Around the World in the Middle Seat: How I Saw the World (and Survived!) as a Group Travel Leader [Paperback]

Joyce Brooks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 12, 2001

Joyce shares the inspiring, harrowing and downright hilarious tales of life on the road, in luxurious staterooms, jungle bivouacs and cramped middle seats.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[Joyce Brooks] relates her experiences and offers practical advice to travelers in a delightful and readable style." -- Abilene Reporter-News - June 9, 2002 - by Glenn Dromgoole

relates her experiences and offers practical advice to travelers in a delightful and readable style. -- Glenn Dromgoole in Abilene Reporter-News on June 9, 2002

About the Author

World-traveler Joyce Brooks calls Texas home. A graduate of Texas Woman’s University in Denton with a BS in Journalism, she began traveling big time in 1981 when she joined RepublicBank in Austin as Marketing Director and Travel Program Coordinator. By the time she took early retirement ten years later to start her own tour company, she’d escorted some 3,500 participants to a total of over 100 countries and achieved the position of Vice President of Marketing. She resides on a ranch in Evant, Texas, 100 miles from Austin.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: The Intrepid Traveler (September 12, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887140395
• ISBN-13: 978-1887140393
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,945,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not too much information, November 24, 2006

By 

Micheal V. Angeletti "Donatello(Ninja Master)" (Boise, Idaho) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Around the World in the Middle Seat: How I Saw the World (and Survived!) as a Group Travel Leader (Paperback)

I was really dissapointed when I picked this book up. I read all the great reviews on here and I didn't notice that they were all from the same month Feb, 2004 (most likely from friends, or all from the same person, so I bought it like a fool. It was horribly written, and needs some serrious improvement. After reading this, I don't think the author has ever been anywhere. I am truly dissapointed, and maybe some of the ideas could make themselves into a good book someday, but not from this author.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining read, February 4, 2002

By 

J. Paul Dieckert (Belton, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Around the World in the Middle Seat: How I Saw the World (and Survived!) as a Group Travel Leader (Paperback)

Joyce Brooks gives a very personal and insightful look into life as a group tour leader. She describes humorous observations about travel and people who travel. Her account of difficult and rewarding situations along with useful advice about leading group tours make for chuckles and frequently a glimpse of the human side of tourism. Her dedication and compassion to her fellow travelers makes one yearn to go along for the trip. This book is highly recommended for those who travel and find enjoyment and amusement in the day to day aspects of group travel.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wherever she leads, I'll go!, February 28, 2003

By 

Stacey McLarty (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Around the World in the Middle Seat: How I Saw the World (and Survived!) as a Group Travel Leader (Paperback)

I would travel with Joyce Brooks anytime! I really admire her travel savvy and enjoyed Around the World in the Middle Seat - tales of the glories and pitfalls of group travel. I think this would be a great book for any traveler or anyone thinking of leading a group tour. Joyce's job as a travel leader has been one of my secret fantasy jobs - I would love to not only travel the world, but also be knowledgable enough about the destinations to lead others to enjoy my favorite escapes. Brooks is very positive about her experiences, but she opens readers' eyes to the realities of being responsible for others' health, safety and well-being (not to mention making sure they get where they are supposed to be) while on vacation. Obviously, her dependable husband Keith is an essential part of the Brooks travel team.
I enjoyed reading this book, and expect to find her information useful in my future travels abroad. {I particularly liked the fact that she explained foreign toilets - a subject most travel guides seem to gloss over.} After reading Around the World..., I have decided that being a group travel leader is not for me; however, I do have an enormously increased appreciation for those who make my travel organized, safe and comfortable. I still haven't seen the Eiffel tower or the Taj Mahal, but I'm ready to sign up for the next trip!