Not your ordinary travel guide
585280
As much as I love to travel, I also love reading about other people's wanderlust. I'm not one to go for the same old travel guides though, so when I had the chance to read James B. Twitchell's Look Away, Dixieland I knew I'd be in for a real treat. And I really was!
Presenting a different kind of journey through the Deep South of the US, what the author calls a historical-quest-travelogue, this is as much a historical guide book as it is an entertaining road trip. Fun to read and also highly informative the reader follows Twitchell along Route 84 to uncover facts about his great-grandfather, a carpetbagger from the North, whose fate is deeply mingled with this region's past. Though this book isn't just about traveling the road, but even more so, it's an introspective journey, furnished with wonderful witty and smart humor.
While the first part of the book is mainly about his great-grandfather's past, it is at the same time a compelling history lesson. The second part is more along the lines of travel experiences on his tour through the small-town South, and unique ones at that. Having been on a bus tour through the region myself many years ago, I certainly didn't get this in depth view of Dixieland. From swamps to quilt-making, from squirrel hunting dogs to Baptist churches, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and even learned a thing or two on the way.
In short: Not your ordinary travel guide!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley.com book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
147295
I've traveled quite a bit, and have eaten in some fine restaurants along the way.  Some of these places were world famous, 5 Star establishments, and some of them were corner bistros, or even some little dive-type places where the food and service was superb.  That's the thing I love about this book - it's not put together along the lines the  Zagat's or Michelin guides.  This book is, in a way, more democratic, and a bit more realistic in its approach.  Yes, alot of  famous places are represented here, but they're included alongside of some smaller, not as well known places whose meals are on the level, or even better.  What I also love about this book is that there are many photos included which show not just what the places look like on the inside/outside (and there are some incredible locations - just look at the cover), but you also see pictures of a particular restaurant's specialty or most well known dish.  I also love that the book spans the world, and it's equally a travel book as it is a restaurant guide, touching on local cultures and more.  Though I'll never get to visit all the places in this very comprehensive book, it's great to read through it and it helps fuel my daydreams about two of my favorite things - travel and eating!
3057286
As I write, this book appears to be not available except through resellers.  Presumably there will be a new edition.  Unlike every other contemporary travel guide that I have seen, this book does not attempt to put a happy face on everything but is often quite critical.  In fact the negativity sometimes seems excessive.  However the author seems to have an opinion about every beach and every taverna, and, in my experience on five of the islands he reviews, his recommendations are quite reliable.  There is a lot of useful information in addition to the reviews.  There is an extensive history section and a lot interesting reading in quirky appendices ranging over everything from 17th century Ikarian bedding to the tuning of violins on Kos.
3531263
As a seasoned traveler, the Insight Guides series have become my favorite travel companion. They are not the traditional guides that tell you the cheap places to stay and eat, rather they are detailed guides to the history, culture and things to see in the countries you will be visiting complete with great photos. They are well researched and I learn things about the country that even the natives don't know. If you are looking for a "where to sleep" kind of guide, you will have to purchase a second, more traditional travel book (like Lonely Planet, etc.). I personally would not think about visiting a country without first reading the "Insite Guide."
1852052
This guide is fun and thorough. It not only details the major cities but includes information on some of the less traveled areas of each country. It has been integral to planning our upcoming trip to  Poland and Austria. I rate it four stars simply because I haven't gone on my trip yet and therefore cannot guarantee that all the information is accurate.
3437303
Gloyer's book inspired my trip to Albania, and it was useful every step of the way.

She offers tips on how to get through the airport without hassles, which hotels are worth booking, and what to see in just about every part of Albania a tourist might go to. Her writing style is well beyond the norm for travel guides, without a hint of the Weltschmerz that afflicts so many travel writers. She has a sly sense of humor, and will even boldly tell you to avoid a hotel run by the local mafia. Also, there aren't many travel guides that include tips on how to help alleviate poverty and suffering in the country being visited, but Ms Gloyer thoughtfully includes such information. She obviously loves the country and is very fond of its people, and it's quite a gift to Albania to have such an honest and worthwhile travel guide available in English.
1130010
Their are folks out there that look at guide books, and think of the comedic musing of your stereotypical tourist.  They see an middle class ignorant looking couple, touring the touristy spots out of the travel guide, and missing all the real culture.  I don't agree with that view.  In 1995, I was going to check out a school in Vancouver, BC, and not only did I find a really great bed and breakfast, but everything I wanted to see about the city was in the book. It had suggestions on how to travel, the best way to get around (Skytrain), and In a weeks time I visited a large Chinese Zen garden, Gastown, Chinatown, a famous park, a science center, a Harley Davidson museum, an IMAX, rode the airboat shuttle across the bay to a large marketplace, visited the university, an amusement park, looked at apartments, and spent a few days in walking distance to the school, (Digipen) I eventually attended that Fall. The guide book definately helped.

So what does this one have thats so good.  For starters it's well organized, it goes way beyond the guide book I had for Vancouver.  Not just sights and hotels, but maps, photos, language, exchange rates, business hours, and even cultural dos and don'ts.  Some inside information even tells you how to apply before you travel, for a very cheap rail pass that's only for foreign travelers, and can only be purchased outside of the country, and before your trip. It allows you inexpensive fare on the train system between Japans cities.  A must have if you intend on a tour of the sights, and not just staying in one place.

There is an entire section on things you need to know, if you want to for instance, to drive a car. What time of year an area is at its most crowded. How money is used in Japan, is for instance, unlike our credit culture here, the Japanese use ATM's, and cash much more than credit, so your Visa card may not open as many doors for you in Japan.  It goes on to talk about the police high degree of authority, and other important things.  This book is definately one (and I plan to one day), to read much of before you plan to take a trip to Japan, and definately something to bring along for reference.
2635999
I'll admit I was initially disappointed when I first  pulled this out of the package. It's very thin, quite small  (even compared to pocket travel guides) and frankly I couldn't believe that such a tiny book could hold enough information to plan a worthwhile trip.

Well, I was wrong.

The size is completely deceptive due to the unique layout. Each "page" is actually 3 separate card-like pages, front and back, packed not only with descriptions and locations, but tips, information, and the best way to get there, and often the best time to be there. It's jam packed with well known attractions and lesser known ones, everything from dining and theater to museums, shopping districts, shrines, parks, and much more.

In true Lonely Planet fashion, you are provided additional travel resources, a map, suggestions, tips, and more.

Overall this was a delightful guide. Definitely recommended!
1045967
This book really hit the spot for me. A handy, easy to read guide book for visiting Rome with some unusual angles.
The potted history of the city sets the rest of it up. And then rather than launch in to the generic tourist attraction type stuff the author helpfully explains various travel options from the airport to get in to the city itself and then more tips on getting yourself about. Very useful. I wasn't expecting that so a nice surprise.
Then some of the major attractions, where to eat etc to whet the appetite.
Also a range of places to stay from monasteries (yes, really  you could stay at a monastery) to hostels to budget hotels and the luxurious.
Top marks for a well thought out concise guide which has a bit of a USP with the travelling in to and around the city parts.
528806
This is an interesting personal travel book about Thailand. If you are looking for a travel book that deals with hotel, restaurant cost info, this is not the book to buy. For that, you can buy the conventional Lonely Planet or Foders guides.

This is not a "mainstream" book and was published in the 90s from one of those ""non mainstream" publishing company. If this book was published today, it would of been self published but it is still a very fascinating book worth buying.

One warning:Some may be offended about the chapter on the sex trade in Thailand. Read it with an open mind. Thumbs up for this entertaining and enlightening book!
26647
I liked this guide alot.  When I studied in Europe even though I was there for months I usually spent my time with other Americans, drinking too much beer and talking about American things.  Which I could have done in Philly. This guide includes alot of places that the average tourist will probably  never find on their own, more unique and the 'real' stuff of Europe. It was  also easy to read and kind of funny. I would highly recommend it.
601897
Charles Calhoun's MAINE is a departure from most travel guides. Rather than just pages and pages of lists of motels, restaurants, and things to see, Calhoun focuses on the state's people (past and present), natural  history, and state-of-mind. Instead of simply an address and phone number  for the famous L. L. Bean's (outdoor outfitters, for example, Calhoun gives  us several pages, including the story of the founder of the company.
The  book opens with a chapter entitled "Learning Maine" and is  organized geographically into nine main sections which cover the entire  state. The final chapter, "Practical Information" gives all the  usual, plus "A Dozen Fun Places to Eat" and antiquarian  booksellers. Scattered throughout the book are literary excerpts and  topical essays by authors such as May Sarton, John McPhee, and Longfellow.  There are maps, reproductions of period art, and plenty of gorgeous color  photos. Whether the reader is planning a trip to Maine or merely wishes an  intriguing armchair journey, this guide is a must.
Kimberly Borrowdale,  Under the Covers Book Reviews
2228008
Warren and Betsy are avid travelers who also happen to be lovely people, and who write eloquently and thoroughly about their adventures around the world.  This book is loaded with information that will pique your interest and tips that may lead you to a destination you hadn't thought of.
1357420
Jerramy Fine's newest book, The Regal Rules for Girls, is a guide to getting to and living in London. Whether it's your first trip across the pond or your fortieth, The Regal Rules is a helpful guide. No, it's more than a guide. It's the bible for any American girl who dreams of London.

Fine covers all of the essentials and then some. She carefully details how to get that all-important visa, which neighborhoods are the best, and the correct way to eat your peas. (Smash them on the back of your fork with your knife.) She also completely justifies my love for weak, milky tea as being ready to join the upper echelons of British society, solidifying herself as one of my favorite authors.

A large portion of the book is devoted to meeting and dating an Englishman. While the section did seem a bit long, it was fascinating to read about the many cultural differences that exist between Americans and the British when it comes to dating, differences that one forgets about since we share a common language. Fine provides numerous insightful tidbits for potential encounters with Englishmen and royal Englishmen.

One of my favorite chapters was toward the end, where Fine gives great tips on how to "fake it till you make it," or how to make the most of one's budget in expensive London. She gives readers the lowdown on transportation in London: the tube, the bus, taxis (including the scoop on the famous black taxis), and mini cabs. She has many suggestions on how to enjoy the nightlife on a budget, and lists option for frugal eating.

Littered with funny parables and written in an honest and optimistic tone, The Regal Rules is more than just your average guide to London. Fine is like a girl friend or big sister giving her readers an inside look at this British world and telling them how they too can become a part of it.
4770074
1,000 Places to See Before You Die gave me a lot to look forward to in planning my vacations. The places mentioned are unique, and of course not every single tourist attraction needs to be mentioned. That is what the local hotel and tourist information is for. I love this book as a resource for places to visit, and unique places that I did not know existed before I bought this book. If you love to travel as I do, then this book can be a great help for far away places that capture imagination and intrigue.
103061
This is a great book that takes you around the world. You'll see photographs and have access to the personal stories that go with them. You'll have an up close view of the places traveled. This isn't a typical touristy type book, rather it reaches deep and touches you within.
3620531
Plenty of information presented in a unique way.  Not like the cookie cutter guides put out by other places.  Personally this book has saved me money and time on my upcoming trip.  You'll get the cover price back in benefits easy.