Journeys Near and Far

Museyon Guides show you the world through your favorite films

Do you want to visit Hobbiton in New Zealand?  How about the Tunisian desert where Star Wars was filmed?

If so, the Museyon Film + Travel guides will be perfect for you -- or anyone who wants to travel the world through their favorite movies. 

There are three Film + Travel guides in this series:  Film + Travel Europe, Film + Travel Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Film + Travel North America, South America. 

Named after the Museion, an institute founded in ancient Egypt to expand people’s knowledge and dedication to the Muses (the sister goddesses of art, poetry, literature, philosophy and music) the Museion is a source of inspiration, as are the Museyon Guides.

Composed by curators around the world, each of the Film + Travel guides are lush with hundreds of color photographs and reference from 139 to 199 films.

For example, in the Film + Travel Asia, Oceania, Africa guide, writer Gemma Blackwood takes us on a tour of film locations in New Zealand, which she calls  the “Land of the wide-angle film shot."  Frodo and Sam peer at us from behind the rocks of Mordor as we learn not only about the Lord of the Rings movie locations but those of Peter Jackson’s earlier films, plus Whale Rider, The Piano, The Last Samurai and The Chronicles of Narnia:  Prince Caspian. 

In Film + Travel Europe, Tom Beer writes about Hitchcock’s London in the United Kingdom chapter, as well as Stokesay Court, a grand Victorian Manor that stands in for the Tallis house in Atonement.  In the chapter on Italy, see how you can follow in the footsteps of the Talented Mr. Ripley.

Lee Middleton takes us on a journey a long time ago... far, far away in the Tunisia chapter, exploring the filming locations of George Lucas’ 1977 Star Wars and 1999’s The Phantom Menace.  We also visit the old Bedu caravan post of Tozeur, the location where some memorable scenes from The English Patient were filmed.

Each book contains an index of movie credits and a reading/viewing appendix.   I purchased a copy of both Film + Travel Europe and Film + Travel Asia,  Oceania, Africa and so far I’ve found both books to be entertaining reading as well as excellent sources for planning a trip  -- right now I'm using the Europe guide to plan an upcoming  trip to London.

This Museyon Film + Travel series was launched in 2009; also available are an Art + Travel Europe guide and a Music + Travel Worldwide guide.

Tunisia photo courtesy of  Hicham Souilmi, Creative Commons.  The author received no compensation, discounts or products in exchange for writing this post.

The Encyclopedia of Haunted Places

Travel the World in Search of Ghosts

Just in time for Halloween, I've had the opportunity to review the revised edition of Jeff Belanger's Encyclopedia of Haunted Places:  Ghostly Locales from Around the World. 

Belanger, the founder of Ghostvillage.com, the largest supernatural community on the web, has been studying and writing about the supernatural since 1997, and has authored ten books including The World's Most Haunted Places and The Ghost Files.

I haven't decided yet exactly how I feel about ghosts.  Do they exist?  I don't know.  But I'm open to the idea.  There are a few things for sure, though.  I love visiting haunted castles and inns on my travels, I think ghost stories are entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoy ghost tours.

It's easy to find ghostly tales and destinations in the Encyclopedia of Haunted Places.  The directory is packed with detailed information and intriguing stories that Belanger compiled about haunts around the world. 

In this book you'll find stories about:

• Dracula's castle, once the residence of Prince Vlad Tepes, aka "Vlad the Impaler" in Bran, Romania
• The Catacomb Museum in Paris, where more than 6 million bodies are housed
• The White House, where the ghost of Abraham Lincoln is said to appear
• And so much more

Wawel Castle, Krakow, Poland

Just for fun, I selected three haunted places I've visited recently to see if I could learn more about them from the book than I learned while at the sites themselves. 

First I looked up Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow, Poland.  Seat of the Polish kings for half a milenium, this castle is not only the home to the spirits of the royals who were laid to rest in the vaults under the cathedral, but to Smocza Jama, a dragon who lived in the 200-foot-long cave on the hillside.

I knew this story from having toured the castle and cave, but I didn't know that King Kazimir, who ruled in the 11th century, is said to have found a glowing stone in one of the tunnels that feeds and protects Krakow.  Nor did I know that King Sigismund I the Old's jester, Stancyk, supposedly appears on the castle battlements whenever Poland is in danger.  Interesting.

Wigtown Book Festival

Scotland's National Book Town hosts an annual festival featuring some of the country's best authors

Whenever I think about Wigtown in Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland, I have instant warm memories.  This little town, set amid green fields, moorland, and rugged coastline, is a haven for booklovers -- whether it's festival time or not.  

For me, my visit was a respite from a busy life of trying to get too many things done in too little time.  Being around books relaxes me.

I visited Wigtown on a quiet November day and spent my time browsing among the more than quarter of a million books, both old and new, in the town's many bookshops.   I would have loved to stay overnight and spend even more time here if it had been possible.

Designated as Scotland's National  Book Town in 1998, the town is home to more than 20 book-related businesses -- mostly book shops, some gift shops and a few cafés.

You can also visit the Wigtown Local Nature Reserve.  Climb upstairs to the viewing room in the county buildings for information on the reserve and a video on this year's osprey, as well as a fabulous view!  And if you can't get enough of books, there's a nice little library on the first floor of that building.

The Wigtown Book Festival, which opens today and runs until October 4th, is considered  by the UK's Telegraph to be one of the "best autumn festival's in the world". 

I haven't been to the festival (yet!) but this year they have over 170 events lined up with a slew of popular authors.

This year's festival is a little bit different due to Scotland's Homecoming 2009 celebrations.  They will be hosting "Whiskey and Words", a festival-within-a-festival that celebrates the connections between whiskey and writing.  There will be music, tastings, and some of the worlds top whiskey experts.  Sounds like fun!

If you can't make it to the festival but love books or nature, I highly recommend you visit Wigtown at any time of year.   I know I'm going to return next time I have a chance.

Some other articles you might like from my trips to Scotland:

• The Writers' Museum, Edinburgh
• A Visit to the Beatrix Potter Garden & Exhibition
• Mary Queen of Scots House, Jedburgh, Scotland

Two New Jersey Guidebooks You Should Own

Explore the Jersey Shore or New Jersey's Nature Areas

It might seem strange to buy guidebooks to your own state, but I have several. 

You see, sometimes it's nice to just hop in the car and go for a day trip.  And from these books, I've learned about many places in my state that I wasn't aware of. 

For example, I knew about the sunken concrete ship off the coast of Cape May, but I had no idea there was a beachfront alpaca farm there.

I guess that I, like most people, don't always remember to explore what's in my own backyard -- something I should try to do more often.

So here's a brief rundown on two helpful guidebooks:

Wonderwalks: The Trails of New Jersey Audubon

The first book I'd like to tell you about is Wonderwalks:  The Trails of New Jersey Audubon.  My first reaction when I saw this book was "that's not for me."  I'm not a birder, and I thought that was it's sole focus. 

I picked it up to take a peek, however, and read author Patricia Robinson's words:  "You don't have to be a birder to enjoy New Jersey's Audubon nature centers and sanctuaries."

It turns out this book is great for anyone who enjoys not just birding but strolling, hiking, or simply getting out in nature for some quiet contemplation. The book devotes a different chapter to most of the Audubon preserves and sanctuaries throughout the state including a description of their nature trails.   It also gives directions on how to get there, and provides lists of birds that can be seen (by season) in each area.  In some cases, it gives lists of plants and animals as well.

The book has an inset of stunning color photographs from several of the sites.  Many of these sites are free, making them inexpensive places to spend the day.  And you can easily stuff this guidebook in your pocket or backpack.

The Jersey Shore:  Atlantic City to Cape May

I met author (writer and journalist) Jen A. Miller on the ACES Train between Atlantic City and New York City.  I recognized her as one of the people I follow on Twitter(@JerseyShoreJen).  We struck up a conversation and she told me about her book, The Jersey Shore:  Atlantic City to Cape May. 

Jen not only explores her own backyard, but specializes in writing about it, and in this book, she takes you on a journey from the gaming tables of Atlantic City to romantic, Victorian Cape May.  Covering 47 miles of the South Jersey shore region, the book (which I obtained a copy of later) is one of my favorites. 

Take a Self-Guided Walk Around London

Two books show you how

I've written about London guided walking tours before; they provide a fun and educational opportunity to explore London's quirky, historical or just plain fascinating neighborhoods with a group and a knowledgeable guide. 

But what if you want to explore these neighborhoods at your own pace?  Maybe stop in a pub for a drink along the way, or visit an intriguing shop? 

Well, no worries -- I've just found two books written to help you explore London's neighborhoods on your own.  Each provides enough entertaining information about the areas you'll walk through that you won't feel like you're missing out by not having a guide.

The following two books highlight a variety of self-guided walking tours in the city and surrounding areas that you can do on your own.

The first book, On Foot Guides' London Walks written by Celia Woolfrey, claims to be the only London walking guide with aerial view mapping.  The mapping, created from specially commissioned photographs taken from a helicopter flying at 1,500 feet, really helps show you the way as you read the directions.

There are 15 walks in this guide.  An introduction explains why London's a great place to explore on foot, and offers information on shopping, transportation, sightseeing tours, etc.  

There are also sections on how to link some of the walks together, and lists of which walks are best taken at various times of the week or year.  Take Covent Garden, for example.  "The atmosphere is more relaxed on the weekend," Woolfrey says, "when there's almost continuous street theater and people come here just to have fun."  

The book also suggests which walks are best for kids.

Each walk in London Walks has:

• A description of the area
• Aerial maps
• Where the walk starts and ends
• Photos
• Directions and a description of what you're looking at
• Boxed text with tips on where to eat and drink in the neighborhood

The series also offers New York Walks and Paris Walks.

Traveling to the Yucatán? Here's Help for Planning Your Trip

Planning a Trip can be Almost as Fun as Going There

As a heavy March snow falls outside my window, I'm writing an article for an AAA magazine about Playa del Carmen, Mexico. 

And all the while I'm imagining Playa's warm, balmy breezes, the aqua hues of the ocean and the warmth of the sun falling on my shoulders as I walk around in capris and tank tops. 

Planning a trip (or writing about one) can be almost as fun as going there.  But sometimes it's a little hard to know where to find the best information.

To help you plan a trip to the Yucatán, I'd like to share some of the great resources I found while organizing my trip to the Riviera Maya.   Have fun with your research!

Books & Maps

I've always found Lonely Planet's guidebooks to be useful and their Cancún, Cozumel & the Yucatán is no exception.  In addition to the usual sections on history, maps, culture, food and drink and environment, there are some beautiful full-color pages in the front loaded with photographs and tips from the author, Greg Benchwick, on such topics as snorkeling and diving the reefs and cenotes, exploring the area's natural wonders, tips for foodies, active adventures on land and sea, and how the past and present intermingle.  Definitely pick up a copy of this book.

I had no idea National Geographic made adventure maps until recently when I was given a copy of their Northern Yucatán Peninsula Adventure Map.  I didn't have it with me on my trip but I wish I had.  One side has a map of the Northern Yucatán Peninsula with detailed city insets of Cancún and Mérida; the other side has information -- plus maps -- of the Yucatán's most important archaeological sites.   And it's made of waterproof-tear-resistant material so you won't have to worry about ripping it or getting it wet.  Great map!

Elizabeth Harper of SealedWithLove.com, who winters in Playa del Carmen says, "Check CancunMap.com for fabulous maps with tons of useful information, updated as regularly as possible."   

I followed Harper's advice and was impressed...  these travel map/guides to Cancún, Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya and more look excellent.  They've also got a Mayan Adventure map that looks awesome -- I'm going to have to get one!  The maps were created by Perry and Laura McFarlin who have been traveling the Yucatan for over 20 years. 

February Travel Book Drawing

Everybody loves travel tips.  Here you'll find 1,001 of them...

On March 1st I'll be giving away a copy of Fodor's 1,001 Smart Travel Tips, a book so packed with travel tips and suggestions that you can't possibly go wrong.  Whether you're traveling just beyond your own backyard or halfway across the planet, the information in this book can steer you in the right direction.

Chapters cover everything from planning, booking and packing to family travel and traveling with pets.  It even gives tips on how to pack for your pet - something I hadn't thought of.  But then, my only pet is a fish and he (thankfully) prefers to stay at home.

The book also covers train, bus and cruise travel, seeing the sights, and dining out.  There's even a whole section on specific destinations.

You'll find some amusing bits of wisdom here as well.  For example, under Costa Rica:  "Once you get to the capital, leave."  (San José is not representative of what the country has to offer.)  Under El Salvador:  "Try pupusa"  (I totally agree) and "Expect Adventure on Road Trips."  Absolutely.

Also, the winner of this month's drawing is Babette from Kentucky.  She won a copy of An Embarrassment of Mangoes:  A Caribbean Interlude, written by award-winning writer, magazine and book editor Ann Vanderhoof.  Congrats, Babette!

If you're not already a subscriber to The Journeys Near and Far newsletter, sign up now so you can be included in this and future travel book drawings! 

 

 

January Travel Book Drawing

They Chucked Their Jobs and Said Good-bye to the Rat Race

That alone was enough to make me want to read this book.   The fact that they spent two years sailing around the Caribbean clinched the deal. 

If you love a good travel tale I think you'll enjoy of An Embarrassment of Mangoes:  A Caribbean Interlude, written by award-winning writer, magazine and book editor Ann Vanderhoof. 

It tells the story of the Vanderhoof's more than 7,000 mile journey to 47 Caribbean islands, and as a bonus, the book includes some delicious local recipies they discovered along the way.

I'll be giving away a copy of An Embarrassment of Mangoes on February 1st.   If you're not already a subscriber to The Traveler, sign up now so you can be included in this and future travel book drawings! 

Meanwhile, congratulations are in order for Colette from Vallejo, California, who won a copy of  The Essential Cruise Book, 4th edition, by Jim West in this month's travel book drawing!    Congrats, Colette!

 

The Girlo Travel Survival Kit

Travel Inspiration For Teenage Girls

While browsing the travel books in Borders the other day, I found a book that's completely different from any I'd ever seen before.  The Girlo Travel Survival Kit by Anthea Paul, a nomadic photographer and writer based in Sydney, Australia. 

This colorful, introspective work truly inspires you to pick up and go.  While mainly geared for teenage girls, this book also appealed to me.  Not only does it have some interesting and unique travel tips especially for women traveling alone, but the book also made me reflect on why I love to travel in the first place, and how important it is to reach for your dreams.

Aside from the stunning photography, the book touches on areas that traditional travel guides do not.   Some examples:

• Dare to Dream --  In this section, Paul inspires us to make the big step.  "The trip that takes us far away, to a place of our imaginations, is something that never fails to stir the soul in some way."
• Make Travel Plans Part of Your Life -- Here Paul lets us know how to fit our dreams of travel into the reality of our everyday lives.  
• Coming Home --  Here she gives us advice on how to readjust to our daily routine after returning from a trip.  Whether you've been away for two weeks or two months,  this information can help when you need to settle back into your normal life.

The book also has a nice list of travel websites in the back.  I really like Paul's style and philosophy, and think this book would be a great gift for any young girl who's caught the travel bug.

Note:  Paul's Girlosophy.com website is still in the works, but you can learn more about her Girlosophy series in this interview on The Compulsive Reader.

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Travel Book Drawing - December

An Essential Guide to Cruising...

I'm still a bit behind on the monthly travel book drawings but here goes...  This month, a copy of the Berlitz Pocket Guide to New York goes to Rosalie from Big Flats, New York.  Looks like she'll be able to explore more of her own state!

Next, on January 1st,  2009, I'll be giving away a little book packed with info:  The Essential Cruise Book, 4th edition, by Jim West.  If you're a cruising aficionado, or just want to learn more about heading out to sea, this book is for you!  Written by a cruise director who has explored all seven continents, this book gives practical advice on everything from deciding where to go to finding the best price on a cabin.

Some of the many topics covered include:

• Where to Go
• Choosing and Planning your Cruise
• How to Pack
• Ports and Shore Excursions
• Cruises for Families and Other Special Groups

Also, if you're interested in cruising, you might want to check out the following links:

• Like Cruising?  Check out these Websites
• Be a Smarter Cruiser - A Chat with Cruise Expert Clark Norton
• Smarter Cruising Blog

And if you're not already a subscriber to The Traveler, sign up now so you can be included in this and future travel book drawings!