Rating: 
Summary: A few real gems among the fluff and now outdated material
Review: I am a frequent traveler, often traveling for business or pleasure once a month. I looked forwarde to Peter Greenberg's travel book as a source for new ideas and tips. I was disappointed that there was not a lot new there for me. I was also reminded of how the world has changed since September 11,2001--much of the information written in this book in 2000 is now outdated.But to give this book its due, and its three stars, there were some real gems I found among the rough. I finally had explained to my satisfaction, the rules of bumping and compensation for volunteering to give up your seat. I checked out on my next flight that yes, the offers did increase as it got closer to flight time. I also got a really great tip on how to redeem frequent flier miles when it appears there are no seats when you want to travel--I wont spoil it for you but see page 100. I got the answer to some questions that dont come up often but of which I wasnt sure--like medical evacuation insurance for trips and optional insurance and other charges for rental cars. What I didn't like were the jokes section-often pages at a time--which is not what I wanted in this book. He also tells stories for too long without just coming to the point. So forewarned is forearmed--get the book for the background info and be ready to skim. Or better yet, wait for a revised version or get one of his newer, post-2001 books. Happy traveling.
Rating: 
Summary: Tell me something NEW!!!
Review: I found this book to be filled with cliché's and worn out information. Peter is a great correspondent however, in this book he restates the obvious, and relies heavily from a previously published travel book, the Penny Pincher's Passport to Luxury Travel. Both books provide good information although I feel that the Penny Pincher's Passport provides more real life tools to enhance service.
Rating:
Summary: Save your Time
Review: It's a great book if you want to read about Mr. Greenberg's life. However, with respect to travel info it falls far from offering any useable advice.
Rating: 
Summary: Worth it!
Review: This was written pre 9/11, so some of his kvetching about security measures and carry-on limits must be read with a grain of salt, but this is a great primer for anyone who travels regularly. I learned a great deal.
Rating:
Summary: What A Jerk! Don't Buy This Book!
Review: Mr. Greenberg's sneers, smugness, snobbishness, and I-know-more-than-you tone interferes with any really useful information contained in the book. I've read only 2.5 chapters and already want to send it back. It's a chore plowing through his arrogant and discourteous attitude not only toward the travel industry but his readers. Why insult me and honest travel industry employees to make a point about travel? I might have taken comfort had those chapters included any information I could use, but what I've read so far seems to be a lo-ong introduction to something down the road. At this point, I feel like a donkey facing a carrot on a string, which may be what the writer wants. I am beginning to travel a lot, as part of a new career, and collect books on this subject. Of the 3 foot (and growing!) high stack I own, this is the first loser I've encountered, and my dislike is based chiefly on this writing. This is the sort of writing one finds in *People* magazine, or from Joan and Melissa Rivers on Oscar night. I didn't expect to find it in a "serious" travel book. The only reason I gave it one star is because I'm hoping there may be at least one or two nuggets of wheat that may be found in this... pile of chaff. Please, save your money and use it to buy something that's fun to read as well as useful. So far, after 2.5 chapters, this book is neither.
Rating:
Summary: awesome book!!
Review: This was a realy cool, informative book for those who travel a lot. Ever been to a hotel and the water pressure in your shower is non-existent? This book teaches you how to get the room with "fire-hose-pressure" in the shower, and much much more! Lots of great, useful tips to make your traveling better, whether you are going by plane, cruise ship or by car! Check it out!
Rating: 
Summary: $ for common sense plus a few tidbits of good information
Review: I thought I'd get more out of this book than I actually did. Some of the suggestions seem like common sense to me--watch the airline arrival times to see if your departing plane is coming in on time for example. Greenberg also sounds a little too snide and know-it-all for my taste. This may be just a personal taste 'thing'.
There is some good detail (good 'hidden' seats for example) but it seems to me that a lot of this information is already available or is easy to figure out on one's own. Try reading 'Frommer's Budget Travel Mag' regularly, for example.
Rating:
Summary: Such a disappointment
Review: I concur with the many reviewers who see this book as lacking any redeeming value to any traveler. (However, it is certainly a tribute to Mr. Greenberg's escapades within the travel industry). I cannot believe that he passes himself off as trying to gain "the best service" by the way he treats those who work for the travel industry. Certainly with the new regulations in the travel industry, Mr. Greenberg's will likely end up in jail.
If you buy this book-I have some swampland for sell.
Rating:
Summary: Do Not Buy This Book
Review: This is, without a doubt, the dumbest book I have ever read - on any subject. The core of the book is based primarily on the author buying the cheapest possible tickets and hotel rooms, and then magically being upgraded to first-class and oceanfront suites at no extra charge - every time. All he does is ask for it. Apparently he has the world's greatest personality because everyone he meets can't wait to give him free upgrades. It is truly unbelievable how many people all over the world are tripping over themselves to help this guy out. The author also stresses that his loyalty to one airline makes him a valued customer, and therefore results in frequent upgrades. I find this hard to believe since he always pays next to nothing for his tickets (something he constantly brags about). If airlines track their customer's flying histories, like he claims they do, his airline would see that he is nothing more than a freeloader who generates very little revenue for the airline compared to the amount of service he consumes. Why would an airline continually reward him for doing nothing for
them? It's not like he actually pays for anything he gets. Every time I fly I always ask the gate agent for a complimentary upgrade to first-class, and every time I am politely denied, usually with a little chuckle from the agent. We all know that in the real world things don't work like the author claims they do. So if you believe in Santa Clause and the Tooth Fairy go ahead and buy this book. If not save your money.
Rating: 
Summary: Greenberg knows his stuff
Review: This is the one essential book for everyone who travels, whether he or she is going somewhere for the first time or is a seasoned traveler. Greenberg has provided a clear, concise and much- needed book that the consumer--the person who wants to get the best deals from airlines, hotels and travel agencies--can use. And it also tells you what to do if something goes wrong (as it always does) on a trip. It's also fun to read, even for the armchair traveler. There are not a lot of books out there that cater to the consumer. This is the best. Pack this one with your carry-on so the airline doesn't lose it with the rest of your luggage.
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