Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

This book was fun to read and includes some really interesting stories. I have traveled to many of these places (so far, 5 of the 7 continents), and I think the author offers some great insights. The book is not meant to be a comprehensive "guide" book for traveling to these wonderful places - it's meant to entertain, and this it does, while also offering some great suggestions should you ever find yourself traveling to the areas described. The author describes some unbelievable (and mostly humorous) escapades. And the desciptions of some of the "groups" she led around the world sound vaguely familiar! I think both seasoned and not-so-seasoned travelers will both enjoy this book.

This book was very interesting in that it gave a wide variety of experiences in many regions of the world. It included humor as well as interesting facts. For someone interested in starting a career as a tour guide, it offers some very important items to consider before attempting to start at career. The most interesting aspects were the real but humorous incidents described by the author on specific tours. After each chapter, I was looking forward to the next chapter for another amusing event. Also, it shows how a career as a tour guide can lead to some very interesting friendships.

As one who has recently fallen into the role of group organizer, I really appreciate the insight into the trials, tribulations and joys of coping with the pitfalls one can encounter when dealing with a wide variety of personalities. I'm learning and Joyce's book has been most helpful. One thing though - you'll never catch me in that dreaded middle seat! (Even if I have to bump a fellow traveler!)

This book is amazing in it's awfulness. I cringed reading it. I wanted to write apologies to the 'natives.'
Did you know toilets are different in other countries??? WOW!! The food is different, too. NO WAY!! Even customs aren't the same as in Texas. BOO!!
This book needed a strong editor. The rare interesting anecdote is the same paragraph length as something trivial.

I have traveled all over the world and I find Joyce Brooks' book very humorous, easy to read and refreshing. Both the novice and experienced traveler can benefit from reading about her experiences.
Experienced travelers will nod and smile in agreement at having been through similar situations. The novice traveler can be forewarned of possible hitches while traveling and know that it will turn out OK if everyone stays calm.
I especially enjoyed how Joyce was able to resolve every situation by knowing when to stand her ground and when to give in, most often with humor.
A very amusing and informative book which even the armchair traveler will enjoy.