Tips Books - Page 4

Going Abroad: The Bathroom Survival Guide

Eva Newman

Amazon Price: $10.36 List Price: $12.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Marlor Press Amazon Marketplace: 19 new & used starting at $1.87

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Entertaining and informative 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.

Eva Newman managed to answer all of my questions about "going abroad". She provides practical information in an easy-to-read format that includes serious discussion about health issues and graphic illustrations of topics as well as anecdotal information from travelers all over the world. This one will go on my gift list for those just starting to get out into the world.

The information you really need that's not in your guidebook 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

This summer I spent three weeks in France and I was quite surprised upon encountering a squat toilet. I was expecting to see the occasional bidet but a squat toilet? As it turns out they're very common in parts of the country, including new modern ones with infrared sensors for the flush (better be quick or you'll be wet!). I sure could have used a guide like this before then, and I'm delighted to have finally found one. There's also a nice chapter on bath facilities -- including some of the odder units I've had to figure out in various countries.

I highly recommend this book for the world traveller, even if you're just going to Europe. You may be surprised at how useful it is!

Editorial Review:

The staggeringly different toilets to be found abroad can confound and frustrate even the most intrepid travelers. This unique guidebook gives solid and humorous advice on using the multitudes of public facilities-from how to actually flush a high-tech toilet in Japan to etiquette when using a Chinese unisex public trench. It tackles the tough questions about dealing with dunnies in Australia and coping with the amazing spitting Russian toilet. Also included are survival tips for bidets, squat toilets, and pissoirs, as well as a brief history of toilets.

Mileage Pro: The Insider's Guide to Frequent Flyer Programs

Randy Petersen, Tim Winship

Amazon Price: $9.95 List Price: $9.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: OAG Amazon Marketplace: 13 new & used starting at $5.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

This book should be renamed "Mileage Amateur" 1 out of 5 stars.
28 of 28 people found this review helpful.

I am sad to say that I found this book very disappointing. It claims to target "the middle level of the mileage earning community" however most of the information is so basic that I cannot see this being an interesting read for anyone but the complete novice. People interested enough in frequent flyer miles to purchase a book about it will surely be knowledgeable about most of the content.

Examples of such topics include sections on the possibility of mileage being earned on airline program partners and not just the home airline, that extra miles are given for purchasing first- and business tickets, and how being loyal to a single airline or alliance is the way to earn elite status. There is nothing in this book that cannot be discovered by going to any given airlines home page and reading about benefits offered to elite members or how many miles are required for an award ticket.

A lot of information on mileage maximization is neglected. Petersen's recommendation to join the program hosted by the airline that you will be flying most often is not necessarily the best idea- sometimes it pays to join one of their foreign partners who may be more generous (such as awarding full mileage on lower fares that don't qualify on the home partner). There is also no information on how to configure itineraries that will earn the most miles such as checking a ticket's rules to find out the maximum number of allowed connections or legal routing.

While I feel that Randy Petersen's website, Flyer Talk, and his input in many other websites and publications are excellent, this book leaves much to be desired and contains no insider information or little known ways to maximize miles.

Editorial Review:

The most comprehensive book ever written on mastering airline, hotel and car rental loyalty programs has arrived. Mileage Pro: The Insider’s Guide to Frequent Flyer Programs is the first book ever written on managing and maximizing travel loyalty programs. Whether someone is a road warrior, a miles junkie, or an infrequent leisure traveler, Mileage Pro empowers consumers to break through the often complicated web of information on travel loyalty programs.

Come Back Alive

Robert Young Pelton

List Price: $14.95 By: Main Street Books Amazon Marketplace: 13 new & used starting at $5.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Welcome to the art of survival!

Come Back Alive is the indispensable and witty guide to avoiding nasty situations, whether on a business trip, an adventure vacation, or a weekend hike. In this book, the author of the classic travel annual The World's Most Dangerous Places, Robert Young Pelton--"Dangerman" (Toronto Globe & Mail); "tourist with an attitude" (Outside magazine); "the patron saint of adventure travelers"  (ZineZone. com)--reveals the secrets that have kept him alive and laughing:

in the desert: finding water where it ain't, dehydration and rehydration, copping a nuclear tan
in the jungle: trekking, camping, jungle tucker, what to do when there's no bridge
in the woods: when you're tentless and clueless, when dinner's still mobile
in the snow: dressing for excess; building a snow cave, what to do when someone's going hypo
on the road: surviving adventure travel, from mild to wild
when assaulted: passive self-defense, active self-defense, better ideas in self-defense
when kidnapped: how to avoid it, how to survive it
during natural disasters: hurricanes, avalanches, lightning, earthquakes, and more!
when facing nasty animals: animals that bite you, eat you, sting you, and what to do when Bambi strikes back


You will also learn strategies for adventure travel, urban areas, war zones, terrorism, crime spots, and even the dangers of your own house--the place you're most likely to get into trouble.

Whether you are young or old, man or woman, going on a business trip, a ski weekend, an African safari, or just to the corner store, Come Back Alive gives you the comprehensive and fascinating advice you'll need to protect yourself. No matter where you're going, what you're doing, or how dangerous you want to get, Come Back Alive is essential to your safe and stylish return.

Traveler's Tool Kit: Mexico and Central America

Rob Sangster, Tim Leffel

Amazon Price: $15.61 List Price: $22.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Menasha Ridge Press Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $13.65

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Rob Sangster and Tim Leffel are not typical travelers, nor is this a typical travel guide. Instead of rating Mexico's "best" (read: most expensive) hotels, the authors shows how to locate comfortable, affordable lodging anywhere in the country. Traveler's Tool Kit does the same for everything from dining to entertainment to sightseeing in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Belize, Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Individual sections cover it all: drafting itineraries, calculating costs, eco-sensitive travel, unusual tours, managing money, staying healthy, woman-alone travel, and much more. Sangster and Leffel show how to connect with a network of travelers who've discovered the most enjoyable things to do and can provide guidance on how much to pay for them. The book also tells how to memorialize the adventure through photography and blogging, and even how to earn money from the trip after returning home. Sangster and Leffel are both authoritative and encouraging, drawing on years of experience to help travelers maximize the fun, savings, and security without compromising quality.

Living Aboard Your RV

Gordon Groene, Janet Groene

Amazon Price: $14.21 List Price: $18.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press Amazon Marketplace: 54 new & used starting at $3.49

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

A Lot Light on Detail 1 out of 5 stars.
23 of 24 people found this review helpful.

I bought several books on full-timing in an RV - and this was the least helpful. While they touch on many topics, none are explored in depth - I learned nothing new from this book. In fact, I felt they kept telling me things that are simply commom sense. For example, in their section about waste water, they don't tell you how to deal w/ frozen waste lines - but they do advise you not flush disposable diapers!

This book was a disappointment - and will be returned.

Editorial Review:

Revised and updated for today's younger, savvier RV owners, this new edition of Janet and Gordon Groene's classic features a new section on home schooling, a more comprehensive resources section, and updated coverage on using the Internet to take care of such things as banking; staying in touch with friends, family and business associates; medical care; bill paying, and other essentials. Readers will also find the latest on new RV models. Yet, despite all the changes, Living Aboard Your RV retains the many timeless features that have made it the top-selling guide of its kind.

Fodor's 1001 Smart Travel Tips, 2nd Edition: Advice from the Writers, Editors & Traveling Readers at Fodor's (Special-Interest Titles)

Fodor's

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Editorial Review:

Fodor’s well-traveled writers and editors have acquired their travel savvy the hard way. And with this book in hand, no one else has to. Fodor’s 1001 Smart Travel Tips expertly guides all kinds of travelers -- from the moment they start planning until the day they return home.

· Straightforward, topical chapters cover everything from booking---including getting the best prices and avoiding scams---to making any journey comfortable to seeing the sights and staying safe and healthy.
· Boxes address real-life travel problems and how to avoid them.
· Checklists and an entire chapter help even the most disorganized of souls choose the best luggage and pack like a pro.
· A special Destinations chapter prepares travelers for trips to dozens of countries.
· Lists of contacts and resources show travelers where to turn when it’s time to book trips, when they encounter a problem, and when they need destination information.
· A comprehensive index makes it easy to find guidance on any destination or for any travel situation.

Adventuring with children: The complete manual for family adventure travel

Nan Jeffrey

List Price: $14.95 By: Avalon House Pub Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $0.39

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

World class book for world class adventures...with children 5 out of 5 stars.
60 of 60 people found this review helpful.

There are many travel books on the market, and there are many travel books for those who have children. This books stands out because the author actually took her kids on wonderful, real "adventures," not just tame camping trips in the U.S. She and her husband traveled to remote places (Morocco, Spain, Bali, Nepal, New Zealand...), kids in tow, and share the experience with us through text and photos. They sailed, biked, hiked, and drove about, and lived for several weeks in different countries.

While most books of this sort will list things to bring along, the author gives us real explanations for each of the things she brings--and she doesn't bring much--and tells us how to make do with less. Invaluable are her personal stories of medical needs, literary needs (her boys brought a few books and exchanged books with other travelers), laundry and social needs. There is even a terrific discussion of diapering while traveling!

Perhaps my favorite section, as a homeschooling mom, is her chapter on education while on the road. The author truly sees the educational value of travel. No doubt her boys were very well educated by their many adventures. They learned foreign languages and the differences between many cultures. Thinking of adventuring?Buy it, and you'll want to try it!

Editorial Review:

Now in its 3rd edition, this book will help guide you and your family toward a rewarding, and successful adventure regardless of destination or mode of travel. Living simply, becoming self-sufficient, and experiencing new cultures and ideas that both you and your family will cherish forever. This book will provide you with tips for packing and accommodating children in all types of situations. Also providing tips for health and first aide, food, cooking, schooling, and play time.

CruiseMinder Journal...Vacation Planner & Diary

F.E. Wilkins

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: MemoryMinder Journals, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 13 new & used starting at $10.72

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A winner 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Before my last vacation, I bought three different travel planner/journals to try out; one was computer based (and I did use it for some data organizing but found that printing it out wasn't as handy or as easy to pack as a notebook) and two were notebooks. One of the notebooks is still buried at the bottom of some pile of papers while the CruiseMinder Journal became my constant companion. It took all my planning notes before the trip and became my journal during the trip.

Since I wasn't up to designing my own travel journal, CruiseMinder had the features I thought that I would want and use: places for organizing trip basics like emergency info, reservation numbers, phone numbers; a planner/agenda section for organizing day-by-day activities; packing lists; an addressbook; a place to keep track of expenses; a large section of formated journal pages with plenty of room for my own day-by-day notes.

The CruiseMinder is simple and practical. There are no avant-garde cutsey quotes or distracting artwork. The typefaces are simple and legible. There are ruled lines everywhere I need to write. The paper is heavy enough that 1)you can write in pen on both sides of the pages and 2) it doesn't pull out of the plastic coil binding. The fact that it is spiral bound made it a lot easier to stuff notes and receipts between the pages as the trip went on.

I am very disorganized so the CruiseMinder was very helpful for me to keep all the necessary information in one place. In fact, I'm here today buying another CruiseMinder for my next trip.

Editorial Review:

The CruiseMinder Journal is ideal for anyone planning to take a cruise. First, it offers pre-departure suggestions such as what to take, tips for packing, a packing checklist, an agenda for planning daily activities, pages for emergency information, addresses for writing home, and much more. Once underway, the roomy daily diary pages are just the right size to chronicle up to 31 days' adventures at sea or ashore. There are also pages for noting details about the ship, the crew, and new friends, too! In the back of the book is a nautical glossary and reference maps of the world. Of course, there are pages to attach photos and also a vinyl pocket for additional photos, cards, receipts, etc. Once home, the CruiseMinder will be a lasting and priceless souvenir of any ocean-going experience! This delightful journal sports a deep purple & gold cover with a spiral binding for ease of writing. Nautical graphics on most pages make it extra fun to use...and a great gift, too!

A Month of Sundays: Villa Life in the South of France

Ira Spector, Barbara Spector

Amazon Price: $16.20 List Price: $18.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Arius Publications Amazon Marketplace: 18 new & used starting at $16.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Very Disappointing 1 out of 5 stars.
8 of 12 people found this review helpful.

Having bought this book on the strength of the reviews on this page, I feel compelled to give another point of view. This book just proves that anyone can write and publish a book. It was insipid, self-absorbed and very simply written. At the same time I also bought Susie Kelly's "A Perfect Circle" which is a real gem. She is actually interested in the places she goes to and the people she meets.

Editorial Review:

A humorous account of an American husband and wife who stumble upon the perfect "Enchanted April" villa on the French Riviera near St-Tropez. But knowing little of the language and even less of the culture, will they find bliss—or the Bastille—as they attempt to live in France?

Think of Peter Mayle meeting Francis Mayes on the Cote d’Azur.

A Month of Sundays is a must read for those of you interested in the pros and cons of villa rentals—whether your preference is Provence, Tuscany, or any other destination. Although finding that dream villa involves more effort than booking a hotel room, the enhanced cultural experience, the extra privacy, the additional space, and the lower cost for room and board will make you wonder why you ever vacationed any other way.

World Stompers; A Guide to Travel Manifesto, 3rd Ed.

Brad Olsen

List Price: $16.95 By: Consortium of Collective Amazon Marketplace: 15 new & used starting at $0.04

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 37 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

This is a book to assist and motivate young readers in their quest to travel the world. It is written to inform the curious mind that the planet is wide open for exploration. "World Stompers" seeks to clear up misconceptions about traveling, candidly portray how travelers are interacting with different cultures of the world, and show how very rewarding the entire experience can be. "World Stompers" will lay a foundation for young people to take responsibility for themselves, budget their money, and set out on a voyage that will be remembered for a lifetime. The sole purpose of "World Stompers" is to get young people on the world travel circuits and help them become more aware of the immense changes happening on this planet today. Only by becoming aware can we grow as people and attempt to make an impact with our lives. And only through traveling can we gain a much greater appreciation for the countries we come from. When you finish this Guide to Travel Manifesto, ! ! the intention is you will start making plans to see the world by setting goals and planning for your future. This may be by purchasing a travel guide for the country or circuit that interests you the most, or just taking a greater interest in the world that surrounds us. --This text refers to the paperback edition of this title