5 comments about The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2008 (Unofficial Guides).

1. Consider this a confession from a travel book junkie. Having read multiple Disneyland guides, I give The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2008 my full endorsement. I found the book well organized and suggestions in the book were useful. There are countless websites and blogs which provide information a book simply can't. The material becomes stale the day before publication. What's great about this selection is that its most important feature is "stale proof".
   
   That most helpful feature is the park navigation system. The reader is provided with a systematized plan of attack; what to ride, when to ride it, and how to maximize your time. There are plenty of plans and guides of what to ride and when. This plan was the most straightforward and easiest to follow. If you just want one book to take with you to Disneyland, this is it.



2. I am veteran of Disneyland, having been there many, many times throughout the years. I purchased this guide primarily because it gives a lot of guidance on Hotels in the area and that is something I'm always looking to improve. What I didn't expect and was incredibly pleased to find is great guidance for inside the park's, something I didn't think I needed since I've been so many times. I found it to be incredibly useful, especially the advice about seeing the Finding Nemo ride (Something I'm glad I didn't wait in line to see - it was worth a five minute wait...not any more than that.) and other park tour guides. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book for first time visitors, and would even recommend it for veteran's of the park such as myself. Buy this book - you won't regret it.



3. This is a great, well-written and organized reference for planning a trip to Disneyland. While I'd been to the park several times, I'd never planned a trip for others until last March. The Unofficial guide was extremely helpful and the trip went beautifully. So many people go to the park and are clearly having a challenging time; this book will really help alleviate the stress. It has many tips and tricks to avoid the major pitfalls and enjoy your vacation as much as possible. Bob helped me make the transition from someone who thought the park was a drag to enjoying it immensely - even during the height of summer. Very highly recommended!



4. Two years ago I bought the Unofficial Guide to Disney World. What a terrific resource! I had high hopes for the Disneyland edition, but have been somewhat disappointed. It does have a lot of useful information, but the Disney World guide was much more insightful. The Disney World Guide gave a lot of strategies regarding the parades etc. In general I am pleased and I like their format, I just wish it had as much info. as the Disney World Guide.



5. I have used this book in planning my Disneyland trip. I love all the information that is given and how easy it is to find what your looking for. It tells you all about the Hotels Disneyland and Good neighbor Hotels and if they are a great value, what amenities you get, how far it is from the park, and if the people working there are friendly. It also tells you about the restaurants, fast food, fine dining and more at Disneyland at Disney California Adventure and Downtown and they tell you about the quality of food value such as if it is $5.00 if it is really worth it, and what time you should go. I thought this book was such great help, this is not my first trip to Disneyland but it helped me more then I ever thought. I now know where I am going to eat stay and so on because of the help this book gave me. I think that anyone should get this book if they are going to Disneyland. I don't have kids but this book had lots of information on what rides are great, a plan of attack for kids walking and so one and more, if you have kids then you really need this book. Buy it you wont be disappointed.

5 comments about The Machu Picchu Guidebook: A Self-Guided Tour.

1. The book was a great book to have while at the site and to refer back to upon return from the trip. It provides a great insight into the construction and detailing as well as closeby offsite areas that are important to know about.



2. Having walked the plateau and ruins of Machu Picchu over a two day period this book has served as a marvelous tool to relive the experience. The wealth of pictures, duplicating some of my own, and the text set a perspective for this wonder of the world. Subtitled as "A Self Guided Tour" the book does accomplish that role. If there is a negative to the book it rests with the fact that most of the photographs are shot in black and white. Even so, you will have no difficulty recognizing the sites as you stand before them.



3. I spent 8 hrs visiting Machu Picchu following the guide. It was very detailed in describing each sector and the information given was enough to get a good understanding of the place. We walked to see the "Inca Bridge" and it described exactly what to expect and when to stop walking. I will recommend this book to anyone that is going to visit Machu Picchu. Great guide!!!



4. The reviews of this book on Amazon and elsewhere are comprehensive on its strengths and weaknesses. We used it to research our trip to Peru, consulted it on the ground at Machu Picchu even though we had a very good guide, and have re-read it as a memory aid on our return home.
   
   We've heavily annotated Wright's book, both before and at Machu Picchu. It's been a great help in writing captions for our photographs.
   
   My wife and I followed the same procedure with an excellent pocket sized guide to Pompeii years ago, where we broke away from the guided tour and spent hours wandering on our own. We carried the guide back to Italy a few years later, and added additional annotations on a second visit to the site. We've often re-read that little guide and re-lived those two excursions.
   
   We hoped to watch a sunrise from the Guardhouse, "where a visitor can anticipate the sun with nothing more than a llama grazing in the distance. As the golden rays slip down Huayna Picchu, the buildings on the ridge below start to emerge from the shadows until Machu Picchu is presented in all its glory. It is a breathtaking, almost spiritual experience, and one you will never forget."
   
   In the event, the valley was socked in and we climbed Huayna Picchu instead. From time to time, the clouds would clear and small parts of the site would appear. In my imagination, I was seeing Machu Picchu much as Hiram Bingham might have done, when much of the site was covered with vegetation.
   
   Altogether, Wright has written an excellent and very useful guide to a wonderful site.
   
   
   Robert C. Ross 2008



5. This book is fairly scholarly and serious, but I read it on a cross-country flight, using the detailed map insert to locate key items as I read. It made my enjoyment of the site itself many many times greater. Most local guides you hire at the site will only show you "Machu Picchu's greatest hits", and with the book's knowledge you can really appreciate what they are taking you to and can explore the rest effectively on your own. I was glad to have read and studied the book and its many illustrations ahead, however, as the weather was wet and using it as an on-the-spot guide wouldn't have worked so well.

5 comments about Ireland (Eyewitness Travel Guides).

1. If you're taking a trip to Ireland and have never been,
   or even if you've been multiple times, this guide is
   indespensible. Packed with interesting and pertinent
   information it will also help you navigate the Island
   like a native. The best of AAA maps and directions are
   usually useless within towns and small cities. The
   3-d maps of town centers solve this problem nicely
   for travellers driving themselves. As another reviewer
   commented, it's lists of accomodations and restaurants
   are far fom comprehensive, but it does give a good
   sampling of each in all regions. And if you're just
   roaming freely not following a strict itenerary, the
   book will nearly overwhelm you with destination ideas.



2. Excellent book for anyone going to Ireland for a few days or a few weeks. Compact, with most important information in details, yet quite complete for the other sights. Easy to take with. A good example of excellent DK travel guides. Not all of them worth 5 stars, but this one does.



3. Although Eyewitness Travel Guides may offer more visual guidance than other guide books, they are still quite terrible. Maps are difficult to read and information is inconsistent.



4. The ET Guide combines good, accurate detail on a wide variety of locations with lush, color illustrations throughout. The close-up maps of prime tourist destinations were particularly good. It's not as good as Lonely Planet in covering secondary destinations, but its coverage of the major destinations, such as Dublin, is more focused and more useful for those on short trips.



5. After using my DK Germany guide while in Germany I will never travel to another country without having bought the book for it. DK Publishing is true to their rich informative heritage with this Ireland guide and offer an expansive amount of information in a compact and retainable form. This product is a must-buy if you are heading to Ireland any time soon.

5 comments about World Rolled Map (M Series World Wall Maps).

1. We use this as a wall map for geography homework. It's terrific. It's got good color, and good detail. We put it up with 3M poster strips, which are removable from the wall. The poster hung up easily. It's been up for over a month with no problems. We have it at eye level where the kids pass it every day.



2. I was very pleased with this item. It was much larger than I expected and the colors are fantastic. Looks great in my office.



3. Simply great map at this price. The reason why I have given 4 star is Map being not laminated needs to be handled properly by children/parents.



4. The map is nice and huge.. packaging was really nice.. arrived in pretty good condition... betters the geographic knowledge knowledge..



5. I really enjoy this map. It is just what I wanted and it arrived within 2 days of ordering. GO AMAZON!!

3 comments about Frommer's Paris 2008 (Frommer's Complete).

1. This was my first trip to Paris and I don't know what I would have done without this guide glued to my side. I used the suggested itineraries as my starting off point, then subtracted and added "top attractions" as needed. My husband and I stayed in Montparnasse, so the sections on each arrondissement were invaluable. I even found the brief summaries on the architecture and history of Paris helpful. I've become a true francophile because of this guide and hope my trip is the beginning of a beautiful relationship with the city of lights!



2. This book is full of great information about the City of Lights! It includes everything from the top sites to see, hints about how to save on your trip,great places to eat, stay and watch Parisian life! It also includes three self guided walking tours, a quick history of Paris, and a Glossary of useful French words, including food, menu and cooking terms. The back flap has a handy Paris metro map, the front flap has a metric conversion chart.Of course, many datailed maps so that you know exactly where to go, includes a large pull out map of the entire city of Paris! Complete, accurate, easy to read and a must have companion for your trip to Paris!



3. This was the greatest thing we had on our trip to Paris. Especially when it came to great places to eat. The book says to stay away from restaurants located near tourist areas and it is correct. The only great meals we had were ones we found from restaurants in this book. Cafe Constant was very affordable and superb! It also has perfect day itineraries that were great and easy to follow! This book covers EVERYTHING! If you are new to Paris, you will love this book. I particularly love how this book discusses a lot of the hidden treasures of Paris and doesn't just focus on the main attractions. We really got a great feel of what a wonderful place Paris is and a lot of it is because of this book.

5 comments about Eiger Dreams: Ventures Among Men and Mountains.

1. Being deathly afraid of heights, I'm in awe of anyone who'd put themselves on top of a mountain...especially more than once. I'm grateful for the vivid descriptions Krakauer gives us in this thrills and chills collection of wild adventures. He allows me to expand my horizons without leaving the safety of my couch. These tales of mountain men includes a few twists on the extreme sport. This was the first I'd heard of ice climbing. I gritted my teeth as the author described the dangerous climb up frozen waterfalls! The book also highlights some of the personalities of the men and women who scale enormous structures. I especially loved the chapter on the 'Burgess Boys'. In his final chapter, Krakauer gives us a personal glimpse into a segment of his youth as he journeys back to the early lure of the mountains after his first taste of climbing; how they shaped him and what they mean to him now. I think he best explains his inner debate with mountain climbing in the words he uses to describe his early climb up Devil's Thumb: "It taught me something about what mountains can and can't do, about the limits of dreams. I didn't recognize that at the time, of course, but I'm grateful for it now."
   
   Chrissy K. McVay
   Author of 'Souls of the North Wind'



2. In the same form as his "into Thin Air", Mr. Krakauer has brought the mountains to armchair alpinists all over the world, except through a collection of short stories of a variety of experiences, history and people. The book is educational, easy and interesting to read. The fact that the author himself is a climber adds a very real substance to the story that allows him to write intelligently on the subjects without it being unnatural, and how he can brings information to the forefront of what he is writing that he himself finds amazing.
   
   My only problem with it is with all these places and people, photographs would have helped to enhance the stories he is telling.
   
   For anyone into adventure, climbing, outdoors or even survival, this would be a book that should be read. Not for the lessons but more for the information and enjoyment of it.



3. What an incredible book. Once you start reading it, you won't be able to set it down. I even got yelled at by my boss for reading the book on company time. I've read it 4 times and each time is like the first time. There is alot of information to process so get ready be blown away. It's awsome. Also, if you missed reading Tino Georgiou's masterpiece--The Fates, go and read it.



4. People have always pushed to accomplish more. When one of my best friends took up mountain climbing well into his fifties after he back wasn't up to golf any more, I began to wonder what the sport was all about. Having remembered that Jon Krakauer is both a wonderful writer and an adventuresome climber, it seemed like I might learn the answers by reading this book. I was more than amply rewarded for my curiosity.
   
   Knowing that adventures are better heard as a story rather than read, I also opted for Philip Franklin's reading for Books on Tape. This was a stunningly good choice. Mr. Franklin makes you feel like you are right there as you look down from dizzying heights of thousands of feet while being held up by a small patch of crumbling ice.
   
   The diversity of the stories is remarkable, from those who want to set records for getting up dangerous new routes to those who want to set records for speed in sport climbing (lots of strength and technique but not much risk). I was very surprised by some of the stories, including the ones about climbing "impossible" boulders that might be only 30 feet high and tall columns of crumbling frozen water . . . unattached to any nearby rock.
   
   Mr. Krakauer has a wonderful ability to bring you into the stories by recounting his own fearful beginnings as a climber and the ways that he has sought release from humdrum cares by climbing. You'll find yourself chilled to the bone in places, even though you may be sitting in front of a roaring fire. It's a great trip!
   
   I don't think I'll take up climbing, but I am indebted to this brilliant exposition of climbing's appeal.



5. This is an amusing conglomeration of climbing stories. Humor, greed, suicide, and sheer bravery all included in these stories. Parts of these traits could be in a single story depending on which stage of the climb you are in. Written well, and it seems to put you right in touch with the climbs. However, through fault of the writer or of the storytellers themselves some of this seems to be a bit over the top. He could have been a mixing it up for entertainmnet value or for some other reason. But it should still be read by anyone who is into climbing.

5 comments about Italy (Country Guide).

1. wonderful speedy service from the bookseller. I am in New Zealand and I was getting a little apprehensive - I thought I would not get the book in time for our trip to Italy at the beginning of June but no it arrived here today and I am thrilled - thank you J K Books



2. I own about 20 Lonely Planet guides and am a real fan.
   This is probably the most disappointing one to date.
   The info seems to be all over the place, sometimes completely wrong or the opposite of what you would expect : A luxury complex in the book was a real dump in reality, a palace not worth while, was probably the best thing we saw on our 10 day trip.
   Complete "must see" places are missing and others who LP claims to be "must see" were not that great, so overall the weakest LP guide I've read and used so far.
   They should start this one from scratch



3. My friend bought this guide for our trip through Italy this summer. Our trip went through Venice, Florence and Rome, with side trips into Tuscany and Naples/Pompeii. This book contains information on so many different places that it does not provide much useful information on any one city. We felt so lost in Venice and Florence with the scant information provided in this book that we ended up buying the LP Rome City Guide when we got to Rome. You would be much better off buying individual city guides before you leave the US though because travel books are very expensive once you're in the city. I have used many LP books over the years for both domestic and international travel, but I would recommend city books from now on.



4. This book tells you everything you need to know about Italy. Anyone who is planning to visit Italy should read this before they go. It is full of good information and will help you to get the most from your trip.



5. Decent range of information, though some more specificity would be nice-especially in Venice. They had very little on accommodations or dining there.

No comments about Hamburger America: One Man's Cross-Country Odyssey to Find the Best Burgers in the Nation [DVD].

5 comments about Route 66: EZ66 Guide for Travelers.

1. I travelled in spring 2007 on Route 66 from Springfield, MO to Barstow, CA. This book was an indespensible guide to the mother road. Concise easy to read directions with detailed maps. Chock full of places to see along the way. Great for an actual trip or an armchair journey. Get you kicks on Route 66!



2. I look forward to using this book this coming summer. Traveling the enigmatic Rt. 66 is exciting but sometimes confusing. At a glance I saw this book truly practices what it preaches, the directions and consultations seem EZ to follow and comprehend.



3. I was very disappointed with this book. I purchased this because my husband and I were driving from SF to Chicago and taking the old route 66. This book really did not have a lot of useful information...just weird random tidbits that weren't even interesting. The maps were confusing and drawn in a way that was cartoonish and distracting. I guess when it comes to travel guides, I prefer informative to a weak attempt at entertaining. You can find and download better information online just doing google searches.



4. This book is far better than any other 66 travel guide I've seen. Tells you about all the routes 66 takes, even rough or unusable routes. Lets you know about historic or interesting points, and tells you step by step how to drive end to end, east to west and west to east. It has maps and closeup detail maps to show what he's telling you to do.



5. My wife and I just completed our first third of the our Route 66 exploration from Joplin MO, to Santa Fe, NM. We were constantly utilizing the guide for sight seeing suggestions and historical facts. Everything presented was accurate and fun to investigate. Even if the traveler is going to drive on one of the Interstate highways for part of the experience, the guide is a great asset. "Don't leave home without!" The only nit I have with the book is a warning could have been included in the guide as to the size of Oklahoma City and the time it takes to drive the Route through it.

3 comments about Frommer's Alaska 2008 (Frommer's Complete).

1. This will be my first visit to Alaska and I purchased the book to help me make the most of the trip.



2. This is an must for the tourist who wants to know something about the area they will be visiting. It is full of good info for a person going on a cruise. It has helped us to plan our days in the different ports we will visit. We highly recommend this book.



3. Frommer's Alaska 2008 proved to be as complete a vacation guide as we'd expected from previous worldwide books purchased under this name previously.