One for the Road (04/22/07)

by Kelly Amabile on

I turned to the eco-tourism folks at Planeta for inspiration on today’s book suggestion. Although not specifically a travel book, this collection of ecologically-minded maps reinforces an important point we travelers must be mindful of as we move through the world — this great vessel that feeds all our passion for global exploration is seriously threatened — often by our very own desire for adventure and the means we use to fuel our travels.

The Atlas of Climate Change: Mapping the World’s Greatest Challenge examines the signs of climate change (rising sea levels, erratic weather patterns), looks at the serious implications of global warming, and provides insights into the politics and global debate shaping these issues. While it may not provide detailed solutions on what can and needs to be done to reverse our earth’s decline, the atlas does provide a comprehensive overview of the issues at play and the damage that is already being done.

Using over fifty full-color maps and graphics, this environmentally-conscious collection of maps is a good one for travelers to thumb through. It’s an educational and essential resource that provides a valuable visual overview of this pressing concern. Besides the basic food/water/health implications of climate-change, the atlas also looks at vulnerable cities and cultural landmarks around the world–especially in countries lacking the resources to adapt. As we travel through these lands, a book like this serves as an important reminder: Every movement we make has some impact on the life-span of our planet.

One for the Road (04/21/07)

by Kelly Amabile on

Today’s book suggestion is a special one for the ladies. Greece, A Love Story is the latest in a series edited by Camille Cusumano and published by Seal Press. (Previous love story books include Mexico, France and Italy.) This brand new collection features travel essays by nineteen women united in their deep passion for Greece. The unique and personal stories will resonate with anyone who has been there, or will surely capture the hearts of those yearning to make a visit. These female perspectives on the Greek experience may teach you a thing or two about mythology and ancient history, and will surely captivate you with the charm and beauty of this magical land.

An impressive group of globe-trotting goddesses have contributed to this creative anthology — and just think how many others may exist who’ve had a love affair with (or in!) this enchanting place. There are a few events happening this spring where you’ll have a chance to meet some of the contributors. The first one is coming up this week, and is the only event scheduled (thus far) on the East Coast. Several authors will be at the Community Bookstore in Brooklyn this Thursday, April 26 at 7:30 pm. Other readings are scheduled for California and Washington in May and June. What about a reading somewhere in Athens or Santorini? Sign me up for one of those, okay?

One for the Road (04/20/07)

by Kelly Amabile on

If you’re a classical music or public television fan, you may be familiar with the PBS series Classical Destinations, which takes viewers all over Europe, visiting the cities, towns and villages touched and influenced by the likes of Verdi, Beethoven, Bach, Strauss and Schubert. In February 2007, a hardcover book based on the series was released in the US. Classical Destinations: An Armchair Guide to Classical Music features over 200 glossy photos and detailed descriptions of the historical locations where the great composers lived, worked and practiced their artistic talents.

Of course, a book can’t capture the essence of the musical genius of these performers like a TV show can, so the smart marketing team at Classical Destinations created a double CD and double DVD of the entire series as well — for your listening enjoyment. You can journey along with British host Simon Callow (not to be confused with that other UK musical idol, Simon Cowell) to places like Salzberg, Bonn, St. Petersburg and Prague, on a melodious guided tour through the history and geography of the world’s great classical composers. In addition to the classical music capitals of Europe featured in the book, there are also chapters (based on episodes) devoted to the music of Norway and Finland.

One for the Road (04/19/07)

by Kelly Amabile on

Last time we checked in with Polly Evans, she was making her way around China using only public transport. The fantastically funny travel writer is at it again, still experimenting with creative means of getting around. In her latest book, released last month in the UK, Evans chronicles her wild adventures galloping around Argentina. In On a Hoof and a Prayer she finally realizes a life long dream to learn how to ride a horse. But instead of taking the easy way out (signing up for classes close to her London home), Evans choses the landscapes of Patagonia as a backdrop for her lessons. Smart idea — might as well enjoy the scenery while propped up on a horse for several hours each day. (Check out some photos from her journey.)

There’s lots more info about this book, as well as her previous transportation travel tales, at her website. I especially like the handy Trip Info pages for each book, which highlights the guides, tour groups and accommodations she used while traveling in each region, as well further reading suggestions.

Polly will be on the British radio program Excess Baggage at 10am this Saturday, April 21st, talking about rural Argentina with the program’s host, Sandi Toksvig and Christabelle Dilks, author of the Footprint Guide to Argentina. Another piece of timely info is that her 2004 book, Kiwis Might Fly, about her motorcycle travels through New Zealand, was just released in the US.

One for the Road (04/18/07)

by Kelly Amabile on

A new children’s book adventure series called Incredible Journeys debuts this month from independent publisher Kid’s Fun Press. Although I’m a little leery of a children’s book with the word “criminal” in the title, these imaginative books simply serve as playful teaching tools to engage children’s sense of wonder about the world.

The Criminal in the Caymans and Treasure in Tahiti were written by Connie Lee Berry, a flight attendant for a major airline and school system volunteer who says her chats with children fascinated by other cultures and continents inspired her to create these fast-paced adventures filled with geography fun facts.

In these short books (geared for educators to use in the classroom), Max and Sam emerge as a modern day Hardy Boys duo — globetrotting guys who find themselves in mysterious situations far from home. Smart young fellas, they’ve managed to land on lush tropical islands for their first two travel escapades, in which they must solve a 100-year old mystery and capture a dangerous lawbreaker, all while learning about the lands they travel through. Informative fact sheets at the beginning and end of the story reveal key statistics about the locale, including population, language, currency and other geographic trivia.

If you’ve got an inquiring young explorer in your life, consider introducing this new series the next time you venture to the library or bookstore. You’ll be doing your part to instill a strong sense of place and spirit of discovery in a curious young mind. Additional titles in this chapter-book series for ages 7-9 will be released in October: Adventure in Africa and Pirates in Paradise. Maybe Sam and Max will meet up with an equally adventurous female traveling pair in one of these forthcoming titles?