Book reviews

Exploring – Hamilton and Waikato

Book reviews

100 amazing adventures

Exciting outdoor adventure suggestions for little ones (and bigger ones too)!! A must for your “what can we do today” box.

Author: Ceana Priest

Place of publication: Hamilton

Publisher: Copyrighted to Outdoor Kid

Date of publication: 2018, 2019 & 2021

Number of pages 153

This amazing little outdoor adventure book is a collection of fun filled walks and other activities book, put together by Ceana Priest. When her child was young she struggled to find outdoor trails around Hamilton and the Waikato which gave access to a stroller. Realising she would not be the only parent of a young /or older children, who was wanting to explore the outdoors  in 2018 she published ,  “ Hamilton and Waikato – 100 amazing adventures” .

This book includes Hamilton, North Waikato Waipa, East Waikato and West Waikato. A total of 108 tracks – a selection of different grades. There are small explanations of each walk with associated information such as how to access, time to walk, availability of toilets, are dogs allowed etc. Providing relevant information on which to base your choice. “Will this activity be ok for my family?”

I found this an amazing little guide book. Definitely value for money. With its inviting layout it tends to motivate “anyone” to get out and enjoy nature.

The Digital Nomad Handbook

Book reviews
Packed full with tips and tricks

Throw the “same old life “ to the winds and embrace adventure instead  –   become a digital nomad.

In 2020 Lonely Planet published the Digital Nomad handbook. This handbook provides much valuable and entertaining information on taking the great leap forward into a new and exciting life   (Or  helping you to explore if this life is really for you). It discusses how to be a digital nomad, where to go, what to do, how to prepare and how to exist when you are there. It highlights the importance of networking and connecting with others,

The layout is clear, logical and very informative. A variety of photos featuring those who have already taken the leap. They are all smiling happily. None look home sick but you would wonder if this was completely correct.  I have been by myself in foreign countries and while it is exciting and adventurous, there are some days when you just want to pull the blankets over your head. I was on a eight day cycle tour in Provence (which there was no one else on). I got to the midway point which was a rest day sat in my room and cried. Part tiredness. Part loneliness. I guess the point I am making here, is to be prepared in case this may/will happen to you. Effective use of color makes an interesting break in the text

I recommend this book with a 9 out of 10. It showcases a much different life to what you may be living. The downside was, there was little reference to older nomads, who of course are increasing rapidly.

Author: Lonely Planet

Place of publication: China

Publisher: Lonely Planet Global ltd.

Date of publication: April 2020

Number of pages: 184

Other references for Digital Nomads are:

Digital Nomad Tips by Matt Karsten. “Expert Vagabond.”

https://expertvagabond.com/digital-nomads/

Ten Years a Nomad : A travelers journey home. Matthew Kepnes 2019

www.nomadicmatt.com

The Travel Writer’s Way

Book reviews

The Travel Writer’s Way – Turn Your Travels Into Stories by Jonathan Lorie

William Dalrymple has reviewed the above book as  “A unique and completely invaluable guide to the dark arts of travel writing”   I am not the expert on travel writing that Dalrymple is but I agree. This book is priceless.

Lorie has been a travel writer for over twenty years so the information provided within these pages from  both himself and a group of assorted travel writing peers can be used not only by those just starting out, but those who have been crafting stories for many years and  want a fresh way to look at them. 

Topics written are how to hook the reader in, being honest in reviews of places or accommodation, and to take that leap in travel experiences which can result in an increased richness of adventure.   

As mentioned, he uses 40 other assorted “travel experts in their own fields” to  add depth to the explanation he gives. e.g .In “ Written Blogs”, he uses Nomadic Matt to share the importance of finding your own niche and deepening it so you become the “go to person” for that  particular area. “Writing articles”, finds Isabel Choat, an online travel editor, setting out clearly what she wants from an article. She wants to know what would make people dream of going there.

This book is priceless. A must read for those who are travel writers  to expand their knowledge, for those who may be just thinking about starting out or individuals just wanting to document their adventure 

Review – The Solo Travel Handbook

Book reviews

THE SOLO TRAVEL HANDBOOK – Practical tips and inspiration for a safe, fun and fearless trip

Author: Lonely Planet
Place of publication: China
Publisher: Lonely Planet Global Limited
Date of Publication: January 2018
Number of pages: 167

So useful! Written for solo travelers but any traveler (even experienced as I am ) could pick up extra tips from it. The layout is easy. Each piece of information is set out as a separate heading. Some in boxes. Some in lists. Some just jottings. Breaks down the feeling of “I have this book to read before I go off traveling.” It is so easy just to dip into whenever you feel like it.

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