World Stompers : A Global Travel Manifesto - Softcover

Olsen, Brad

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1888729058 ISBN 13: 9781888729054

Publisher: CCC Publishing, 2001

Synopsis

Written to motivate and inspire young people in their quests to travel the world, this book introduces a new way of traveling—freestyle traveling—where all that’s required is an adventurous spirit and an insatiable curiosity about the workings of the world. This global travel manifesto clears up misconceptions about traveling, candidly portrays travelers interacting in different cultures around the world, and encourages young people to get on world travel circuits to become aware of the immense changes happening around the planet. In addition to providing all the practical information such as saving money on travel expenses, staying safe and healthy on the road, and finding a job overseas, this guide will also take travelers on a philosophical journey with the best travel advice from sages throughout the ages.

About this title

Review:

Brad Olsen has four recommendations for today's college graduates: work abroad, study abroad, volunteer abroad, travel abroad. Olsen took his own three-year, self-financed, solo journey to 28 countries on 5 continents after his graduation from business school, and World Stompers, now in its fifth incarnation, is his travel manifesto for other intrepid young people willing to travel for extended periods on the cheap. His is a candid book: while he waxes prolific on the benefits of freestyle traveling, he also lays out the inevitable setbacks and hardships. And while Olsen clearly likes to party while he travels (hence the chapters "Stoner's Trail" and "Partyer's Trail"), he's clear about the need for self-confidence and discipline. The book's best chapters discuss setting goals for the three elements essential to planning a stomp: time, money, and desire, with an emphasis on disciplined savings habits, achievable objectives, and old-fashioned hard work; how to deal with setbacks by making backup plans for such mishaps as getting injured, ripped off, or finding yourself plain lonely; and keeping expenses down. The "Stomping Grounds" section scans the various travel circuits (Far East, Europe, etc.) with brief and candid descriptions of each country (in Algeria, "Just the color of your skin may be a one-way ticket home...in a body bag. Bad scene, don't go.") and visa requirements.

"Traveling," says Olsen, "should be an individual statement; don't rely on a guidebook too much." This holds true for World Stompers. While it's an excellent primer, there are some glaring problems. The "Staying Well" chapter includes some very important advice, but never mentions AIDS, a rampant problem in many of the countries discussed. The information on some countries has clearly not been updated--Zimbabwe, for example, which has seen serious interracial violence for well over a year, is described as mostly harmonious. Most disappointing, however, is Olsen's attitude towards locals in the poorer countries. While he raves about meeting people, he's mostly referring to other travelers. He's cautious about befriending locals, an unfortunate attitude of even some budget travelers from affluent nations. Take it from this veteran world traveler, most locals are far more interesting--and interested in you--than Western travelers. Olsen is otherwise gung ho on taking risks; it's a tragedy he missed out on this one. --Lesley Reed

From the Inside Flap:

This Comprehensive Guide to Travel Manifesto will: * Save you hundreds of dollars in travel expenses. * Clear up misconceptions about extensive world travel. * Keep you safe and healthy on the road. * Provide new, innovative approaches to finding a job overseas. * Furnish a look at every country in the world, including a list of all visa requirements for entry. * Get you totally psyched to travel the planet.

About this edition

• Publisher: CCC Publishing
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1888729058
• ISBN 13: 9781888729054
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 288