Customer Reviews

Family Travels: Around the World in 30 (Or So) Days

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I started to write a review of One Year Off, by David Elliot Cohen, and then realized I was really reviewing Family Travels instead (comparing the Cohen book to it). I bought this book solely on the strength of reviews, and I enjoyed a lot of it, but was a little disappointed. I was put off by the Reeves family's luxurious style of travel, and the ease (courtesy of their professional connections) with which they met ambassadors, prime ministers, etc. around the world. On the one hand you have to admire people who can stay at the Hilton (or the equivalent) in every major Asian city and still see some of the local culture -- on the other hand it would be much more interesting if they weren't staying at the Hilton. I'd rather read about the travels of a family on a significantly lower budget and more relaxed schedule -- hence my enjoyment of One Year Off. In sum, this book is worth reading, but the best parts are the least serious -- the tantrums thrown by 9-year-old Fiona, and the 20-something exploits of Conor and Colin.

I have always enjoyed Reeves travel writings since I used to eagerly await Travel & Leisure magazines just to read his column. This book did not disappoint me. Every time I read his works I just want to jump up and go to these places and experience the culture the way he does. I read this book just before my first trip to Europe to get me in the mood. This book also was enjoyable reading how each member of the family reacted to each other and the trip. I especially loved Colin's description of the overnight train ride as "way to make prisoners of war talk". All in all, it was a fun and informative read.

I really liked the idea of the book. The dialog boxes scattered throughout the book were distracting. The text was also in the book so it was not helpful.

I must say that I liked the idea that each family member was responsible for writing a diary and sharing that with Richard. Good info on Asia.

I also enjoyed reading about the young girl and her experiences on the road.