You may have been inspired by this month's story about hiking in Britain. But perhaps only London is in your plans? If this is so, but you still love to walk, the new Rough Guide to "Walks in London & Southeast England", by Helena Smith & Judith Bamber, may inspire you. With a strong focus on using public transport to your initial destination, the book is aimed at walkers of all abilities and offers varied itineraries, from picturesque woodland strolls in the centre of London to get-away-from-it-all hikes in the lovely surrounding countryside for a day or a weekend.
The book gives detailed and easy-to-follow routes with maps and descriptions of sights along the way, along with recommendations for pubs and places to eat along the walks. 288 pages, 59 in full colour, available from www.roughguides.com for C$21.
If you're off to Rome, but it isn't your first visit, youmay like to treat yourself to a nifty guidebook in the Curious Traveler Series entitled "Rome the Second Time: 15 itineraries that don't go to the Coliseum". Written by Dianne Bennett and William Graebner who say the book is designed for the "frugally minded, at time adventurous, traveler" it reveals some fresh, authentic Roman experiences. It helps the visitor explore neighbourhoods, modern architecture, rivers, the nearby hills and lesser-known green spaces.
It also features some recent Roman history, cultural and artistic Rome, including art galleries and film locations, together with the authors' favourite wine bars and restaurants. Even if you are off to the Coliseum, it's likely you will enjoy this book and that it will lead you to some unusual places. Available from www.amazon.ca for C$18.95, 244 pp, with maps and black and white illustrations.
Two news guides from Frommer's that may be useful for those planning to stay in Canada this season: "Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands & the San Juan Islands" and "Alberta" are comprehensive and easy to use. They can be found everywhere, or on line at www.frommers.com, C$21.99 (280 pp) and C$25.99 (278 pp) respectively.
If you're driving from Toronto to Florida, you MUST have "Along Interstate 75" with you. This award-winning guide book was written by my friend and colleague Dave Hunter, who publishes a new edition every year … we are now at No.15. Not only is the book helpful and interesting, it will help you save money and actually enjoy your trip.
And it may certainly take you longer to reach Florida than you planned … there's so much to see and do just off the highway and Dave gives every detail imaginable: places to eat, places to stay, attractions worth a detour and so much more. Also a great tool to have if you are travelling with children … "ice cream soon, anyone?!" Available from bookstores, all CAA travel offices in Ontario, online at www.indigo.ca or by calling 1 800 431 1579.
