One for the Road: Journeys of a Lifetime

by Kelly Amabile on

Another recent entry in the popular mega trip-list travel book category is National Geographic’s Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips. Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic writers, this 400-page collection of glossy color photos and descriptions is another daydream machine for wanderlust readers. In addition to the featured journeys, there are also secondary lists for things like the top 10 elevator rides, ancient highways and bridges to walk across.

So, can every travel experience be listed? It seems that way these days. But, as Frank Bures eloquently argued in a recent World Hum travel book column, the checklist approach to travel misses the point. Super-sized itineraries are not practical, and in most cases, just not possible. And that is a good thing. However, this book, and similar titles, are still fun to flip through. They’re kind of like destination menus for travelers to pick-and-choose from — for ideas, inspiration or discussion with others. But over-ordering should be avoided.

One for the Road: China – People, Place, Culture, History

by Kelly Amabile on

It’s been awhile since I’ve talked about China. But I’ve been thinking about the country this evening while admiring DK’s new book about the Asian empire. Seems a good time to tell ya about it — China: People, Place, Culture, History is a massive tribute to the country, with over 700 specially commissioned images by world-class photographers.

The photos are grouped around themes: landscape, history, people, culture and architecture. The book sets the scene with stunning images of the mountains, plateaus and plains of China’s three “steps” and then follows with a chronological look at the dynasties that ruled throughout the country’s 4,000-year history. The people section does a spectacular job of peering into daily life in China with profiles of craftsmen, farmers, children, religious, artists, business people and retirees. Cultural traditions are also captured with vivid color and descriptions — calligraphy, opera, literature and philosophy are all explored. And to complete the collection, an architecture section marks the nation’s transformation through its buildings — from ancient courtyards to modern skyscrapers. Anyone with affection for China will want a copy of this spectacular look at the evolution and every day life of a world superpower.

One for the Road: Hungry City Guides

by Kelly Amabile on

These thin Glove Box Guides, known as Hungry City, are a must have for foodie travelers. My parents took the Hungry? Chicago guide with them to the Windy City this summer, and discovered a few good places to chow down around town. Their favorite recommendation from the book: Monk’s Pub on Lake Street. It was definitely a place were “real people eat” — an editorial angle the guides pride themselves on. The review of Monk’s as “downtown’s coziest burger and brew” checked out, and my parent’s left happy and hungry no more.

These compact guides are written by a team of local contributors who eat and drink their way through cities across the US. Restaurant listings are grouped by neighborhood, and in addition to alpha and cuisine indexes, there is a glossary of food terms that describes popular ethnic dishes — a nice extra touch. It’s good to know your mandoo (Korean dumplings) from your har gow (Chinese shrimp dumplings) before deciding where to dine.

Recent releases in this series include a Hungry? Thirsty? Miami,Hungry? Seattle Family edition and Hungry? New York City. Are you still hungry?? There’s more: Hungry? Boston will be out in November and Thirsty? Boston in the spring. Other titles in the works include guides for New Orleans, Las Vegas and the first international destination, Paris.

One for the Road: The Palace of the Snow Queen

by Kelly Amabile on

I’ve had a copy of this book for awhile, but unfortunately have not had a chance to read it yet. However, I want to let you know about Barbara Sjoholm’s new book now, because she’s got an event coming up this week. The Palace of the Snow Queen is a travel narrative that follows the author through Sweden, Finland and other parts of Lapland. Sjoholm visits the Ice Hotel in Kiruna, takes part in traditional activities like reindeer racing and dog sledding, and adjusts to the ever-darkening days of the Far North. Bookslut recently posted a positive review.

If you live anywhere near Bellingham, WA, you can meet the author and view a slideshow of photos from her travels in Lapland at an event at Village Books this Thursday night. She’ll read from her book, and also discuss the culture of the indigenous Sami, who are currently in a struggle to maintain their traditional reindeer grazing lands and migration routes.

One for the Road: MTV Roadtrips USA

by Kelly Amabile on

Like yesterday’s pick, here’s another guidebook series that I’m not going to review because I haven’t had a chance to look at it yet. Actually, Neil first told us all about this series when it was launched last fall. MTV’s travel guides first hit bookshelves last fall, published in partnership with Frommers. The latest title was released earlier this year: MTV Roadtrips U.S.A. is a detailed tribute to roadtripping across America, courtesy of the reality-tv-lovin’ music video generation.

This collection of road trips is organized by themes, with a slew of suggested itineraries: visits to wine festivals in Virginia, Bonnaroo in Tennessee, Jersey Shore excursions, a Vegas to Baja getaway and a Southern BBQ roadtrip are just some of the cruising suggestions offered in this team-written guide for trendy young travelers. Sounds like it is a hefty guide at 800+ pages, so you may just want to poke through it for ideas at the library or your favorite bookstore.