Travel Book Descriptions, Guidebooks

GUIDEBOOKS - Click on Book link to purchase
Title	Author	Description
Asia
Going Dutch in Beijing	Mark McCrum	An often entertaining tutorial on how to behave when abroad. Many examples of how one thing may be perfectly fine in your home country but will be considered offensive or rude in other countries. Each chapter covers specific topics such as what not to say, business trips, customs, clothing & much more!
Beijing City Guide, Lonely Planet	Damian Harper David Eimer	For those planning a trip to Beijing (as we are later this year) this is a good book to consider for your pre-trip plans. It is small enough that it can easily be taken with you or carried around. This guide focuses not only on Beijing proper but also on attractions surrounding the city. A detailed color pullout map of the city as well as the Metro is available on the back cover. This book not only provides detailed travel tips but you are going to find out other useful details such as why not to talk politics at the dinner table and how to improve your haggling skills. A very nice feature is the Chinese script used throughout including on the maps- this helps facilitate communication especially if you have to show it to a local. One of the highlights of going to Beijing is going outside of the city to visit the Great Wall. This book has an excellent section just focusing on trips to the "wall". As with their other International guidebooks, Lonely Planet Beijing is well written and extremely detailed - which is exactly the kind of information you need when making a trip to this huge city of 17 million + people!
Beijing & Shanghai	Helena Iveson	Two of China's powerhouse cities are covered in this new edition from Moon Handbooks. We are on our way to Beijing soon and will be using this guidebook during our travels. Beijing is the capital city and has long been the source of attractions including Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven - more recently Beijing was in the global spotlight for the 2008 Olympics. This up-to-date book includes highlights about both the modern and historical attractions in this sprawling city. For those traveling to Beijing for the first time the Great Wall is not to be missed and this book provides information about how to get there and which parts to see. Not to be outdone is China's largest city of Shanghai. The second half of this book details this major modern International city in detail. From its impressive skylines, many theatres and museums this book has you covered. Itineraries, a Mandarin phrasebook and excellent maps are also what makes this book stand out - color maps of both cities are included at the back of the book including of the metros.
North Korea, Bradt Guidebook	Robert Willoughby	Bradt guidebooks are the standard must have travel books for adventurous tourists who plan on visiting countries off the normal guidebook route. Author Robert Willoughby has done an excellent job sharing his first hand insights about travel and life in North Korea. This book does a good job exposing the facts and debunking the myths behind this sometimes mysterious country. Good maps, in depth descriptions of attractions, what to beware of, travel companies to use, visa requirements and much more make this the must have guide book for anyone planning a trip to North Korea.
Thailand, Moon Handbooks	Suzanne Nam	Thailand is our most visited country outside of the USA so when the latest version of a new Thailand guidebook pops up on our radar we take a close look. In this case it is the 4th edition from Moon Handbooks and Bangkok resident Suzanne Nam. This book has great detailed maps, recommended 5 star restaurants and hotels for 3-star prices, listing of the best beaches, itineraries, a Thai phrasebook and much more. Attractions and other items of interest are listed in English as well as in Thai. This is invaluable when trying to point out to a Tuk-Tuk or taxi driver where you want to go as in our experience, saying the name of the attraction in English is not always understood. This way just point to the name in the guidebook! Accommodations are listed by price ranges, providing quick reference for budget to luxury travelers. Be sure to read the Essentials section located in the back of the book. This is section covers many of the important items you need to know before and during your trip. Kudo's to Moon Handbooks and Suzanne Nam for putting together a comprehensive resource to Thailand for travelers.
Central America, Caribbean
Baja, Moon Handbooks	Nikki Goth Itoi	From the stunningly clear water glistening in the sunlight photo that is pictured on the front cover this book quickly draws you into the wonders of Baja California. From multicultural Tijuana just south of the US border all the way down to Cabo San Lucas on Baja's southern tip, this is the go to guide for this region of Mexico. Helpful sections in the beginning of the book warrant a look including the best of Baja road trip, scuba diving, island hopping and seaside romance. The "essentials" section is located towards the back of the book and includes invaluable information to consider before planning your trip including weather, transportation, accommodation options, health, a short Spanish dictionary with useful phrases and much more.
Chiapas, Moon Handbooks	Liz Prado & Gary Chandler	The Chiapas are located in Southern Mexico and contains one of the largest rainforests in the Western Hemisphere north of the Amazon. The Chiapas has a plethora to offer the traveler including culture, colonial cities, ruins, beautiful lakes, waterfalls (yes there is an abundance of water in the Chiapas!), beaches, mangrove forests and the rainforest. This region of Mexico is an eco-tourist and nature lovers paradise. A good set of itineraries is available in the beginning of the book. Be sure to read the "tips for travelers" under the travel essentials section towards the back of the book. Easy to use maps and a short Spanish glossary containing useful terms is also included.
Cuba, Moon Handbooks	Christopher P Baker	Moon Cuba is certainly one of the more exhaustive guides to Cuba with 775 pages chock full of detailed travel information. Start your browsing of this book with one of their several suggested itineraries including trips by bicycle, for beach lovers, for cigar and car lovers as well as a description of the most scenic drives. For those with at least 3 weeks, the 21-day "Best of Cuba" itinerary is a must read. Excellent maps are provided for each section of the country described as well as a number of photos. Also of mention are the detailed sections on Cuban history and background including information about the Revolution in 1959. Invariably you will start your trip in Havana and will spend some time here; approximately 20% of this book is devoted to Havana. From the turquoise waters off of Cuba's premiere beach resort, Varadero to the spectacular sights of the limestone formations in the western part of the island to Pico Turquino (Cuba's highest peak), this book has you covered.
Maya 2012	Joshua Berman	In time for the end of the 5125 year cycle started by the Mayans in 3114 BC - Moon has released "Maya 2012" a guide to celebrations in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize & Honduras. This region is often referred to as the "mundo maya" - where most of the world's 10 million Mayans still live today. While some of the guide is geared towards touring in 2012, much is not and the book offers helpful advice in general on traveling in these regions. This is the latest book by Joshua Berman - long time travel writer and Central America expert. He offers up information focusing on the Mayas - unique trip ideas, sporting events, re-enactments, festivals and archaeological sites among others. The book is also sprinkled with a number of Question & Answer sessions - focusing on individuals with who are respected in their fields in regards to research on the Mayan peoples.
Nicaragua, Moon Handbooks	Joshua Berman Randall Wood	This in depth guide book is an excellent resource for travelers to Nicaragua, central America's largest and least populated country. Travel in Nicaragua is generally for Independent travelers - and getting off the tourist beaten path is extremely easy (we know, we've been here before)! Nicaragua is certainly not neighboring Costa Rica in terms of tourist development - but there is just as much to see with its unspoiled beauty. This book provides several itineraries and covers in detail all regions. Volcano surfing, pristine crater lakes, freshwater sharks and much more; this book has it covered!
Panama, Moon Handbooks	William Friar	This detailed guidebook to Panama includes sights, activities, hotels, restaurants and much more. Invariably when one thinks of Panama two words come to mind, "Panama Canal". However there is much more to see and do in this small but rich Central American country. There are several well thought out itineraries available in the beginning of the book which are catalogued by length of stay and various interests. Did you know that Panama City is one of the most cosmopolitan modern cities in Central America? Moon provides 71 pages as a detailed overview of this intriguing city. Be sure to also read the "essentials" section located towards the back of the book and find out how to avoid ending up in the other Panama City in Florida! A short guide to helpful Spanish words and phrases is located in the back of the book. This is a must have book for those planning a trip to Panama.
San Miguel de Allende	Julie Doherty Meade	Moon has just released their guide to San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico. We used to hear stories from family who would travel to this region annually - stories of the silver mines, stories of the lifelike human mummy museum, wonderful art galleries, but most of all photos showing giant colorful bougainvillea plants and descriptions of these warmer regions during times of the year when much of the USA and Canada were in the throes of the chilling winter months. The guide comes with a number of detailed maps and descriptions focusing on museums worth seeing, historical sights, shopping, and restaurants. This is a lively part of Mexico with lots of festivals, food and activities celebrating the regions history. And if these aren't lively enough for you the region is also home to a number of Mezcal producers - usually located in small towns. (related to Tequila). This is a must go guide to this region located a few hours north of Mexico City.
Yucatan Peninsula, Moon Handbooks	Liz Prado & Gary Chandler	From Cancun to Cozumel to cenotes, Moon's Yucatan Peninsula has you covered. We've traveled to the Yucatan Peninsula several times and authors Prado and Chandler have done a terrific job of researching out all the details that helps move a trip from Grade B to Grade A. The ruins should be a big part of anyone's visit to the Yucatan and this book has some excellent maps and descriptions ranging from Coba to seaside Tulum to Chichen Itza. Special cenotes are highlighted (water pools in the jungle that are fed by underground rivers - often include cave systems). Looking to have fun in the steamy town of Merida or the more touristy spots of Cancun and Playa del Carmen - take this book along for some of the highlights!
Europe
Croatia & Slovenia, Moon	Shann Fountain Culo	From vineyards and white wines to family friendly trips through these two fascinating small Adriatic countries, Moon first edition provides well-researched in depth coverage. Outdoor activities abound ranging from a number of festivals, rafting, skiing and cave exploration. Author Culo is a Croatian local. Look for a number of easy to use maps, Croatian and Slovenian helpful phrase sections, information on visas, passports and other customs information and a plethora of dining and accommodation options. A number of sidebar sections highlight interesting places, tips or people. Insider tips are also covered including when to explore without throngs of tourists, how to participate at wineries during harvest and some of the nicer places to ski in the Julian Alps.
Europe from a Backpack	Mark Pearson	First person told stories of travel in Europe. Includes specific recommendations, tips and tricks. Some are quite humorous! Geared for the budget travelers. These are true stories told by fellow travelers who have been to many places in Europe. Each section of the book is separated into stories from specific countries.
The Italian Lakes, Lonely Planet	Damien Simonis Belinda Dixon	The Italian Lakes region is located in the northern part of Italy, in part bordering Switzerland. From Bellagio along the shores of Lake Como to the best of Lake Maggiore this guide highlights the outdoor beauty of this particular region its culture and food and drink. If you are seeking inspiration this region certainly does not disappoint with its stunning blue lakes set against the jaggedness of the Alps. Great photos, maps and insider tips make this a must have book for anyone planning a trip to this part of Italy. Also excellent coverage of Milan and Verona.
Italy from a Backpack	Mark Pearson	First person told short stories of travel in Italy - stories by backpackers for backpackers. Includes specific recommendations, tips and tricks. Geared for the budget travelers. Each section of the book is broken down into specific locations within Italy. This is a must read for budget travelers planning a trip to Italy!
Italy, Moon Handbooks	Alexei J. Cohen	Another one of the classic Moon Europe Handbooks. Comprehensive yet to the point, this book covers A-Z from Milan to Sicily. Each section of Italy is color coded on the main map in the front of the book and covered in detail. There is no shortage of sights in Italy and Mr. Cohen has done a remarkable job of highlighting not only the tried and true Italian attractions but also the often overlooked spots. Visiting Italy would not be Italy without their famous cuisine - this guide book recommends some of the nicer pizzerias, cafes and gelaterias.
Lets Go Europe 2011	Harvard Student Agencies	Let's Go has been publishing travel guidebooks for students for more than 50 years. What is unique about this publisher is the fact that all the research and writing is conducted entirely by students - Harvard undergraduates. This guidebook, focusing mainly on Western and Central Europe is the culmination of the work of 20+ student researchers/writers. They scoured the continent for hostels & hotels, cool coffeehouses & cafes, museums, nightlight and much more (1220 pages to be exact!). This guide is fine for those planning a trip of a few weeks but even more importantly is its exhaustive coverage for those planning a much longer trip, such as a gap year or semester abroad. A special chapter deals with volunteerism, ecotourism, study abroad and work opportunities. Suggested itineraries are listed for various schedules and countries. Other essentials are provided including city maps, metro maps and ...even the best spots to see dead people! "Let's Go" guides are the go to guidebooks for student travel.
London, IDEO Eyes Open	Fred Dust	A travel book like no other! Physically its almost a 6"x6" square with pages bound with 6 metal rings with a flexible strap to hold the book together when finished reading. Each page is a "snapshot" within London containing a paragraph and several photos of a specific place, attraction, unique restaurant & more. All items are very experiential in nature and some are not the typical items you will find in a mainstream travel guidebook.
Moscow & St. Petersburg - Moon Handbooks	Jennifer Chater & Nathan Toohey	This book is a must have for any visitor planning a trip to Moscow or St. Petersburg. We had a fresh perspective on Moscow having just returned from this huge sprawling city and finding this book in our stack of newly arrived travel books. Moscow is definitely big and can be overwhelming to the first time tourist however this book does an excellent describing the main highlights in each city. Fortunately many of the main attractions are located within Moscow's city center and can be reached by walking or using the metro. Well presented maps are key to spending any time in Moscow or St. Petersburg for solo travelers and this Moon guidebook delivers in that regards. Fourteen full color maps of both cities are listed in the front of the guidebook including the all important Moscow metro map. Several suggested itineraries are also suggested - which are especially helpful for first time travelers.
Portugal, Lonely Planet	Regis St Louis	Portugal, the country conjures up visions of old world charm, classic European cuisine, the Iberian sun and vineyards; better yet visions of yourself planted among the vineyards at an outdoor cafe enjoying a late afternoon Port from one of any of a number of family producers north of Lisbon in the Douro Valley region. This is the "go to guide" on Portugal presented by Lonely Planet - four authors have carefully researched itineraries, attractions, hotels, restaurants and more.
Spain, Lonely Planet	Damien Simonis	Review coming soon!
Spain from a Backpack	Mark Pearson	First person told short stories of travel in Spain - stories by backpackers for backpackers. Includes specific recommendations, tips and tricks. Geared for the budget travelers. Each section of the book is broken down into specific locations within Spain. This is a must read for budget travelers planning a trip to Spain!
The Europe Book	Lonely Planet Laetitia Clapton	The tagline for this book is "a journey through every country on the continent" and this is certainly an appropriate description. Lonely Planet, long known for their detailed country guide books has put together a wonderful coffee table sized book organized by specific geographical locations within Europe. Each country is then highlighted with individual reviews and accompanying photos. This is part of their "Continent" book series. Find out what each country is known for, learn about the "essential experiences", cuisine, festivals, history, culture and much more. Also look for the "surprises" section listed under some countries; this lists items that perhaps most people do not associate with that particular country. This book makes a great gift especially for those armchair travelers as well as those embracing the "staycation" philosophy of travel.
International Travel
The Big Trip	Lonely Planet George Dunford	This is the ultimate book for those adventurous independent travelers looking to spend considerable time overseas on a "big" trip. The economy or your "normal" job have you down? Pick up this book, start dreaming and then make this dream a reality. This book contains real life stories from seasoned 'on the road' travelers, top tip lists, and big trip experiences and favorite spots are highlighted. This is the perfect book for gap year travelers, high school or college grads who are looking to take a year off, or anyone wanting to get away for a while. The book is divided into four easy to read chapters. Highlights of the book also include trip planning, types of trips to consider, where to go, and much more!
The Travel Book	Lonely Planet	This is the ultimate International compact coffee table book. 231 countries are covered in an A-Z format, in just under 900 pages. Each country is devoted 4 pages regardless of its size or influence. Photography is a key component of this book with over 1100 images presented. Hundreds of staff contributed their time to make this one of a kind book possible. Each country is quickly spotlighted listing the best times to visit, the "must see and do experiences", additional resources and possible "surprises". The "surprises" section lists items that perhaps most people do not associate with that particular country. This book makes a great gift for travelers or for many of us who wish we could do more traveling.
North America
California, Moon Handbooks	Liz Hamill Scott	Moon's latest California guidebook edition is full of well researched information with equal emphasis on both Northern and Southern California. It is always interesting to read a new travel guide on our "home state" and this is one of the better ones. Unique trip itineraries are suggested at the front of the book based on time and interests. In addition you will find 56 easy to use maps and details about those "can't miss" attractions, activities and restaurants. Insider tips are given - learn how can you actually get reservations at the famed French Laundry in the heart of Napa's wine country, or how to acquire discounted lift tickets for some of Tahoe's famed ski resorts or what might get you thrown out of the "happiest place on earth", Disneyland. This is a must have guidebook for anyone planning a trip to California or even for residents who want to keep a "golden state" guidebook on hand for their visitors.
California Trips	Lonely Planet	California Trips is one of 6 books in Lonely Planets new "Trips" Series covering select locations in the United States. These books are ideal for those looking to make a domestic road trip or even for International visitors trying to figure out some of America's top road trips. This particular book highlights 68 unique trips ranging from 2 to 7 days; each trip includes family and pet friendly attractions, easy to use maps and invaluable advice from local experts and even favorite trip ideas from celebrities. Look for regional music play lists and environmentally friendly options. In addition each trip is assigned a "theme logo" which appears on the outside of each page making it easy to quickly locate trips of interest when thumbing through this book. The trip locations and type of trips are listed for easy reference in the front of the guide on a map of California. From Mt. Shasta in the north to the deserts in the south, this book is your road trip, California "bible".
Complete Idiot's Guide to Hawaii	Corey Sandler & Michael Roney	Hawaii from A to Z. Great suggested itineraries, tips from locals, private homes rent, how to avoid the tourist traps and its exorbitant pricing and much more! Tons of attractions, restaurants and activities for all types of travelers. The content is laid out very nicely.
Hawaii, The Big Island	Lonely Planet	This book covers "the big Island" - it is small and light enough that it can be carried with you when you are actually traveling. This is a full color guide to some of Hawaii's nicest beaches and activities with additional information about this state's unique myths and legends. The "best" section in the front of the book is well worth reading. Another highlight is their spotlighted interviews with locals under "island voices" which are scattered throughout the book. Looking to summit or star gaze from the top of Mauna Loa or the taller Mauna Kea? An informative section covers all angles of a trip up these mountains - hey did you know that you can even snow ski in Hawaii?! This is a unique novelty to notch on your belt as there is no commercial ski resort on the mountain - bring your own gear and be there at the right time of the year.
Las Vegas, Moon Handbooks	Rick Garman	Las Vegas is cool for all types of travelers and this guide put out by Moon Handbooks reveals all that this shimmering city has to offer. It is packed with info about hotels, restaurants, casinos, maps you name it! Nice accompanying photos are displayed of select locations. Suggested itineraries are also provided. A must read for anyone planning a trip to Vegas!
Living Abroad in Canada	Moon Handbooks Carolyn B. Heller	This is a must have book for anyone considering re-locating to Canada either for school, work or for retirement. The book is extremely detailed and covers essential information including visas, employment, education, healthcare, daily life and much more. It also offers insights into the "best" places to live, and renting or purchasing a home. Author Carolyn Heller grew up in the United States but now lives in Canada. There is also a very helpful resource section at the end of the book.
Los Angeles, Moon Metro	Avalon Travel	This full color guide to Los Angeles is categorized by neighborhood. Los Angeles is fairly spread out (compared to say San Francisco). As a result, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the size and diversity of this metropolis but this guidebook does a good job of just focusing on the main neighborhoods of interest - whether it be historical, for shopping, or movie related. In addition, the book highlights the fun activities, the best places to eat, sleep and shop. Fold out color coded and numbered maps accompany each neighborhood. Also, short sections highlight the "best of Los Angeles", star studded attractions and some of the city's nicest urban experiences. The book is designed to fit into a pocket and be carried with you as you travel; it is thin and long in shape.
Maui	Lonely Planet	There is a reason why Lonely Planet is the industry leader in guide books. This full color guide on Maui, also includes Moloka'i & Lana'i, is very well laid out and is chock full of recommended itineraries, surf spots, hiking, nightlife, flora, fauna and much much more. Color coded chapters make browsing this book a breeze. Another highlight is their spotlighted interviews with locals under "island voices" which are scattered throughout the book. Spotlights on beautiful drives including the Road to Hana deliver good photos, maps and travel insights. This book is small enough that it can fit in your pocket and you can actually take it with you as you travel.
Minneapolis & St. Paul, Moon	Tricia Cornell	This first edition book is one of the must have guides for exploring the Twin Cities. A number of full color maps are found in the front of the book followed by several useful itineraries. Did you know that a number of Minnesotan's enjoy ice cream during the winter. One ice cream shop even offers discounts as the thermometer drops! What is another favorite pastime of a visit to Minneapolis and St. Paul? That would be shopping and where better than to do this than at the Mall of America, the largest mall in the United States...especially on a cold winter's day. Did you also know that Minneapolis is second only to New York City in terms of live theatre per capita? The Twin Cities also boast a plethora of outdoor recreation. Information about these attractions and activities and much more are packed into this well written and organized pocket guidebook.
Mount Rushmore & The Black Hills	Laural A. Bidwell	There is enough to keep one busy in the area of South Dakota around Rapid City for at least several weeks, although itineraries are presented for shorter trips. There's quite a bit packed into a relatively small geographical area - both natural and and man made attractions. Highlights of this guide book are of course Mt. Rushmore (one of America's most visited monuments with over 3 million visitors/year) but also Crazy Horse Mountain, Custer State Park, the Black Hills and the Badlands. Additional itineraries are suggested for families and those interested in art, history and culture. 23 detailed maps are scattered throughout the book and additional tips are presented about hiking, what to wear, and general trip planning. This guide is written by Laural A. Bidwell, a bookstore owner and local resident.
Take a Hike, Los Angeles, Moon	Ann Marie Brown Julie Sheer	For someone who spends a lot of time in the Los Angeles area (as we do), or is planning a trip here and loves the outdoors, this book represents a must have. Not only does it cover wonderful hiking in Los Angeles County but it offers expanded horizons with information about hiking north of Santa Monica in the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Gabriel & Verdugo Mountains, and further south in Orange County. Before you start your hike take a gander at the Introduction section which includes hiking tips and what to carry with you on your hikes. Also worth mentioning are the "best hikes" organized by category (waterfalls, family, summit views, wildflowers coastal etc). Some of our favorite hikes in the Hollywood Hills and the San Gabriel Mountains as well as Catalina escapes are also featured in this book. When Los Angeles comes up in conversation, hiking is certainly not the first topic discussed. Moon, Take a Hike Los Angeles brings the great So Cal outdoors to life and after reading this book you will clearly realize that there is so much more to the Los Angeles area than the urban sprawl it is often associated with.
Nashville & Memphis, Moon	Susanna Henighan Potter	Author Susanna Henighan Potter was born and raised in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains in eastern Tennessee. She has provided a well-written detailed guide to both Nashville and Memphis. Most people immediately think of music when Nashville is mentioned but there is much more to do in and around this city. Civil War history , museums, and of course lots of entertainment opportunities abound. Memphis of course has Graceland and its tasty barbecues but travelers should check out the National Civil Rights Museum and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Special sections include weekend escapes, getaways for nature lovers, journeys for music lovers and African American heritage. This book contains 16 detailed maps, lots of restaurant reviews and accommodation recommendations.
Take a Hike Portland, Moon	Barbara I. Bond	This latest Moon Handbook spotlights Portland as an "outdoor" city - with over 37,000 square feet of open space. What better way to explore all this than by hiking. This book highlights some of Portland's top trails by category. Examples include best bird watching, best "butt kickers", hikes with children, "peak baggers" , waterfalls, wildflowers and best views. The trails are organized by different regions in the area and photographs and important trail information accompany each description. Be sure to read the "hiking essentials" chapter in the beginning of the book. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is a must have book for both residents and visitors alike.
Take a Hike Washington DC, Moon	Theresa Dowell	Perhaps you don't normally associate Washington DC with hiking but the DC area offers some killer hiking opportunities ranging from historic grounds to mountains to beaches and waterfalls. This latest Moon Handbook spotlights 80 hikes in Washington DC and eastern Maryland (all of them completed by the author). This book highlights some of DC's top trails by category. Examples include best bird watching, hikes with children, historical hikes, best wildlife hikes, waterfalls, wildflowers and best summit views. The trails are organized by different regions in the area and photographs and important trail information accompany each description. Be sure to read the "hiking tips" section in the beginning of the book. For outdoor enthusiasts or urban enthusiasts wanting a break from the concrete jungle, this is a must have book for both residents and visitors alike.
Night + Day, New Orleans	Todd A. Price	New Orleans is one of America's most unique and culturally intriguing cities. The second edition of Night + Day, New Orleans puts you where you want to be in this city, whether its at hip and happening restaurants, wine bars, art galleries, chic hotels, shopping and more. An incredible attention to detail shows in this book with the utmost effort to ensure that information is current. Their "99 best" list is one of the highlights. 33 categories are highlighted showing the city's most outstanding features. An easy to use small pullout map is available on the inside of the back cover. Oh, its also worth mentioning that $1 of every one of these books sold is donated to Hurricane Katrina relief programs. Be sure to also visit their website for additional updates: www.nightanddayguides.com
New York, IDEO Eyes Open	Fred Dust	A travel book like no other! Physically its almost a 6"x6" square with pages bound with 6 metal rings with a flexible strap to hold the book together when finished reading. Each page is a "snapshot" within New York containing a paragraph and several photos of a specific place, attraction, unique restaurant & more. All items are very experiential in nature and some are not the typical items you will find in a mainstream travel guidebook.
Pacific Northwest Trips	Lonely Planet	Pacific Northwest is one of 6 books in Lonely Planets new "Trips" Series covering select locations in the United States. These books are ideal for those looking to make a domestic road trip or even for International visitors trying to figure out some of America's top road trips. This particular book highlights 52 unique themed trips ranging from 2 to 7 days; each trip includes family and pet friendly attractions, easy to use maps and invaluable advice from local experts and even favorite trip ideas from celebrities. Look for regional music play lists and environmentally friendly options. In addition each trip is assigned a "theme logo" which appears on the outside of each page making it easy to quickly locate trips of interest when thumbing through this book. The trip locations and type of trips are listed for easy reference in the front of the guide on a map. From British Columbia in the north to southern Oregon, this book is your road trip, Pacific Northwest "bible".
San Francisco City Guide	Lonely Planet	Part of Lonely Planet's "City Guides", this 376 page guide to San Francisco is highly detailed and includes a very nice pull out map, calendar, neighborhood spotlights, a highlights section and much more. San Francisco packs an amazing amount into its 7x7 square mile area and so does this book. A must have for anyone planning a trip to this unique city.
San Francisco, Moon Metro	Avalon Travel	This full color guide to San Francisco is categorized by neighborhoods. San Francisco is such a relatively small city that it is fairly easy to walk from neighborhood to neighborhood. This book spotlights these neighborhoods and highlights the fun activities, the best places to eat, sleep and shop. Fold out color coded and numbered maps accompany each neighborhood. In addition, short sections highlight the "best of San Francisco", gourmet delights and some of the city's nicest postcard views. The book is designed to fit into a pocket and be carried with you as you travel; it is thin and long in shape.
Seattle City Guide	Lonely Planet	Part of Lonely Planet's "City Guides", this 376 page guide to Seattle is highly detailed and includes a very nice pull out map, calendar, neighborhood spotlights, a highlights section and much more. This guide brings you insights from locals as well as travelers and is a must visit for anyone planning a trip to the "hub" of the Pacific Northwest. Also good information for attractions outside of the city limits.
The Privileged Pooch	Maggie Espinosa	We spend a fair amount of time in the Los Angeles area and when "The Privileged Pooch" came across our desk we jumped at the opportunity to review it. Southern California with its great year round weather is one of the friendliest pet destinations in the country. This book is the essential guide to luxury travel in Southern California with your pet. Long time San Diego resident and travel journalist Maggie Espinosa reviewed 69 hotels from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Pet friendly restaurants, outdoor activities that are fun for both you and your pet and a number of shops are also covered. Some of the hotels really go the extra distance with pet massages, pet facials and special toys. While all the hotels spotlighted are pet friendly (ranging in friendliness as indicated by the number "wags" listed next to the hotel listing), the 4-wags or "pooches paradise" are reserved exclusively for the ideal pet friendly hotels. Hotels that have limited weight limits, restrict pet access, and or charge exorbitant prices for pets are not included. The hotels listed in "The Privileged Pooch" certainly also provide a pampering experience for the owner! Color photos accompany each review and the edges of the pages are color coded and labeled depending on the region covered. This is the ultimate must have book for pet lovers traveling or living in Southern California.
Travel Temptations: Sun California	Lena Katz	Soak up the Sun with Lena Katz's latest book. Why do 40 million people live in the state known as the "golden state" or "sunshine state". This book highlights the best places to swim, spa and sunbathe as the locals do. From the northern California to San Diego as well as inland this book covers some of the best places to soak up that infamous California sun. Interviews with locals and experts in their field are sprinkled throughout the book offering their commentary about top local attractions and activities. Besides the "sun attractions", top resorts, restaurants, shopping locations and other top entertainment venues are reviewed. At the end of each geographical section you will also find a list of annual events and online resources.
South America
Ecuador, Moon	Julian Smith Jean Brown	Certain countries often have one site or attraction that pops to mind when mentioning that country. For Ecuador it is certainly the Galapagos Islands but this country has so much more to offer than these famous Islands. Moon Ecuador covers each of this country's major regions well including the coastal zones, the great mountains of the Northern Andes and the jungles east of the Andes. The capital city of Quito is one of the world's highest at almost 3000 meters and for the traveler is sure to be a stop on your itinerary. This guidebook provides detailed coverage of this city and even lists a few surprise activities you normally wouldn't think of building into your trip. With a country of such tall mountains and volcanoes it is no surprise that Ecuador is a popular destination for mountaineering. Moon Ecuador provides a number of guiding recommendations and other details about mountain climbing. This is the go to guide for anyone planning a trip to Ecuador.
Rio de Janeiro, Moon	Michael Sommers	Rio de Janeiro is hot...and will only get hotter from an International perspective as the world view narrows down on this "Cidade Maravillhosa" (Marvelous City) as the 2016 Olympics draw closer. This is Moon Handbook's first edition (released November 2009). Now is really the time to head down to Rio before prices go up the closer to the Olympics - from caipirinha's to churrascaria's to Carnival this book has you covered. While giant to the southwest, Sao Paulo is so spread out and doesn't seem to have a lot of natural surrounding beauty, Rio is a different story. It boasts gorgeous beaches, beautiful people, the ocean and the surrounding famous mountains as well as forestland. Throw in the culture and the music and you have a fascinating city. The first 35 pages of this book are a must read; these contain excellent maps and lists the major highlights of the city. This book is detailed well written and provides information for all types of travelers from budget to luxury.
- North America National Parks

Banff, Jasper & Glacier	Lonely Planet	This, the one book in Lonely Planet's new National Park series that covers Canadian parks (Banff & Jasper), is a well presented in depth guide to these two parks as well as Glacier. The focus of the National park series is outdoor activities and Lonely Planet does not disappoint with their detailed itineraries, hiking options, adventure options, and family friendly trips. Banff & Jasper are among the most inspiration parks in the Canadian National park system.
Grand Canyon National Park	Lonely Planet	Lonely Planet's new National Park Grand Canyon is a well presented in depth guide to the Grand Canyon. In depth coverage of both the North and South Rims. The focus of the National park series is outdoor activities and Lonely Planet does not disappoint with their detailed itineraries, hiking options, adventure options, and family friendly trips.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton	Lonely Planet	Two superb icons of the American Park system are covered in one book. Lonely Planet's new National Park Yellowstone & Grand Teton is a well presented in depth guide to these parks. The focus of the National park series is outdoor activities and Lonely Planet does not disappoint with their detailed itineraries, hiking options, adventure options, and family friendly trips.
Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon	Lonely Planet	Three extremely popular California located National Parks are covered in one book. Yosemite has all the name recognition but Sequoia & Kings Canyon also have superb outdoor beauty. The focus of the National park series is outdoor activities and Lonely Planet does not disappoint with their detailed itineraries, hiking options, adventure options, and family friendly trips.

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