Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure by Matthew Algeo This is a delightful fast paced read about a 19-day road trip Harry Truman and his wife Bess took from their house in Missouri to Washington DC and back again in 1953 soon after leaving the presidency. Times were simpler back then for ex Presidents as they were able to make this trip as private citizens (President Truman drove) without the accompaniment of secret service. They were actually … [Read more...]
Long Way Around
Long Way Around by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman Join actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they set off on a round the world 20,000 mile motorbike trip from the UK across Europe, Asia and then North America. A partnership between good friends that produces perspective, perseverance and adventure soon ensues with both Ewan and Charley taking turns providing commentary throughout the book. There is nothing like the freedom of setting … [Read more...]
Governor’s Travels
Governor's Travels by Angus King Angus King had just ended 2 terms as Governor of the State of Maine and watched a state trooper drive away - leaving him alone for the first time in 8 years. Within 12 hours of that moment he and his family were on the road. They purchased a large RV and spent the next 5.5 months exploring and discovering America. From small towns to big cities, Mr. King offers insights and reflections about history, a … [Read more...]
I’m Off Then
I'm Off Then by Hape Kerkeling Hape admits he is sometimes a couch potato but sets off anyways on the intriguing and spiritual journey across the Pyrenees to the Spanish shrine of St. James (Santiago de Compostela). This is story of Hape's interesting and at times humorous experiences (Hape is a well-known German comedian and his humor definitely shows through in this book) on the Camino Santiago where "pilgrims" stay in free refugios and … [Read more...]
Grounded
Grounded by Seth Stevenson this word is not in the vocabulary of any frequent flyer today but in this case it is the title of Seth Stevenson's intriguing new travel book. This is the modern day tale of how Seth and his girlfriend Rebecca travel the globe *without* ever setting foot inside a jet. This is somewhat of a logistical nightmare in today's age of waking up in New York and eating dinner in Paris the same day. Their story starts when … [Read more...]
The Ride of our Lives
The Ride of our Lives by Mike Leonard A contemporary true story about one man who drives his RV across the USA and convinces his aging parents and his grown children to come along (quitting their jobs). Needing a unique vacation in his middle age he also used this trip to provide one last adventure for his parents. Often humorous, this story is a good read especially for the family interactions that take place in the RV. This book has … [Read more...]
Little Cream Books Drive
Little Cream Books Drive by David Hall Produced by the luxury travel operator, Wanlilu who is based in Hong Kong, the Little Cream Books do not disappoint. Each book is small but packed with quality road trips - the cover is elegant cloth and each book comes in its own blue box. This book highlights 26 spectacular drives worldwide, one drive for each letter of the alphabet. Each drive lists at least one luxury car rental (possibly a Ferrari or … [Read more...]
Classic Motorsport Routes
Classic Motorsport Routes by Richard Meaden Coffee table book, 224 pages of race routes and color photos. This book predominately covers famous historical racing routes in Europe but towards the end of the book you find routes in the mid and western USA. A must have for any racing car enthusiast - work these routes into a vacation! Very nice write-up on Pike's Peak and the fast courses of the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA. … [Read more...]
A Year of Adventures
A Year of Adventures by Lonely Planet Don't let age catch you before you've had a chance to explore the planet and some of its most rewarding adventure experiences. Start with this Lonely Planet book to get you on the right track so to speak. The adventure activities are organized by time of year with 42 weeks of listed activities. From outdoor activities, this book has you covered from Patagonia to bungee jumping in Queenstown New Zealand. … [Read more...]