. And while it will not actually pick you up and bring you to Duffy's jewelry store or to the fabulous shwarma place in the old city, you will feel like it did. I'm packing it when I go again in a week! (summer 2007)

I tried to use this map on two occasions, but did not find useful as much, much too busy and complex.

I never go to Israel without two of these. I am a map-o-phile and personally have many maps of Israel and Jerusalem. Some are in English and some are in Hebrew. This is the ONE map of Jerusalem that I highly reccomend to those who visit Israel with us. It's laminated, accordion-fold and easy to read.

As for the negative review, I understand the statement about the complexity, however there is no way to have less content with an accordion fold. I would suggest a larger scale map for planning at home and the hotel, and use the StreetWise map for walking.