Showing posts with label travel guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel guide. Show all posts

Here's Holland Review

Here's Holland
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This is a "must have" book for visitors to Holland I only wish I had owned this book from day one, or even before I came to Holland. Its format is very clear and easy to follow and I can imagine I shall be dipping in and out of it for a long time to come. Part I, the main section, is dedicated to sightseeing, museums and amusement centres. Each of the twelve provinces is given a separate chapter. At the beginning of each there is a small useful map showing main towns, major roads and the borders of the provinces. These do help the geographically challenged (like me) to become more familiar with the layout of this relatively small country.
An introduction to the history and folklore of each province makes interesting reading. Every chapter, with its extensive coverage of museums, galleries, historic sites, cities, towns, villages and picturesque countryside, definitely gets the message across that there is more to Holland than Amsterdam.
Part II, entitled "Living in Holland" provides a wealth of information, advice and contact addresses. It covers the culture, gives an insight into "the system", education, sports and entertainment. It also includes a useful calendar of yearly special events. This section provides the newcomer not only with a vast array of specific information, but also presents it in a very practical manner, clearly written by someone with a close understanding of Dutch life. It is without a doubt an excellent aid to the newcomer, to help them settle quickly into this unique little country.

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Here's Holland is simply the best all-in-one guide to travel and life in Holland.
No other book covers so much, so well.
Travel destinations and first-hand tips for touring both well-known and less familiar sites from the Anne Frank House and world-class museums in Amsterdam, to picturesque villages in a landscape punctuated with windmills and breathtaking fields of tulips not to mention the superb beaches, medieval towns, and every kind of accommodation imaginable from the world s smallest hotel (a one-room gem in idyllic countryside) to castles and manor houses complete with moats. All this, plus opening times, websites and even directions on how to get there.
AND all the resources you need about life in Holland, whether you re planning a short or long-term stay.
Written by British expatriate Sheila Gazaleh-Weeversa long-time resident of Holland and updated with American expatriates Shirley Agudo and Connie Moser, there is enough practical advice here to make you feel instantly at home.
Like a well-packed suitcase, Here's Holland has all you need for your journey:a calendar of yearly events and entertainment; inside information about customs and culture, characteristic Dutch crafts and products, biking and shopping opportunities,eating outandstaying over,sports venues, markets, special activities and resources for children; a quick reference guide, and so much more...
It's all here, in Here's Holland.

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Insiders' Guide to Hampton Roads: Virginia Beach, Norfolk & Newport News (Insiders' Guide Series) Review

Insiders' Guide to Hampton Roads: Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Newport News (Insiders' Guide Series)
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very helpful reviews of pretty much every kind of activity you might want to do in the norfolk area. perfect gift for anyone who's just been transferred to the area.

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A first edition, Insiders' Guide to Hampton Roads is the essential source for in-depth travel and relocation information to this storied Virginia metropolitan area. Written by a local (and true insider), this guide offers a personal and practical perspective of Hampton Roads and its surrounding environs.

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Slovakia: The Bradt Travel Guide Review

Slovakia: The Bradt Travel Guide
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Being of Slovak descent, I was always frustrated in my efforts to locate a good travel guide on the subject. Lucy Mallows delivers a brilliantly informative, yet concise guide to aid travelers to this, until recently, wonderfully mysterious destination. Reading it, I got the feeling she must have spent a lifetime exploring every town, valley and craggy peak of this magnificent country, and indeed, she has spent a considerable amount of time there. Who better, then, to introduce the world to one of the most vibrant, yet underappreciated places in Europe? Everything a traveler could possibly need to know is here; from which trains to catch to arrive at a chosen destination, to reviews on hotels, interesting things to check out, places to eat, even things to avoid. Also included is helpful information like important telephone numbers, and advice on how to protect yourself in order to better enjoy your trip. I especially enjoyed her own personal comments, which are sprinkled throughout the book. Slovakia is a gorgeous country with a rich history and has suffered centuries of misfortune and domination, part of which is what drove my ancestors to find a better life in the USA, for which I am very grateful. How wonderful to see that this new democracy is free to embrace its own culture at last and to welcome visitors to come and discover its many hidden treasures. Thank you, Lucy!

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Slovakia is one of the last of Central Europe's secrets to be discovered by travelers, and having joined the European Union in 2004, is now in a better position than ever to show what it has to offer. Impressively situated on the Danube, the capital, Bratislava, boasts stunningly restored baroque, rococo, and art nouveau buildings. Beyond the capital visitors will find a country packed with architectural gems, the renowned wooden churches of the Presov region, imposing fortresses, romantic castles, and medieval ruins--all within easy reach thanks to an excellent transportation system.

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VIVA Travel Guides Peru: Exploring Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Inca Trail, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Lima and beyond Review

VIVA Travel Guides Peru: Exploring Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Inca Trail, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Lima and beyond
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Viva Travel Guides is the newest entrant in the crowded field of travel guidebooks. As can be said of many youngsters, it has potential but needs discipline and polish. Much of the writing is pedestrian, repetitive, and sloppy; the book is full of typos and bad grammar; and it contains some whoppers of misinformation and tortured geography.
I lived in Cusco for a year a few years ago and know Southern Peru well. I bought this book to see how it measures up to the more established guides. While it is certainly serviceable, and will get you around the country without major mishap, it desperately needs a sharp-eyed editor to tighten and focus the writing, and correct the inaccuracies. The book is published using print-on-demand technology; the text and cover look fine, but the maps are low-resolution and at times indecipherable.
One fault is its repetitiveness. Each section opens with an introduction, then a "Highlights" section, then more specific city listings. This results in needless repetition. For example, in the Arequipa section, the fact that Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is mentioned three times in five pages.
Another fault is sloppy writing. The sheer number of nonexistent words shows they didn't run it through a spell checker before going to press. And if you don't know the difference between "its" and "it's," or "lie" and "lay," hire someone who does to edit your manuscript.
More damning---or amusing, depending on your point of view---is the inaccuracies. The book states that the road from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado goes "over the peak of Ausungate." Fortunately, the engineers left the 6,400m (21,000 ft.) peak to the glaciers and ran the road far below. In the Amazon section, the book says, "Most of the hotels and lodges in the Peruvian Amazon are in the cities of Iquitos, Manu and Tambopata." Sorry, but Manu and Tambopata aren't cities. Also in the Amazon, it describes a flight to Boca Manu leading to a stay in a Machiguenga lodge at Pongo de Mainique. In two sentences we are whisked from the Manu River to the Urubamba River, far to the west.
All guidebooks contain errors, but the Viva book is especially egregious. Given the higher-quality alternatives on the market, give this one a pass until they hire copy and content editors to whip it into shape.


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This April 2010 edition is the most up-to-date guide to Peru available anywhere. Peru's soaring mountains, untamed jungles and wild beaches have been welcoming travelers for millennia. Visitors today will find a dynamic, exciting country that is still immersed in its past as the center of Inca civilization and Spain's New World empire. Let VIVA guide you through Peru's fascinating mix of cultures and landscapes. With this guidebook, you can -Explore the legacy of Peru's ancient cultures, from the mysterious Nazca Lines and priceless relics of Sipan to the incomparable Machu Picchu. -Hike centuries-old Inca footpaths through timeless Andean villages -Commune with nature in some of the world's driest deserts, highest peaks and most remote rain forest. Why settle for an outdated guidebook? The VIVA community of on-the-ground travel writers, local experts and travelers like you are continuously updating and improving this guide at vivatravelguides.com. Join them, and together we'll make the best guidebook to Peru even better.

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Insiders' Guide to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, 10th (Insiders' Guide Series) Review

Insiders' Guide to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, 10th (Insiders' Guide Series)
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We used this book a lot to preview sights we were planning on seeing and for the most part it was accurate in the description.

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From the Back CoverYour Travel Destination. Your Home. Your Home-To-Be.Myrtle Beach and the Grand StrandSandy white beaches. Fine dining. Golfing galore.Historic plantations. Family fun. And more. ' A personal, practical perspective for travelers and residents alike' Comprehensive listings of attractions, restaurants, and accommodations' How to live & thrive in the area-from recreation to relocation' Countless details on shopping, arts & entertainment, and children's activitiesAbout the AuthorJanice McDonald, a former Miss South Carolina USA who grew up in Myrtle Beach, is a contributing editor for travelgirl magazine. She was previously an award-winning producer for CNN.--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Lonely Planet Los Angeles & Southern California (Regional Guide) Review

Lonely Planet Los Angeles and Southern California (Regional Guide)
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We spent a week in the LA area visiting a long term resident and used this book every day! We wanted to visit both tourist sites and places off the beaten track, and were able to do both. Our family had a diverse list of places to go and things to do - see a star or two, visit hollywood, visit some ethnic areas (such as Little Saigon for an article for chaobannewsletter.com), visit an aquarium, eat family friendly food, hit the beaches, go to an amusement park, etc. It helped us with everything.
My only quibble is that we could have used even more family oriented advice and recommendations.
I looked at five or six guidebooks before picking this one - both because I have used their guides before and because it seemed to do the best job with details and off the beaten track exploration. This definately was the right choice. We used it every single day - to plan, to get to each place and also to eat.

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Lonely Planet Los Angeles & Southern CaliforniaHang onto your Mickey hat while careening down Space MountainTry on Pamela Anderson's tank top or designer shoes from AliasDangle your sandy feet over a concrete wall and watch a surfer-skater-dog paradeSwirl, sip, savor and spit your pinot on a sustainable wine tourIn This Guide:Covers LA, Disneyland, Orange County, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and Joshua Tree!Three local authors; 1500 hours of on-the-ground research; 56 more pages; 65 detailed mapsNew Southern California for Kids chapter packed with tips for familiesContent updated daily - visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews, updates and traveler suggestions

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Fodor's American Southwest, 1st Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides) Review

Fodor's American Southwest, 1st Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides)
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We bought this little guide as we were getting ready to visit the Keys for the first time. It served us so well- like a tour guide in my pocket! It takes you through all of the Keys, beautifully organized by the different islands, with maps that allows you quick reference to "key" places. We used it to visit the "off beat" places that many tourists miss but makes sure to guide you to the very popular attractions as well. Thanks to this little book, our reservations were made before we left and we were not disappointed.This trip for us was a short one, only 6 days, and without this guide, we would not have made the most out of the time we had. From places to stay, things to see and do, and historical references we felt totally oriented to the islands before the trip began. It made the trip easy, relaxing and a whole lot of fun!

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Fodor's. For Choice Travel Experiences.Fodor's helps you unleash the possibilities of travel by providing the insightful tools you need to experience the trips you want. While you're at the helm, Fodor's offers the assurance of our expertise, the guarantee of selectivity, and the choice details that truly define a destination. It's like having a friend in the American Southwest!•Updated frequently, Fodor's American Southwest provides the most accurate and up-to-date information available in a guide book.•Fodor's American Southwest features options for a variety of budgets, interests, and tastes, so you make the choices to plan your trip of a lifetime.•If it's not worth your time, it's not in this book. Fodor's discriminating ratings, including our top tier Fodor's Choice designations, ensure that you'll know about the most interesting and enjoyable places in the American Southwest.•Experience the American Southwest like a local! Fodor's American Southwest features information from local experts.•Indispensable, customized trip planning tools include "Top Reasons to Go," "Word of Mouth" advice from other travelers, and tips to help save money, bypass lines, and avoid common travel pitfalls.•8 pages of detailed mapsVisit Fodors.com for more ideas and information, travel deals, vacation planning tips, reviews and to exchange travel advice with other travelers.

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Party Earth - Europe, 4th Edition Review

Party Earth - Europe, 4th Edition
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I have been to major landmarks in Europe a few times and I'll be heading back this summer with a bunch of my friends for our college graduation trip. My copy of Party Earth's entertainment guide just arrived and I am very hyped to use it on the trip! The guide offers reviews for a variety of places, such as bars and clubs, but also beaches and other daytime spots. I really like how they review places by personality type, because I will be able to find places that I will enjoy. I am very excited to use this guide and I will definitely check out the recommendations while I'm there!

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Party Earth - Europe is the ultimate guide to the hottest social venues in thirteen of the most popular cities across Europe. With hundreds of reviews covering a wide range of bars, clubs, festivals, beaches, plazas, and other locales and activities, we have identified the best places to party to suit your personality. Our goal is simple: we are here to ensure that you find the coolest ways to spend your days and the hottest spots to end your nights.Cities covered include: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Florence, French Riviera, Ibiza, London, Madrid, Munich, Paris, Rome, and Venice. Plus, a special guide to Pamplona: The Running of the Bulls.

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The Back Door Guide to Short-Term Job Adventures: Internships, Summer Jobs, Seasonal Work, Volunteer Vacations, and Transitions Abroad Review

The Back Door Guide to Short-Term Job Adventures: Internships, Summer Jobs, Seasonal Work, Volunteer Vacations, and Transitions Abroad
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I guess the title is phrased badly; I assumed that this book was about internships abroad, summer jobs abroad, etc, but it is about internships, summer jobs, seasonal work, and volunteer vacations in the United States, as well as "transitions" (whatever that means) abroad. And this book is not really a guide, in that it doesn't really give a lot of advice about different jobs and different fields. It is more a listing, like an address book of the most interesting companies (in the author's opinion) offering short-term work, with a very shallow description of the job and its hiring preferences. The only part that was really a guide was the bizarre information on finding yourself and journaling and exploring your passions. Apparently other people found this really great, but I got a little sick of inspirational quotes and follow-your-dreams sidebars; there are plenty of career-advice and self-help books offering this information. Luckily, I borrowed this book from the library, which is where it should stay. If you're looking for short-term opportunities in the United States, go to the library, look through this book, and take down the contact information for the companies you're interested in.

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From internships to seasonal work to volunteer jobs and adventures abroad, this best-of-the-best guide from short-term job expert Michael Landes offers a comprehensive list of more than 1,000 life-enriching opportunities like river guiding in Alaska, restoring a medieval castle in the south of France, or contributing to a sustainable farm. Whether you'¬?re looking for a summer job, avoiding the post-college cubicle life, or trying to reinvigorate or redirect a stalled career, a short-term job adventure may be just what you need. In this fully-revised, handy-sized fourth edition, Landes has extensively updated all listings to provide the most current information, and added 150 completely new listings. Why wait and wonder? Seize your life and career path in both hands (it will take both to lift this book!) and step through the back door. The world awaits!

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700 Places to Volunteer Before You Die: A Traveler's Guide Review

700 Places to Volunteer Before You Die: A Traveler's Guide
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Volunteering is a key way to many great experiences in life. "700 Places to Volunteer Before You Die: A Traveler's Guide" is a volunteer's tour guide about great places around the world where you can volunteer and get a truly unique experience from the world. With tips from volunteers, countless places to go, what you can do, and making the world a better place by seeing it. "700 Places to Volunteer Before You Die" is a fine and solidly recommended pick for any voluntary traveler.


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Offering the most diverse listing of global volunteer projects available, this definitive guidebook on "voluntourism" includes tips from industry leaders, advice from renowned travel writers and serial volunteers, and coverage of issues facing volunteer travelers. Along with detailed project descriptions of more than 750 global philanthropic travel opportunities, this guide also provides an extensive index of projects comparable at a glance by skill, region, and type of travel. A unique introduction to awe-inspiring possibilities, it presents options and inspirations for every style of traveler: budget, families, teens, humanitarian, wildlife, education, conservation, builders, and business.

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Hawaii For Dummies (Dummies Travel) Review

Hawaii For Dummies (Dummies Travel)
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Normally, I try to avoid these "Dummies" guides, as I'm just the slightest bit offended by the idea that I'm a "dummy" just because I don't know EVERYTHING. But after flipping through books at the local bookstore looking for a good guidebook for my honeymoon trip to Oahu and Kauai next October, I finally decided on this one. It's got great maps, for one thing, as well as extensive lists of hotels, places to eat, and things to do. Because the descriptions are full of personal anecdotes, I really trust that Leas has seen and done it all herself and she's being straight with me about what she thinks -- traditional travel guides always make me nervous because they're written in the third person. If I'm going to spend ... on a vacation, I really want to know what things I should do and what things I shouldn't!
Possibly the greatest feature, though, is the fact that at least 75% of the entries for places and activities have web site URLs. Even though the book is extremely detailed and I could easily plan my entire trip without a single tap on the keyboard, I definitely love the fact that I now have the option of logging on to learn more about some of the museums and restaurants she recommends. I probably would've done searches on many of them anyway, and Leas has just saved me a step. Since I've got about a million things to do between now and my trip, every step saved is a pretty great thing! I also have to say that after reading the book, I asked a friend who had been to Honolulu several times for some tips. Every single thing he said I'd already read in Leas' book. Right down to the "don't call it 'shaved' ice -- it's 'shave' ice" one. When the author knows enough to help you avoid making yourself look like a disgusting tourist, you know you've picked a good guide. Recommended!

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For Dummies Travel guides are the ultimate user-friendly trip planners, combining the broad appeal and time-tested features of the For Dummies series with up-to-the-minute advice and information from the experts at Frommer's.
Our authors make sure that you'll truly experience the spirit of aloha. With Hawaii for Dummies in hand, you'll know where to find secluded beaches; the best outfitters to choose for everything from diving to deep-sea fishing; and where to find the top galleries and shops.
Inside you'll also find extensive coverage of the best hotels for every budget; information on where to sip a mai tai or a cup of Kona Joe; and valuable advice on finding the best airfares and package deals. Whether you want to watch the fiery spectacle at the Big Island's volcano, play a challenging round of golf, snorkel with sea turtles, or simply kick back to watch the sunset, this guide will help you find your island paradise.


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Explorer's Guide Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket (Ninth Edition) (Explorer's Complete) Review

Explorer's Guide Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket (Ninth Edition)  (Explorer's Complete)
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Just returned today from Cape Cod. This book was very useful. Great lists of events, activities, restaurants, beaches, etc. Book was in excellent condition, just as the seller had described it. Wish we would have had more time to tour Cape Cod and go to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, but Hurrican Irene put a damper on a lot of our plans... not so much rain, but high winds made for very rough waters. Will definitely use this book if I get a chance to go again...

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Whether you're looking for boisterous nightlife or a quiet retreat, drive-ins or professional theater, Cape Cod and the islands offer them all.
Some of the greatest vacation delights in the U.S. are waiting for you right here. Beaches, lighthouses, nature preserves, bike trails, antiques shops, summer theatre, local artisans, nightlife- whatever your taste, budget, time frame, or interest, we've got you covered in Explorer's Guide Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket.Kim Grant, a 25-year veteran travel writer, has combed the Cape and islands yet again to research the ninth edition of this perennially popular guide. She provides readers with the best of the best: selective, up-to-date recommendations for lodgingsof every stripe; hundreds of dining reviews covering everything from clam shacks to four-star restaurants; daylong itineraries for every pursuit; and much more. Follow Grant's lead to find nature preserves, bike trails, beaches, lighthouses, antiques shops, local artisans, summer theatre, and nightlife-whatever your taste, budget, time frame, or interest, she never steers you wrong.This opinion- and information-packed guide also includes up-to-date maps and an alphabetical 'What's Where" subject guide to help you plan your trip. Handy icons point out places that offer extra value, are family-friendly, welcome pets, provide free wifi, and are open year-round. The popular and eminently useful 'A Perfect Day" feature offers ideas about how to spend your time, hour by hour, so you won't miss the best opportunities.Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or boisterous nightlife, bird-watching or whale-watching, ocean beaches or kettle ponds, drive-ins or professional theater, the Cape and islands offer them all. And the very best resource available to guide you is the tried-and-true Explorer's Guide Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket. Most readers come to think of it as a trusted friend. Black-and-white photographs and maps throughout

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Lonely Planet Copenhagen Encounter Review

Lonely Planet Copenhagen Encounter
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The positive thing about this book is its compact size, which makes it easy to tote around with you all day. It's got all the info you need to quickly make new plans as you go from one place to another--however, there are some inaccuracies, as I describe below. Like the other city "encounter" books, it is organized by neighborhood, with listings for "see, shop, eat, drink and play." The beginning of each section has a neighborhood map with the location of all the listings. There is also bigger pull-out map in the back of the book.
One negative thing is the same as what I found for the Stockholm encounter book: the maps are bad. You can pick up a much better map for free in a tourist information shop. (We found *that* map actually quite useful - it has a couple of suggested walking routes that guide you through most of the major sights).
The main reason for my low rating, though, concerns the description of the Slotsholmen neighborhood. We needed something to do for a few hours on our last day, and we hadn't been to this area yet. According to the book's description, this area would provide a "treasure trove" of "quirky delights" and would be "a beguiling place to walk around, with numerous interesting nooks and crannies to explore, not least a beautiful 'hidden' garden." Now, doesn't that sound like a great place to pass a few hours?! Would that it had been so! The whole island is made up of huge sprawling buildings with a few inner courtyards. Walking through it, it is nothing but imposing concrete and stone and bare pavement exposed to the hot sun with very little shade or greenery. (It didn't help that we were there during a bit of a heat wave; perhaps in different weather, it would have been more enjoyable.) The so-called "hidden garden" is quite an ordinary small, formal garden with a fountain in the middle, and very little shade or seating. To find it, you have to make your way around the surrounding sprawling buildings, a bit like a rat in a concrete maze. It is not worth the effort. In addition, the parliament ("Folktinget") is in this area, and according to the book, there are free tours daily at 2:00. We walked all around the building and and found no way in (nothing but doors with coded entry) and no mention of any tours. It may be that we somehow missed a major entrance, but certainly the book provided no help, and it's quite frustrating trying to make your way through this area. The single enjoyable thing about our time in this neighborhood was visiting the super-modern Royal Library - the "Black Diamond" - which is very nice if you're into architecture. To describe this area as "quirky," and "beguiling," with "interesting nooks and crannies" is incomprehensible to me. It makes me wonder if the author's sense of "beguilement" wasn't perhaps chemically induced (maybe a quick trip to Christiania beforehand...?). :) I should perhaps note that we did *not* go to any of the museums in this area, as it was Monday and they were closed, but the description of the neighborhood led us to believe that just walking around the area would be pleasant in itself.
I also found the description of getting to the Louisiana museum to be not as helpful as it could be. The museum is a 36 minute train ride from central station, and then, according to the book, "10 minutes on foot." It would be more helpful if this were described in terms of *distance*, since people walk at different paces. For us, it was more like a 15-20 minute walk. This walk is along a fairly busy road, with very little shade. Because the museum is described as being in an "affluent coastal town," we imagined a more pleasant walk. There is nothing at all to see along the way, and just one little nondescript cafe. Having said all of the this, the museum itself is *lovely*. It is right by the sea, and you can walk in and out of the museum at will in various places, including in the cafe, where you can take your food outdoors and sit with a view of the water. I would judge the experience as "worth it", but it's a close call. (Again, our experience was probably colored by experiencing a rare Danish heat wave, and the fact that the train we took had neither air conditioning nor windows that opened. To follow this with a longish dusty walk along a street with heavy traffic was not great).

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What Will Your Copenhagen Encounter Be?Getting hygge (cozy) with the locals at a candlelit caféTaking a late-night trip to the illuminations at TivoliBeing dazzled by the crown jewels at fairy-tale royal palace Rosenborg SlotSavoring Faroese langoustines in an emulsion of oysters at 'World's Best Restaurant" NormaAdmiring picture-postcard streets on a canal tour of colorful NyhavnBasking in the Scandinavian sunshine on the beach at Amager StrandparkDiscover Twice The City In Half The TimeFull-color pull-out map and detailed neighborhood maps for easy navigationOur expert author recommends the very best sights, restaurants, shops and entertainmentUnique Snapshots chapter helps you get under the skin of the cityLocals divulge Copenhagen's secrets: top tips for foodies from Rene Redzepi, head chef at Noma, and the low-down on the Copenhaged look from an award-winning fashion designer

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Hidden San Francisco and Northern California: Including Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe (Hidden Travel) Review

Hidden San Francisco and Northern California: Including Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe (Hidden Travel)
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This book was one of the only ones we found that covered San Fran and other northern CA destinations. Very good overviews, but not a huge amount of detail, so you will need additional information on some of the destinations. For Ex, it lists the main hikes in Yosemite, but doesn't give details about how long, how hard, which ones are best, etc. Same with wineries - it lists them out, but doesn't do extensive reviews.

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• All-new, four-color section features photo surveys of wineries, redwood groves, hidden beaches, ethnic neighborhoods, Gold Rush towns, and more• Reviews a wide range of unique accommodations, from hip, boutique hotels to one-of-a-kind bed-and-breakfasts• Newly added Hidden Highlight maps point the way to lesser-known gems in San Francisco, the Wine Country, along the coast, and all across Northern California• Surveys the area's diverse dining options, including California cuisine, fresh seafood, and ethnic options like Chinese, Japanese, and Italian• The ultimate guide to the region's spectacular beauty with detailed information on hiking, camping, surfing, skiing, and river rafting

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Lonely Planet Scotland (Country Travel Guide) Review

Lonely Planet Scotland (Country Travel Guide)
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I found the Lonely Planet guide to be an excellent resource, especially when used with the Baedeker Scotland guide. LP offers truly helpful information, such as where to find maps, how to get back your VAT, weather and insect warnings... as well as brief but very descriptive chapters by region, including the oft-neglected Highlands.
Suggested itineraries are included, and the descriptions of sights, towns and historical destinations is wonderful.
While the guide is short on maps and history -- this is where the Baedeker guide does an excellent job -- it is full of useful and up-to-date information on travelling Scotland. I found my copy to be incredibly resourceful.

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'Like a fine single malt, Scotland is a connoisseur's delight - an intoxicating blend of stunning scenery and sophisticated cities, of salt-tanged sea air and dark peaty waters, of outdoor adventure and deep history." - Neil Wilson, Lonely Planet writerOur PromiseYou can trust our travel information because Lonely Planet authors visit the places we write about, each and every edition. We never accept freebies for positive coverage, and you can rely on us to tell it like we see it.Inside This Book'2 authors17 weeks of on-the-ground research54 mapsCountless drams of whiskyInspirational photosClear, easy-to-use mapsPull-out city map3D plans of iconic sightsComprehensive planning toolsIn-depth background

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Lonely Planet Baja California & Los Cabos (Regional Guide) Review

Lonely Planet Baja California and Los Cabos (Regional Guide)
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My wife and me chose this LP guide for our recent trip to Baja Norte. I actually enjoyed Palmerlee's writing style and his side commentaries on the Baja music scene and other topics of interest. However, there were just too many cases of inaccurate information. For example, Palmerlee says a taxi from Ensenada to La Bufadora is about $12 when actually the round trip cost given to us by numerous taxi drivers was $40. He then says (correctly) that you can save money by taking a $1 bus to the town of Maneadora. But from there, he says, you must hitchhike to La Bufadora. The truth is, as we discovered by talking to the locals, you can easily catch another $1 bus from Maneadero to La Bufadora. Thus avoiding the hitchhiking which many people, including my wife, would not want to try.
Another problem was that the hotel recommendations were too often off the the mark. For example, at the highly recommended Hotel Los Pelicanos in Rosarito we were taken to a dark, dreary room by a very unfriendly hotel receptionist. Of course, we chose not to stay there.
I know that prices change and good places go bad. But still this book just had too many inaccuracies for me to recommend it. In fact, my wife started saying we should read what the Lonely Planet guide said and then do the opposite. I think this was probably a bit of an overstatement on her part. But still I'm sure this is the last thing LP wants to hear from it's readers. By the way, Lonely Planet is still my favorite publisher of travel guides. But hopefully the book we purchase for our next trip will provide better information.

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Discover Baja California & Los CabosCommune with whale calves as their mothers nudge them to the surface for their very first breath.Get dusty on the badder-than-bad backroad to Bahia San Luis Gonzaga.Suck down a caguama (that's Baja for beer) as you watch the sun set in Punta Abreojos.Discover the delectable truth behind Baja's world-renowned invention, the Caesar salad.In This Guide:4872 miles, one black-widow spider bite, one superstar author still kicking, and 30 pages fo the best damn maps anywhere.Special surfing chapter written by none other than Surfer magazine editor Jake Howard - charge on!Mi Querida Baja California feature revealing the lives of a painter, a doctor and a few more local experts.And, since you asked for it - we've incorporated more off-track coverage than any other guidebook.

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Moon Baja: Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas (Moon Handbooks) Review

Moon Baja: Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas (Moon Handbooks)
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We traveled in Baja for two weeks using this guidebook almost exclusively and were extremely pleased with it. The hotel and restaurant reviews gave an excellent feel for the atmosphere of the locations and the authors did a great job of including attractions and activities for a variety of tastes. Their sample itineraries are also very helpful and we were never disappointed when we followed their recommendations for places to stay/eat and things to do. My only suggestion for improvement (as a family traveling with a small child) would be to include more child-oriented activities such as the La Paz Serpentarium. Overall, well worth the money!

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Seasoned writer and Mexico enthusiast Nikki Goth Itoi knows the best way to experience Baja-from exploring Valle de Guadalupe, Baja's wine country, to riding the waves at Baja's premiere surfing spots. For whatever your ideal trip entails, Itoi offers a variety of suggested travel strategies. Packed with information on the best beaches, dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Baja caters to a range of travel budgets. Moon Baja gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

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