Rick Steves' Best of Europe 2007 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Rick Steves' Best of Europe 2007? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Rick Steves' Best of Europe 2007. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Rick Steves' Best of Europe 2007 ReviewI traveled through Europe last summer with the '97 edition of this book, and found it to be the best travel guide out there - and several jealous travelers, who either forgot, lost, or never knew about the book until they arrived in Europe, envied mine, echoing my sentiments.
Rick has a great philosophy towards travel: see the world through the "back door." He thinks a traveler can have a much richer travel experience if he meets and interacts with the locals, living as they do (or living with them, in quaint pensiones and B&Bs,) eating where they eat (or better yet, eating with the locals they meet along the way) and seeing the world with an open mind. I agree. This book lists some of these great (and budget-friendly) sleeping and eating establishments.
Better yet are Rick's 'what to see' recommendations. Like all the guidebooks out there, he gives a description of the top tourist sights. But what sets this book apart is two things not found in other travel books: Rick gives his opinions on each sight, and recommends many other lesser-known sights.
Rick isn't afraid to tell you if seeing or doing something is a waste of time; on the flip side, there are sights that he says you'd be crazy NOT to see. If my time was short in a city, I'd be sure to see Rick's "must-see" sights and skip the rest - I never felt as though I missed anything, and had a wonderful experience.
Secondly, Rick recommends lesser known, out-of-the-way (and not so out-of-the-way) places. It was in these places that I often got the best "feel" for what a country was truly like, as these were the places that locals frequented. I remember lying on a beach in Cinque Terre, Italy (one of Rick's favorite "back door" towns) talking with my travel companion. A Milanese man on the next beach towel over asked us how we found out about his favorite vacation spot - he'd never heard anyone speaking english there before! (Although we found the town to be full of Rick Steves followers!) We had a wonderful time there, met many locals, and truly experienced Italy.
This is a fantastic guide book - friendly budget hotels, yummy places to eat, descriptions of Europe's "must-see" sights, places you'd be better off not seeing, and back-door towns where you can really meet the locals and learn about each country's culture and individuality. Don't leave home without it!Rick Steves' Best of Europe 2007 Overview

Want to learn more information about Rick Steves' Best of Europe 2007?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Frommer's Northern Italy with Venice & the Lakes Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Frommer's Northern Italy with Venice & the Lakes? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Frommer's Northern Italy with Venice & the Lakes. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Frommer's Northern Italy with Venice & the Lakes ReviewI'm in the advanced planning stages for my trip to Northern Italy and I was hoping this edition would provide useful information and insight for me. Unfortunately, for all its listings, this book is remarkable in its LACK of detail. It might come in somewhat handy once you're ON the trip, but does little to help you prepare for it.
Also, in trying to cover such vast regions of the area, the individual cities and villages are under reported.Frommer's Northern Italy with Venice & the Lakes OverviewYou'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go -- they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us! Frommer's Northern Italy is the premier guide to the region, with complete coverage of Venice, the Dolomites and South Tirol, Milan and Lombardy, Liguria and the Italian Riviera, and more. You'll get candid reviews of the best hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, as well as the author's picks for the best travel experiences, including: cruising the brenta canal; driving the great dolomite road; riding the cable cars over mont blanc; hiking the cinque terre; taking in the art at the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan; partying at the spring Carnevale in Venice; and more.

Want to learn more information about Frommer's Northern Italy with Venice & the Lakes?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

The Finnish Line (S.A.S.S.) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The Finnish Line (S.A.S.S.)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Finnish Line (S.A.S.S.). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Finnish Line (S.A.S.S.) ReviewI enjoyed Linda Gerber's first SASS book, Now and Zen, so I was looking forward to seeing what she would do with a second book, this time set in Finland. Again, Linda takes a typically frothy genre and adds a little heft--all without burdening her story line.
The Finnish Line is an account of "Mo" Clark's semester abroad, which she spends honing her competitive ski jumping skills. One nice thing about this book is that I'm pretty sure most American teens (and adults!) are unfamiliar with Finnish history and culture. Gerber manages to weave some of both into the book. (Imagine rolling naked in the snow and then heading into a sauna, for example.)
The reason Mo Clark goes to Finland is to get away from the influence of her high-profile skiing family--which doesn't always work out the way she planned it. She encounters a prickly roommate, Kirsti; an intriguing Romani boy named Leevi; and her own limitations as a ski jumper. The subplots weave together nicely, with questions about prejudice against gypsies being raised in the strand about Leevi. Mo is frustrated to find that her ski jumping doesn't cut it in this group of athletes, and Leevi offers to help her improve her distance. Though Leevi helps Mo, there comes a point when she goes it alone and really takes her ski jumping to the next level. I'm pleased that Gerber decided to let Mo make this crucial effort on her own, showing us the meaning of the Finnish term sisu.
At one point, the author offers an intriguing riff on her fun but seemingly frivolous title. As Leevi tells Mo, "You're not getting it. You can never reach the finish line, Clark. Not in your sport and not in your life. You come close, you set the line back. That way, you keep moving forward, keep getting better. When you think you're done, it's all over."
Finally, this book gives us insight into a sport that's an arena for the ongoing gender-rights struggles of women athletes. Ski jumping IS an Olympic sport for men, but as Gerber's endnote explains, the International Olympic Committee has balked at making it an Olympic sport for women--apparently on the grounds of good old-fashioned sexism.
The Finnish Line is mostly as light as powder snow, but it has unexpected depths. And Mo, like Gerber's main character in Now and Zen, is a girl worth accompanying on her semester abroad in Finland.
Update: Hooray! April 2011, and the IOC has finally relented. The women will be ski jumping in 2014!
The Finnish Line (S.A.S.S.) OverviewWhen Nordic ski jumper Maureen "Mo" Clark set foot in Finland, she breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, escape from her famous skier father's shadow and a chance to jump in the renowned Lahti Ski Games. But Mo quickly realizes that balancing practice and classes is more challenging than she expected. So when a gorgeous bad boy teammate offers coaching assistance—for a little publicity in return—how can she refuse? Surely she can work in a few extra practices somewhere between studying for calculus and sightseeing in Finland? Amid snowmobiling and dog-sledding, ice hotels and Northern lights, Mo begins to discover what strength and perseverance—the Finnish sisu—is all about. Now it's up to her to take that final jump and cross the finish line in style.

Want to learn more information about The Finnish Line (S.A.S.S.)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Frommer's Tuscany, Umbria and Florence With Your Family (Frommers With Your Family Series) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Frommer's Tuscany, Umbria and Florence With Your Family (Frommers With Your Family Series)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Frommer's Tuscany, Umbria and Florence With Your Family (Frommers With Your Family Series). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Frommer's Tuscany, Umbria and Florence With Your Family (Frommers With Your Family Series) ReviewA very nice, semi-compact, solid family, travel guide about some of the most beautiful, romantic countryside, fantastic food, welcoming people in the world.
Yes, we love Italy and used to travel there every year, mostly Tuscany(Toscana) before kids(bk). Now, with 2 beautiful youngsters, aged 5&7, who have travelled everywhere with us in the U.S., we're itching and longing to return to Europe and most notably Italia.
We by no means are experts on Italy- it's far too diverse and so many places to see, so little time and money's always an issue, we sought help through this guide. There are many parts of big Tuscany we want to see like Elba or the coastline; we haven't seen Umbria, and it's gorgeous, rolling countrysides, lakes and a few less tourists, sure seems inviting.
This book is well researched, copyright 2011, 240+ pages plus index, colorful with general maps and some photos. It's thorough enough to be one's only needed guide, and compact enough that I, a smart carry-on only packer, would take it with me.
It's written by two experienced travelers, one says he's a dad. That's important because the traveling with children is a whole different ballgame than without the little hands, little feet, fussy tummies and all their sensibilities about what makes a fun trip. Can't wait for the teens!
As parents, we're agreed to travel as our top priority to first make this as enjoyable for the kiddoes as possible, and then, still have some husband/wife time for romance and sightseeing that we favor. That means limit the amount of time in planes and cars; limit the amount of transfers, stay in maybe 2 or 3 places for our 2-3 week trip, and chose places that our kids will get excited about, i.e., water, beaches, pools, animals, more animals, open space, a few museums to run around in, depending on the type, and food: pasta, pizza, fruit, dessert.
The authors list bunches of activities for all age groups, kid friendly room and dining(although I would say most restaurants and lodging in Italy are at least kid sympathetic, one has to be considerate about the dining because it can last through the night). I wish there was more, specifically, on Elba, but there are plenty of resources given.
Also, per town they list only a few suggested lodgings. I've scoured the internet. There are literally hundreds of hotels, agriturismos, country houses. Ones that I prefer better then some of their brief suggestions. Search and read the reviews yourself.
We're leaning towards an agriturismo- open spaces, more personal and cultural interactions, a farm with horses and animals and local cuisine, and perhaps other kids. Establish a basecamp and take the kids out exploring, see the zoo, see the cozy towns, the waterpark, donkey rides etc. etc. etc. Take a trip into Florence, Assisi or Rome.
A very helpful, concise ready to be used resource. Buon Viaggio!
Frommer's Tuscany, Umbria and Florence With Your Family (Frommers With Your Family Series) OverviewGreat Family Trips You'll Remember Forever
At last, a travel guide for families that tells you how it reallyis. See the best of everything, with expert advice from mums and dads that will give you the confidence to organise a fun and inspired trip.
With Your Family has the inside knowledge for trouble-free breaks, full of memories to last a lifetime.

Discover sandy, family-friendly beaches

Wander medieval hill towns with winding streets

Ride the rapids or explore mountain-bike trails

Admire inspiring Renaissance frescos up close

Plus: the best attractions, food & drink and accommodation

Also: lots of evocative photos and regional maps

Frommer's. The best trips start here. Visit us online at Frommers.com

Want to learn more information about Frommer's Tuscany, Umbria and Florence With Your Family (Frommers With Your Family Series)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Michelin Green Guide Germany Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Michelin Green Guide Germany? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Michelin Green Guide Germany. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Michelin Green Guide Germany ReviewCustomer reviews of older editions of this guide are very complimentary -- and deservedly so! But sadly, the newer green guides are much less useful than their predecessors and this 2011 green guide is a good example of the newer editions.
I have been using Michelin green and red guides with great pleasure since 1961 for our annual vacations in Europe. I just counted the green guides we own -- 40, some of them dating back to the 1960s and 1970s if we haven't returned to an area since then. But the newest green guides are a disaster. They are full of color photos and hotel and restaurant recommendations -- but much of the detailed descriptions of the sights has disappeared. And some of the town maps and the sights themselves have also disappeared from this guide, including some sights that were rated one star in the previous edition.
Another problem -- this guide is now organized by area, instead of alphabetically by town, so I can no longer quickly turn to the location in which I'm interested but have to use the index to find its page number.
I bought the new (2011) edition of the Germany green guide because it has up-to-date information about opening times, entrance fees, etc. Fortunately, I still have my 2005 Germany green guide and will take it along on our trip to Germany to have the detailed descriptions and town maps. And I will no longer discard the older green guide when I buy a new edition!
Michelin Green Guide Germany OverviewPlan your trip with the newly updated Green Guide Germany. Practical information suggests when to go and what to see. Take a walking tour of Lubeck's old town, enjoy a biking tour of Berlin, or head for Moselle Valley's picturesque villages. Stop in a Dresden cafe or indulge in a stein at Munich's Oktoberfest. Color photos, illustrations, background information and address book help organize your journey. With the respected star-rating system, the Michelin Green Guide brings you to the heart of Germany. Use with Michelin Germany Map No. 718.

Want to learn more information about Michelin Green Guide Germany?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Fodor's Essential Europe, 1st Edition: The Best of 16 Exceptional Countries (Travel Guide) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Fodor's Essential Europe, 1st Edition: The Best of 16 Exceptional Countries (Travel Guide)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Fodor's Essential Europe, 1st Edition: The Best of 16 Exceptional Countries (Travel Guide). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Fodor's Essential Europe, 1st Edition: The Best of 16 Exceptional Countries (Travel Guide) ReviewThis book provides a great overview of the "best of" Europe. It is a good planner to give someone looking for a whirlwind or multi-country tour of Europe an overview. It helps you get to the point of the best places to visit in each country, and it gives you good day trip ideas from the big cities. There are three drawbacks with this book. First, not every country in Europe is included, in particular on the eastern side of the continent. All of the most popular destinations are however included. Second, the information on each place is limited. I wish they had made the book more pages and gone into greater detail with sights, hotels, and restaurants than the limited number offered. Third, this book doesn't include the full color photos Fodor's has been including in some of it's guides lately. Hopefully a future edition will include them. Overall, a good book for the whilrlwind traveller or someone trying to decide where they want to go. If you are visiting one or two countries in depth you will need a more in-depth guide.Fodor's Essential Europe, 1st Edition: The Best of 16 Exceptional Countries (Travel Guide) OverviewEach Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by resident writers and experts.

Want to learn more information about Fodor's Essential Europe, 1st Edition: The Best of 16 Exceptional Countries (Travel Guide)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Frommer's Northern Italy: with Venice, Milan and the Lakes (Frommer's Complete Guides) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Frommer's Northern Italy: with Venice, Milan and the Lakes (Frommer's Complete Guides)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Frommer's Northern Italy: with Venice, Milan and the Lakes (Frommer's Complete Guides). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Frommer's Northern Italy: with Venice, Milan and the Lakes (Frommer's Complete Guides) ReviewI've always liked Frommer's, mainly because the books are well-organized and provide a great overview and starting point. The attractions are clearly explained, with hours, admission fees, restrictions, & considerations. The hotel suggestions are generally good, though usually a little on the more expensive end, and in lieu of internet I find them generally reliable.
It can be a little dry and a little mainstream, but their books are usually updated with good regularity & is good for planning your sightseeing and transportation. More detailed information on ferries & hydrofoils (not just from Frommers but guide books in general) would be nice!
Frommer's Northern Italy: with Venice, Milan and the Lakes (Frommer's Complete Guides) Overview
Take a gondola ride on Venice's Grand Canal, where you'll find excellent views of St. Mark's Basilica. See chapter 5.


Foldout map, plus detailed maps throughout

Exact prices, directions, opening hours,and other practical information

Candid reviews of hotels and restaurants,plus sights, shopping, and nightlife

Itineraries, walking tours, and trip-planning ideas

Insider tips from local expert authors


Want to learn more information about Frommer's Northern Italy: with Venice, Milan and the Lakes (Frommer's Complete Guides)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...