Traveler's Advisory [Hardcover]

This small, wallet sized book is a compilation of well-designed phrases and photographs that address the traveler and expectations of traveling in a manner that makes for some of the most clever and humorous entertainment available in book form, a little companion book that will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers. Jessica Lehrer, Rick Lightstone and Alice Murray have addressed the extremes of travel problems in this Advisory and have illustrated quick statements with accompanying photographs that are as entertaining as the phrases. Yes, it could be advice for friends who are about to embark on a heavy journey (a parting gift they doubtless would carry with them for airport reading!), but this beautifully designed book is a fine work unto itself - a slice of humor that will find the reader thumbing through the pages repeatedly.

Some examples of the Traveler Advisories are as follows: 'Laundromats are not available in all locations' is superimposed over a photo of peasants beating their clothes in a dirty river; 'Limited budget....limited luxury' with a photo of a makeshift boardwalk to a shack and a boat moored on a deserted waterfront; 'If you dislike the French...ask for ketchup' is embellished with an elegant plate of French cuisine; 'Not every country has internet cafes' is the statement along side a Club 2000 little shack of a bar; and other appropriately illustrated advisories include 'Some countries drive on wrong side of the road the rest of us drive on the right' and 'Some vehicles may not meet your personal safety standards...or any for that matter.' It is all good fun and conjures memories we all have of 'oops' instances in our own traveling pasts.

Once again Mark Batty Publishers has produced a high quality art form of a book that is smart in design and offers insights from artist/writers who have significant things to communicate. This falls into the category of a 'must have' book for the bedside and a terrific gift for friends who share your sense of humor! Excellent 'Advice' here! Grady Harp, May 08

The puffy cover is designed to look like an old suitcase and as such, you're really not sure what is stored inside. After a humorous introduction, the reader is then led into a series of two page text and picture combinations that advise any traveler about the perils awaiting them. The greatest thing about this book is that the text advisories are actually something that would be helpful, but when paired with a picture that enhances the description, it becomes comical. For example, one page reads, "Tourists ahead, act tribal." The accompanying picture has three been dressed in tribal attire holding cell phones to their ears. More of that kind of humor exists on every page.

As a book it's kind of small and light and I wouldn't probably buy it for myself, but it would make a great gift for those friends and family who love to travel. It's a relatively inexpensive book that any traveler would find fun and entertaining. If you do buy it for a friend, make sure to crack it open and peek at a few pages yourself. You just might end up buying for yourself after all.

Not all trips go as planned, and being far from home invites misfortunes. "Traveler's Advisory" is a small puffy handbook of humor for those who are traveling or about to travel. The wisdom, while meant to be humorous, is very real and sound advice when attempting to expect the unexpected. Whether one is staying in the finest accommodations in the world or roughing it, "Traveler's Advisory" is a must-read. A superb giftbook for travel enthusiasts and highly recommended for both community library Travel and Humor collections.