For The Armchair Traveler
932675
Are you an armchair traveler? Do you sit by your fireside, wondering what some distant place is like? And does the idea of packing and unpacking in a different hotel or motel room night after night take away any pleasure such destinations might hold? Try this: take your home with you.

That is exactly what author Ed Dingledy and his wife Betsy have done over the course of several years. Traveling in Style is Eds account of seeing the USA (and some of Mexico and Canada, too) in the comfort of their own home - - - as long as the home was on wheels.

Starting in 2001, the Dingledys roamed the land, driving at first in a rented camper, and then over the years, moving up to one of those bus-sized rigs that roll over almost any roadway you can take a car. The advantage? Not having to unpack, re-pack, unload, reload as you go from place to place. Instead, according to the author of Traveling in Style, you can focus on the where, not the how. You simply point your vehicle in the right direction, and you can spend the night at home on the road.

Part one of Dingledys book covers their adventures as part-time travelers. The results of those first forays into road-America led them to consider, and then embrace life-on-the-road in their own RV, giving up a permanent address for a kitchen-to-closet vehicle. Part Two details their experiences over several years following that choice. The author and his wife lived where they wanted to live, following the weather as much as their inclinations. Travels from east to west, north to south, and the reverse became a way of life.

If the idea appeals, or just raises questions about what such an adventure would be like, this short book gives just enough information, as well as great stories, to whet the armchair travelers appetite for at least considering trying on this idea for size. RV living isn't for everyone, of course, but heres an excellent introduction to the subject.

Ed Dingledy writes with humor, attention to detail, and just enough information to open the door. For this reader, the only thing missing in this enjoyable read is that there aren't enough pictures to give a bit more flavor. That said, the book should give any prospective RV-er a good roadmap to get started.
4735518
I've been entertained by Ocker since his early blogs and still follow OTIS (Odd Things I've Seen) faithfully. This is a light-hearted and not really scary list of unusual, sometimes haunted, places and people in the state of New York. If you live in NY or visit as a tourist, this is a handy guide to the less-well-known places you might like to see. The Kindle version doesn't do the photos justice, but the sights are better seen in person anyway.
3912692
I do appreciate the theme of looking at history and travel from a feminine viewpoint.  And it's not pandering or fluffy, well, not TOO too.  Worth having in your travel library.
4921293
This text isn't necessarily focused beaches. Tanning is not really a factor here. Therefore, proceed with caution if you are seeking a quick references on family-friendly resorts or bass-thumping clubs. Neither really receive attention here. Instead, this National Geographic text closely explores the local museums, flora/fauna, and culture. It is geared toward an intellectually curious traveler as a well as couples (of all ages) traveling without children.

You will want to bookmark the botanical gardens that most appeal to you as well as take note of the cautions provided. While this text is not as overt as Lonely Planet (which often blatantly states the dangers of any given area), it does make note of potential pitfalls/very real dangers. So while this text is not as "loud" about local perils, do take those notes extremely seriously (you can locate many of these "cautions" in the blue boxes located in the text's margins). (I think this text anticipates a more educated reader, so writers are a bit more subtle than most).

This text has a strong emphasize on fine dining, folk art, and gardens. If you are seeking great parasailing spots/tips, you will need to look elsewhere. (Lonely Planet books are perfect for thrill-seekers! Grab one of those texts for all of those details!) If you purchase this text with this in-mind, you will not be disappointed.
1525026
This book is a trip.
Hugely detailed descriptions of the purported astral and causal appearances of a broad array of phenomena, from nasty thoughts to rose bushes to church bells ringing.
Obviously, for the new disciple there is the distraction of getting caught up in the accounts of these lower planes, but for fun, as a sort of clairvoyant travelogue of the unseen world, entertaining and fascinating stuff.
If your meditation is done for the day, relax with this. It beats the ugly news of the world.
820760
A good read for the armchair globetrotter.  Do understand this edition is a translation from the original German so English grammar and flowing sentences are sometimes rough.
4032155
As with all Eyewitness Guides, this is beautifully illustrated and informative. I have to admit I read it AFTER I visited Andalusia, but wish it had been on the market when I did go. It is an excellent armchair travel  book. It has certainly whetted my appetite to go back. Retrospective  reading always reveals gems you wish you had discovered at the time. One  real bonus of Eyewitness guides is that they have PROPER maps, with street  indexes integrated into them, unlike some guides which rely on sketch maps,  and where the scale can be a bit hit and miss. Another advantage is they  don;t attempt to list a "Top Ten" for each place, rather they  provide comprehensive coverage, and divide their coverage by locale.
3140925
Only the most dedicated of reviewers would take a guidebook on a trip overseas before submitting his or her feedback. Such an endeavor is to be venerated, and the output treasured. Unfortunately, field-tested international guidebook reviews are as difficult to find as a Yeti.

As a consolation prize, I can offer the perspective of a former world traveler, one whose passport has not been stamped in some years but who still maintains a bookshelf full of guidebooks and travel writings. Furthermore, I have spent time in the locales for several of these Fodor's Travel Guides: all the better to recognize useful insight, not to mention compare these guidebooks to the publications I actually used at that time, and still own.

I am of the belief that the most important goal of a guidebook is to provide a spark, or perhaps fuel the fire, for travel. A typical guidebook is not a travelogue, after all. Most tourists are not purchasing a Fodor's or Frommer's to live the life of a Paul Theroux or Bruce Chatwin or Jan (or even James!) Morris. The musings of a seasoned travel writer can be erudite and enjoyable, but rarely would they provide even the basic necessities for a traveler abroad: where to find a meal and a room for the night, and where to spend the often very limited time the next day.

With that in mind, the most vital trait of a successful guidebook is photography. Good writing can paint a virtual picture, but to actually see a tiny red cog railway chugging up Mt. Pilatus may be exactly what you need to buy your plane ticket. Next on the list of must-haves is of course useful and accurate information (food & lodging, customs, etc.). Finally, sightseeing suggestions or other means to learn about and appreciate local culture are something an excellent guidebook should include. These Fodor's Travel Guides excel at all of these criteria. They are touted for their full color and they do not disappoint on that point. You will also get attractive color maps, plus many detailed entries for food and lodging (both include ratings and cost scales) and sightseeing activities. Useful features include "Off the Beaten Path" suggestions and "Word of Mouth" tips from fellow travelers. Finally--this was an unexpected bonus to me--several in-depth featurettes (alternatively termed "Fodor's Features" or "In Focus") are included in each guidebook. This one, for example, includes features on scenic train rides, the Bernese Alps, and the Vineyards of Lavaux.

The layout is excellent in terms of usability. The typeface and choices for colored text are very pleasing to the eye. White space is utilized well. The inside front and back covers include a map and train distance guide, respectively.

The editors encourage feedback and provide multiple means for doing so. Oddly, this Switzerland edition is missing several "Contact Us" methods in Publisher Tim Jarrell's Welcome letter. In any case I appreciate that the publishers understand the dynamic nature of international travel and are willing to make edits to future editions.

It would seem unfair to compare this 2011 version of Fodor's to my Frommer's from almost a decade ago. Surely the latter includes photographs now?? The Insight Guides were fairly progressive in terms of the photography at that time. (They were billed at the time as the world leaders in visual travel guides.) My old Rough Guide for Switzerland was probably a half-step above the Lonely Planet series, historically aimed at backpackers and others primarily concerned with their budget.

If (When??) I have the opportunity to go to Europe again, I would happily use this Fodor's to help plan the trip, and I would take it along with me.

Jason Kirkfield, Vine Review, June 20, 2011
714516
Wow.  I've read the reviews below and wondered if we were talking about the same book.  Contrary to other opinions, this book does have an index, does make recommendations for unique and interesting lodging options, and is just packed with little bits of history about each area along the way. And the title of the book does say "Travelers Guide (Photographic Tour)" so do expect some stunning photographs along with the suggestions for enjoying the trip.  If you're looking for phone numbers, prices and hours of operation, I would suggest a local phone book or a AAA road atlas rather than this engagingly written little guidebook.  I would recommend it to anyone, actually everyone, who is interested in exploring the coast at their leisure and in their own style.  Being a single woman and not having a huge amount of money to spend on vacations, I found that taking the Amtrak train, as suggested in this book, from rainy Seattle to sunny California was simply enchanting.  For one thing, the Amtrak method of travel is relatively inexpensive, very safe and leaves a lot of time for thoughts and musings along the way (much preferable to being focused on traffic and searching out gas stations when driving).  And the scenery can't be beat!  It brings to mind bygone times when the trip was the destination - the little historical notes and anecdotes peppered throughout the book are a wonderful backdrop for experiencing the full flavor and character of each area.  If you go exploring the beautiful and ever changing west coast with only one guide book, this should be it!
2889577
This book is fun to read.  If you enjoy traveling, especially by auto or RV, you will find lots of interesting trips to consider.  Now realize, that you will only get a pretty brief "thumb nail," but with the internet at your finger tips, it will not take you long to fill in the blanks.
2128556
I bought this for a 30-year old nephew whose county count was, I believe, pushing 40 about a year ago, and I think it may satisfy even him.  (Hes the hardest to buy for member of the entire family!)

I read a short description of the book in the travel section of the SF Chronicle a few weeks ago, and made the purchase based on that.  Well, that combined with my sister verifying that her son might actually appreciate this book!

There are many hundreds of places and things described over about 450 pages, with most including a photo, and the balance a drawing.  I think the only things without a graphic are the short, Also in or near entries.  Those graphics add interest and tend to draw you in, encouraging you to read the piece about whatever is depicted graphically.

The book must weigh something like 2 pounds  just guessing  meaning you might not be likely to pack it in your suitcase.  However, its easy enough to take digital photos of any entries you may want to have easy access to on a trip.  Its printed on heavy paper, and I like that the pages are a pleasing, very light buff color, much nicer than stark white.  Point being, its aesthetically a very nicely put together book.

Because I bought this as a gift, I've looked through it closely but have not read it cover to cover.  The entries seem to be written for a variety of readers and travelers, but certainly far from the lowest common denominator.  Its not a typical travel book!  I don't find every entry to be about a fascinating item, but a great many are, and possibly none whatsoever are dull.  Even things that might not seem of particular interest based on the heading end up proving to be interesting when you get into the text.  That said, there are items about things I have no interest in seeing, e.g., Lake Monsters of the USA, but there don't seem to be many of that sort of thing included.  As with "Lake Monsters," even if you (or a recipient) aren't likely to visit many of the places described, I think for many curious people this would make for an interesting read even without the travel element.

It's not a perfect book, and I don't think any one book can be perfect for all readers, but I do think it's very good and I can easily recommend it for anyone who might be potentially interested.  Given the quality of the contents and of the physical item itself, I am very pleased with the price.  Easy 5 stars and recommendation!
4230375
For those who might want to spend months criss-crossing India, this book is definitely one worth purchasing. But in my opinion, for the traveler who might be focusing on a particular region, the book may be too much of a birds eye view on a country level. Having said that, paging through the intricate illustrations in the book definitely helps build the excitement ahead of a visit to what is a magnificent and incredibly complex country.
4010246
Because my bucket list trip to Scotland is pretty remote, I've become an armchair traveler...and this is another charming addition to my collection.  I especially like the details and the text -- not only the usual gorgeous landscapes, but also interiors of some castles, close ups of stone cottages, stone circles, the streets and the people.  A little history with each photo makes this especially enjoyable for someone like me who wants context, not just postcard views.
4492235
In this rather curious book, the author imagines being transported back in time, along with the reader, to a typical day in Ancient Rome in the year 115 CE. The day starts "a few hours before dawn" and ends at midnight. The author acts as a tour guide as he leads the reader through the streets and buildings of Ancient Rome. During this tour, the reader learns a great many things: the living conditions of the rich and the poor, eating and working habits, diet, social structure, family life, entertainment, moral values, superstitions, religion, sexuality, population statistics, monetary structure, etc. Some of the most important buildings and monuments are also explored, e.g., Roman Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, Baths, Trajan's Column, etc. This is all described with fascination, awe, passion and, occasionally, surprise - as though the author was also seeing these things for the first time. He asserts that the facts that he recounts are based on historical and archaeological evidence; however, details of most events observed and of most individuals encountered are mostly imaginary - probably to add a bit of life to the tour. The writing style is particularly friendly and accessible, clear and even sporadically gripping, e.g., the gladiatorial combats. The book contains many detailed descriptions. Although these are informative, some may be a bit monotonous to a reader who is not particularly interested in what is being described. There is very little here that an avid ancient history buff will not already know. Consequently, readers who are less familiar with Ancient Rome are likely to enjoy (and indeed be fascinated by) this book the most.
308074
This book provides a lovely way to enjoy an armchair tour of the most romantic city on the planet by celebrating the architecture and creativity of its doorways. The author leaves it up to the imagination of the reader to wonder what is behind these ornate doors. After seeing the detailed thought that went into these Parisian doorway designs, the reader may find himself slowing down when reaching for the next door handle they open in order to study just what went into creating that magical passageway rather than rushing through it without much thought.
162469
This travel guide is not your run-of-the-mill Frommer's or Lonely Planet, but that could be a good thing, because when I travel, I want to know where to party and also where the eclectic, real local's dining is.  Unfortunately, most conventional travel guides focus on the boring, old stuff like museums, parks, historical points of interest, etc.  Don't get me wrong, this book covers the boring, old stuff, the theatres, museums, a zoo, parks, bowling stadium, unique stores, annual events like wine walks, museum events, conventions, fundraisers, gala's, art events, sports, festivals, rodeo, farmer's market, a golf tournament, banquets, and the ice skating rink, but overwhelmingly, it covers restaurants, bars, and bar crawls which may not be what you're interested in, but if you are, this is your book.  The language may offend some people, but it's like Anthony Bourdain without the f-bombs.
4394868
A quick read of some useful travel tips from an experienced traveler, especially for someone looking for self-guided travel and mingling in with the local cultures. This is not a travel guide, but rather a very (very) short primer on self-guided travel and the mindset required as such. The template is a good one for those looking to publish short vignettes on Amazon; I may do so after my self-guided RV trip of Europe, a little different than major city-to-city travel via public transport.