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Original Essays | December 12, 2009

Alexander McCall Smith: IMG The Courage of Others



I have recently written a novel about life in England during the Second World War. I felt some concern before I tackled this theme — the War... Continue »
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Rick Steves' Travel as a Political Act

by Rick Steves

Rick Steves' Travel as a Political Act Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

For the last 35 years Rick Steves has been showing Americans how to travel on a budget around Europe. His travel guides, his tour company and now his phenomenal TV show—Europe Through the Back Door—have showcased his charming, winning, almost bumpkin-ish persona that has made him America’s favorite travel guide.

Throughout these years though—at times subliminally, other times overtly—he has realized that he has been teaching Americans how to travel politically.

Travel can be many things. Some choose a sunny break on the beach for a change in weather without leaving their cultural comfort zone. Others chose a life-changing adventure that makes them a cultural hybrid, shakes their self-assuredness, and rearranges their world view. The value of that experience is up to you and is determined by how you choose to travel. You can travel to relax, have fun…and learn almost nothing. Or you can travel to broaden your perspectives and learn. Time with a dervish in Turkey can be a cruise-ship entertainment option or a spiritual experience.

This book is a guide for those with an appetite to learn. If you make your travels a political act, your vacation can be the most intensely educational time of your life. Rather than coming home fatter, you can come home smarter—with a better understanding of the interconnectedness of today’s world and just how our nation fits in. As we’ve learned in the first decade of the 21st century, the challenges that will face our nation through the rest of this new century require a broader and more international approach. Those who make travel a political act come home inspired and better able to help confront these issues; it can also make your life more meaningful, challenging, and fun.

Synopsis:

One of the world’s most famous travel writer shows how international travel can foster cultural understanding, peace and help individuals tackle their own insecurities and fears.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 3 comments:
wintermj59, October 20, 2009 (view all comments by wintermj59)
An inspiring book on how educational & thoughtful travel broadens our lives. Made me aware of how our world has become very connected. I highly recommend reading Rick Steves' "Travel as a Political Act". He takes you through Europe, Central America, Asia & the Mid East in ways you never even thought of.

Even if you can't physically travel, it is wonderful arm chair travel with purpose. I felt like a student studying the world. Definitely 5 stars out of 5.
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Any User, August 9, 2009 (view all comments by Any User)

The best summary of Rick Steves and the content he provides can be found at: http://adjix.com/fpua
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takingadayoff, May 21, 2009 (view all comments by takingadayoff)
Rick Steves usually writes guidebooks and sells tours. This time out, he's telling us to stop enjoying ourselves so much and be responsible travelers. See the poverty, the injustice, the effects of capitalism, good and bad. And do something about it! While a bit preachy, Travel as a Political Act entertained me on a long flight across the Atlantic. And it made me think.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9781568584355
Author:
Steves, Rick
Publisher:
Nation Books
Subject:
General Travel
Subject:
General
Subject:
Essays & Travelogues
Subject:
Culture and globalization
Subject:
World politics -- 1989-
Copyright:
Edition Description:
Trade Paper
Publication Date:
May 2009
Binding:
Paperback
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Y
Pages:
209
Dimensions:
8.40x5.40x.60 in. .85 lbs.

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