Don't Go There!: The Travel Detective's Essential Guide to the Must-Miss Places of the World
Label : Rodale Books
Publisher : Rodale Books
Studio : Rodale Books
Don't Read This Book if You Like to Travel (2009-01-03)
Travel books should inspire readers to visit places or learn skills to
help them save money, time, and stress. Perhaps the least inspiring
book I have ever read is Don't Go There by Peter Greenberg.
This "essential guide to the must-miss places of the world" covers the
dirtiest, smelliest, dangerous (crime, natural disasters), most crowded, and corrupt destinations and modes (air, lodging, cruises).
Much of the book is rehashed lists and statistics. For instance, nearly three pages are wasted by listing airlines to avoid in Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This book, at first glance, seems to say to avoid New York City, Disney, Egypt pyramids, China's Great Wall, Eiffel Tower, and other must-see destinations and attractions. In fact, there are some nuggets explaining when, where, and how to potentially avoid the crowds and problems. Personally, I am looking forward to trying some of the "dangerous drives."
The most valuable part of the book is the 20 pages of Chapter 17 (pages 256 to 277). Five road warriors, including the "most traveled man in the world," contribute their thoughts about where not to go in the world and why.
It is a shame that Greenberg is so influential (NBC Today Show, etc.); I would love to see his time and energy (well, his staff's) devoted to
positively promoting travel instead of highlighting the negative aspects of destinations. Let me know if you embark on such a project. Sadly though, negativity and fear seems to be the basis of commerical
journalism.
If you are looking for more ammunition to feed the pervasive negative spin on the current state of travel, Don't Go There is for you. If you
want to be inspired to see the wonders of the world, look elsewhere.
Reviewed January 2009 by Charles McCool on LowerAirfares.com
Read with an open mind and a sense of humor (2008-12-31)
to best appreciate Peter Greenberg's latest book. Well-paid, high-profile travel experts like Greenberg are opinionated about many topics, not only travel. Witness Rick Steves and his frequently less-than-well-received, outspoken political views. And I remember the controversy here in my own city when travel guru Arthur Frommer wrote about the unappealing side of Atlanta in one of his books.
Yup, along with our tastes in movies or music, our travel likes and dislikes are extremely personal. While Greenberg's take on several destinations may come across as heavy-handed or politically incorrect, I do think many of his comments are really funny, and I still enjoy Peter Greenberg's irreverent humor and travel advice. Happy travels!
Early Warning Appreciated (2008-12-29)
My hobby is writing fiction and visiting exotic places for information and experiences(e.g. Irrawaddy, Mekong, Yantze, Amazon, SEA. Korea, and on and on, etc.) I found Peter's book entertaining, educational, and vital for people that tour and travel a lot. Rip offs and dangers are really the rule and not an exception. Just about everything he mentioned is out there waiting for the neophyte and gullible. It's there for the experienced traveler who is willing to take on risk. I sent a copy to my Merrill broker for Xmas. Thanks. George W. Barclay Jr. M.D.
Helpful Travel Information (2008-12-12)
This is an easy-to-read informative manual that can be read as a novel or to check places you are thinking of visiting. I recommend it to anyone who travels.
GREAT READ (2008-12-09)
I get tired of travel guides glorifying destinations but don't give the real facts. Negative comments seem to come from people that are offended by info about their areas. This is a matter of fact, fairly comprihensive account of good, not so good, and bad things about certain places. I recommend the read.