Stingray Bit My Nipple!: True Stories from Real Travelers (Paperback)

by Erik Torkells (Author)
Key Phrases: Costa Rica, Virgin Islands

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
"One of the things I love most about our 'True Stories' section (and by extension, this book) is that readers are so willing to laugh at themselves--they send in what are sometimes very embarrassing stories, because we all know that that's life, especially when you travel." --Erik Torkells, editor, Budget Travel

From the French-kissing giraffe to the Coke-drinking camel, Budget Travel's "True Stories" feature proves that life when traveling is indeed stranger and funnier than fiction.

Collected by Erik Torkells, editor of Budget Travel magazine, these tales of adventuresome calamity and hilarity are an irresistible read. Over 200 true stories are included.

Stories have been submitted by Budget Travel readers and many feature real and hilarious vacation photographs from their travels. From the couple in Belize who had a chicken lay an egg in their bed while at an eco resort, to the traveler who accidentally set her hair on fire while lighting a prayer candle, this book proves that the best memories come from moments when your trip is less than postcard-perfect.

About the Author
Erik Torkells is the editor of Budget Travel magazine, which was founded in 1998 with the notion that anyone can--and everyone should--travel. The magazine's working philosophy is to focus on value, while inspiring "vacations for real people." Erik and Budget Travel have authored The Smart Traveler's Passport: 399 Tips from Seasoned Travelers and Secret Hotels: Extraordinary Values in the World's Most Stunning Destinations. Torkells lives in New York, N.Y.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0740771213
• ISBN-13: 978-0740771217
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #66,996 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, sometimes hilarious., May 1, 2008

By	E. S. Charpentier (Brainerd, MN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The anecdotes in this collection are best read over a longer period of time, rather than straight through. Many were amusing, many evoked a feeling of "gosh, I'm glad that wasn't me," and many made me wish to have a similar experience. All in all the book does well with his intended purpose, a collection of stories accumulated from the magazine. I would keep it, instead of shelved, on a coffee table or even in the bathroom!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Charming compilation of humorous travel stories, August 6, 2008

By	Gwendolyn Dawson "Literary License" (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A Stingray Bit My Nipple! is a charming compilation of humorous travel stories first published in Budget Travel magazine. Most of the stories are only 50-100 words and are accompanied by a high-quality color photograph. This gem appears on p. 7: "I met a pair of Iranian men--a businessman and his translator--while inside a store in China. 'You look like an Iranian woman,' the translator said. 'Well, thank you,' I replied, not exactly sure how to react. 'I'll take that as a compliment.' Looking me up and down, he said, 'No, don't.'"

The following humorous anecdote from p. 21 is accompanied by a picture of a chicken on a bed with an egg: "My husband and I booked a cabin in an eco-resort in Belize. When we arrived, there were chickens running loose around the grounds. The owner told us that they were his insect exterminators. That night we kept all of our windows open, and in the early morning, I heard a chicken squawking close by--very close. She was in our bed! And she loved being petted. When we got up, we discovered that she'd even laid an egg."

This light-hearted anthology will put a quick smile on your face and will also make a great gift for anyone who enjoys travel.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious, July 27, 2008

By	D. Dixon "Curious Reader" (Near Philly, PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is very entertainging and most of the vignettes have photos to go with them. Even if you are not a reader of Budget Traveler you will enjoy this book.