No comments about Frommer's Budapest & the Best of Hungary (Frommer's Complete).

1 comments about Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington & the Cascades (Best Hikes with Kids).

1. I have purchased several copies of this book, everytime a new edition comes out actually. I can't believe I am the first to review it. If you are a parent and you are new to hiking with kids in the western Washington region this will probably be the only book you need. It is superbly written, with great details on the hike itself,knowing ahead of time what difficulty level you are facing is a must in my opinion, as well as directions on how to find the trail head, tips and tricks to hiking with your children in a way that you will all enjoy it and so much more. I highly reccomend this book, you will not be disapointed.

5 comments about Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman.

1. I cannot believe that in this day and age someone could write a breathless account of her travels with a bus package tour in Italy - and find a publisher for it! The author of this book takes herself so seriously in her faux-independent travels, sending postcards to herself form her various totally boring destinations - that it almost fits into the "so bad it's good" category. But not quite.



2. This writer did not grab me. I enjoyed her story, but did not feel befriended along the way. I listened to the tale and was entertained, but I did not have the anticipation you get from sitting down with a good friend. I preferred Kite Strings of the Southern Cross, Tales of a Female Nomad and Living on an Arc.



3. I think the title is odd because Alice Steinbach definitely had reservations about going on the trip and she made most of her overnight reservations before she left.
   
   A very pleasant book, but it really isn't about being alone--it's more about the people she met. Which is fine because that's what made the book interesting sometimes. Her dreams, earlier regrets, and postcards to herself are perfect for the nights when it's hard to get to sleep.
   
   I enjoyed reading about her romance with the Japanese gentleman. Actually, I've been to Japan many times and was astonished by it. I also loved her story about the young woman she met in Italy who was to be married soon. That was excellent.
   
   All-in-all, it's a pleasant and well written read and I felt as though the author could be a friend. Maybe because I'm about the age now that she was when she was on the trip. It might have been a wonderful adventure for her, but for me it was just a sweet travel memoir.



4. There is a lot to say about Steinbach's travel memoir. Unfortunately, most of it isn't good. The author tries to use allusions (mostly of the literary kind) that stick out awkwardly in the prose and are usually inappropriate; her metaphors are forced and distract the reader from the storyline. Many of her observations are corny, and the conversations and people she meets seem contrived and unrealistic. I'm not sure it's possible to create that many close personal friendships without the use of exaggeration. Steinbach has a grating way of using colons (which, believe it or not, is actually something one begins to notice because it is so irritating). Furthermore, she continuously dumbs down the reader with constant repetition and explanations of siutations that are very easy to understand. Steinbach also has a knack for creating a problem or drama where there is none - for instance, this gem: "The problem was, the Amalfi Coast was almost too much of a good thing," which prompted two paragraphs filled with a dilemma that was neither valid nor interesting. Overall, this book is forgettable. The secondary characters (believabilty aside) are more interesting than the author, and some of the images (when not being overused) are worth seeking out. Otherwise, the consumer should feel free to find something else, and not waste one's time on a piece of repetitious claptrap.



5. This was one of those books that I did not want to end. I enjoyed hearing about the author's travels and her experiences. I found her to be interesting and curious about the places and the people she encountered. She shared her experiences and her feelings in an intimate and friendly way. I look forward to reading her other books.

5 comments about Bangkok (City Guide).

1. Compared to LP London and LP Paris I read and have been early this year, I'm a bit disppointed with LP Bangkok. Although it has an amazing section on food/noodles, I'm rather disappointed that the book does not clearly direct and describe to readers how to get to the places/famous spots it suggested!!!! Also the book does not include a map on the Bangkok transit system - making public transit commuting difficult!!!



2. Amazon.com says this book will be published on March 2005. But try to go to Lonely Planet's online shop, then you can see that it has been published on Sep. 2004. Next, bn.com says it's been publised on March 2004. I don't know which is right. But I'm sure that this book came out already.
   
   I gave 5 stars, however, because I knows LP is a great series at least.



3. I was fortunate enough to spend a month in Bangkok and bought both the Lonely Planet and the Moon Guides. I generally read both books before I went anywhere, so I can fairly compare them.
   
   The Lonely Planet guide was always worth reading -- it often added something I didn't find in the Moon guide. The highly detailed map in the back of the book was also quite worthwhile. However, if I had to have just one book, it would have been the Moon guide by Carl Parkes.
   
   Carl's explanations always seemed a little bit richer, and a little bit more in touch. His introduction to the Thai language left me much better equipped to try my hand, and his culture and language sections also stood out. The overall impression, true or not, is that Carl has a deeper understanding and familiarlity with the Thais and Bangkok than Joe. But to be fair, I was happy with both books, and happier still that I had brought both with me.
   
   Its too bad that the Moon guide is harder to find than Lonely Planet's .... but I definitely recommend it.



4. As a frequent visitor to Thailand I recently used this latest guide for Bangkok from Joe Cummings (plus his assistants) and found it to be more than adequate. If anything, I would personally like more hotel recommendations for each area of this city, those one could call "a find". I found some on my own by walking the area I stayed in and moved to one of them as Joe was too kind in the description of hotel I first stayed in.
   
   Be sure to call about open times for restaurants as two I went to were closed earlier than was given in the guide (no fault of Joe's I'm sure).



5. I took this book everywhere I went. It gives you a great perspective on the things you will find, things to look out for, and a great guide on how to get to the places you want to go.
   
   I went on business to Bangkok, and during the 3 days that I had to go around, this book helped me find those things that mattered most.
   
   I think it is a great read for anyone who is planning to go to amazing Bangkok and it is a must when travelling around in the city. Lonely Planet books are seriously great!

5 comments about Population: 485 (P.S.).

1. Mike Perry is one of the best new authors to come along in a while. We started off reading/listening to this book (audiobook), and now my entire friends and family can't get enough of him. I recently saw him at a reading in Seattle, and he's just as great in person.
   
   Funny, real, honest - if you can understand the beauty of old cars, relationships, loving people that aren't perfect (who is?), and can still be open-minded to people of all beliefs, then Mike's your kinda guy.



2. I thought after reading Michael Perry's essays, this would reflect life in his small town of New Auburn. It is much more about life, yes, in a small town area, but full of vast emotions. He may have not learned to polka but he knows how to live and understand people's unusual appearances and behaviors and accept them as they are. We should all register for this life lesson.



3. I was hoping to find some real insight into small town living. What i got was a long winded version of a story that could have been better expressed as a short story.
   I recommend reading the last chapter and skipping the rest.



4. MIchael Perry is a good writer. Any reader will feel instantly at home and comfortable reading one of his books. Population 485 accurately describes life in a small town. People know and care for each other. This emotion comes through in Population 485. If you want to feel good about the spirit of America, read this book.



5. From the little I'd read about this book, I expected some warm, perhaps funny vignettes about life in a rural town. This book is much more! It's laugh-out-loud funny: I read several passages to my family. It also gives an insider's view of the world of volunteer firefighting and EMT/ambulance work. The author uses an impressive range of voices--from "local yokel" to knowledgeable medical professional, essay writer, and lover of poetry. My favorite book of the year so far!

5 comments about Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others (Volunteer Vacations).

1. This book is very informative and easy to navigate. I was able to ready it over a 2 day period on my spare time and breakdown the vacations that would best suit what I am looking to do.



2. This book was extremely well organized. I was able to quickly sort through for an organization that allowed teens and was for the duration of time we had available. From there, it was easy to go on the specific websites for the pretty pictures. We have just come back from our experience building homes in Costa Rica and can't wait to go again! You will never again feel the need for a beach vacation. It was much more invigorating to give something of yourself.



3. I'm sure you can get most of the information in this book online but there's nothing like being able to curl up with this while dogearing pages and marking it up. It is extremely well organized and indexed in multiple ways so you're sure to find what you're looking for. Once something gets your interest you can contact the organization or look online for more info. One really nice feature is the occasional presence of first person narratives from people who've actually done the vacations.



4. *****
   I bought this book out of curiosity and was amazed at the variety of opportunities available to travel and contribute throughout the world. The book is a compendium of opportunities of every imaginable type, an incredible resource if you're even thinking about a taking a vacation in which you volunteer.
   
   Each opportunity contains all contact information, include web site, the types of projects available, organization mission statements, the year founded, the number of volunteers last year (so that you can see the scope of the program), funding sources, what kind of work the organization does, project locations, time line (when and for how long commitments are made), cost (including arrangements that must be made like medical examinations), how to get started, needed skills, and the specific populations that could qualify.
   
   The book is very friendly to those with limitations (for example, sight limitations, physical agility, etc.). There are also stories throughout the book from volunteers about their actual experiences while volunteering.
   
   There is a section on long-term volunteering opportunities. There are four indexes: by project cost, project length, location, season, and type.
   
   It is a wonderful book to use to explore what types of things you might like to do, as well as to use as a research base to search out specific opportunities. It is a great value, and an organized way to begin your volunteer journey!
   
   Highly recommended.
   *****



5. Bought this for my husband who is deciding which v. v. he should go on!
   thanks

5 comments about Cambodia (Country Guide).

1. We just returned from a week in Cambodia. It was a fantastic experience made that much easier because we brought the Lonely Planet guide with us. It's lightweight and small. The book pointed out some cool places that not even our guide told us about - bar street! I've used these books all over Asia. Highly recommended.



2. Did you travel around the world to pay high prices to hang out with a bunch of ill mannered tourists? If so, the Lonely Planet is for you. If not, throw the LP in the garbage.



3. I've been to Cambodia several times now and this is the guide I will continue to buy. It's important to have an up to date guide to Cambodia as the country has and is changing so rapidly (5 years ago you couldn't walk 20 metres without coming across someone with a gun in Phnom Penh and most of the roads weren't sealed). I would still buy each new edition that came out simply for the knowledge of the important basic things that change like transport routes and times etc. that are constantly changing.
   
   Cambodia is now well and truly open for tourists. I know from speaking with locals that the author, Nick, spends a lot of time in Cambodia and has great local knowledge (I'm kind of cheesed a little since he's included many of my previously unknown haunts and now they get filled up well in advance).
   
   I do have some criticism of the guide, and I guess how people use it. First, people mostly tend to go to restaurants and guesthouses recommended in the book. I've found many places that I've enjoyed staying that are not in the book and in many cases are better than places in the guidebook (and cheaper, many places, particularly in SEA put their prices up after getting an LP inclusion). The towns are generally small enough that you can look around and also ask people who live there for their recommendations. (Most times you can `feel' when someone has no agenda in recommending a places versus someone who'd take you someone who gains to get a commission out of you going there - and the commission system is well and truly alive in Cambodia - they're not huge in $ terms but you don't want to stay in a dump when better alternatives are available and also there's the consideration that price you pay in Cambodia is not always related to the quality you get).
   
   The other thing is often Lonely Planet uses text from previous editions (which is particularly worrying for guesthouse inclusions) and so some descriptions are a little (or a lot) out of date. While there are definitely some good places recommended there, you will often find them full of other backpackers and tourists so either you can't get a booking or there will indeed just be tones of people there which will likely detract from your experience. Restaurant and guest house recommendations, particularly in the two major cities need to be used with discretion. It's also good to spread your money around.
   
   Some of the benefits of the book - it does clue you in to things that are very important that you otherwise would have a hard time finding out - e.g. if you take the bus from Thailand, they do slow that bus down and make the trip long and tiring as you're pre-sold for a commission to the (rotating) guesthouse they drop you off at (so you're deliberately) exhausted late at night; another useful tip was the dangerous Malaysian boats that do the Siem Reap - Phnom Penh route. You need impartial and insider advice for these kind of things because you wont necessarily get it from an average local (unless you really have their confidence and then they might tell you about stuff that sometimes doesn't get into the guidebooks - e.g. how many travelers have been killed or injured using certain types of transport like their outdated planes and some boats and other local knowledge you simply cant get from this guidebook).
   
   For the tourist just doing the major sites, the book has extensive maps and guides to the Angkor temples and their history and layout and also Phnom Penh (which is unfortunately where most people may end their trip). The brief guide to the local language in the back will most definately help you connect with the already friendly locals. Even if you only learn please, hello and thank you, people will greatly appreciate your efforts.
   
   The guide to some of the lesser known places is less comprehensive (eg. North, and east and some parts of the south like Campot and Kep). My friends and I were in fits of laughter at the description of Sen Monorom being like something like Switzerland! It's a LONG trip and the end result is very baron, and, unfortunately, losing lots of trees due to extensive and damaging logging. Nonetheless, I found the trips to the outlying places to be extremely rewarding. There's practically no tourists (you can have amazing trips and have entire beach to yourself for a day for less than $20) and some of the food, sights, sunsets and other experiences are simply stunning. You may however want to pass on those black delicacies they seem to enjoy tucking into on the bus... they're fried bush spiders! Cambodia does though have some of the nicest sugar cane juice I've tasted anywhere in South East Asia.
   
   BTW if they're still using the 4 people for 3 seats in the car, just pay for the extra seat if you're doing more than 3 hours or you will find yourself in excruciating pain. Also, because it changes so often the guidebook will not be useful if you're taking an internal flight (other than the standard Phnom Penh-Siem Reap route which uses brand new planes), as some of the planes are VERY old, tires are sometimes bald, flights full (which can be a problem if you want to get back), and there have been accidents which they wont tell you about. Do your own research.
   
   For people traveling on their own or as a backpacker I'd strongly recommend befriending a local or two as a guide. I always take some time to 'feel' the authenticity of the person approaching me and as they talk to me and that pay's huge rewards in a country where there is a hidden commission system. I've met two that I'd just take with me over the entire country next time as guides because they have extensive insider knowledge and can be invaluable if you get into trouble, especially if they relate well to other people.
   
   Cambodia offers trips that you simply cannot do in the same way in other countries in the region because there are so many tourists, laws and other limiting factors. If you've found a great concierge (who is connected to what's happening at the ground level) or a good guide you're going to get access to trips and really deep and rich experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. And, these are not in the guidebook, which, IMHO, is a great thing because you'll enjoy a totally unique experience and you'll get out of it in proportion to what you put in and not some off the shelf, generic and standardized `you can take your photos now' tourist experience. Sadly, in a few years time you may not be able to do this in much of South East Asia.
   
   So grab this guide, go beyond the majors of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville and enjoy one of the most beautiful countries in South East Asia, Cambodia. Treat your Lonely Planet as a guide and not a bible and you'll have the time of your life.
   
   I hope you enjoy your time in Cambodia as much as I have.



4. In the group I was traveling with we had both the Rough Guide and the Lonely Planet guide and we consistently found the Rough Guide superior to the Lonely Planet in terms of narration, history, accuracy, ease of use, and better maps. We traveled extensively throughout the country including many outlying / "off the beaten path" areas where there was not a tourist to be found. Neither book was entirely comprehensive but the Rough Guide was a must have to point you in the right direction to find more info.



5. found this guide book very useful. I also have friends that use the Lonely Planet series as their guide books.

1 comments about Rand McNally Nova Scotia, Canada: Provincial Map.

1. Just came back from a 2500 mile car safari around the Maritime Provinces. This map was useful and up to date. Note that the map includes all of Prince Edward Island and much of New Brunswick as well as Nova Scotia which makes it extremely handy.

5 comments about Costa Rica (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE).

1. This Eyewitness Guide is devoted to Costa Rica and is a pretty typical entry in the series. It opens with a discussion of the history and culture of the country as well as an overview of some of its more prominent characteristics such as beaches, weather, and wildlife. Next, there are a number of sections detailing geographic regions such as San Jose, Central Highlands, Central Pacific, Guanacaste & Northern Nicoya, the Northern Zone, the Caribbean, and the Southern Zone. Each area gets 13 pages or so of descriptions and photographs. Listings for hotels, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and outdoor activities are presented in the back of the book rather than with the geographic region they pertain to. Finally, there is a section discussing practical information of various kinds for travelers.
   
   The great thing about this Eyewitness Guide to Costa Rica is that it offers over 650 photographs to help bring a gorgeous country to life. Rather than picking which places you most want to visit based on imagining them from descriptions, you can see them for yourself here. The problem with this guide is that its 288 pages are dominated by those photographs rather than detailed descriptions of hotels, restaurants, activities, etc. It simply isn't possible to put comprehensive detail into a few hundred pages when you already have more than 2 photos on average for each and every page.
   
   I would recommend buying this guide, but I would also recommend purchasing the Frommer's Costa Rica 2008 (Frommer's Complete) to help plan the details of your trip. This is a great starting point, but you'll definitely want a resource with more information before you're done.



2. I used this guide in conjunction with the Lonely Planet guide. The Eyewitness Guide shows the reader a great deal more. While Lonely Planet provides a lot more detail, but this one doesn't leave it to your imagination since they have lots and lots of pictures. Also, this one is smaller and easier to carry.



3. Purchased several different guides & found this one to be more complete. Many visuals as well as coverage of most all areas of the country.



4. I am a college student studying abroad in Costa Rica for the semester. So far, I've been pretty disappointed with the Eyewitness travel guide. Other students and I travel to different parts of CR about every other weekend, but this guide is painfully lacking in writing on the logistics of traveling. (I.e. bus services to use, hostel recommendations, hostel contact information, etc.) The small traveler's needs section that is present is very general and the few hotels that are offered are geared toward a traveler with money to spare. I also found that, despite having many beautiful pictures, there aren't many details about places of interest or special events in CR.
   
   If you're a college student, or a traveler on a budget who needs information about places to stay, I would go for Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide to Costa Rica (A few of my friends here have lonely planet and that's the guidebook we use most to plan our trips; I rented the Rough guide from the library before my trip and thought it was pretty helpful.)



5. This was a good guide book to have on our recent trip to Costa Rica. We were part of an organized tour group so we didn't need a book to tell us where were the best places to go, although this book accurately provides you with that you. It isn't the best guide to tell you exactly where to eat or stay, so you might want to purchase another guide for those details. They do provide a section on restaurants and hotels but it is not as comprehensive as other guides I considered.
   We used it to gain further information about the areas we were visiting. The pictures are beautiful. The information is useful, accurate, nicely arranged and easy to navigate. It not only guides you through the different regions of this beautiful country, but it gives you some history, cultural information, and practical information about visiting the country.
   We were very glad to have it with us.

5 comments about 101 Things You Never Knew About Disneyland: An Unauthorized Look At The Little Touches And Inside Jokes.

1. I didnt think this book was worth the money. Alot of the things I knew about disneyland already and I have only had 3 trips there in my life.



2. I, being an avid Disney fan love to find out the little quirks about my favorite place on earth. However, these 101 things you never knew were 101 things even my child knew. Aside from the "101 things" listed are already in many Disney books, the book is poorly written. It reminds me of high school where when assigned an essay that had to 101 pages, every effort was used to double space, use the widest ruled paper available and write r e a l l y w i d e so you'd fill your assignment. To a Disney fan, very disappointing. To a fourth grader, rather insightful.



3. This really isn't as "unauthorized" as the title would lead you to believe. It's filled with everyday trivia. Nothing scandalous or shocking. Not interesting.



4. I'm not sure who Kevin Yee sees as his target audience. Obviously this book would appeal to the "hardcore" Disney fans, however these "things" are about as in-depth and "unauthorized" as a people magazine profile. These things seem to be directed to someone who perhaps has never been to Disneyland. Waste of money, and he has two of these things! Step up and get some good stuff in these when you have a title such as this! Who never knew this stuff? Mildly amusing at best, and a complete lack of skill when it comes to the actual writing. Skip it.



5. I thought that this book was a great read. We are getting ready to go to Disneyland again, and although somethings I did know. I still loved reading about all the things I did not. My brother even enjoyed reading it, and in a day of TV I was suprised with how much he enjoyed it and stoped watching the TV. I think this book is a must have for any Disneyland fan and even just a Disney fan. I know I will bring the book to Disneyland just to look for the things I didn't know or have never noticed. I think it is a Must Buy !