Rating: 
Summary: This book shows the true spirit of independent travel!
Review: I have traveled independently to 64 countries and still found the book very interesting and informative. I'm 38 and still traveling 2-3 months a year by backpack.Once independent travel is in your blood it is hard to shake the feeling.The author has expressed the natural high of world stomping better than any other travel book on the market. I have 100's of books on travel and this book gives me goose bumps when I read it. My 18 year old daughter who hates to read picked up the book and she cannot put it down either. Now Jessica; my daughter is preparing her own world stomp. Looking forward to other books by the author.Steve Kay(AKA: Have Nikon Will Travel)
Rating: 
Summary: "Worthless Stupors" is a more apt title!
Review: I hope no one takes this book to seriously. All the author does is condense all those silly conversations that westerners have in "traveller's cafes" in places like Istanbul, Yangshuo, Pokhara, and Bangkok into a philosophy that fits between the covers of a book. It is not original, it merely repeats mantras that have been said many times in the past. I strongly suggest that not buy this book, instead buy one of the many alternatives out there on the market("The Practical Nomad" comes to mind). If you want to hear this stuff inspite of my warning, go to one of those aforementioned cafes and order-- say some banana pancakes, maybe some museli, or because you are in an exotic locale you could shake a leg and get some vegemite-- and then sit back and listen. You soon realize that the tune ain't new!
Rating:
Summary: Be prepared to be inspired
Review: I love to travel. But when I can't be traveling, I like to read about it, and I have never read such an insightful, inspiring book in my entire life.
Rating:
Summary: This book rules!
Review: I loved the "Guide to Travel Manifesto"!!!!! You will too when you read it. Trust me, it rocks!!!!! Now I know how to travel for long periods of time, not get burned, and have a blast. Highly recommended by Beverly Cambron
Rating: 
Summary: Redeeming qualities of "World Stompers"
Review: I must disagree with some of the negative opinions expressed by other reviewers. This book is the one book I've found that encourages readers to go ANYWHERE in the world, including places in the Middle East and Sub-saharan Africa that even other similar books (like "The Practical Nomad") discourage. Olsen is humorous and incredibly supportive: it's "you can do this" all the way. At times he does get repetitive and/or lets his personal prejudices get in the way (he dismisses most of the United States as "pretty damn boring"). Overall, however, this book is great-- very informative about black markets, visas, and other things that mainstream travel books don't usually tell you about. I lived in Germany and as a child and traveled a lot with my parents, yet I still found this book very helpful and enlightening.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring and Highly Recommended
Review: I seriously feel like it was destiny to have this book come into my life. A writer myself, approaching a slight crisis about where to go to next in my life, this book gave me the answer - go stomping! I definitely recommend this book for anyone thinking about a backpacking adventure. The one thing I will say, however, is that I think the information for women travellers is slightly lacking.
Rating:
Summary: Dismayed and Disgusted at the racism in this book
Review: I was totally DISGUSTED by the representation of Australian Aboriginals in this book as "boisterous, boozin Aboriginals". Let's lay on the sterotypes shall we?? To publish in a book sold round the world, the view that Aboriginals can be found "boozin" in any town in Australia, inclined to 'howl' that "I wanna piss-up now, woman!" is morally reprehensible at the least, and perpetuating yet more stereotyping, violence and black deaths in custody at the worst. This blinkered, narrow minded, patronising, attitude shows what little respect and sensitivity the author shows towards the cultures he visits, and I certainly wouldn't believe anything written except as the rambling of a little little man, let alone let it be my guide for travel.
Rating: 
Summary: World Stoner
Review: I'm dissappointed that I spent my money on this book. For a world traveler, Olsen is about as provincial as they come. He distrusts nearly all natives (except those with bongs to share) and encourages readers to travel to distant lands so they can hang out with other westerners and protect each other from the native population. Unadvertised as well, much of his tips relate to how live on $5 or less per day, which even most college students will find unappealling. His advice is overly simplistic and oft repeated.On the positive side, a few of his travel anecdotes are amusing and he is very enthusiastic about seeing the world. I recommend this book to anyone who's under 21, has no money and wants to get stoned in 19 different countries.
Rating:
Summary: Great if you're a doofus!
Review: If you're 20 years old and love to drink beer until you puke-- this is your travel guide. It's written as though the author were competing in a frat contest to be the most obnoxious American on the road. He is the CLEAR winner. If you're looking for something more useful - get The Practical Nomad or The World Awaits.
Rating:
Summary: For First Time Travelers Only
Review: If you've ever traveled for more than two weeks in a foreign country - then this book will provide very little new insight. It covers only the very basics of travel - all the rather obvious learnings of ones first adventures abroad. The country/area guides are too vague to be of real use. However, if you are straight out of college, travel inexperienced, and looking for some general advice and practical tips in an entertaining (lots of cartoons) and lighthearted fashion - this might be a good pick. If you have any experience traveling overseas or consider yourself a mature traveler -- skip this book.
|
