Customer Reviews

Lonely Planet The Big Trip (General Reference)

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I bought this book last week and haven't been able to put it down since. Everything that they mention and suggest comes with another idea I haven't thought of, and I am a very seasoned traveler. It is also amazing because I have felt like every gap year book I have picked up has been geared towards the UK. This book is finally geard towards everyone and it is the first time that as an American I haven't had to just dismiss many of the things in the book because well, I don't have a UK passport and I can't go find the consulate in London. Etc. Amazing book, definitely worth a read if you are planning on taking a grand adventure!

The Big Trip is an absolute gem of a travelling book. Although it is mainly geared at YA who have recently graduated and have not travelled all that much or at College or University students who are planning on taking a year off and just "see the world", this book is also a wealth of information on the topic of travelling itself with the added bonus of being original in the destinations that it covers.

The Big Trip is also LOADED with absolutely beautiful pictures, I found myself oohiinng and ahhhing at some of the shots in this book - makes me want to hop the next plane and go explore the big beautiful world that is out there.

While these are the more "dreamy" aspects of this book, there is also a very practical look at travelling and many, many great suggestions that most people would never really think of. Some of the chapter includde:

A very in-depth overview of many innovative destinations (and why they are of interest to YA);

Valuable advice on budgeting, volunteering and overall travelling as a whole.

As I was reading (devouring this book) it made me wish that I had all these travel opportunities when I was at an age where travelling and exploring where my biggest goals in life!!!

This book is a wealth of information and, if like me, you are not really in a position to explore the world right now, it is also a great book to daydream by.

Shortly after a trip I took to Iceland (Sept. 2009), I decided I wanted to take a gap year and travel around the world for a year (or two!). I picked this one up and instantly realized it had all the information I wanted and needed.

I love the story excerpts from other RTW travellers--whether it's tips on how to convince your parents this will be a good idea, or a story about being afraid of the locals in Sicily. It also provides a TON of online resources for learning about working and volunteering abroad, organized by region.

This book convinced me I could do this and that it would be easier than I thought. Only time will tell, but I'm definitely optimistic.