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Book Picks: Extended Travel Abroad Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe. ROUND-THE-WORLD TRAVEL
The expression that such?and?such is the ?bible? of something for travelers is probably the most hackneyed and over?used phrase to describe travel guidebooks. There are very few books that really deserve this moniker. The Practical Nomad is one of them. It is the most comprehensive guide to extended travel anywhere ? bar none. No book anywhere offers such a comprehensive yet approachable discussion of the intricacies of global airfare, such a comprehensive bibliography of travel resources, and so many relevant tips for being a culturally sensitive traveler. All in all, if you are thinking about traveling on a Round the World Trip this book is for you.
It is a shame that men are traditionally turned off by woman?s books. For like most travel books written for women, a Journey of One?s Own contains superlative advice on integrating your love of travel into an extended trip round the world for both sexes. The Journey of One?s Own contains so many stories and is so compelling written that it is one of those rare travel trip books that is also fun to read even if you never plan on leaving home. A great companion book for the Practical Nomad. First Time Around the World: A Trip Planner for the Ultimate Journey While not as comprehensive as the Practical Nomad, the First Time Around the World is not as daunting. Read the Practical Nomad for detailed advice on planning your trip ? particularly transportation. Then, read the First Time Around the World (or the Journey of One?s Own) for advice on how to make the best of your round the world trip once you are at your destination. SABBATICAL AND GAP YEAR TRAVEL ADVENTURES Creating a Sabbatical Six Months Off: How to Plan, Negotiate, and Take the Break you need without Burning Bridges and Going Broke Six Months Off is a comprehensive guide to creating a sabbatical and getting your employer to buy off on your plans. Dlugozima, et al, provide a clearly written and rationale explanation of the value of sabbatical that should be required reading by bosses throughout North America. My only wish is that the book contained more information to help people seeking a break decide if they want to return to their jobs. I think most people would be better off using the break time to decide on a new career path. Gap Year (year after college)
I think every high school and college students should be required to read this book (and the Work You Were Born to Do or Making a Living without a Job) before graduating. Griffiths has a great way of speaking to young people in a compelling yet non-preachy way. He has just the right mixture of practical advice to make a parent happy and tongue in cheek humor to make a young graduate take the advice. He also knows exactly what to say to make anyone ? age 15 to 95 ? want to get out there and hit the road. I wish Griffiths had been around when I was 20! Run don?t walk to buy this book for that special newly minted graduate in your life. The Virgin Student Travellers? Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Planning a Gap Year The Virgin Student Travellers? Handbook is a companion guide to the Before You Go book listed above. As such, it is not as useful as Before You Go. Nonetheless, it is worth considering both books together if you can afford it. The travel advice in the Travellers? Handbook is an excellent addition to the Before You Go book. Unfortunately, the 100 page guide to traveling in different countries is scant and rather dull. If you want information on traveling to specific countries, World Stompers is a better guide.
While some may complain that Olsen spends too much time describing his search for the ultimate drug induced party, World Stompers contains a lot of useful advice and an insightful discourse on the value of traveling to change young people?s lives. Griffiths? guides will not alarm parents; Olsen may evoke fear among adults. Yet, before we criticize Olsen too quickly, we need to keep in mind the context in which World Stompers is written. Griffiths? Gap Year books are written for a market ? Great Britain ? where the idea of traveling to become a more rounded human is normal, even expected. In the USA, where Olsen wrote his book, anyone ? except a retiree ?who takes off more than the requisite two weeks to see the world is almost subversive. So, it?s no wonder that the only young people willing to consider the trip are also outside the mainstream. Bravo, Brad, for presenting an exit from the rat race for hundreds of American young people. I hope they?ll follow in your footsteps?
I love this book! Taking Time Off is a manifesto attesting to the value of giving yourself the opportunity to explore your interests before entering the corporate jungle. It combines practical advice for college students who want to take time off and compelling stories of students who have done everything from hiking the Appalachian trail to working for the California Conservation Corps. Give this book to our favorite young graduate before it?s too late? EXTENDED FAMILY TRAVEL One Year Off: Leaving it all Behind for a Round the World Journey with our Children One Year Off is a well written, intelligent view of the challenges, joys, and pleasures of traveling around the world with a family. Cohen avoids excessive sugar coating while also making the adventure seem accessible to legions of everyday Americans. Written in a friendly conversational tone, the book is recommended reading to anyone contemplating such a trip with their family. VAGABONDING
While Vagabonding covers a lot of the same ground as other books about Round the World Travel, Potts enthusiasm and spirit set this book apart. Potts entertains, informs, and even in spots is provocative. If you?re not ready to hit the road after reading Vagabonding, then you?re immune to the travel bug.
While some of the specific travel tips are a bit dated, Been Where? Done What? is a fabulous resource for getting you mentally prepared for travel. Watson discusses a gamut of issues barely touched elsewhere such as developing a caring, compassionate outlook and preparing oneself mentally for evolution through travel. Vagabonding in Europe and North Africa Written in 1971,Vagabonding is the granddaddy of all guidebooks for budget, extended travel. While a lot of the information is hopelessly out of date, alot of the tips about meeting people and developing the right travel attitude are still right on the mark even today. Vagabonding is also a fun look at life in the early 1970?s.
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