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 Robert Young Pelton's The World's Most Dangerous Places: 5th Edition (Robert Young Pelton the World's Most Dangerous Places).

1. The expanse and effort they took to writing this book is awesome, especially if one is dumb enough to actually wanna go to these places.



2. You just do not know how lucky you have it until you read this book. I call it the places most likely not to be in my passport.
   
   Great read. A must for the adventurer (armchair or real).



3. This really consists of three books. The first, and the most obvious part, t is an actual, honest-to-goodness travel guide to dangerous places. I can easily imagine reporters, security consultants, and others pulling this book off their shelf before going to an unfamiliar place.
   
   Inevitably, there are places left out. Pelton includes the United States here, half-seriously and half tongue-in-cheek. This is all to the good, and gives readers a sense of perspective. Still, its inclusion raises all sorts of questions. What makes the US dangerous is gun crime in some areas, which rates it one star (consistently with other countries such as India). But . . . the rates of gun crime are higher in most of Latin America, and kidnaping is much more common. In other words, if you're going to include the US, then Brazil and especially Mexico should have been in the book, along with many of their neighbors. Clearly his rating of the US reflects a pose more than a serious rating.
   
   The second "book" here is a quick-and-dirty summary of the politics and society of these dangerous places. These summaries have information but tend to have rather more attitude. Pelton tries to be cool, tries to assign blame for conflicts in a non-standard way, and likes to review who-did-what-to-whom facts more than underlying causes.
   
   The third "book" is a summary of issues that make places dangerous, such as the drug trade. This is more informative than the country summaries, but also displays a lot of attitude.
   
   Much of the attitude in this book makes it quite funny. The book looks like an almanac or encyclopedia, but you can actually read in through straight. Over a long period.
   
   It's a great read despite its length. Bring it to a dangerous place and throw it at your enemies.
   
   Disclaimer: the US aside, the only "dangerous place" I've been is the Balkans, and I wasn't in the dangerous parts, so I can't vouch for the accuracy of the information on the ground.



4. though now slightly dated, this is still a very useful book in terms of information about the less stable parts of the world. The political coverage is smart and honest. Nothing is dumbed down or put through the filters that newspapers/magazines apply. The analysis is also short and to the point. And its often better than the professional or governmental analysis. If your entering a "bad" country on short notice, there is nothing better than this book to give an overview of the situation, the players and the basics of whats going on. But it is getting rather dated from the lack of a new edition.
   
   The tone of the writing makes the book interesting as a "read' as well.
   
   However, as a "travel book" to dangerous places its not all that great. The advice he gives is usually generally applicable to any travel to any place. Anywhere can be dangerous and its possible to get into trouble in what seems like safe places.



5. On one level, this book is a crackup. It mercilessly skewers the worst places on earth, places that combine poverty, fear, and oppression. I dare you to read a single page without laughing.
   
   On another level, this make really makes you think about the huge percentage of the world's population that doesn't have electricity, considers pain to be a second language, and considers a good day one in which you eat. It's incredible.
   
   On the day I wrote this review, this edition is being offered for sale for one cent. An amazing bargain, in terms of entertainment per penny.

5 comments about The Worlds Most Haunted Places: From The Secret Files Of Ghostvillage.com.

1. Jeff Belanger writes about the world's most haunted places in this book with satisfying detail and supporting stories from people who experienced the haunting. This book covers castles, mansions, pubs, hotels and more. He delves into the history of each place - something that is often missing from other books about ghosts. I highly recommend this book if you love to read about ghosts.



2. I really enjoyed this book. It goes to show you that haunted places
   are all over, not in just one place.
   If you are interested in this subject at all, I would suggest you get
   this book.
   You will enjoy it I'm sure.



3. For some reason this book really made me want to travel and visit some of these places, I plan to start with the Whaley house next month and Queen Mary after that.
   The book doesn't go into more than a few pages per place, but it makes you want to research more about each place, it certainly sparks interest, and even if you do not believe in ghost it's just a cool little bit of history mixed with folklore.
   One really great thing about this book, the author gives you contact information, so if you are like me and wish to visit, you can contact them.



4. I'm not even sure why I bought this book; perhaps because it was so cheap at the bookstore (I bought it from the bargain books section). Maybe because it mentioned several local "haunted places" that I'm familiar with (Queen Mary, the Whaley House, and the Hotel del Coronado)? Frankly, I still don't know why, but I did read it. Overall, the "World's Most Haunted Places" is one of those books that makes for good reading for the "little room" - short blurbs on a variety of allegedly "haunted" places located in English speaking countries (with one exception - the catacombs of Paris, France).
   
   The book did nothing for me except to help put me to sleep at night. Sure, it was "fun" but really did not have much substance. The writing was stilted and the "cute" little comments that concluded each story grew weary very, very quickly.
   
   On another note, I found that the use of "BCE" (before "common" era) and "CE" ("common" era) in place of the traditional BC and AD to be very annoying. I don't know why people who are trying to pretend that they're "scholars" need to use such politically correct (but, to me offensive) terminology. The author's writing style was quite stilted and was often a chore to get through.
   
   Would I recommend this book to others? Probably not unless they are seeking a temporary respite from insomnia: oh well.



5. I bought this book mostly because of the wording of secret files. What "secret??? All the "stories" in this book have been done to death.... nothing new, nothing secret, nothing wonderful or scary about this book, the only secret I could find was trying to stay awake while reading it! Don't waste your money on what so many have all ready written about.

5 comments about Haiti in Focus: A Guide to the People, Politics, and Culture (In Focus Guides).

1. Sometimes it's hard to be an American, and to look out at what we've done to the rest of the world.

   Haiti will soon be celebrating its bicentennial of independence. As the second-oldest nation in the Western Hemisphere and the black nation with the longest uninterrupted history, it should by rights be rich, educated, forward thinking, and a bright light for the rest of the world. However, imperialist forces from abroad, including France, Britain, and most recently the United States of America, have colored its two centuries. Its people have been harangued by Castro's Cuba, Trujillo's Dominican Republic, Bush and Clinton's USA, and even the wildly corrupt Duvalier administration. Its land is stripped, its resources have been plundered, its cities are grossly overpopulated, and its seas are silted. And yet, somehow, Haiti survives.

   In the wake of the 1991 coup that unseated President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and the 1994 US-led UN invasion that restored him to power, much news was made. Haiti was front-page headliner material nearly every day, a prestigious international hot spot. Names were made and broken in political spheres around the Haiti issue. Debate ran high. And then everything just disappeared. Haiti merited a two-paragraph mention on page twelve if the paper needed filler, and then only in large papers that could dedicate themselves to foreign affairs. For most of us, even those of us who maintained our religious interest in the nation, an entire nation may just as well have dropped off the face of the earth.

   British activist Charles Arthur, whose other works on Haiti include "A Haitian Anthology: Libète," identifies himself as a "Solidarity Activist." His latest book, "Haiti in Focus," is subtitled "A Guide to the People, Politics, and Culture," and it lives up to that description admirably. For those interested, the available information is brought up to date through the middle of 2001. Arthur details the current political struggles surrounding the election of Aristide to another term in office; he lets us know about the struggle between Protestant missionaries and vodou adherents for control of the site at which the Haitian Revolution began; and he even gives us pointers on how to tour the country.

   This slim, easy-to-read book is deceptively clear. It focuses on what Haiti is today, and on the forces that have made it so. Arthur posits no blame for what's happened to the country; yet observant reading serves to point out several recurrent patterns. Currently, the United States has been trying to micromanage the Haitian economy to the advantage of America, and indeed has been using the Monroe Doctrine as an excuse to do so for some time. This has been happening in force through the last century, though it can be traced overtly to 1862, when the US recognized the country's sovereignty, and more covertly back to Haitian independence, when the US refused to recognize a free black nation.

   America is not alone in this treatment, however. Britain immediately recognized Haiti's independence, but apparently only for political advantage and access to the profitable plantations. When the plantation economy went the way of all flesh, Britain appears to have just walked away. France held recognition for ransom, offering it only when Haiti paid massive war indemnities that left the country in financial ruin from which it hasn't fully recovered. The United Nations and the Organization of American States have consistently tried to co-opt Haiti's foreign policy and dictate domestic positions, and the European Union, primarily under pressure from France, is now trying to horn in on Haitian self-determination. As Arthur explains, Haiti remains a small force, battered on all sides by winds it cannot satisfactorily resist.

   The country is also riven internally. Though all involved want the country to flourish and thrive, wildly dissimilar ideas persist as to what would make this happen. Christian missionaries, primarily Catholic and Evangelical Protestant, have brought their faith to the country, but even Jesus Himself hasn't preserved the country. Aristide and his coalition have concrete ideas for how to use the government to resolve problems, but his plans are controversial and have stirred up strong negative feelings. Education is usually severely inadequate because of the lack of skilled teachers, disagreements over the importance of French, and the high cost of schooling in a poor nation. Meanwhile, poverty is swelling, illiteracy remains rampant, and nothing is being done about it.

   However, in Arthur's estimation, Haiti remains a culturally vibrant land, a noble nation resisting the homogeneity of Western-styled "globalization." The native art, music, and religion of the land are the most African in the Western Hemisphere, and are a celebration of life in the face of poverty. A full-color photo spread in the middle of the book shows the beauty that accrues to everything in the country-the way a tap-tap driver will paint rainbows on the side of his vehicle; the way rara musicians will dance down the street during a festival. Though this is a country damaged and struggling, Arthur makes plain, this is not a country to give up on, not a country to permit to die.

   This book is detailed enough to appeal to those intimately interested in Haiti, either those who appreciate the whole nation or those interested in one or two aspects. At the same time, it's clear enough in style and structure to reach out to readers who are being newly introduced to Haiti, and to those who know only the horror stories that recur in motion pictures and the news. Though it will date quickly, for the moment it stands as a strong primer for the condition that is Haiti and a land working for healing in a world that only wants to use it as a tool.




2. You'll be fascinated, impressed, depressed, and delighted with Arthur's succinct introduction to the people, culture, and history of a small nation so very close to U.S. shores and U.S. history, yet so very far from our thoughts. From the joyful cover image to photos of brightly-painted buses to the clear maps and tips for travelers, Arthur delivers more than promised--as does Haiti herself. You'll come back for more, once you taste this brief introduction to the famed Hotel Oloffson, tap-taps and Vodou, rara and compa and rasin music, Sweet Micky & Boukman Eksperyans & Tabou Combo, the "little church" and "the flood," peasant movements and death squads, creole pigs and deforestation, poverty and structural adjustment, Toussaint Louverture & the slave revolution, the Duvalier dictatorship and the Tonton Macoutes, poetry and paintings. This book came just in time to enlighten & amaze students in my class on the prize-winning works of Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat. We all give this little book a two-thumbs-up!



3. This book is helping me to understand the situation of Haiti in historical context. Its information, format and pictures strike me as slightly out of date but it certainly will give you a background even if not covering the last few years. Since there aren't a lot of books like this one about Haiti I would recommend this for anyone who wants to know more about it but does not want to read a long in-depth tome.



4. really comprehensive view of politics and life in haiti. useful tips for the traveler to Haiti including where to buy condoms!



5. This is a thin booklet providing a nice overview of Haitian culure, politics and history: it contains a little bit of everything, illustrated by photographs. The scope of the book is limited, however, and considering political conflicts and agenda, it has aged a bit since 2002 edition. I like the fact that the booklet invites you to further reading, including online resources. At times, I found the language a bit twisted and information a bit insufficient (which is to be expected). If you feel you're missing some general knowledge on Haiti, this is an excellent book to start with (and easy to take with you anywhere), but make sure you update yourself with the latest political issues, before making a decision to travel there. In the time of writing this review, most Western countries advise their citizens not to travel to Haiti. That being said, I think the front page photo provides a great insight ...

5 comments about Honey, Let's Get a Boat... A Cruising Adventure of America's Great Loop.

1. Honey, Let's Get a Boat... A Cruising Adventure of America's Great Loop
   What a delightful read! Although the 'Stobs' made thier cruise 10+ years ago the story is timeless.
   If you are looking for a dynamic and exciting retirement, then this is the first book to read. The Stobs had little knowledge, or experince-but they did have a dream. A dream they have lived and loved! They have certainly persuaded us to through away the 'pipe and slippers' - we will have a bit of what they are having!
   See you all on the US Great Loop! If it doubt - just do it! Look at the stories to thrill the friends, children and granchildren!



2. The title might set the wrong tone as this book is a colorfully written actual account of this ambitious trip taken by a husband-wife crew on a 40 foot trawler capable of 9 knots. It was their first big boat but they were a quick study and courageous. Bonus is an entire section summarizing all the resources they used to prepare for the trip with contact information and recommendations. He is a travel writer so you get a lot of the local flavor and history as they cruise.



3. If your you're going to or are just thinking about boating the Great Loop you must read this book. A great read.



4. This is a delightful book if you keep in mind what it is. It is informative, light, enjoyable to read, and creates a spark of fantasy in readers who may never set foot on a boat. For those who already have a boat or plan to buy one, it is an invaluable reference for a type of boating that is growing in popularity. Three cheers for the Strobs.



5. The first few chapters of this book made me laugh out loud,as the Stobs struggle to learn about their new boat and deal with the invariable problems with a new-used boat. Then the book settled down into a straight travelog, interspersed with a little strained humor. Worth reading. Gave me a new interest in cruising the Tennessee-Tom Bigbee.

5 comments about Time Out Dubai: Abu Dhabi and the UAE (Time Out Guides).

1. This is a good short guide to Dubai and the UAE, especially for first time visitors. the information is accurate and uptodate,especially considering how rapidly Dubai is changing. The warning about driving is more than accurate as the accident rate is very high and lethal. Most fees and entry costs are accurate.



2. I bought this "Time Out" Book along with "Lonely Planet" copy of Dubai. I found the "Time Out" issue to be very informative with suggestions of hotels, nightlife bar/club, restaurants, entertainment for kids and adults, maps and cultural life. I couldn't put the book down since it covered alot of interesting short reads. I reccommend this book as a start for a quickie read and to take along with you as a guide when you visit Dubai. I thought it was worth the buy and there is very little guide books of Dubai. Also, the "Lonely Planet" book covers the same information as "Time Out" but less interesting but focus more of History,tourist sites, and culture.



3. Last spring, (one year ago), I went to Dubai and Abu Dhabi (as well as Hatta and Sharjah). I bought this TimeOut Dubai book as well as Lonely Planet's Arabian Peninsula. I barely used the lonely planet, but that is likely because I was mainly in Dubai. If you are planning on only going to Dubai, this book is all you will need. It has great information about you name it, and is also not that big, so you can bring it with you everywhere. Also, the pictures are great, so it makes for a nice souvenir afterwards.
   
   I was 23 and traveled on a tight budget, and it was not hard. We stayed in a primarily Indian neighborhood at the Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien, and got a great rate. We did not have a car, and had no problem getting around. The maps in the book worked well, and were much better than Lonely Planet's. Taxi's weren't that expensive for going to the newer parts of Dubai, and we easily walked anywhere we wanted in the Dubai Creek area.
   
   Dubai was amazing! I'd love to go on and on about it. You can get by really cheap, or you could literally spend millions. Don't waste your time in Abu Dhabi. Oh, and do a desert safari! We were not planning on it (thought it would be too fake and touristy). We loved it, and bought it from a travel agency near our hotel (in an Indian neighborhood), so the price was perfect and so low compared to all that we did!



4. After searching far and wide for a reliable guide of Dubai, I came upon this one (for such a dynamic place, there's not many books on it!) Time Out has always been a favorite of mine, and this guide is no exception. It has up to date information on restaurants, hotels, entertainment, as well as a solid background on the history and culture behind Dubai. There are plenty of phone numbers for receiving additional information, should anything change (which it definitely will). This is a great travel companion for those interested in exploring Dubai or moving there. The book itself is compact and colorful, you could easily carry it with you during your travels.



5. I recently returned from a five day tour de force of Dubai. I purchased Time Out Dubai and DK's Top Ten Dubai. The Time Out book is quite detailed and informative, but I found the text size to be too small for anything but careful examination under perfect reading conditions, and the weight of the book to be too heavy to carry around on the scene. This is published by the same outfit which publishes a local weekly (which I never saw while in Dubai) which must explain the presence of advertising pages in the book. By contrast, the DK Top Ten book fit in my back pocket, has legible text, and is organized by district, which is how most travelers navigate cities. This book is best used as a planning guide and left in your suitcase while out and about.