Adventuring in the Alps, Second Edition

Rating:
Summary: Now I am definately going back to Europe on vacation!
Review: After a trip to France and Germany with my best friend from college, our husbands being so nice as to let us go traveling without them, I am now even more determined to go back. With this book in hand and perhaps a few videos on the Alps, you will be planning one of the most memorable vacations you can imagine.

I definitely want to visit the mountains in the Alps in France, Switzerland, and Austria. I have a renewed interest after watching "The Sound of Music." This majestic mountain range has divided Europe into a multitude of different cultures, traditions, languages and climates.

You will want to visit Salzburg, walk in pristine meadows, spend the day in a mountain village or take a boat ride in a lake. I am now dreaming of which cozy hotel I want to stay in. The cuisine is said to be hearty, the air crisp and you will want to take a cable car ride up to the top of the mountains to view the panorama.

What impresses me most about this area is the castles. Yes, even Disneyland has a castle which was inspired by Europe's famous castle in the Alps. It is incredible. If you take a trip to one castle in your life, visit this one! Visit the fanciful Neuschwantein Castle! The interior is rich, painted...just the most beautiful and elaborate decorating you could imagine.

If you do buy this book and decide to take a trip, save up for all the beautiful wood carvings, music boxes, clocks, etc. What will impress you most is the flowers, they are everywhere. The pace of life is slower, and the buildings have artwork covering them.

The region of Leavenworth, WA reminds me most of the Alps. So, if you want to take a short trip to see if you would like the Alps, try Leavenworth and I think you will be packing your bags for a longer trip. It is just breathtaking there.

If you can't get overseas then take lots of "treadmill trips." I love the one called "Journey through The Alps, Roads to Oberammergau," but I can't find it at Amazon. It is set to the music of Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Handel and other great European composers. You also get to visit Zurich, Luzern, Munich, Zermatt and other Alpine cities and towns. I truly hope you can watch at least one video. With the book and videos, you will be packing those bags. Just take a warm coat and walking shoes!

Rating:
Summary: Good Starting Point for Vacation Planning
Review: This compilation of the best hiking trails in the Alps will give readers plenty of ideas for planning an unforgettable vacation filled with scenic beauty. All aspects of the trip are covered including accommodations, what to bring along, equipment and locale information. A vast list of tourist resources is also included. Although targeted towards Americans, this book is handy for any nationality.

The reason I deducted a star is due to the fact that some is the information is outdated. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to enjoy the wondrous beauty of the Alps.