Directories Books

From Planeta Journal - This wonderful book provides a much-needed overview of travel that enriches the soul. The diversity of "alternative" travel is as broad as the interests that propel travelers to leave the comforts of home. Chapters cover independent travel, special interest vacations, senior travel, family travel, disability travel, adult study, student overseas programs and living abroad. This volume synthesizes the most practical information for making the most of traveling abroad. This is an excellent resource.

This book (or guide) gives information on many different organizations that offer short and long-term volunteering opportunities abroad.

The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One What could be more exhilerating than to live in a completely different culture, meeting completely different people, and contributing in a way that may be completely new to us? This book shows us lots of ways to do that without having to be part of a government program. In fact the biggest problem this book presents is how to choose which alternative to pick. Fortunately enough specifics are included to differentiate between the options and who says we can only do one?

Rarely do I find a review book of any kind who's opinions aren't rehashed brochures or you feel like the reviewer was paid off. Everything is always stunning, spectacular and amazing!

"America's Favorite Inns, B&Bs, & Small Hotels" series of review books have never let me down in giving honest and informative advice. They solicite real reviews from thier readers and have no hesitation in including "bad comments".

I've stayed at numerous inns and small hotels listed in this book over the years and each have been truly remarkable. From the Manor House (now under new ownership) in Cape May with their delightful cookie fairy and inn keepers who went above and beyond the call of duty, to a tiny (by today's standards) hotel in Norfolk that had charm I thought was lost. Our supper comfy room had a view of the water and overlooked a small jazz club that we got to listen to if we left our windows open.

I've bought each edition as it's come out. I sit down and read it from beginning to end, marking all those that sound interesting and worth a visit. I can't wait for another "discovery".

I've been reading Sandra Soule's B&B and Inn books for years; they've all been a delight! I have a large library of B&B books and Sandra's are always my favorite, and this one is now on the top of my list. What makes her books exceptional, to me, are the honest descriptions and comments from people like you and me who have actually stayed at each inn/B&B, and in their own words. My husband and I have been avid inngoers for over 25 years, and this, her latest, will once again be the source we use to choose where to stay .. we travel all over the U.S., for business as well as pleasure, and this book is invaluable, especially in unfamiliar places we venture to. The book also lists addresses, tel numbers, innkeeper's names, any restrictions, and of course very good descriptions of each inn and B&B. It's laid out in an easy to use format. Even if we never make it to all of the places she has in her book, it makes for wonderful "dreamtime" reading. Here's a brief example: "Breakfast was served in the formal dining room at a table beautifully set with crystal, silver, candles and fresh flowers. Shirley is a gourmet cook." Here's another: "The terry robes were a nice touch, as was the brandy, chocolate, and fresh towels at bedtime." This book (like all of Sandra Soule's books) is simply the best!

I travel on business twice a month and I always stay at the places America's Favorite Inns, B&Bs and small hotels recommends. This is by far the best resource for elegant and unique places to stay. I have used these resources for the last five years and have never been disappointed in the recommendations. I highly recommend this series to anyone who seeks lodgings that are comfortable, elegant and personable.

Especially if you have more than one kid to send to school, this book is a must. Lists all the schools you can afford by State.

America's Phone Book is a fantastic resource for anyone trying to track down a company, government agency or educational institution. It's a pity that General Information, Inc's ARCO division decided not to print any new editions after the first. At $24.95 (1n 1989) it was a terrific value.

This volume includes information on the Southern Region cities. I'll list, since Amazon does not provide details.

These are the cities covered in this volume:
Atlanta, Ga
Austin, TX
Baton Rouge, LI
Birmingham, AL
Chattanooga, TN
Columbia, SC
Dallas, TX
El Paso, TX
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Worth, TX
Houston, TX
Huntsville, AL
Jackson, MS
Jacksonville, FL
Knoxville, TN
Memphis, TN
Miami, FL
Nashville, TN
New Orleans, LA
Orlando, FL
Plano, TX
Saint Petersburg, FL
San Antonio, TX
Savannah, GA
Tampa, FL

As in all this series, this volume provides well laid-out information in an array of categories. Not only statistical information, but factual information as well (What are the hospitals in the area? Where are the large event centers?)

Broken into two categories: Business Environment and Living Environment

Business Environment information includes:
Municipal Finances, Population, Income, Bankruptcy, Employment & Earnings, Taxes, Commercial Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, Transportation, Roadway Congestion Index, Business Headquarters, Hotels & Motels, Convention Centers

Living Environment information includes:
Cost of Living, Housing, Residential Utilities, Health Care, Education, Major Employers, Public Safety, Hazardous Waste, Culture & Recreation, Media, Climate, Air & Water Quality, and Election results

Plus, it includes additional comparative tables in the appendices.

Fascinating reference for personal or professional use.

If you have anything to do with the business of art, this book is a must have. Who are the artists? Who are the representatives? Where can an artist show their work and where can the collectors buy it? EVERYTHING you want to know plus EVERYTHING you had no idea you needed to know is in there. Once I opened this book and saw how much priceless information it contains, I realized the cost was a bargain.