News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

New books on Travel: ‘Mr and Mrs Dog’, ‘Laneways of Melbourne’ and ‘Amazing places cost nothing’ are three of this great mix of Travel books.

Overbooked : the exploding business of travel and tourism / Elizabeth Becker.
“Everyone needs a vacation, a time for carefree fun on a cruise, at a theme park, in a cultured city, or in nature. … What many do not realize is that with over a billion people now visiting foreign countries, travel and tourism have become an international force that seriously affects cultures, economies, and the environment. …Having spent more than 30 years as a correspondent for the Washington Post, New York Times, and other publications, Becker has seen tremendous change in foreign travel. In this timely and entertainingly personal report for serious travelers and policymakers, she features how tourism fares in France, Italy, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Dubai, Africa, China, and the U.S.–Roche, Rick Copyright 2010 BooklistFrom Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.” (Booklist)” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Amazing places cost nothing : the new golden age of authentic travel / Herbert Ypma.
“In a world where package tours and international brands make the leading destinations begin to look alike, the thrill of discovery is in danger of disappearing from travel. Written by travel expert Herbert Ypma, who has traveled the globe, this book will change the way we envision the perfect vacation. Some 300 photographs capture thirty hidden gems from around the world. Ranging from a dusty working cattle ranch in Arizona to Brazil’s best deserted beach to a secluded island paradise off the coast of the French Riviera, these locations offer priceless adventure and beauty-especially because they are relatively inexpensive to visit. Often the best part of the trip is getting there, and Ypma tells engaging stories about how he stumbled upon each place.” (Syndetics summary)

France’s best trips : 39 amazing road trips / this edition written and researched by Oliver Berry … [et. al.].
“39 drives ranging from 1 to 10 days, and 140 maps- Extended coverage of the best unmissable routes- Road trip essentials on driving in France and useful phrases.” (Syndetics summary)

65 things to do when you retire / edited by Mark Evan Chimsky.
“…this new collection features 65 lively essays on a wide variety of fun and unusual travel opportunities for retirees, including eco-travel (to Brazil’s wetlands or the barrier reef off Belize), volunteering abroad (going on archaeological digs or helping to make a difference in developing countries), wine tourism (from Colorado to Croatia), international house-sitting, and taking a retirement “gap year.” In 65 Things to Do When You Retire: Travel, intrepid travel writers and notable retirement experts reveal their own personal adventures and offer practical advice about how to have the time of your life, whether traveling with a group, a spouse or partner, or on your own.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Mörön to Mörön : two men, two bikes, one Mongolian misadventure / Tom Doig.
“In July 2010, Tom Doig and his best mate Tama Pugsley cycled 1487 kilometres across Northern Mongolia from a small town called Moron to an even smaller town, also called Moron. Why? Because it was there.” (Syndetics summary)

Laneways of Melbourne / [Kornelia Freeman & Ulo Pukk].
“Melbourne’s unique laneways are a wonderful place of excitement and discovery and a mecca for people who love to explore, socialise, shop and eat & drink. Laneways of Melbourne is a visually stunning guide book to over 200 laneways, alleys and small streets of Melbourne’s CBD. A fold-out map on the inside cover will guide you to laneways from Ulster Lane off Spring Street to Captains Walk in the Docklands and the captions on each page will inform of each laneway’s fascinating history and name origins.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Paris to the Pyrenees : a skeptic pilgrim walks the way of Saint James / David Downie ; photographs by Alison Harris.
“An eclectic author of cookbooks, novels, and tourist guides, Downie embarks here on the genre of travel writing. His journey, which he completed on foot between the titular locations, in general followed the hallowed Christian pilgrimage route to Spain, le Chemin de Saint Jacques. France being France, history accompanied Downie as much as his walking companion, his wife, Alison. Their conversations were sparked by route-side sights, such as a centuries-old chateau that counted as young, and became enmeshed with Downie’s interior reflections about his reasons for undertaking the journey….Taylor, Gilbert Copyright 2010 BooklistFrom Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.” (Booklist)” (adapted fron Syndetics summary)

Mr. and Mrs. Dog : our travels, trials, adventures, and epiphanies / Donald McCaig.
“Sheepdog trainer and novelist, poet, and essayist McCaig (Eminent Dogs) takes more than a few detours en route to describing his experiences in the World Trial, the “only truly international” competition for sheepdogs, and he may well lose readers along the way…. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved” (Publisher Weekly)” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Argentina : a woman’s guide to traveling in Argentina / [authors, Erica Arvizu, Page Buono ; edtor-in-chief, Kelly Lewis].
“A travel guide designed for women traveling alone in Argentina. “The wine, the tango, the steak – there are a million reasons to fall in love with Argentina. Whether you’re here to see the turquoise glaciers, the penguins, the forests, or the majestic mountains, we’ll help guide you through all the corners of this meat-loving paradise safely. This is the essential guidebook for women traveling through Argentina. Find safe places to stay, get important information on women’s health, learn how to blend in like a local and navigate Argentine cuisine like a pro”–P. [4] of cover.” (Syndetics summary)

Quiet Paris / Siobhan Wall.
“Paris is a beautiful city with astounding architecture and world-famous museums and restaurants. Because of its many attractions, however, it often feels as if there is nowhere to escape from the crowds. Siobhan Wall, author of Quiet Amsterdam and Quiet London, has sought out hidden, tranquil places so that Parisians can find some respite from their busy lives.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Africa : eye to eye with the unknown / Michael Bright ; foreword by David Attenborough.
“…This lavish and unmissable companion to the BBC One series reveals the undiscovered side of Africa’s five unique regions. Inspiring photography captures unprecedented wildlife behaviour, mesmerising new creatures and magical landscapes that will astound and captivate, and will challenge what you think you know about Africa. This is a spectacular journey through a vast and diverse continent in all its beautiful and unexpected abundance.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Including from mapping your adventures to “the Japan Rail Pass”, the disappearing Antarctica, a blind person motorcycling round the world, rowing around London and, finally, ceasing to roam.

On the map : why the world looks the way it does / Simon Garfield.
“From Mappa Mundi to Myst – the bestselling “Just My Type” author turns his gaze to maps. …This is a book that will inspire mapophiles but engage even those of us who stare blankly at an OS pathfinder’s hieroglyphs. Just as Garfield found the magic in fonts, here he creates compelling narratives on everything from the challenge of mapping the oceans to spellbinding treasure maps to the naming of America, from Churchill’s crucial war maps to the lay-out of a Monopoly board, from crime maps to music maps, from rare map dealers to cartographic frauds.” (Syndetics summary)

The further adventures of an idiot abroad / Karl Pilkington ; photography by Freddie Claire ; illustrations by Dominic Trevett.
“…Taking the Bucket List of ‘100 Things to Do Before You Die’ as his starting point, Karl combines brilliant stories from his recent adventures to Alaska, Siberia and beyond with entertaining, highly-opinionated views on what other people aspire to do with their lives. * Why on earth would anybody want to run with the bulls in Pamplona? * Go ’storm chasing’ through Tornado Alley? * Have lunch with the Queen? * Or touch hands with the Pope? The Further Adventures of An Idiot Abroad is a fitting finale to two years of eventful globe-trotting. Frank, funny and strangely inspiring, this is Karl’s final word on travel.”–amazon.com. (Syndetics summary)

Japan by rail / Ramsey Zarifeh. “The secret to travelling around Japan on a budget is the Japan Rail Pass. Using this guide and a Japan Rail Pass, you can travel almost anywhere across all four main islands – cheaply and efficiently. …Practical information – planning your trip; what to take; getting to Japan from Europe, North America and Australasia. City guides and maps – where to stay (all budgets), where to eat, what to see in 30 towns and cities; historical and cultural background.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

San Francisco Chinatown : a guide to its history and architecture / Philip P. Choy ; architectural photographs by Brian W. Choy. “San Francisco Chinatown is the first “insider’s guide” to one of America’s most celebrated ethnic enclaves by an author born and raised there. Both a history of America’s oldest Chinese community and a guide to its significant sites and architecture, San Francisco Chinatown traces the development of the neighborhood from the city’s earliest days to its post-quake transformation into an “oriental” tourist attraction as a pragmatic means of survival.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Lost Antarctica : adventures in a disappearing land / James McClintock. “Hidden between the ice and snow of Antarctica is a world unlike any other. Bitter cold, scarce resources, and six months a year without sunlight make this frozen landscape virtually uninhabitable for humans. Yet these harsh conditions have created a unique and fascinating world of unusual plants and curious animals, mostly amphibians. …Now, as temperatures rise, hardy species from warmer climates are making Antarctica their home and destroying this fragile terrain. ….” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

River/Road : journeys through ecology / David Cook, [photographs] ; Wiremu Puke, [text] ; Jonty Valentine, [graphic design]
“”River/Road takes an intimate look at the environmental, cultural, historical and economic factors that shape the ecology of our immediate environment. The narrative explores regional ecology from a bicultural perspective. The authors trace a journey, following the parallel arteries of the Waikato River and River Road. The emphasis is on being ‘readers of the landscape”–Publisher information.” (Syndetics summary)

Touching the world : a blind woman, two wheels, 25,000 miles / Cathy Birchall and Bernard Smith. “… the extraordinary story of Cathy Birchall, a blind woman, who set off with her companion Bernard Smith, to become the first blind person ever to circle the world on a motorbike, an 18 year old BMW R100. …From desolate and dangerous mountain roads, difficult border crossings and numerous mechanical breakdowns, to climbing Wayna Picchu …a poignant visit to the Centre for Blind Women in Delhi …and an (inadvertent) overnight stay in a Kosovan brothel – this book has it all…” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

New York / [edited by Heather Reyes]. “All the sights, sounds and flavours of city life with perfect gems of city writing. Already the series has taken us to the hearts of Paris, London, Berlin, Dublin, Amsterdam and Venice. From Oxygen Books, a new publisher of surprising books about all kinds of journeys. An exciting and unique popular city break travel series featuring the best ever writing on favourite World cities. Short vignettes from writers including Woody Allen, Tom Wolfe and Don DeLillo to Patti Smith, Junot Diaz and David Byrne, from over one hundred dazzling writers in all.” (Syndetics summary)

Circle line : around London in a small boat / Steffan Meyric Hughes. “…. In 1969, man flew to the moon and sailed around the world solo. In 2009, sailor and Londoner Steffan Meyric Hughes thought he’d try something a little closer to home, becoming the first to sail and row around London in a small boat. Along the way, he discovers the history of the great city’s future and great secrets of the mysterious Thames: wrecks, bombs and intrigue. Circle Line is the story of a unique journey on the forgotten waterways of one of the world’s greatest capitals; an investigation into the way we live today; and a humorous, moving trip down memory lane.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

When wanderers cease to roam : a traveler’s journal of staying put / Vivian Swift.
“Following a lifetime of trekking across the globe, Swift has finally dropped her rucksack in a small town on the edge of the Long Island Sound. In this beautifully illustrated work, the author chronicles, month by month, the wonderfully mundane perks of remaining at home.” (Syndetics summary)

Can’t afford to go on a holiday? No problem, explore the world through travel books in the comfort of home! They’re creatively written, and often more interesting and comprehensive than travel guides that tend to gloss over certain experiences. Still wishing it was you on a beach? We have all the best travel horror stories that will make you think twice!

Some great authors to try:

• Bill Bryson
• Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara
• Frances Mayes
• Gareth Morgan
• Gerald and Lawrence Durrell
• Jack Kerouac
• Jan Morris
• John Steinbeck
• Kira Salak
• Michael Palin
• Pete McCarthy
• Tahir Shah
• Will Randall

Looking for a reason to stay home:

Sod abroad: why you’d be mad to leave the comfort of your own home / Michael Moran.
“Ok, its not absolutely certain that you’ll catch a fatal bout of food-poisoning or be banged up in jail as a drugs mule. But you might. Why would a sane person risk it? Holidays aren’t economical, they arent ecological, and they’re not much bloody fun. With travel tips, handy warnings and lists of stuff you can only do at home, Sod Abroad will help you kick the holiday habit. Instead, why not spend a fortnight on your sofa, in your home, watching your telly (/reading this book), and eating food that you can actually pronounce.” – (adapted from Fishpond.co.nz summary)

Don’t go there! : the travel detective’s essential guide to the must-miss places of the world / Peter Greenberg ; Sarika Chawla, chief research editor.
“We’ve all suffered through bad vacations: tourist traps, endless lines, rundown hotels, and the worst airports on earth. Before you book your next trip, get all of the facts-that “idyllic” beachfront hotel could really be one of the world’s hellholes.In this follow-up to his New York Times bestseller, The Complete Travel Detective Bible, Peter Greenberg shares his experiences and hard-won knowledge of where not to go and why, so you can make sure your big vacation isn’t to a dismal destination.From dangerous roads, crime-ridden cities, and countries overrun with disease to depressing destinations, polluted beaches, and places that (literally) stink, the ultimate travel expert leaves no stone unturned, no garbage heap unexplored, to list the locations you should forget even exist.Backed up by information he has been compiling for years, Greenberg unapologetically exposes misrepresented resorts, corrupt countries, and cringe-worthy cruise ships so that travelers can confidently pack their bags and avoid vacation tragedy. Book jacket.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

101 places not to see before you die / Catherine Price.
“From the Grover Cleveland Service Area to the Beijing Museum of Tap Water to, of course, Euro Disney, 101 Places Not to See Before You Die brings you lively tales of the most ill-conceived museums, worst theme parks, and grossest Superfund sites that you’ll ever have the pleasure of not visiting. Journalist Catherine Price travels the globe for stories of misadventure to which any seasoned traveler can relate-including guest entries from writers such as Nicholas Kristof, Mary Roach, Michael Pollan, Rebecca Solnit, and A. J. Jacobs-and along the way she discovers that the worst experiences are often the ones we’ll never forget.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

101 places not to visit : / Adam Russ.
“101 Places Not to Visit” has it all: dull attractions, pointless festivals, sites famous for their biohazards or radioactivity, tips on how to avoid marriage to locals desperate to escape, and more. Brimming with vitriol and useful information, this eye-opening guide will have you canceling your next vacation. Stopping at every continent, this cautionary companion offers a look at the places that tourist organizations would rather you didn’t know about. Refreshingly abusive, it makes no effort whatsoever to be fair or even-handed. Each entry begins with a unique point system that awards stars for “Boredom Factor” and “Likelihood of Fatal Visit.” This is followed by a history of the destination, a look at its culture or lack of it, non-attractions, and any culinary specialties you might be expected to endure. Throughout, color photos and special features draw attention to particularly ghastly places, people, and events. Don’t leave home without it…or, perhaps, don’t leave home at all.” – (adapted from Global Books In Print summary)

Overboard: the stories cruise lines don’t want told / Gwyn Topham.
A cruise was once the trip of a lifetime: a byword for refinement, luxury, romance, the millionaire lifestyle. No longer. Boats are bigger and brasher, and every year more and more people of all ages and walks of life are clambering aboard to join the party. But are they safe? Out at sea, there are no police. Many cruise ships fly flags of convenience, sailing in murky legal waters. Reports of disappearances, disease, death and debauchery are becoming alarmingly frequent. Can you be sure your dream holiday, or your ship, won’t end up on the rocks? Gwyn Topham, travel editor of Guardian Unlimited, talks to crew and passengers in Australia and around the world to find out what really happens on the high seas. In tales spanning ships from the Fairstar to the QM2, he discovers pirates and pollution, missing persons and mutinies, colourful captains and crew, and passengers whose antics would make your hair curl. You cannot afford to get aboard until you have read Overboard: the stories cruise lines don’t want told.” – (adapted from Global Books In Print summary)

The Titanic awards : celebrating the worst of travel / Doug Lansky.The Titanic Awards: Celebrating the Worst of Travel
“From the worst airport layout to the most confusing subway system to the most overrated tourist attraction, Lansky looks at flawed travel destinations with a gimlet eye and a sense of the absurd.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Around the world by mouse / Harry Pearson.
“Inspired by the efforts of 1950s comic writer Alex Atkinson who wrote a travelogue about the USA without bothering to visit it, Harry Pearson embarks on an epic trip around the globe without leaving his office except for the obvious necessities (snacks, bathroom breaks and removing an electrocuted mouse from inside the toaster). Using the Internet, he traverses an incredible virtual world where natural wonders are rendered all the more remarkable by the florid language of computer translation programmes (”Glorious opinions of the provincial topography can be had from our high-up windows”). By train, car, motorbike, and yacht, as well as homepage, live cam, and blog, the author traverses the planet; fights off wave after wave of Spam-hucksters (”Want to make love like you were a teenager again?” What, you mean, on my own?); barters with locals using the recognized currency of the cyberspace–trivia; tries very hard not to be distracted from the appalling situation in Tajikstan by the news that a group of men in Michigan regularly recreate the great medieval battles using thousands of Playmobile figures; and along the way learns about truth, beauty, and why his septic tank is a ticking time bomb.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

New Travel Guides:

100 places to go before they disappear / [editorial supervision, Stine Trier Norden and Soren Rud].
“What would our world look like if the planet’s average temperature were to rise by only a few degrees? Venice, Bangkok, London, Chicago, and New York would experience severe flooding. The tea fields of Sri Lanka and the vineyards of France would suffer heat and drought. Beijing and Timbuktu would be transformed into deserts, and the Great Barrier Reef’s coral colonies would die. The entire nation of Tuvalu would sink into the Pacific Ocean. As plants and animals vital to local ecosystems continue to perish due to climate change, the face of our planet is already being transformed.” (Syndetics summary)

1001 smart travel tips / editors, Laura M. Kidder (lead project editor), Stephanie Butler, Kelly Kealy.
“Save Money: Pay less for flights, hotel rooms, car rentals • Ask the right questions when you book • Get the most from online travel sites • See resolutions from complaints. Stay Safe: Navigate airport security • Avoid local scams • Hold on to your wits (and your belongings) anywhere in the world • Steer clear of tummy troubles • Eliminate road-trip risks. Travel Smart: Pick the perfect destination • Get a passport overnight • Pack right for all trips • Take airport delays in stride • Score last-minute tables and rooms with a view • Avoid cultural faux pas.” (Amazon.co.uk)

Tibet / [This edition written and researched by Bradley Mayhew ... [et al.]].
“Tibet is simply one of the most remarkable places in Asia. It offers fabulous monasteries, breathtaking high-altitude treks, stunning views of the world’s highest mountains and one of the most likeable peoples you will ever meet.” (Syndetics)

Belgium and Luxembourg / main contributor, Antony Mason.
“DK Eyewitness: Belgium & Luxembourg travel guide will lead you straight to the best attractions these countries have on offer. Packed with photographs, illustrations, and maps of Belgium and Luxembourg, the guide includes in-depth coverage of the region’s best attractions from fine art in Brussels to the canals of Bruges and battlefields of Flanders and the best castles, museums, and architecture in between. Illustrated food features highlight local produce and classic dishes of Belgium and Luxembourg while the best hotels and restaurants in Belgium and Luxembourg have been selected by resident experts. ” (Amazon.com)

Bali day by day / by Lee Atkinson.
“This is a travel guide that tells you how to see the best of everything – in the smartest, most time-efficient way. This guide includes: the best of Bali in three days, one week or two weeks; thematic tours for every interest, schedule and taste; hundreds of evocative photos; bulleted maps that show you how to go from place to place; and, hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightlife for all budgets.” (Syndetics)

San Antonio & Austin / Nancy Mikula.
“DK Eyewitness Top 10: San Antonio & Austin will lead you to some of the best attractions in Texas, such as the Alamo, the River Walk, and the dolphins at Sea World. Top 10 San Antonio and Austin leads you to must see galleries and museums, the liveliest bars, clubs and live music venues, the most fun places for kids, the best hotels on every budget, and much more. There are dozens of Top 10 lists covering the Top 10 restaurants, Top 10 liveliest bars and clubs, the Top 10 places to stay, and even a Top 10 list of Things to Avoid! ….packed with beautiful illustrations and detailed cutaways of the greatest attractions to ensure that you don’t miss a thing!” (Syndetics)