Africa by Road, 3rd: The Bradt Travel Guide

by Charlie Shackell, Illya Bracht

Paperback - 304 pages 3rd edition (March 2001)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Traveling across Africa on your own set of wheels is to know the true freedom of the open road. Crossing the Sahara, driving through game reserves, camping by the Indian Ocean - the possibilities are endless. This third edition of Africa by Road brings travelers up-to-date on how to plan and get the most out of an overland trip. Detailed information on preparation is backed up by on-the-road strategies, from driving through rivers to coping with bureaucracy, plus an insight into the people to be met along the way. An indispensable handbook for anyone dreaming of the ultimate African adventure. You will find comprehensive and up-to-date advice on planing and preparation. There is information on buying a vehicle, driving, maintenance, repairs, and more; suggested itineraries and maps; A-Z country gazetteer with essential travel facts and highlights; overland trucks for group travel; and health and safety tips throughout the continent. (5 1/4 X 8 1/2, 304 pages, color photos, b&w photos, maps, illustrations, diagrams, charts)

Recommended by Red Bull on the HUBB.

Lonely Planet Africa on a Shoestring (10th Ed)

by Kevin Anglin, Becca Blond, Jean-Bernard Carillet

Paperback - 928 pages 10th edition (March 2004)

(Comments below were for the 9th Edition)

Weighing less than two pounds but covering 55 countries, Africa on a Shoestring has 240 maps, up-to-date visa and border advice, language glossaries, safety information, background history, politics, culture, and ecology, plus the necessary inside intelligence on places to stay, what and where to eat, the sights worth seeing, and where the Internet cafés are to be found.

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: Maurizio Giuliano, Bangkok, Thailand

Truly an indispensable tool for all Africa visitors, December 25, 2000

Africa is large, and it's hard or impossible to concentrate so much information and advice into one book. Yet, Lonely Planet - as always - managed to do this with great muster. Unless you have time and money to buy the many LP guides to single regions and countries of Africa, this is the book you want before you even plan of visiting the black continent !

Lonely Planet East Africa (6th Ed)

by Mary Fitzpatrick, Nick Ray, T. Parkinson

Synopsis (This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title)

Considered the Bible of East African travel, this LP guide offers useful critiques of places to eat and stay--from camping and cooking your own grub to offerings in high-end hotels; advises you on how to choose an organized safari or plan your own; provides national park essentials; offers details on Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya treks; and will get you interacting with the locals by way of its helpful Swahili language section.

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: Lisa Warninger, Yakima, WA USA- May 15, 2001

I am a solo female traveler who has just spent three months in East Africa. Every traveler I met had this guide. I agree that it is the 'bible' of east africa. Travelling to this area you don't have much of a choice of travel guides and this gives good information on all the little villages, how to get around, how to survive a matatu.... all the visa infomation, cultural information.... everything you need to have an awesome trip. I also recommend getting the Trekking East Africa guide if you plan on doing any trekking. It goes more in depth then just the East Africa guide and if you find yourself on a mountain you will want a detailed map, which the East Africa guide lacks.

Lonely Planet West Africa (5th Ed)

by Mary Fitzpatrick, Andrew Burke, Greg Campbell, Bethune Carmichael, Matt Fletcher, Frances Linzee Gordon, Anthony Ham, Amy Karafin, Kim Wildman, Isabelle Young

Reviews - Amazon.com

Jason Chance from Middlebury, VT USA

This book is practically the bible for W. Africa travel. I lived and worked in W. Africa for 3 years (2 years as a Peace Corps volunteer) and I never went anywhere without consulting LP. The information is as accurate as anything out there. It offers you suggested itineraries and "off the beaten path" suggestions as well as the traditionally touristy destinations. Many parts are less objective than other parts and the writers tend to harp on corruption. But W. Africa is a pretty corrupt place in general. If you don't like the editorial sections, skip 'em, the info you need is still there.

Reviewer: J. Michael Mattox Jr. from Paris, France

I really enjoyed this book. I feel it is the best written LP I've ever read (and I've read and traveled with many LP titles). I used the Sénégal section and found the hotel listings current and the maps very accurate. I really liked the special boxes with additional information on dangers, scams, and personal safety. I personally witnessed many things that I had read about in this book, making me ready for would be scam artists. One guy approached me and said "Remember me from the hotel lobby?" I had to keep myself from laughing. I replied back "I think so, which hotel?" and he didn't know what to say. With LP West Africa you will be well prepared to travel in one of the hardest places to travel in the world.

NOTE: The book is 4 years old and the region is even more unsafe now then it was 4 years ago. Be careful when traveling there.

Lonely Planet Africa (Healthy Travel Guides)

by Isabelle Young

Paperback - 192 pages (January 2000)

The publisher, Lonely Planet Publications

New Health Travel Series by Lonely Planet. Getting the most out of your travels means staying healthy. "Healthy Travel Africa" is a user-friendly guide to minimizing health risks for travelers to all parts of Africa, including Egypt.

Amazon.com Reviews

Reviewer: A reader from Chapel Hill, NC, April 27, 2000

A Must Purchase For Travelers To Africa. If you are planning to travel anywhere in Africa, especially Sub-Saharan Africa this small, handy book is a must. With the number of infectious diseases prevelant in Africa it is foolish to take unneccessary risks, but most people are probably not familiar with the health risks and options open to them. This book contains comprehensive information on what do to before you go, how to stay healthy, and what to do when you get back. It also has a substantial list of symptoms, diseases and treatments just in case you do get sick (or injured from outdoor activities). It works for outdoor adventurer's, resort go-ers, and urban-only businessmen. Plus its minature size makes it convenient to carry.

Lonely Planet Alaska (7th Ed)

by Jim Dufresne, Paige R. Penland, Don Root

Paperback - 7th edition (May 2003)

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: Navyratt from Pensacola, FL USA

Along with Frommer's Alaska 2004, this is tied for first place among the Alaska travel guides. Especially for the outdoors stuff they include. There are 70+ maps inside, showing trails, waterways, etc., for the adventurer. And there is an entire section devoted to the top ten of hiking in Alaska. For an adventuring trip to Alaska, this book is great.

But I believe it's also the best of the "big 3" (Fodor's, Frommer's, Lonely Planet) as far as how much it encompasses overall. It is quite comprehensive for the tourist, pointing out all of the things a tourist may want to see, and it balances this with the same amount of equally useful information for people going to Alaska to kayak, hike, bike, and explore.

While I still enjoy the Frommer's Alaska more than any of the Alaska guides, this book has things that Frommer's doesn't when it comes to tourist-oriented sightseeing. Fodor's Alaska 2004, on the other hand, is almost entirely tourist-oriented, with little useful information for anyone going to Alaska to adventure. But this book is a solid guide, and I've taken it to Alaska with me on my adventuring trips. Worth the money, and my time to recommend this book!

Alberta Recreational Atlas (Canadian Road & Recreational Atlas Series)

by PTC Phototype Composing Ltd

Paperback (2000)

Editorial Reviews:

"This Atlas contains up-to-date, full color maps covering all of Ontario and includes the new Ministry of Transportation highway changes. Compiled in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Ontario and Conservation Ontario. Major city maps providing street names, tourist attractions and transportation links. Names index of over 11,000 places, creeks, rivers, lakes, bays and islands. Provincial parks, national parks, conservation areas, ski facilities, recreation facilities, hospitals, major tourist attractions, tourist information centres, distance chart, major hiking trails, airports and seaplane bases. Provincial & national parks services, fees and opening dates, conservation area services with descriptions of unique & natural features."

Lonely Planet Antarctica (3rd Ed)

by Jeff Rubin

Paperback - 328 pages 3rd edition (January 2005)

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: Mark-Lawrence Zammit from Santa Venera, Malta

Jeff Rubin's guide-book to Antarctica is a treasure, first of all because guide-books on Antarctica are still very rare indeed, secondly because it is exhaustively comprehensive in its detail and yet so readable...

Practical tips on when, how and with whom to go is both up to date, independent and as complete as one can get. Plenty of information on the main Antarctic gateways is also provided as well as my most treasured part of the book - the chapter on the Sub-Antarctic Islands packed with information which is very diffuclt to find anywhere else with details on such isolated islands like Bouvetoya - the most isolated land on earth, Ile Crozet, Ile Kerguelen and many many others.

There are more than 20 maps in this book including, believe it or not, a map of non-existent islands.... A selection of photos is also present in this book, although unfortuantely not even one new photo has been added when compared to the first edition.

This book is a must for all those who are going to Antarctica....

Lonely Planet Central Asia (3rd Ed)

by Bradley Mayhew, Paul Clammer, Michael Kohn

Paperback - 512 pages 3rd edition (July 2004)

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: Maurizio Giuliano from Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Truly up-to-date, it offers all the advice, tips and information that travellers expect to get from Lonely Planet. And in this region, you'll need it ! Even if you speak Russian like myself, this is not an easy region to travel around...visas and other bureaucratic problems, flights and trains which may or may not run, hotels which may or may not exist... You won't know what to do or where to go, and once you do you may realize you should have done otherwise. With this guide, you won't be lost. It will truly be your companion during the whole journey, whether or not you are familiar with the region. And it will also provide excellent and very plesant reading with its sections on culture, history, politics, etc. Last but not least, this edition contains two new sections on Afghanistan and on China's Xinjiang province. Afghanistan will be hard to visit so far (but not impossible - ask me !), yet the information is invaluable and highly interesting. Xinjiang is a destination which, thanks to the information contained in this guidebook (and ONLY thanks to that information, which you won't find elsewhere !), you will be able to combine with your trip to the five former Soviet nations of Central Asia. Buy it now, and you will be on your way even sooner than you plan.

Driving Tours Austria (Frommer's Driving Tours)

by Adi Kraus and Adrian Baker

Paperback (1995)

Alex from Alex's BMW Motorcycle & Global Touring Page:

"This book lists 25 tours that span from 2 to 7 days each. A detailed map for each tour lists attractions for all tastes along the way. There is at least one picture per page; all of them in color"

Lonely Planet Australia (12th Ed)

by Paul Smitz, Susie Ashworth, Carolyn Bain, Neal Bedford, Verity Campbell, Pete Cruttenden, Susannah Farfor

Paperback - 1056 pages 12th edition (January 2004)

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: Shorty "jillshari" from Owings Mills, MD USA

I found that this book is more geared to the backpackers or very cost-aware traveler. So, when we were looking for luxury and to splurge it wasn't the best. But, it may have what you are looking for.

Also, the format of this book is divided into sections of the country and then the various lodging, restaurants etc.... but it has very long descriptions and small print and was too much information for us at the time.

Lonely Planet Australia Pack

The Lonely Planet Australia Pack includes everything you need to plan the perfect trip: the Australia guidebook, Australian phrasebook and Watching Wildlife Australia. Whether you want to walk the Larapinta Trail or dive on Ningaloo, wine and dine in multicultural Melbourne or gaze at the stars in the awesome Outback - you'll find these guides to the continent of extremes indispensable.

Lonely Planet Brazil (5th Ed)

by John Noble, Andrew Draffen, Robyn Jones, Chris McAsey, Leonardo Pinheiro

Synopsis

Uncover the many layers of Brazil. Canoe the jungles of the Amazon, hang glide above Rio’s beaches or experience the baroque architecture of Ouro Prêto. Whether you want to listen to the roar of Iguaçu Falls or get down at Carnaval, this essential guide will show the way.

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: "emlizmue" from St. Louis, MO USA

On a three month research trip to Brazil, my husband and I began a letter to Lonely Planet detailing every mistake, omission, and out-of-date reference we could remember. Sometimes we just couldn't write fast enough! Many of the maps were virtually useless (particularly the one of Salvador, we thought). Prices were vastly different and inaccurate (and not due only to changes in the exchange rate). At the end of three months, our letter was in excess of 7 single spaced typed pages! And we certainly didn't go everywhere.

Blue Highways

by William Least Heat - Moon, William Least Heat-Moon

Paperback - 448 pages (October 1994)

Editorial Reviews:

First published in 1982, William Least Heat-Moon's account of his journey along the back roads of the United States (marked with the color blue on old highway maps) has become something of a classic. When he loses his job and his wife on the same cold February day, he is struck by inspiration: "A man who couldn't make things go right could at least go. He could quit trying to get out of the way of life. Chuck routine. Live the real jeopardy of circumstance. It was a question of dignity."

JSherm from Brooklyn, NY, USA said on HUBB:

"...Blue Highways was a great read. I always thought of trying to retrace that trip on a motorcycle."

Recommended - excellent. Grant

British Columbia Road & Recreational Atlas 5th Edition

Publisher: Heritage House Publishing Company Ltd

Paperback (2001)

Editorial Reviews:

"If you love the outdoors, the British Columbia Road & Recreational Atlas is the perfect companion. Hunters, fishers, photographers, hikers, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts will find this publication to be an indispensible tool when traveling throughout the province. Whatever your favourite outdoor activity may be, the B.C. Road and Recreational Atlas will help you experience all there is to see and do throughout the province. To ensure accuracy, this Atlas was complied in collaboration with the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, the Ministry of Transportation and B.C. Forest Service."

Destinations Highways B.C., Canada

"Destination Highways B.C. is the most comprehensive guidebook ever produced for the motorcycle enthusiast touring British Columbia (Canada).

...a written description of the unique riding experience each Destination Highway offers. 'At a Glance' gives you get a succinct profile of the DH’s most noteworthy features. 'Access' tells you how to get there. 'On the Road' is an in-depth, kilometre-by-kilometre chronicle of the ride.

What about roads that aren’t quite worth 'travelling to, to journey on' but are worth checking out if you happen to be in the neighbourhood? In addition to the 85 Destination Highways, DH BC guides you to 100 Twisted Edges. Located close to DHs, these may be quiet, bypass routes that offer alternatives to major highways, access roads to out of the way lakes, parks or tourist attractions, or just winding dead-enders that gravel out in the middle of nowhere.

Of course, there’s more to motorcycling than smooth, twisty, traffic-free roads. Both you and your machine need fuel and maintenance. Whether you’re in immediate need of a bike shop, accommodation, campground, restaurant, gas station, or the nearest pub, Destination Highways B.C. answers the call, providing indispensable service information of special importance to motorcyclists, all shown on our easy-to-use LO-LITE maps. Spiral-bound and specially sized, Destination Highways B.C. fits a standard tank bag map window. With a wealth of information clearly displayed, Destination Highways B.C. provides all the tools you need to find and enjoy your favourite Destination Highway."

This book gets rave reviews from BC riders! (Grant)

Adventure Cambodia: An Explorer's Travel Guide

by Matt Jacobson and Frank Visakay

Paperback (2001)

Editorial Reviews:

"This travel guide includes clear directions for travelers both on motorcycles and local transportation, highlighting sights and destinations far off the beaten track-the wild Cardamom Mountains on the Thai border, the breathtaking Preah Vihear Temple in Cambodia's most remote province, and the magnificent Bousra waterfall and river gorge in the forests of Mondulkiri. It includes government maps of every province and large city and 27 town maps surveyed by the authors. Practical, up-to-date advice includes transportation, accommodations, safety, communications, language hints, restaurants, entertainment, services, and sightseeing."

Rick Randal from California, USA:

"I carried this book with me for three weeks in Cambodia and I was delighted that I chose this one. The maps pinpoint the hotels and restaurants even in small out of the way towns. This book has maps and towns not even mentioned in other books. It has excellent coverage and inside information on the 'Big three'-Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukeville and has a huge color fold out map of the entire country on one side and a detailed map of Phnom Pen on the other,The safety and traveling tips are unique and worth the price of the book alone. Wonderfuly easy to read."

Chef in Your Backpack: Gourmet Cooking in the Great Outdoors

by Nicole Bassett

Paperback (2004)

Editorial Reviews:

"Nicole offers a wide-range of meal ideas, from power breakfasts to soul-nurturing dinners, all of which can either be prepared in their entirety outdoors or with a little preparation at home before you go.

With this Chef in Your Backpack, camping and hiking never tasted so good!"

Lonely Planet Canada (8th Ed)

by Mark Lightbody, Jeff Davis, Lisa Dunford, Steve Kokker, Susan Rimerman, Don Root, David Stanley

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: Stephan Schmidt-Tank from Stuttgart, Germany, October 8, 2000

I used the lonely planet Canada for travelling from the West Coast to the East Coast. In most places I found that it gave me all the information that I needed on hostels and places to eat.

The section on the Canadain Rockies was not so good, and an extra guide book is recommened.

On the negative side of this book is that some of the maps are incorrect and I found myself walking the wrong way.

I don't have anything to compare the book to, but it did the job for me.

Cats of Cairo: Egypt's Enduring Legacy

Get the just released THIRD edition of her book, Cairo Cats - Egypt's Enduring Legacy via her website http://www.CairoCats.com . It's a great book! She made a deal with the publisher allowing her to sell a limited number of copies from her site, which gives her a much better deal than the usual dollar a copy she gets from Amazon etc. Cairo Cats is for travel fanatics and cat lovers, and each picture accompanies quotes from folktales, religion and poetry of Egypt and the Arab world. It's a book which educates readers about the Middle East in a non-threatening way. You can see what it looks like by clicking on http://www.CairoCats.com/Inside.htm

Her first book was Shadows in the Sand: Following the Forty Days Road, about her travels with 200 camels along an ancient caravan route from Sudan to Egypt.

Mention Horizons Unlimited and get a dollar off when buying direct from Loreraine!

Also see Lorraine's monthly blog, http://www.OnaMissionFromDog.com

Central America

Paul Glassman has been writing best-selling travel guides to Central America since 1975 - he ought to know something about the area. You can even ask him questions at his website.

Lonely Planet Chile & Easter Island (6th Ed)

by Carolyn Hubbard, Brigitte Barta, Jeff Davis

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: Soren Dayton from Washington, DC USA

I was really stunned by the number of things that were not in this book. But for a number of things, like finding good places to eat and sleep, this was far and away, the best book that I used in Chile (I also had Openroad and Footprints).

Example things that were left out: almost anything on Torres del Paine. No mention of the W. No mention of a glorious day hike in Puerto Natales. Little mention of logistics for getting around to various parks.

It seems to me that this is an essential book to have, but I don't think that it will do as the only one. And I don't have a good recommendation for the other one.

Lonely Planet China (China, 8th Ed)

by Damian, Harper, Marie Cambon, Katja Gaskell, Thomas Huhti, Bradley Mayhew, Korina Miller, Mielikki Org

Paperback - 980 pages 8th edition (August 2002)

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: Tom Reynolds from Wuhan, China

They say that everything you hear about China is true somewhere. Everything you read in LP China may also be true somewhere but unfortunately not always where you are. Originally published in August 2002 this book is well past its prime. It is still superior to the Rough Guide but could use a serious update. Speaking of which the overleaf promises guidebook upgrades on the Internet but they discontinued this in favour of user discussion.

Pricing - the cost of tea in China, you say? Like most things in China, prices are in constant flux and I question the value of including them. They are more misleading than helpful. Tourist attractions will generally be higher than what the book says but other prices will be close.

Locations - I live in the city of Wuhan and in the last two year it has undergone tremendous changes. There is simply no way for a printed book to keep up with them. For example, in the last six months the bus routes in WuChang have changed four times.

If you are going to travel around China be flexible! Expect that nothing in the guidebook will be where you expected. Expect to bargain for everything, hotel prices included. Remember that any guide book is only a starting place. As I have travelled around southern China I have used this book as a starting point and then asked the locals what they would do. Most have never been to the "tourist sites" but can show you a great street restaurant just around the corner.

This book is great for those thinking of going to China but who will never make the trip, or for those who are going on a package trip to fourteen cities in eight days. For those who want to explore China on their own I would advise caution.

Deserts of the Earth (Hardcover)

by Michael Martin and Elke Wallner

Hardcover - 372 pages (November 15, 2004)

Product description :

"Magnificent desert landscapes from every part of the globe, together with photographs of their imaginative, adaptable, dignified inhabitants.

Internationally renowned photographer Michael Martin has traveled through every desert on earth, crossing Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Africa, seeking out the most spectacular landscapes, from the Rub al-Khali to the Great Sandy Desert, the Great Basin, and the Kalahari.

Many of these "wastelands" consist of more than just desert sand. Afghanistan's Bamian region is notable for its deep blue-green lakes set in a rocky landscape. The Danakil's unnamed volcanoes glow in the Ethiopian night, while Chile's Atacama region harbors geysers that can erupt at any moment.

Martin was joined on his five-year motorcycle odyssey by camerawoman Elke Wallner, who has documented the major deserts of the world in a television series. Together they overcame numerous obstacles—political and physical—to accomplish a journey of some 60,000 miles and the first single-volume documentation of earth's breathtaking desert landscapes. 300 color photographs and 23 maps."

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: Mike McGonigal

"Born in Munich in 1963, photographer Michael Martin must surely have been a nomad in another life, as he's become the world's photographer of the African deserts. Over the years, he's published 15 books and taken at least 80 journeys throughout the world's deserts, in often dangerous conditions. This book, five years in the making, is sort of a culmination of his work to date, and it's lovely. Thankfully, Martin's as interested in the inhabitants of these far-flung and strangely shifting lands as he is in the stark beauty of the environments themselves. None of the commentary is hackneyed or written with postcolonial prejudices; on the contrary, it's quite clear the long-haired and adventurous Martin wishes he could be living in the desert himself. If you think this is going to be all a bunch of pictures of sand in various formations, you are sorely mistaken. Here are breathtaking images of mineral-encrusted salt lakes, strange craggy rocks, beautiful cacti, and people with weather-beaten faces who live in trailer homes, tents and medieval towns."

Do's and Taboos Around The World (3rd Ed)

by Roger E. Axtell (Editor)

Paperback - 208 pages (June 1993)

Editorial Reviews

"The ultimate guide to international behavior.now completely updated and expanded! Do's and Taboos Around the World 3rd Edition "Roger Axtell is an international Emily Post." -The New Yorker "Can help you make friends [and] avoid travel trouble." -BusinessWeek "Helpful.fun to read." -Steve Birnbaum The first two editions of Do's and Taboos Around the World helped thousands of high-powered executives and tourists avoid the missteps and misunderstandings that plague the world traveler. This updated and expanded Third Edition provides even more facts, tips, and cautionary tales-gleaned from the experiences of more than five hundred international business travelers..."

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: Barbara Rose (Borntoinspire.Com, USA, Editor, inspire! Magazine)

"The basis of this wonderful book is to show the customs, protocol and laws in societies that may be vastly different from the society in which you live.
The book is categorized according to country, and includes cartoon type illustrations of face gestures, hand and arm gestures, and what they mean. In some countries the same gesture has a completely different meaning, which anyone who uses a lot of body language would do well to learn.
The section on Graceful Gift Giving brings valuable insight so as not to insult anyone from different lands, as gift giving is viewed in different ways according to different cultures..."

Lonely Planet Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands (6th Ed)

by Rob Rachowiecki, Danny Palmerlee

Paperback - 416 pages 6th edition (August 2003)

Synopsis

This book covers everything you'll need to know about traveling through this enchanting country, including the most interesting sights and the best-value hotels and restaurants, as well as practical advice on all forms of public transportation, from air flights to dugout canoes. All this - set off by a host of background details on the country, its people and its culture - will make this guide an indispensable part of your trip.

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: Carl Warren Gilmore from Woodstock, IL USA

This book was recommended by a friend who had been to Ecuador, and for good reason. The descriptions are give just enough information without missing the key points. I tried some of the more obscure places that were recommended by the Guide and found all of them to be worth the trip. The comments were pretty good and accurate, so if the authors tell you not to miss something, don't miss it and vice versa.

The historical notes are accurate. Combine the book with a trip to the US State Department websites to get a good, rounded background.

I also visited the Galapagos, and the book was too skimpy and rudimentary. The animal pictures are fine but quite incomplete. Don't rely on this guide if you are going to the Islands.

Overall, a handy book. I read or skimmed a few other books in preparation for my trip and this one was equaly to or better than the rest.

Rough Guide to Ecuador (2nd Ed)

by Harry Ades, Melissa Graham

Paperback - 592 pages 2nd edition (January 2004)

Reviews - Amazon.Com

Reviewer: Carmel B McConnell from London United Kingdom

Opening the door to Ecuador. We have just returned from a month in Ecuador and found the new Rough Guide invaluable. Each chapter is clearly laid out and gives an accurate summary of regional highlights. It definitely made our trip planning and travel much easier. Ecuador is an amazing Andean country, with rainforests, tropical pacific coastline, high active volcanoes and the Galapagos Islands.

The Rough Guide provided us with essential information on how to travel and tips on safety and health proved very helpful.

Overall this is a really good, clear guide book with excellent recommendations for where to stay, what to do and even good tips on where to eat, drink and party. Don't go up the jungle without it!

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage

by Alfred Lansing

Paperback - 282 pages 2nd edition (March 1999)

Editorial Reviews:

Through the diaries of team members and interviews with survivors, Lansing reconstructs the months of terror and hardship the Endurance crew suffered. In October of 1915, there "were no helicopters, no Weasels, no Sno-Cats, no suitable planes. Thus their plight was naked and terrifying in its simplicity. If they were to get out--they had to get themselves out." How Shackleton did indeed get them out without the loss of a single life is at the heart of Lansing's magnificent true-life adventure tale.

DE Mark from Maryland, USA said on HUBB:

"The best adventure story ever told, is the story of Shackleton expedition as chronicled in "Endurance" by Alfred Lansing."

Futronix from Sydney, Australia said on HUBB:

"On the topic of non bike books,... Alfred Lansings book ENDURANCE about Shakleton's Antartic adventure is one of the most inspiring travel narratives ever writen."

Lonely Planet Central Europe (5th Ed)

by Susie Ashworth, Chris Baty, Neal Bedford, Andrew Bender, Yvonne Byron

Paperback - 736 pages 5th Edition (January 2003)

Synopsis

Comprehensive and candid, this essential guide will help you discover the best of Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Reviews -Amazon.com

Reviewer: K. Conner from Denver, Colorado

There aren't too many guides out there specific to Central Europe. The book was helpful for general reference but, lacked any good detail for traveling. The maps were somewhat helpful, but always seemed to be just limited enough so it didn't show where you wanted to go. The book is great for the tourist that doesn't want to get away from touristy places. If you want to go local this book is not helpful. And what is it about travel books? When are they going to make a travel book that you can seperate out the sections you want? If you don't want to carry around some 10 lb brick of a book and only the sections you need. I know the technology is out there.

Lonely Planet Eastern Europe (7th Ed)

by Paul Greenway

Paperback - 912 pages 7th edition (January 2003)

Synopsis

Covers Albania, Belarus, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Moscow & St Petersburg, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine and Yugoslavia.

Reviews -Amazon.com

Reviewer: R. E. Schalkx "Phd student" from Utrecht, The Netherlands

The Lonely Planet Eastern Europe offers the tremendous amount of information that users of the lonely planet have come accustomed to. As always, the history parts are excellent and the maps are lousy.I used the parts about Croatia, Slovenia and Slovakia and found that although this book is good for planning, a lot of information is already outdated. This goes especially for information about museums that turned out to have closed, entrance prices that had doubled and accommodation that was not mentioned. Maybe that is inevitable with a book that covers so many countries, (especially countries going through so many changes) but while travelling it loses much of its practicality. I recommend to use this book to plan your route and then buy extra travel guides for the countries you want to spend some more time in.

Lonely Planet Western Europe (7th Ed)

by Loretta Chilcoat, Reuben Acciano, Fiona Adams

Paperback - 1096 pages 7th edition (February 2005)

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: diego@oldcontinent.com from Guadalajara, México

This guide has a great introduction of facts for the visitor, how to get there and how to move around. The "per country" information is extended (better than Let's go Europe), it first shows you the general look of the country and then explores city by city telling you what to see and do, budget places to stay and camping sites around.

Even though the hostels listings are long, I'd recommend that you get an alternate source of hotels, since lot's of people traveling in Europe are carrying this guide and have the same listings as you do, when you arrive to Barcelona on Friday night you'll know what I mean, another guidebook or the internet always help.

The Ends of the Earth: From Togo to Turkmenistan, from Iran to Cambodia, a Journey to the Frontiers of Anarchy

by Robert Kaplan

Paperback - 476 pages (February 1997)

Reviews - Amazon.com

Reviewer: A reader from New Mexico, July 19, 1998

"Pragmatic and objective - Repeatedly in this book he cites the burdens of colonialism and the effects of haphardard geography and willingness to arm anyone claiming to be "democratic" or an anticommunist. I've had the opportunity to travel to some of his destinations and his reflections on the smells, the refuse and the human tragedy of mediocrity hits the mark. This book is about first-hand experience and impressions; he balances these observations with facts, figures and literature. Kaplan's above being a neo-Richard Burton or Graham Greene; his work is valuable because it's objectivity with a twist of gut reaction so it's not CIA reports or embassy description. His contribution to understanding the "Third World" is excellent as it is rare."

Reviewer: Jon Reimer from Victoria, BC Canada, December 6, 2001

"Robert Kaplan has made a name for himself by combining the page turning, easy-reading style of many (unfortunately factless) journalists into authoritive accounts of humanity's struggles in the developing world.

From my own travels in the developing world, I have seen that, even more than in the United States or anywhere else in the developed world, foriegn elites can live a rich and privileged life away from the general populace. This is exactly what has happened among residents of embassies, development projects and expatriate businesses. The result of this distance is the complete inability to understand the complexity of world issues.

Kaplan's strength is the insights he gains by travelling on the ground in bush taxis and dusty pensions; he recognizes that these economic, political, cultural and geographical issues are inextricably linked and must be dealt with as such."

Flying Blind, Flying Safe: The Former Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Transportation Tells You Everything You Need to Know to Travel Safer by Air

by Mary Schiavo, Sabra Chartrand

Paperback - 433 pages (1998)

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW WILL HURT YOU! April 29, 2000
Reviewer: A reader

What you don't know will hurt you when flying old planes, and planes not serviced properly. Anyone who turns a blind eye to this information is living in the bliss of ignorance. (and probably still believes in the tooth fairy!)

You choose your cars with more caution, your tooth brushes and your lawn mowers. PLEASE MARY SCHIAVO, WRITE ANOTHER UPDATED BOOK. I fly SMARTER AND SAFER because of this book.

Consider you choose your childs bike safety helmet and car seat with caution. Please investigate the aircraft you are putting your family in on your next vacation.

Recommended by Red Bull on the HUBB.

4Wd Driving Skills: A Manual for on and Off Road Travel

by Vic Widman

Paperback (2001)

Recommended by Red Bull on the HUBB.

Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road

by Neil Peart

Paperback (2002)

Jason Kaplitz said:

"I got a copy of Ghost Rider, written by Neil Peart the drumer from RUSH. I am about 1/2 way through it and I am really enjoying it. It's about his travel around North America after some personal losses; while aboard his BMW GS. If you're looking for a way to pass these winter months pick yourself up a copy."

Editorial Reviews:

"In less than a year, Neil Peart lost both his 19-year-old daughter, Selena, and his wife, Jackie. Faced with overwhelming sadness and isolated from the world in his home on the lake, Peart was left without direction. This memoir tells of the sense of loss and directionlessness that led him on a 55,000-mile journey by motorcycle across much of North America, down through Mexico to Belize, and back again. He had needed to get away, but had not really needed a destination. His travel adventures chronicle his personal odyssey and include stories of reuniting with friends and family, grieving, thinking, and reminiscing as he rode until he encountered the miracle that allowed him to find peace."

The Gringo Trail

by Mark Mann

Paperback (2002)

Rio Laine on Amazon.com:

Editorial Reviews:

"With little more than backpacks and desire for adventure, Mark Mann and two friends set out on an expedition through Ecuador, Bolivia, and Colombia, submerging themselves in Latin culture. Through dense forests, daunting mountains, and pristine beaches, the trio makes its way - in a drug-induced haze. Soon the drugs become an all-consuming addiction that changes the lives of Mann and his friends forever. This engaging travelogue and frank memoir evokes the magical realism of South American literature."

Have Wheels, Will Travel (Amazing Days Of Abby Hayes #4)

by Anne Mazer, Monica Gesue (Illustrator)

Paperback - 144 pages (2001)

A Kid's Review

I have read all the books in the Abby hayes series and love them all. They are easy to make personal connections with and are very realistic. In this one, Abby Hayes has to use SuperSis Eva's old, scuffed up Rollerblades. She has a race with her brother Alex but thanks to the Rollerblades she lost and had to play chess with him. Then she saw perfect Rollerblades in the store window. Will she ever earn enough to get the Rollerblades? You'll have to read the book to find out.

Recommended by Red Bull on the HUBB.

The Hunter, The Hammer, and Heaven: Journeys to three Worlds Gone Mad

by Robert Young Pelton

Hardcover - 320 pages (January 2002)

Editorial Reviews

In The Hunter, the Hammer, and Heaven He (Mr. Pelton) introduces an extraordinary cast of characters from three of the most war-ravaged countries on earth - the West African country of Sierra Leone, the breakaway republic of Chechnya, and a mysterious land in the South Pacific called Bougainville. In each location he provides a firsthand exploration of important new developments in conflict, and a unique insight into the forces that are shaping the world's future.

Reviews -Amazon.com

Reviewer: J. Marren "jtm497" from Glen Ridge, NJ USA

Each of the three stories combines a rather matter of fact but most interesting story of exactly how he gets in and out of places and who he sees and what they say; with his insights on where the various parties are clashing and how they are doing. Each of these "case studies" is distinct, but taken together, they give one the sense of dispair that comes from reading Robert Kaplan, or William Shawcross, or Ralph Peters.

The Ice Master: The Doomed 1913 Voyage of the Karluk

by Jennifer Niven

Paperback - 402 pages (October 2001)

Editorial Reviews

Eighty-five years after a famous but ill-equipped Canadian Arctic expedition of 1913 had sacrificed 16 lives, some artifacts appeared on an Internet auction site. They had originated at a "ghost camp," discovered in 1924, where four of the expedition's 28 men, one woman, and two children had perished. Jennifer Niven has completed the unfulfilled mission of survivor William McKinlay to produce a "more honest and revealing account" of the wreck of the Karluk and its aftermath.

Futronix from Sydney, Australia said on HUBB:

"The ICE MASTER by Jennifer Niven is also a fantastic read similar to endurance..."

Lonely Planet India (10th Ed)

by Sarina Singh

Paperback - 1088 pages 10th edition (August 2003)

Book Description

• feast your eyes on the sights in our 16-page color highlights section • tease your tastebuds with reviews of thousands of restaurants and cafes • meet and greet the locals using our handy language chapter • find your way with 218 maps, including a full-color country map • follow the safest path with our vital information on health risks, scams and regions in conflict.

Reviews -Amazon.com

Reviewer: J. Marren "jtm497" from Glen Ridge, NJ USA

One should never rely on just one source for a major adventure, as any trip to India is, and this very complete guide is no exception. This guide has excellent information on the history, culture and people of India, and the color section on Sacred India is a nice touch. It has lots of very practical information on what to bring, what you can and can't photograph, what to read before you go, how to avoid "cultural misunderstandings." It's helpful for preparing people for the assault Westerners often experience--ask for directions and you have a friend/guide for life, often accompanied by a very aggressive demand for money. The health and safety information is also pretty good--except that they say that tap water in cities is OK to drink--ignore this advice! I find this guide limited in its retaurant and hotel selections, especially if you're not a low-budget or student traveller. Also, information changes constantly--internet cafes spring up and close overnight, new restaurants and hotels open up every day, and the political situation bears watching up until the day you leave. And of course no guide book has really good maps. But why limit yourself--the internet is chock full of information on this wonderful, confusing, fascinating country!

The Rough Guide to South India (3rd Ed)

by David Abram, et al

Paperback - 784 pages 3rd edition (February 2004)

Synopsis

South India, though, remains one of the most relaxed and congenial parts of Asia to explore. It is also among the easiest. In all but the remotest districts, accommodation is plentiful, clean and inexpensive by Western standards. Freshly cooked, nutritious food is nearly always available. Getting around is usually straightforward, although the sheer size and problematic geography of the South means journeys can be long. The region’s extensive rail network is a miraculous feat, moving vast numbers of people at all times of the day and night, and if a train isn’t heading where you want to go, a bus probably will be. Furthermore, the widespread use of English makes communication relatively easy. South Indians are the most garrulous and inquisitive of travellers, and train rides are always enlivened by conversations that invariably begin with the refrain of "Coming from?" or "Your native place?"

Lonely Planet Iran (4th Ed)

by Andrew Burke

Paperback - 384 pages 4th edition (November 2004)

Book Description

Bustling bazaars and ancient sights, parched deserts and snowcapped mountains, awesome architecture and simple hospitality - discover Iran's myriad attractions with this bestselling guide to the Persian heartland. Lonely Planet knows Iran better than anyone - discover its treasures with us.

Inspiring Adventures Overseas:
special interest travel

by Kate Armstrong

Paperback - 224 pages

Book Description from its publisher Global Exchange website:

"Whether it's digging for evidence of ancient civilisations, painting a warm coloured Tuscan landscape, attending a dawn service at Gallipolli, smelling freshly crushed garlic in an Italian kitchen, understanding the influence of Islam on a Morroccan city, finding your family's roots, tramping along ridges in the Pyrenees or enjoying an opera in Vienna, you'll be enchanted. Not only will you get closer to the country and yourself, you'll share your experiences with like-minded enthusiasts.

With both inspiring stories and a comprehensive special interest travel directory, this book will start you on your journey."

Price: AUD $24.95 (incl. GST)
ISBN: 1 876438 16 9

Ordering information is available on website of Global Exchange's distributor, The Australian Book Group.

Lonely Planet Istanbul to Cairo on a Shoestring

by Andrew Humphreys, Jeff Williams

Paperback - 512 pages (January 2000)

Book Description

Istanbul to Cairo is a classic overland route offering an extraordinary range of travel experiences in six of the Middle East's most fascinating countries.

With over 75 maps this brand new budget-travellers' guide covers all the essentials and more.

Reviews -Amazon.com

Reviewer: joet1 from New Jersey, USA -May 4, 2000

Excellent Guidebook. Wandering through the bustling Istanbul Grand Bazaar, exploring the Syrian desert oasis ruins of Palmyra, feeling like Indiana Jones in front of the amazing rock temples and treasuries of Petra, floating along the Nile, and swimming with schools of the most remarkable exotic fish in the Red Sea are just a fraction of the adventures to be had while exploring the 'cradle of civilizaion.' Lonely Planet once again scores big with a very accurate and informative guidebook that is ESSENTIAL for navigating through this region of the world. I used this book as my primary guide along the Istanbul-Cairo route and found its maps, hotel and restaurant suggestions, itinerary suggestions, and even bus/train timetables to be right on cue with reality and far more informative than its rival guidebook companies. The Istanbul to Cairo overland route is an amazing experience, and this book has a great abundance of information about travelling through there. If you are interested primarily in travelling though this book's countries (Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt) then I would suggest this book over LP's general Middle East book and DEFINITELY over the Let's Go Middle East book, for this edition has more maps, accurate info, and details than either of its two rivals.

Eating Up Italy

by Matthew Fort

Hardcover- 320 pages (May 2004)

Referred by Acooterman on HUBB

The Rough Guide to Japan (2nd Ed)

by Jan Dodd, Simon Richmond, Tada Taku, David Waddell

Paperback - 938 pages 2nd edition (August 2001)

Note - the first edition of this book got much better reviews than the Lonely Planet guide from people who had used both, so that's why it's here and not the LP guide - Susan

Reviews -Amazon.com

Reviewer: Alexander Jacoby from Yokohama, Japan

Although I tend to favour Lonely Planet over the Rough Guide, in the case of Japan, the Rough Guide is definitely preferable, and this is increasingly the case now that the latest edition of the Lonely Planet has cut coverage of lots of off-the-beaten-track areas. The Rough Guide to Japan has the edge is conveying the feel of the places covered. I have lived in Japan for more than two years and the guide was practical and sensible on my first trips to Hiroshima and Kyoto - I still find it informative and helpful when I travel around the country now, after substantial experience of Japan. One caveat - while the coverage of such cultural sites as temples and castles is very thorough, the author is obviously not that interested in painting or sculpture. Museum after museum is dismissed for being overpriced, often when the entrance fees are, by Japanese standards, really very reasonable (600 yen or so). Some readers might be put off visiting interesting museums by this bias.

Japan is a fascinating and frustrating country. So much of its natural beauty and traditional architecture has been destroyed, but it remains an endlessly intriguing place. It deserves more visitors than it gets, but many people are put off by two main difficulties: expenses, and the scarcity of English speakers, especially outside the main cities. The Rough Guide gives useful tips on reasonably priced and pleasant accommodation; I have rarely been disappointed by a hotel or traditional inn they recommend. It also gives detailed explanations of how to get around off the beaten track, which should ease the path for the non-Japanese speaker. Newcomers and veterans alike should have few complaints.

Lonely Planet Kashmir Ladakh and Zanskar

by Margaret Schettler, Rolf Schettler

Paperback - 232 pages 3rd edition (July 1989)

Recommended by Red Bull on the HUBB

Lonely Planet Karakoram Highway (3rd Ed)

by John King

Paperback - 288 pages 3rd edition (March 1998)

Reviews
Amazon.com

Reviewer: rchickrie@hotmail.com from New York - May 13, 1999

Extremely Helpful. I reviewed several guidebooks on Pakistan before selecting this one. Lonely Planet is the best. It has the most detail information for travellers. Looking for a guesthouse, a motel, or a hotel in every corner of Pakistan, its in there. Travelling accross the country? Want to know how to make travel arrangement? Its all in there. Most importantly the prices are there. From the Arabian Coast to the borders of China, Iran and India this book is a traveller's survival kit; it all you need for you trip to Pakistan.

Using Lonely planet, I visited Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Taxila, Mardan, Peshawar, Saidu Sharif, Bahrain, Kalam (SWAT IS BEATIFUL), Muree, Abbotabad, Kaghan, Naran and Kashmir. My trip was a success thank to Lonely Planet. This guidebook is worth purchasing.

Lebenshunger

by Ulrich Aufmuth

1996

Vaufi recommended on HUBB:

The only book I came across offering a "psycological" view of this "hunger for life" is ... only in German written by Ulrich Aufmuth. The title is "Lebenshunger".

Lonely Planet on the Edge: Extreme Travel

by Cecil Kuhne (Editor), Tony Wheeler

Paperback - 256 pages (October 2000)

From the Publisher

From beginning to end, the hair-raising stories in this hand-picked collection are likely to cause a surge in adrenaline. "On the Edge: Adventurous Escapades from Around the World" follows the fortunes and misfortunes of the world's best travel writers in jungles and on seas, off the beaten track and even off the planet with two astronaut's accounts of the moon! As Tony Wheeler notes, "...sometimes these adventures have a comedic quality about them, but is it funny or is it fear disguised?" For some this collection will be the needed jolt into their own adventurous escapade, while others will crawl quickly into bed taking this book to read safely under the covers.

Notable contributors include: Pico Iyer, Eric Hansen, Jeff Greenwald, Paul Theroux, Eric Newby and Buzz Aldrin.

There are more than 30 extracts of gallant expedition books, from Arctic crossings to Everest scaling. Also included are close-shave tales from star travel writers such as Eric Newby and Paul Theroux, who comments, "Travel is pointless without certain risks".

Which ones did you find the best? Any book YOU especially like?? Suggestions please!

Please let us know of any books you think we should list here, and if possible, your comments on the book.

We very much appreciate it when you buy your books through our website, the small commission does help to defray the costs, and especially the enormous amount of work that goes into the newsletter and running the bulletin board. Thanks!

Please note that reviews are generally supplied by the vendors. I have NOT read all the books! Someday, I hope. My comments will have (Grant) appended.

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