Chinese Pyramids in the Rain by The Longest Way Home

This book caught my attention because it was on a list of the best non-fiction books of 2010 by the Christian Science Monitor. I found it to be a fascinating read and worthy of being on the best books list.

About the Author

Peter Hessler was a journalist for the New Yorker magazine based in Beijing. In the period from 2001 to 2007, he frequently drove around China and wrote about the changes in the local culture. An American who spoke Mandarin, he was able to interact with the locals in ways a tourist cannot.

The Review

The book is actually three short books in one. The first book describes his journeys by car along the Great Wall. It is an amusing and interesting commentary on the emerging car culture in China, as well as providing some historical context for the Great Wall.

The second book describes Hessler’s extended visits to a remote village, next to the Great Wall, two hours outside of Beijing. Hessler rents a house to visit on weekends to work on his writing. Over time he develops close relationships with the peasants of the village. In particular, he narrates the changes that take place in one family that are exemplary of the changes taking place in many of the Chinese. The transition from an agricultural peasant life to a modern business focused life is difficult for many of the people.

The officials literally move mountains to build a new factory town overnight.

The third book describes Hessler’s visits to a new factory town in the south. He tells the story of two businessmen who start a new factory to make brassiere parts. The interactions between the bosses, the migrant workers they hire, and the local officials is very educational in an entertaining way. The officials literally move mountains to build a new factory town overnight. The businessmen push hard to maintain their profits in a competitive field. It looks like the teenaged workers are exploited at 40 to 80 cents per hour, until one sees that the wage is better than what they could make on a farm. For all of us who have ever shopped at Walmart, it becomes clear after reading this book how cheap goods are produced and dominate the retail sector.

For those interested in travel to China, this book provides insight into the attitudes and motivations behind the changing Chinese culture.

Buy now: Country Driving: A Journey Through China from Farm to Factory on Amazon.

Editor’s notes: This article contains affiliate links.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. | Country Driving: A Journey through China from Farm to Factory – Book Review | 2 comments |
Post categories: Book Reviews
Post tags: Book Review, China, cultural experiences, road trip, travel writing

How to Decipher the Menu, Know the Market Foods & Embark on a Tasting Adventure By Ronnie Hess

Lunch – Fruits du Mer overlooking the Nice Marina by GregW

About the Author:

Ronnie Hess is an author, journalist, English teacher, and chef. She has lived and worked in France, studying gastronomy with a passion for the art itself.

The Introduction:

This entry to the Eat Smart series of guides tackles French cuisine in a most interesting manner. It is not simply about the cooking, but rather it covers the historical and regional aspects of how the foods came to be what they are today, immersing the reader in the culture of the country. It brought back memories of the aromas around an open air market in Paris so many years ago…..the bread, the cheese, the garlic…..

The Review:

This book is absolutely delicious, cover to cover. I feared I would actually eat the pages; that’s how descriptive the author made the food of France.

This book is absolutely delicious, cover to cover. I feared I would actually eat the pages; that’s how descriptive the author made the food of France. The first chapter is dedicated to a brief history of French cuisine, from the beginning of human habitation to present day, with a slight lament that fast food may have become the mode of choice for the citizens of France. Fast food has its place, but dining is more than eating; it plays a large role in the social structure of humankind.

The second chapter covers the regional variations found throughout the country, and though the main ingredients can be essentially the same, the seasonings and style of cooking are vast and unique. Geography plays an important factor in what is prepared and how it is presented.

The third chapter presents a few recipes for each course of a meal. They appear easy to prepare, and I will definitely work on making the tomato and red pepper tart!!!

The remainder of the guide explains food shopping in France, presents a very nice list of resources for finding ingredients, shows the reader some useful phrases to use when dining at a restaurant (complete with a pronunciation guide – VERY helpful), reveals a comprehensive list of items one would find on a menu, and finally gives the reader a dictionary –like list of ingredients, cooking utensils, and cooking methods, in both French and English.

This guide is for people who appreciate that food should be more than something that is pre-processed, pre-packaged garbage, filled with preservatives, fillers, and artificial ingredients. French cuisine and sitting around a table with friends and family for hours on end over plates and bowls filled with new and unusual foodstuffs are things everyone should experience, if for no other reason than it enriches the soul and makes life good.

Now, what to have for dinner tonight………

Buy now: Eat Smart in France: How to Decipher the Menu, Know the Market Foods & Embark on a Tasting Adventure on Amazon.

Editor’s notes: This article contains affiliate links. The book was also received compliments of Ginko Press and University of Wisconsin Press for review.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. | Eat Smart in France – Book Review | 3 comments |
Post categories: Book Reviews
Post tags: Book Reviews, cultural experiences, Dictionary, Food Lovers, France, Guide Books, Phrases, Recipes

Agia Sophia by night. Istanbul. by El poed

Turkey, and especially Istanbul, are favorite travel destinations for many people. Because of this, I was more than willing to review this revised travel guide. Sadly, I was not up to the task. It took months to get through the first 100 pages, and having not been to the country/city (nor planning to visit anytime soon), I was bogged down by the intricate details it contained. Giving up all hope of finishing the guide, I offered it to my sister-in-law as she and her husband have been to Istanbul and found it truly an amazing place.

I was exceptionally pleased when I opened my e-mail inbox recently and found a book review of ‘Strolling Through Istanbul: The Classic Guide To The City’. Deb Martens succeeded where I had failed – and I thank her whole-heartedly for her contribution.

About the Authors:

John Freely is the author of over thirty travel books and guides including Istanbul: The Imperial City. He lives in Istanbul, Turkey.

Hilary Sumner-Boyd (1910-1976) was professor of humanities at Robert-College-Bosphorus University. His magisterial work, The Seven Hills of Constantinople: A Study of the Byzantine and Turkish Monuments of the City, was unpublished at the time of his death in 1977 and is now being prepared for publication by Bosphorus University Press.

*Editor’s Note: Text courtesy of Palgrave Macmillan.

The Review:

O, lucky is the traveler in a foreign land who has not only an historian but an architect as guides!

O, lucky is the traveler in a foreign land who has not only an historian but an architect as guides! Hilary Sumner-Boyd & John Freely’s updated Strolling through Istanbul: The Classic Guide To The City (2010) is that guide. Conveniently divided into manageable sections of the city, it’s easy to see as much or as little of the architectural wonders, past and present, as one wishes. Focusing not only on the “must see sites” of the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Covered Market, one is taken down the streets and alleyways of the little known and sometimes no longer existing splendors of old. Who wouldn’t want to know that they are passing through the Gate of the Spoon-Makers?

Turkey by Randy Martens Photography

More importantly, for those of us who are not particularly scholarly, this guide explains the historical and hence, architectural periods of the city – Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman. How many of us have grown tired of viewing churches, museums and such because we didn’t understand the significance of what we were seeing – yes, another mosaic of the Virgin with Angels. Ending the guide is a listing of all the rulers of the city (as are known) in date order with which you can memorize and amuse (or bore) your friends and relatives! That alone should make one wish to read or at least carry this fascinating guide!

Buy now: Strolling Through Istanbul: The Classic Guide to the City on Amazon.

Editor’s notes: This article contains affiliate links. The book was also received compliments of Palgrave Macmillan/Tauris Parke Paperbacks for review.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2010. | Strolling Through Istanbul: The Classic Guide To The City – Book Review | One comment |
Post categories: Book Reviews
Post tags: Book Review, cultural experiences, Guide Books, Istanbul, Turkey

DIMES Courtesy of Imagery of the Imagination

I have always liked the idea of a working holiday. Especially if it’s a paid (working) holiday and I’m not the one “flitting (most if any) of the bill”. Okay, maybe not so keen on the working part, but it comes with the territory. If you want to visit other countries – such as the United Kingdom, Israel, Bhutan, Turkey and Kenya – then the working holiday idea just may be your ticket to exotic locations. Professor Michael Schneider has done just that for several years and has authored his most recent book, sharing his secrets, upsides and pitfalls. Yup, there have been those too.

Guitar Rainbow by Rob Wood

About the Author:

Michael Schneider, Ph.D. spent 33 years in the teaching profession. (He retired in 2007.) He has taught at both the University of Minnesota and Malcalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has also taught in several locations around the world on “the other guy’s dime”. He holds a Visiting Professorship at New York City’s Columbia College and continues to travel world. Michael has now taken up learning the Japanese language, playing guitar and a few other “fanciful” endeavors. (Retirement does have it’s perks!)

The Review:

I received this book prior to publication. It would be unfair to say I read it thoroughly at that time. I’m afraid “life” got in the way, as did finishing a few back-burner items. But, I have now finished Michael’s book and found it innovative, imaginative and down-to-earth.

On The Other Guy’s Dime: A Professional’s Guide To Traveling Without Paying has Michael sharing his experiences in being able secure “timed” teaching positions and still allow for family travel. Having children has not always been made things easy either, but they have almost always found solutions to those hiccups. Some assignments have worked, others have not. Regardless, Michael covers all of those issues in his writings.

If you own a home or even rent, the information in this book explains what it takes to find the right caretakers during your “working vacation”. It also covers this other little things such as expenses, paying bills, child education and what to do when a family member is bored. First up – throw an American-style Fourth of July BBQ!!

Whether you are a teacher or engaged in any other profession, the information in this book will help you decide if you can qualify for a paid working vacation. It takes a bit of work, but it is not an impossible task. Follow your dream.

Buy now: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders or Itasca Books

Editor’s notes: This article contains affiliate links. The book was also received compliments of the author for review.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2010. | On the Other Guy’s Dime: A Professional’s Guide to Travel Without Paying – Book Review | One comment |
Post categories: Book Reviews
Post tags: Africa, Asia, cultural experiences, Europe, family travel, living abroad, saving money, Teaching Abroad, United States

The World Cup by Adam Evans and Meaghan Barry

…I thought “Uh-uh, not for me”. I’m not a big fan of sporting events.

When I received the offer to review this guide book, I thought “Uh-uh, not for me”. I’m not a big fan of sporting events. But, I took time to read down the list of things covered and discovered – I was a fan in a roundabout way. I love racing, whether it be cars or horses or camels. I have reconnected with golf as I’ve gotten older and I fully believe in the Special Olympics. What really captured my attention were the unusual items – such as the Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Calgary Stampede in Canada. I love dogs and rodeos too. Obviously, I decided to check this guide out for myself. I was pleasantly surprised at the contents.

About The Author:

Robert Tuchman has spent his career in the sports industry. With a degree in broadcast journalism, he began by working for Sports Phone. A mere three years later, he became founder and president of TSE Sports & Entertainment based out of New York. He has spent a great deal of his time sitting in old bleacher seats, watching almost every sporting event imaginable and compiling information for this guidebook.

The Review:

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest courtesy of Things to See in NYC

If you are into any type of sports then 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live is the guide book for you. The list includes the basics – The World Cup (soccer), Ryder Cup (golf), French Open (tennis), along with a host of others. But, it also includes the unique – Nathan’s Annual International Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City (hot dogs), the Iditarod Dogsled Race in Alaska (real dogs), the Running With The Bulls in Spain (no dogs, just big angry pot roasts on four legs) and the Beanpot Hockey Tournament (no dogs or angry pot roasts but lots of ice).

Typical of any guide book, each event is broken down into sections. Mr. Tuchman gives a brief description of the event’s significance. He then moves on to the type of person who attends, ticket information, available accommodations, eateries and travel packages. He ends each one with “Notable quotes” and related website links. A quote example: “Until you go to Kentucky and with your own eyes behold the Derby, you ain’t never been nowhere and you ain’t seen nothin’!” – Irvin S. Cobb (American author and columnist) commenting on the Kentucky Derby. I think Mr. Cobb may be right. I know the Kentucky Derby is on my “bucket list” and has been for years. But, back to the book… The sections concerning each sport’s significance are also filled with historical information and interesting factoids. Many of them unknown to even the most avid of sports connoisseurs, who, unlike myself, usually know a lot about sports – or at least particular sports.

Again, this is a great book for any enthusiast or as a gift to that friend/family member who is glued to every sports channel out there. I do think the World Series of Poker should have been included. But, then it would have been the 101 Sporting Events. Guess there has to be a cut-off point somewhere. Maybe it’ll show up in the “sequel”. Finger’s crossed.

Editor’s notes: This article contains affiliate links.

Buy now on Amazon: 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live: An Insider’s Guide to Creating the Sports Experience of a Lifetime

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2010. | 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live: An Insider’s Guide to Creating the Sports Experience of a Lifetime | 2 comments |
Post categories: Book Reviews
Post tags: Entertainment, Guide Book, Round the world, Sporting Events

Aircon Class by Peter Holroyd

About the Reviewer:

This book has been reviewed, for your reading pleasure, by Steve Skabrat of Escape from Cube Land. As described in his blog feature, Steve admits he’s a “meat & potatoes” kind of guy. He’s also one who is ready to give up the “meat & potatoes” cube life for something more exciting. Hmmm… Could be travel… Well, only if he can find tasty food, figure out directions and how to leave the very large iguana statue to fend for itself. Now we know he also likes to read (maybe to the iguana).

The Review:

Some people might think Carl Hoffman is a lunatic. Hoffman is a veteran contributing editor to various magazines. I’m not sure what his agent and editor thought when he pitched them on his latest idea, traveling around the world on the most dangerous modes of transportation. Whatever they thought, they bought it and Hoffman took off from New York City in a bus to Canada. That doesn’t sound too dangerous, depending on the time of year. However, it got worse from there, as Hoffman takes notoriously dangerous rides in South America, Africa, and Asia. I hope he had his life insurance policy fully paid up.

The trains in Mumbai are death traps for some riders on a daily basis. They even have morticians whose job is to handle the train casualties.

A few of the conveyances were fascinating. Hoffman’s day spent with a taxi called a matatu in Nairobi was the most interesting. The efforts the taxi drivers go through every day to survive are simply amazing. He rode an overloaded ferry in Senegal along the same route where a ferry had sunk some years before, taking 1,800 lives. A multi-day ferry ride in Indonesia made me shudder at the lack of comfort for the passengers. My back hurt just thinking about sleeping night after night on a linoleum covered wooden bench. Yet thousands of Indonesians ride these old ferries to move between islands. The trains in Mumbai are death traps for some riders on a daily basis. They even have morticians whose job is to handle the train casualties. Hoffman’s craziest trip involved driving across Afghanistan in a war zone.

Hoffman’s narrative bogs down in a few places, but overall this is a compelling story that reminds us that many in the world are not fortunate enough to have safe transportation. Millions of people are on the move, using whatever transportation is available and affordable. In comparison, as westerners we’re spoiled with the modern transportation available to us.

Despite the dangers, everywhere Hoffman goes he meets friendly people. No matter what the circumstances, people around the world like to meet an American. It’s up to us to respond appropriately.

Broadway Books, published 2010, 286 pages.

Editor’s notes: This article contains affiliate links.

Buy now on Amazon: The Lunatic Express: Discovering the World . . . via Its Most Dangerous Buses, Boats, Trains, and Planes
This book is also available in paperback and Kindle versions.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2010. | The Lunatic Express – Discovering the World… via Its Most Dangerous Buses, Boats, Trains, and Planes | 7 comments |
Post categories: Book Reviews
Post tags: Africa, Asia, ferry travel, overland travel, South America, transportation

Individuality by Gretchen Wilson-Kalav

Who’s fooling who? Whether the question is (grammatically) correct or not doesn’t really matter. (That grammatically incorrect question worked very well for Eric Clapton so I stole it. Thank you, Eric.) What does matter is the essence behind the question. Are you happy with the life you lead or are you just fooling yourself into believing it’s all good? Do you like the 9:00-5:00 routine? Letting someone else write your playbook? Being a follower rather than a leader? Putting off what you really want to do for something you have been told needs doing?

If the answer to these questions are all “big fat yeses”, then it’s time to read The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want and Change the World by Chris Guillebeau. I’ll just leave it at that…

About the Author:

Chris Guillebeau is the author of the online manifesto A Brief Guide to World Domination. Besides running ChrisGuillebeau.com, he is a contributing author to several other publications, such as Business Week and Huffington Post. He is also on a mission to visit every country on the face of this earth – he’s closing in on the final stretch. Though he makes his home in Portland, Oregon, you’re more likely to see him on the streets of Hong Kong or Madrid. His other book titles include The Unconventional Guide to Discount Airfare and The Unconventional Guide to Working for Yourself among others.

The Review:

As I read the first few pages, I began to experience a mild case of deja vu.

Chris’ book came with me when I was called upon to care for a close friend over a few days. The thought of being able to read without my normal daily interruptions was a very agreeable one and I proceeded to open the front cover. As I read the first few pages, I began to experience a mild case of deja vu. The content was quite familiar – ideas and concepts I had encountered several years ago. In reflection, The Art of Non-Conformity was echoing the teachings of Werner H. Erhard (Erhard Seminars Training aka EST) and those of Kurt Goldstein who coined the term “self-actualization”. Abraham Maslow proceeded to expand on Goldstein’s “self-actualization” theory a few years later.

All three put forth the concepts of personal transformation and taking responsibility for one’s own life. By doing so, such actions would not only create positive personal changes but also generate positive changes in a larger population simultaneously. As I kept reading The Art of Non-Conformity, I thought “Come on Guillebeau, give me something new here”. (Sorry Chris.) This feeling continued through more than half the book. Not until my (above-mentioned) friend and I started discussing things we would love to do but probably would never do them, did I get something new. It wasn’t a new concept or idea – it was the realization that three generations have come into this world since my encounters with Goldstein and colleagues. Three generations have not necessarily gotten the self-fulfillment messages yet.

This revelation allowed me to view the book from a different perspective. Though Chris’ messages are similar to those mentioned above, he has taken them in a different direction – one which incorporates the modern day internet world, people’s wanderlust (for travel or other endeavors) and the generating of change across the globe.

Rules to follow if you decide to off-road in the Outback, Photo by mmb856

Chris defines various techniques for breaking down the wall of conformity most of us bang our head against daily. It is a playbook that really says don’t play by me, rather play by the one you create for yourself.

Using his own personal experiences and those of people he has encountered along his many journeys, Chris defines various techniques for breaking down the wall of conformity most of us bang our head against daily. It is a playbook that really says don’t play by me, rather play by the one you create for yourself. Here is how I “wrote” mine – if it helps – wonderful, but if not, that’s okay too. This book is for the individual who believes maintaining their individuality is paramount to living a full and fulfilling life. A life where everyone can hold the keys to the kingdom they have designed and built for themselves.

Buy now: Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Nobles, Chapters or your local bookstore

Editor’s notes: This article contains affiliate links. The book was also received compliments of the author for review.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2010. | The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want and Change the World | 6 comments |
Post categories: Book Reviews
Post tags: charity work, Self-discovery, Self-Improvement, Travel, working for yourself

Crowded Airport

“The scene is all too familiar. A couple hundred people, weary after their flight, bunch around the cold metallic baggage claim, waiting for the first bags to appear. Minutes pass. The conveyors start turning. More minutes pass. Finally bags start falling on to the conveyor. Everyone edges a little closer to the carousel.”

A couple hundred people, weary after their flight, bunch around the cold metallic baggage claim, waiting for the first bags to appear.

Those words were taken from the review of Jason Barger’s original book. Not much has changed except Jason’s take on the concept. In the Business Leader Edition, he adds a new twist to the “Step Back” movement.

About The Author:

Jason Barger is an author, motivational speaker and a consultant. In 2008, he released the original version of Step Back from the Baggage Claim, which was written for all of us. (Read the original version review here.) Jason has now adapted his book to encompass the working world.

The Review:

I must be honest. I have not read Step Back from the Baggage Claim, but I have just finished the Business Leader Edition. The five basic concepts of: step back, be still, be available, embrace creativity and take flight remain the same. What has changed and/or been added? The “how to” incorporate these same simple concepts into your own workplace. From upper level executive to hourly wage earner to the self-employed, there is something of value to be gained by reading this book.

From upper level executive to hourly wage earner to the self-employed, there is something of value to be gained by reading this book.

Inside the pages you will find “Questions For Your Journeys”. Here, Jason offers up recommendations on how to approach certain areas of your (work) life within your organization. He also includes questions to ask your self about your own conduct and how you relate to those with whom you work. He ends these areas with two simple lines of defining clarity. There’s even a page designated for jotting down notes.

Montego Bay Landing

In reading this book, I came to two glaring conclusions: 1) My husband and I have “stepping away” almost down to an art form in our personal lives and when we travel, but 2) I have been slow in applying the basic concepts to my real and volunteer work. I have allowed chaos to interfere when I should have stepped backed and been still. Lessons learned.

I believe there is something for everyone in this book. Yes, some will say – “Know all that.” and it’s probably true. What I found to be important weren’t just the five basics but how they were discovered and reaffirmed and how easily they can be applied to any business effectively.

Editor’s notes: This article contains affiliate links. The book was also received compliments of the author for review.

Buy now through Jason Barger’s website or pre-order through Amazon.com:
(Pre-release copies available only through the website. Amazon release date is September 1, 2010.)
Website: Step Back From The Baggage Claim: Business Leader Edition
Amazon: Step Back From The Baggage Claim: Business Leader Edition

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2010. | Step Back from the Baggage Claim: Business Leader Edition | No comment |
Post categories: Book Reviews
Post tags: activism, airports, business sense, changing the world, learning to adapt, slow travel, travel attitudes

Splash, Photo by JOSE_MARIA

Men went on adventures. Women just kept dreaming about them. Thankfully, the tides have changed…

I’m not quite sure why, but the title of this book has reminded me of “She’s Leaving Home” by The Beatles. Perhaps it struck a chord. Harkening back to my more youthful days when women dreamed about leaving home on some “wild” adventure but settled for the alternative – a domicile existence and the few days on vacation. Packing it all in to follow the dream was something few of us dared to attempt. Men went on adventures. Women just kept dreaming about them. Thankfully, the tides have changed…

Daily, I see questions from women of all ages asking if traveling solo is safe. The uncertainty in their written words is overwhelming at times. They not only feel a bit lost but also stuck in the darkness. Because of this, Stephanie Lee’s e-book is a ray of sunshine, shedding a bright light full of answers down on those planning their “escape”.

Stephanie Lee

About The Author:

(Comment taken from interview with Indie Travel Podcast.)
“I was always an independent person, leaving home at a young age and managing daily life on my own. It was hard to find other similarly motivated friends who had the same travel vision as I did. Also, it was a personal challenge to prove to myself that I could travel as long as I did alone.”

“I was always an independent person, leaving home at a young age and managing daily life on my own.”

The Review:

The Art of Solo Travel: A Girls’ Guide is an excellent short course in solo travel. It does cover information that can be found in most any other travel-related book. That was to be expected. But, few are designed to include information specifically tailored to women and when they do, they tend to skirt certain issues. Stephanie has done just the opposite, which is a breath of fresh air. In her words: “I just felt like sharing all the things I had
learnt, some of which I wish I knew before I started.” Mission accomplished.

Though I do disagree with a recommendation here and there (Google Maps as an example), the amount of information is sound and extensive. From telling family/friends to dealing with your significant other to “packing it all in” and quitting your job – The Art of Solo Travel will guide anyone (even men) in the right direction.

Last, but definitely not least of all… I found the book layout well organized and easy to navigate. The accompanying photographs also compliment the pages rather than act as a distraction. All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to strike out on their own.

Buy now: The Art of Solo Travel: A Girls’ Guide
Purchase price: $12.95 USD

Editor’s notes: This article contains affiliate links. The e-book was also received compliments of the author and Indie Travel Podcast for review. Audio Interview with Stephanie Lee.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2010. | The Art of Solo Travel: A Girls’ Guide (e-book review) | 2 comments |
Post categories: Book Reviews
Post tags: budget travel, female travellers, long-term travel, Round the world, saving money, solo travel

World Art – Santiago, Chile, Photo by Peacocks

You began your travels at an early age. You continued to travel until real life intervened – meaning fell in love, got married, bought a house, had children and worked for a living. It may not have happened in quite that order (for some) but the end result remained the same. Travel was relegated to family vacations and work-related trips to here or there. Regardless, a nagging little voice kept tapping you on the shoulder, “Take a year off. Travel. See the world. Bring the family. Just do it!” And, so it went for lisa Shusterman.

About The Author(s):

Yes, the family thought her mad – at first. Little did they know how sane an idea it would prove to be…

lisa Shusterman is a writer who, along with her husband Marty Greenwell and twin daughters, Siena and Avocet, set a course to places unknown. In lisa’s mind, when her daughters would be nine years old (the age she herself had started traveling), a yearlong journey around the world was a necessity. Yes, the family thought her mad – at first. Little did they know how sane an idea it would prove to be…

Swimming with Dolphins

In 2008, the Shusterman-Greenwell family embarked on a yearlong exploration of the world. They rented out their home, stored their cars, packed their bags and bid farewell to family and friends. But, I’m starting in the middle of the story so let me backtrack a bit. The real tale began in 2005 with the idea. Over the next 2.5 years, the groundwork was laid, lists after lists were compiled, decisions made, same decisions altered, sanity questioned and a dream was turning into a reality.

The Review:

Indeed, the Shusterman-Greenwell family did make their dream a reality and spent a year visiting 40 cities in 17 countries. Lisa has now written about their endeavor in Around the World in Easy Ways: A Guide to Planning Long-Term Travel With or Without Your Kids. It is a detailed account of their own planning strategies, the pitfalls, the positives, the unexpected. From money to schooling issues to “just going with the flow”, lisa has touched upon them all. (Okay, the only thing I found missing was traveling with pets. Kids are not pets. Nice try.)

Spanish Class

While reading this book, I did find certain topics/areas to be repetitive. At first, I found it a bit annoying. The more I read, the more I put myself in the same position of planning such an adventure. I came to realize that repetition is not a bad thing when so many issues need to be addressed. There is always some overlap between transportation and budget or accommodation and budget or food and budget or, well – you get the point. I finally accepted that each topic, as independent as they may appear, are still an integral part of the whole and some things just need repeating.

The book is also interspersed with entries from their original blog: One World – One Trip. All four family members contributed to the site while on the road. These additions definitely make Around the World in Easy Ways a family affair. Not only is it an informative book but also a fun read. I recommend it for anyone considering long-term travel with or without children. (Pets not included.)

Buy now: Around the World in Easy Ways: A Guide to Planning Long-Term Travel With or Without Your Kids

Editor’s notes: This article contains affiliate links. The book was also received compliments of the author for review.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2010. | Around the World in Easy Ways: A Guide to Planning Long-Term Travel With or Without Your Kids. | 6 comments |
Post categories: Book Reviews
Post tags: cultural experiences, family travel, long-term travel, Round the world, travel with kids, travel writing, trip planning