5 comments about The Travel Writer's Handbook: How to Write - and Sell - Your Own Travel Experiences (Travel Writer's Handbook: How to Write-And Sell-Your Own Travel Experiences).

1. I really liked this book. The first six chapters are a little hard to get through, but the rest of the book is well worth the effort.

   The chapters on interviewing, what to take with you, and market research are great. I learnt a lot from Zobel, her writing is friendly, helpful and crammed with useful and unusual facts.




2. I read a lot of "how to" guides (trying to find career that I can enjoy) and Mrs. Zobel's is the best so far. She does a great job expanding on the basics and injecting her own personal stories when examples are needed. I re-read the book before every trip so that I don't forget any of her advice. I've already started research on one of my favorite destinations.



3. I am now reading this book again before departing to Italy. I am not exactly a "travel writer", but I need some of the same skills to write and edit my travel website. This book is a tremendous help in preparing for a trip knowing I will come back with the information I need. This books coveres everything from packing to writing. It is very readable and very useful.



4. A couple of years ago, I found a copy of the fourth edition of this book at a library bag sale. I read it cover to cover, devouring each word, and absorbing hints and tips into the molasses of my mind. To this day, some of these have shaped the way I approach my trips, and when I learned that a new edition had come out, I thought that it would make me a good Christmas present.
   
   It's certainly an excellent book. But I found a few faults with it, all but one quite firmly the fault of the publisher. Let me get that over and done with before I continue with the good bits.
   
   Criticisms:
   
   1. There is no index. There should be. There is so much in this book that forcing the reader to re-read each chapter to find one nugget of information, or to take notes, seems very poor. Admittedly my copy is now covered in x marks and orange marker pen, but do you have any idea how far against the grain defacing a book goes?
   
   2. I don't have any idea why, for this edition, there is a co-author. As far as I can see, this is not explained anywhere in the text. I'm not sure what a second author really contributes to the book. A second author certainly doesn't take away from it, but the major difference I can spot is that sentences beginning with "I" now begin with "Louise" or "Jacqueline". I don't get it. A brief introduction or explanation would have been nice.
   
   3. Speaking of introductions, or the introduction, perhaps somebody should have proof-read it? It is quite obvious that someone did a quick and dirty search and replace and made a complete hash of it. Here is the first sentence of the book:
   
   "Although the travel writing profession is seeing some difficult times this spring and summerthese (sic) past few years, this does not, by any means, indicate an end to the power and pleasure of the written wordtravel (sic) related stories."
   
   This, the very first sentence of the introduction, was very off-putting. Howls of derision followed as I found other printed bloopers.
   
   4. While there is a lovely updated chapter on digital photography, not once is my burning question answered: "What do you do when your magazine listing in "Writers Market 2007″ says 'send slides/transparancies/prints?'" It would have been so nice to see a couple of paragraphs defining these terms and explaining how to go about handling the requests. The book seemed to assume that everyone would be using a digital camera, which is very nice because I do, but also seemed to assume that everybody who is a budding travel writer has some kind of in-built knowledge of what magazines want, which is not very nice because I don't. This book purports to be the definitive guide to travel writing, and in my opinion that's not something that should be missed out.
   
   So saying...
   
   This book is thorough. It covers all aspects of freelance writing for travel publications. It starts with a heavy emphasis on research: how to do it, where to get resources, what to look for. It covers interviewing: how to find sources and how to interview them. There is an entire chapter on querying, which I found very useful, as well as etiquette and ways to make yourself look professional even when you're a rank newbie.
   
   I found the chapter entitled "being there is never enough" particlarly useful. It covers how to take notes, how to start noticing, and how to make sure you don't forget what you've seen. You are coached in what to bring along and how to handle it, as well as being reminded that some countries have different dress codes and you'd better be looking like the locals if you go there and want to fit it. Travel is about getting in amongst the people, and if you're wearing clothes that scream "tourist" you're never actually likely to get that far.
   
   One key point emphasized over and over again is that you never write "generally"; always, always you must key your writing to a specific audience...and that without marketing, without learning that and working out your own system (I didn't really "get" the author's system as described) you'll never get far beyond "Gee, I want to be a writer." One of the last chapters in the book, and one of the most helpful, lists 25 different types of travel articles to help you a) find your voice and b) get the most mileage out of your existing writing.
   
   There is some information in here about running the business and organizing yourself, dealing with editors and even the ethics of press trips. A little like having your own personal coach, despite my quibbles this book still thoroughly deserves its title as a classic. And it's highly likely that come the seventh edition, this one will be so thumbed over and have so many pages hanging out from constant reference that I'll need to buy that one, too.



5. I have the 2002 edition of the Travel Writer's Handbook (the 5th ed.). While it was updated to include the problems of post 9/11 problems it did not cover the Internet as much as one would expect. And the section on photography is still set in the pre-digital era.
   That said, this is still the best all-around book on travel writing. Zobel covers different article types, how to do basic research,whether to accept freebies, what to take along on trips, keeping records for tax purposes and so forth. She spends a lot of time on interviewing techniques and different ways of capturing the sights and sounds of a travel destination.
   I assume the newest edition (written with a co-author)is meant to bring this classic into the 21st century with references to pdas, laptops, digital cameras and other accoutrements that were hardly mentioned in the 2002 book. But when it comes to the basic elements of writing the travel article--whether for magazines, newspapers or the many travel websites out there--this book is still founded on solid information.

5 comments about America Eats!: On the Road with the WPA - the Fish Fries, Box Supper Socials, and Chitlin Feasts That Define Real American Food.

1. What a way to spend the summer! all of the good food, the bad and great philosophy of american food!



2. An entertaining and educational read, likely to spawn much culinary experimentation and perhaps regional exploration.



3. This book makes me homesick for some great food and fun times at the county fair! Well written, with interesting old photos. Interesting to learn about traditions in food and fun around the country.



4. Lots of information that is germane to the era and no longer works in current society....but is was somewhat interesting.



5. I can attest that the author did yeoman's duty in the research for this book! The author became a member of our Brunswick Stew Crew during a competition in Richmond ... and with her culinary background she easily manuvered her way around the Stew pot with the rest of the Crew.
   
   The book is an enjoyable read balancing some of the original manuscripts of the WPA writers in the 30's with updated information from the author ... including some good recipes.
   
   If you enjoyed hearing stories from your parents and grandparents about regional cuisine from yesteryear at church socials, political gatherings, and the like this would be a good addition to your library.

5 comments about Frommer's Ireland's Best-Loved Driving Tours (Best Loved Driving Tours) (Best Loved Driving Tours).

1. This book is a wonderful resource with a person familiar with the type of tour and terrain one wants to travel, NOT for the first-time Ireland visitor. One must be comfortable with the road-marking system and road conditions of Ireland, and one must have a decent comprehension of what one wishes to accomplish during one's visit for this book to be of help at all. That having been said, for the person who is traveling back to Ireland because they just can't get enough of the lush landscape and the many, many things to do this book is a great asset and time-saver. It should never be used as the primary or ONLY resource, however, for visiting Ireland, but it does give one wonderful ideas on where to visit and how to plan a trip



2. I found this book not very helpful. It has more or less unrelated circle tours, but this is not how most people would tour Ireland. Most of the information is readily available in other ways, such as Frommer's Ireland 2006, which is much more comprehensive.



3. This Best Loved Driving Tours Travel Guide is one of the best, if not the best, guidebook to use for planning your Ireland trip before you leave. There is a tremendous amount of useful driving material, it has quite a bit of information,and a number of different driving tours, it is convenient to carry with you or keep in the car. I read about a lot of attractions here that I couldn't find in other reputable publications, and found more details as well. The best way to go...and I learned through experience and the hard way....you want to fly into Dublin and head south, then west and north....and leave out of Shannon...the experience of the City first, with the hustle and bustle is GREAT!!...and then the calming of the countryside and the politness, kindness and friendliness of the Irish people will definitely fill your heart...and leave you with a good feeling.



4. I can't disgree with the reviewers who point out what this book isn't: thorough, detailed and specific.
   
   Having taken two driving trips through Ireland, though, I'd like to suggest that the first time visitor could benefit greatly by taking some of these suggested drives.
   
   Main reason? The reasonable scale of the drives. Ireland looks small and it can be a mistake to plan drives based only on how many miles a certain trip would be. It is very easy for a new visitor to plan a trip only to find that they are in the car for seven hours.
   
   Go easy, plan realistic drives like the ones included here, and have fun!



5. The book has lots of good info for a first-time traveller to Ireland, but I'll know more about how useful the book is in early September. My daughter and I will be travelling to Ireland in late August and hope to put the book's info to use while we're there. Stay tuned....

5 comments about The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir.

1. Bill Bryson is by far the funniest, most insightful, travel writer today.
   Here his travels are temporal, instead of spacial as he takes us back to his childhood - and what a childhood it was. His writing is so personal and open that you can't help but feel that this book was written specifically for you.
   
   
   It is both a very middle class North American tale, set in the fifties and a Calvin archetype (as in Calvin and Hobbes) visioneering a rich and adventurous landscape, that none of the adults could see.
   
   May The Thunderbolt Kid ride again.
   
   David Cale



2. This was a wonderful book, which also deviates here and there into politics and general history.
   
   I really came to enjoy Bryson's observations about how "the good old days" were also fraught with some significant downsides, which we've gratefully grown beyond.
   
   One carp: Bryson himself reads the audio edition, and he's not the most gifted reader I've ever heard. He's so laconic that the material really has to carry itself.
   
   H'mmm - maybe that's not such a bad thing after all...anyway, you'll enjoy this book in any form.
   
   PS - if you like this, you'll love the writings of Jean Shepard, too.



3. Bill Bryson's story of growing up in Iowa is a terrific book. I bought it in large print for my mother, who can read only large print, and who has difficulty hearing too, so this is the only way she could enjoy the book. She too adores Bill Bryson. We love his facility with language, and his many ways of making us laugh. He's a marvelous storyteller.



4. As always, Bryson is informative (the Thunderbolt Kid is really an excellent history of the 1950s and '60s in the U.S.) and wonderfully amusing (as in laugh out loud).
   
   He's also an excellent narrator of this audio book.
   
   Just one caveat. While the book is funny and interesting throughout, from my vantage point, at least, little about Bryson as a teenager was appealing: he essentially opted out of high school life, chose to spend minimal time with his family, was a petty thief, and starting at age 14 smoked like a chimney and drank a lot of alcohol. If you can't tolerate hearing about a kid like that, don't get this book.



5. As we Boomers are pushing our kids out of the nest, we are finding time to write. And what better topic to write about than ourselves? Bill Bryson adds his personal, perceptive and funny reminiscences of an Iowan boyhood in the 50s in the form of "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir," a fast-paced romp through a typical 50s childhood. Bryson combines solid period research, mature reflection, genuine memories and (too often?) outrageous exaggerations of fact into a memoir of a his wild childhood. He touches all the generational bases -- polio, the Red Scare, Sputnik, A-bomb drills, TV and comic book heroes as well as the personal ones about clueless parents, trying to get in to see the strippers at the fair, petty theft at the candy store, local brands of soda, hocking looeys in the Tunnel of Love and harassing managers when the lights dimmed at the movie house. Given the title of his memoir, it's surprising that his alter-ego -- The Thunderbolt Kid -- makes so few appearances in the book and seemed added almost as an afterthought or marketing ploy.
   
   Nevertheless, I got a kick out of The Thunderbolt Kid, and it made me think back on my own childhood at the end of the 50s. Bryson's comments as funny and often on the mark. His short takes on 50s for black Americans, on the Army-McCarthy hearings and on the US's hapless late-50s space shots were educational. I found that Bryson's fictional swings actually diminished the effectiveness of the book -- it was sometimes hard to tell where reality left off and mendacity-as-entertainment began. No matter. An age in which kids spent their summers outside and unsupervised, in which neighbors were invited over to see the new fridge, and in which church suppers and county fairs were the major means of entertainment, and in which causal racism was pervasive and barely noted is increasingly difficult to recall. Bravo to Bill Bryson for helping us remember.

5 comments about The Best Little Map of Savannah, GA..

1. This was perfect for walking around the Historic district. We could tell how far different restaurants and other attractions were from our hotel easily. Made it easier to walk around without too much extra wandering, which was important to us as we had 2 young children in tow! We are moving to Savannah soon and will keep this available for our guests!
   
   For driving to various parts of the city I'd recommend using Mapquest or a "real" map, but all in all, we really thought this was so useful. And pretty to boot!



2. The information included in this map can be easily accessed with any of the free maps available throughout the city. These maps include popular landmarks and squares.
   The city is conveniently laid out in a straight north/south and east/west grid, so it's hard to get lost. To find a specific business it't easy to explore (or see the yellow pages).
   At one third to one half the price, i might recommend it, but with the grade school graphics and the above shortcomings i cannot.



3. This a a great map. I knew I would like this one since I also bought the map for Charleston and it was very helpful as we walked through Charleston two years ago. It details restaurants, historical buildings, hotels, so it is easy to get around. Next week we go to Savannah, the hotel we are staying in is on the map, also the places we are planning to tour. If you are going to Savannah, this is a must.



4. Could not do with out this map.This map is invaluable when visiting the Historic District. I have to order another one since we used this one so much.



5. My boyfriend and I stayed in Forsyth Park and anybody who's been there is aware that that area is a bit aways from "everything else". The map was a wonderful aide in finding "EVERYTHING else"; especially, Ms. Wilkes boarding house. EAT THERE! It's amazing!!
   
   I was very pleased with my purchase and I wouldn't have made it without the guidence from all the others that have purchased this little map and reviewed it :)

5 comments about Yosemite, The Complete Guide: Yosemite National Park.

1. I purchased several books on Yosemite and found this one to be the
   easiest to read and most useful.



2. A great general information/guide book for Yosemite.
   
   I highly recommend this book for everyone. If you haven't been to Yosemite before, you get high quality photos of what is to come and some great general trail information to help plan your trip. If you have been, it is still a good buy as it is more than just a trail guide. The first 100 pages provide history and geology of the area and are a quick but fun read. In my opinion, it is just a great overall book to own. I plan to purchase the author's books about other National Parks in the future.
   
   I also purchased the Moon book for Yosemite. It has more details on hikes, but for the average vacationer, I think this book is better.



3. Thought this was the best of the Yosemite guides I previewed. Great mini typo maps covering different areas of the park. My only complaint is that the maps are not oriented with North at the top, so it took some time to get the orientation correct. Other than that, the book is great.



4. Bought this book back in March for a trip in early May. At the time, there was only one review, but I bought it anyway as it was the most recently published guide available.
   
   Wow - the day it arrived, I sat down and read it front to back. The history of the park, the geology, the history of the Native Americans who lived on the land ... I was so impressed that it was more than just a "camp here" and "eat here" kind of guide.
   
   What this book has over the others out there:
   - The most gorgeous photos. It made me giddy with excitement to go and see those places for myself!
   - a small but helpful section with pictures of the most common wildlife and plantlife that you encounter in the park (ended more than one debate about "what flower is this?!")
   - Information about the native tribes' names and legends for the features in the park, or other important history of a particular place, highlighted in boxes set off from the main text.
   - A sizeable section on the High Sierra Camps and hikes around them. Absolutely made me want to do the whole circuit (maybe next year...)
   - This guidebook was clearly a labor of love for the author. This wasn't compiled from a bunch of staff travel writers ... it was written by someone who obviously knows the park extremely well and has chosen to highlight only the best parts, to give readers the best experience in Yosemite.
   
   Why this might not be the book for you:
   - There are no compass markings on the detailed mini-maps. This bothered others in my group more than me.
   - Very few details on lodging. Not a problem for me, as I already had accomodations booked, and the lodging choices in the park are few anyhow, but this book is better for planning your TRIP, not your STAY.
   - The descriptions of the hikes are kind of vague. If you are going to Yosemite to back-country hike, this isn't the book for you. If you want the best day (or 2-day) hikes, he hits the great ones. I was relieved to see how well-marked they are once you're on the trail.
   
   I thought this guidebook was absolutely cream of the crop. So did my mother and sister-in-law - they each wanted to steal it from me and keep it as a coffee table book! (I bought them each a copy once we returned home)



5. This guidebook was perfect. It included all the information you would want to know visiting Yosemite. The pictures are beautiful and give you a great idea of what is to come. I think his descriptions of the trails were very accurate and helped make my trip to Yosemite perfect. I am going to buy all his books!!

5 comments about John Muir Trail Map-Pack: Shaded Relief Topo Maps.

1. I've used the same set of Harrison's JMT maps a couple of times now, the first hike took 30 days and second took 18. They're durable, for sure. The scale (1:63,360) is appropriate for the set of 13 8.5"x11" maps - if you really, really hustle you can hike a map per day. The size means you don't have to unfold a huge sheet of paper each time you want to check where you are. The mileage between waypoints on the trail is clearly marked. The maps don't have the detail of 7.5-minute USGS maps but you wouldn't want that kind of detail for this hike. Harrison also has some larger maps, e.g., "Sequoia & King's Canyon Nat'l Parks" with a 1:125,000 scale but the size is inconvenient for the JMT hike. Conceivably you could scissor his larger maps to make a map of the trail but since he's already done the job about perfectly, why bother? (Incidentally the JMT runs between Mt. Whitney and Yosemite's Happy Isles, so being disappointed at not getting a Mexico-to-Canada map doesn't make very much sense.)



2. If you are planning on hiking the JMT, buy this! It is EXACTLY what you need and no more.



3. Tom creates the best maps around. I don't know he does it all by himself. I love having the UTM grid on each page. Each of the 13 pages has just the right amount of detail for my through hike. I think you would be foolish to do the JMT without these.



4. In comparison to the National Geographic Trail illustrated maps Tom Harrison Maps have more user features such as more trail mileage markers and they are slightly more detailed scale. I like the colors of the Natl Geo maps better though. I really like how he's broken his JMT maps into one day's worth of hiking so that you only need one sheet out at a time.
   Note this map pack is centered on the JMT if you are looking for other hikes near the JMT or the connector trails to the various trailheads there is very little additional coverage. If you are actually hiking the JMT only they are excellent.



5. My order came to me in just a few days! Much faster than I expected and it arrived in great condition. Thanks!

3 comments about Moleskine City Notebook Chicago (Moleskine City Notebook).

1. A++ product, cool little sections to write in names of stores, restaurants and attractions....pockets, maps, stickers....everything you could want in a personalized travel book.
   
   One issue: The maps, although are made to fit inside this compact book, are tiny and difficult to read. On the bright side, the book contains transparency sheets that you can lay over maps and mark up with routes, directions or destination points--cool!



2. It's a satisfying and convenient size. Most of the notebook is blank pages, or sections that may be labelled however you wish, making it quite flexible. I especially like the detailed maps and the street guide.
   
   However, neither the maps nor the street guide for Chicago includes the grid system! Even if visitors may not take the time, nor really need, to understand the numbering system, the city guides seem like they are as much geared toward residents as tourists.



3. the idea is nice but the maps are not that good, a pullout map would be much better. may sections are useless...let's say id not buy it if i could go back.

5 comments about The Boat Who Wouldn't Float.

1. Worth reading for Mowat's explanation of the three cardinal tenets of rum drinking in Newfoundland alone.



2. Great read...laughed myself nearly to death! You NUST read it if you've ever sailed a boat or visited Newfoundland or the Eastern provences.



3. The only thing that would have made this book better is if I could have shared it with my boat loving dad before he passed away. This book made me so nostalgic for the old tugs my dad bought and struggled with and rarely got past the breakwater at the marina with. I learned all my best cuss words on those weekends on the boats.
   
   Mowats memoir of his time with the Happy Adventure made me laugh. Made me happy and reminded me why I only ride ferry boats and cruise ships.
   
   I plan to read many of his other works and look forward to learning more of his adventures.



4. If you are an out-of-doors person, love humor and rum, Mowat is your kind of read. You will love everyone of his books no matter what the title is.



5. This is exactly the kind of book I like to read, light hearted, funny, true storytelling. If you like the sea and you like having a chuckle over the antics of others this is a great book for you.

5 comments about Moscow (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE).

1. This book gives ou a nice overview of the region, and incredible specific tips for visiting Moscow.



2. I have used this series for other cities and have found them always excellent, the best at what they do.



3. I really like the new edition of the book. It is quite accurate, and easy to use while exploring Moscow. As with all these DK guides, the photographs and accompanying text offer a unique companion to your travels. My only complaint is the sections on sites outside and around Moscow are weak. More people need to explore outside the city.



4. good guide book if you are primarily looking for photos and maps. Not much specific info.



5. This book does a good job covering all the main sites of Moscow. The illustrations are very detailed and intense. I think it would best fit someone who is only in Moscow for a day or two, and just wants to hit a few of the touristy attractions. I bought this book, but also purchased the Fodor's guide to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Fodor's has much much more practical information - such as best days and times to see certain things, places to avoid, where to buy the best souvenirs, where to stay away from .. etc. It is also much more subjective and they offer their opinions on certain sites. This guide does not offer this subjectivity, and only offers very general and limited practical information.