ISBN: 978-0-9795546-3-6

Publisher: Mark Batty Publisher

This little gem is the perfect gift for anyone who plans/or has been on holiday where disaster is never far away. Whether it is the cheap hotels with rubbish views and only one working tap to the terrible transport available - we’ve all been there haven’t we? Even if you’re one of those fortunate ones who booked a holiday that actually turned out quite nice, this is still a good pop-cultural book to look at. 

Firstly I must say I loved the design of this book - using a suitcase for the front cover captures what trips abroad are all about. As you open the book up, it then resembles the inside of the suitcase…how clever!

As I glimpsed through Traveler’s Advisory, many times I found myself laughing. It is very true indeed that what the travel brochures often boast about is far from it when you arrive at your destination. For instance, have you ever been promised a luxurious outdoor swimming pool with crystal clear waters then to your absolute horror discover what one can only call a murky hollow with chipped tiles and peeling plaster? A snapshot is found inside that does demonstrate this aspect rather well with a holiday maker walking down the steps to a swimming pool with debris floating on its dirty waters.

I laughed when I saw the shot of a beggar on the street holding out an empty plastic cup for loose change. The motto next to this read “Stick to your travel budget,” then “do not overspend” on the other page. Really some excellent and observant lines! 

When visiting rustic countries make sure you do know what kind of transportation you will be using. It really is not wise to pin your hopes on some battered coach for roadside travel as the accompanying picture suggests.

And one other thing - do be wary of unofficial banking institutions when you find you need to use that credit card on the streets of some poverty-stricken country.

I could instantly see myself in the little girl featured toward the end of this book - she has her hand reaching out to the adorable little monkey to offer him food. How sweet he appears…the phrase next to this snapshot just about sums it up “Mother nature is fun until someone gets bit”! 

Loads more of these excellent snapshots to be found with wonderfully crafted sentences which combine together to portray the ultimate truth. The only thing I wish the authors had done was to perhaps use more of their own photographs. That would have further enhanced this book but never-the-less the images they have used do the job.

An excellent book to slip inside your rucksack next time you go abroad to help remind you to beware - holidays maybe an escape from worry but they can also be the entry to hell.  

Excellent and well worth a look!