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150th out of 1,915 books
—
3,775 voters
Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need
by
Dave Barry
TAKE YOUR TRAVEL TIPS FROM DAVE BARRY,
A GUY WHO IS REALLY GONE!
Complete with maps, histories, quaint local facts (France's National Underwear Changing Day is March 12), song lyrics, helpful hints on how to get through Customs (all insects must be spayed), and tidbits from Dave Barry's own fond vacation nightmares, DAVE BARRY'S ONLY TRAVEL GUIDE YOU'LL EVER NEED is just tha...more
A GUY WHO IS REALLY GONE!
Complete with maps, histories, quaint local facts (France's National Underwear Changing Day is March 12), song lyrics, helpful hints on how to get through Customs (all insects must be spayed), and tidbits from Dave Barry's own fond vacation nightmares, DAVE BARRY'S ONLY TRAVEL GUIDE YOU'LL EVER NEED is just tha...more
Paperback, 192 pages
Published
March 1st 1999
by Ballantine Books
(first published 1991)
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Whether you are a novice traveler or an experienced journey master, you’ll find something to chuckle about in this tongue-in-cheek “guide.”
Dave Barry satirizes not only the travel process, but also pokes fun at stereotypes in destination countries. In the USA, he reviews what each state has to offer, leaving the reader to decide the veracity of his statements. For example: “Other popular Pennsylvania attractions include Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where visitors may see authentic tourists eating...more
Dave Barry satirizes not only the travel process, but also pokes fun at stereotypes in destination countries. In the USA, he reviews what each state has to offer, leaving the reader to decide the veracity of his statements. For example: “Other popular Pennsylvania attractions include Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where visitors may see authentic tourists eating...more
When the author, Dave Barry, speaks of Disney World dominating the entire central state of Florida, it’s truth with a mixture of exaggeration. He writes:
“Once you get to Florida, you can’t miss Disney World, because the Disney corporation owns the entire center the state… Just get on any major highway, and eventually it will dead-end in a Disney parking area large enough to have its own climate, populated by large nomadic families who have been trying to find their cars since the Carter administ...more
“Once you get to Florida, you can’t miss Disney World, because the Disney corporation owns the entire center the state… Just get on any major highway, and eventually it will dead-end in a Disney parking area large enough to have its own climate, populated by large nomadic families who have been trying to find their cars since the Carter administ...more
I didn't find this book all that funny-it may have made me smile slightly once or twice, but overall was disappointing. The humor relied too much on cliches. It was clear where the author had some first-hand experience, and where he was just filling in the blanks with made up words and obviously false, silly facts. There was also too much repetition. For example, showing the same obviously fake full page map for every major city in Europe. The first time was cute, second was also cute when you r...more
Jan 15, 2008
L.J.
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Humor, light reading
Shelves:
belongs-on-my-shelf
This is a very funny book, ridiculous and silly but I really enjoyed it and at times found myself laughing really loudly in the airplane I was on at the time. My wife even peered over to see what was wrong with me and I then I had to read her some passages, in which she laughed but rolled her eyes and pretty much said it was 'silly'. So silly is the end remark but good.
This is one of those books that I read in just one or two sittings. It was that good (and that short). Anytime a friend or loved one of mine is going on vacation or traveling for business, I encourage them to read this book prior to their departure. They almost never do, but that's their loss.
Most critics will agree that this is Barry's best book (followed closely by "Greatest Hits"). Of the Barry titles that I have read, I would tend to agree. It's very cohesive and contains illustrations that...more
Most critics will agree that this is Barry's best book (followed closely by "Greatest Hits"). Of the Barry titles that I have read, I would tend to agree. It's very cohesive and contains illustrations that...more
Just a funny, silly little book
Complete with maps, histories, quiant local facts (France's National Underwear Changing Day is March 12), song lyrics, helpful hints on how to get through Customs (all insects must be spayed) and tidbits from Dave Barry's own fond vacation nightmares
Complete with maps, histories, quiant local facts (France's National Underwear Changing Day is March 12), song lyrics, helpful hints on how to get through Customs (all insects must be spayed) and tidbits from Dave Barry's own fond vacation nightmares
For a book written 20 years ago, I was surprised at how some things still haven't changed. Some of the sections in the book are hilarious (planning, packing, types of transportation, people stuffing luggage into overhead bins, traveling with family).
It's an easy read - I don't think I'll recommend this book to anyone though. Perhaps a revision of this book is due - maybe the travel industry hasn't changed much, but most certainly the way people travel these days certainly has - airport security,...more
It's an easy read - I don't think I'll recommend this book to anyone though. Perhaps a revision of this book is due - maybe the travel industry hasn't changed much, but most certainly the way people travel these days certainly has - airport security,...more
Dave Barry's irreverent sense of humor is at its best in this book. It had me laughing out loud and shaking my head in agreement many times. If one was to take Barry seriously here, one would think that he is completely nationalistic, and one who can do nothing but poke fun of other cultures. But what does one know?
Using humor, Dave Barry masterfully takes the readers on a journey questioning their own pre-conceived ideas about other cultures and other places, and the way things "should" be.
The...more
Using humor, Dave Barry masterfully takes the readers on a journey questioning their own pre-conceived ideas about other cultures and other places, and the way things "should" be.
The...more
Barry is like a male Erma Bombeck. He discuss the pains and complexities of a 'married with children' lifestyle. While Barry is not hilarious, he is funny in a dark-humor kind of way, which is my favorite kind of humor. He also reminds me of a Ray Romano-type comic.
Honestly, though, Barry's humor sometimes gets trying and a perfect example is his travel treatise on the 50 states. He doesn't actually discuss all 50 but it sure seemed like twice that many. His humor has many random factoids in it....more
Honestly, though, Barry's humor sometimes gets trying and a perfect example is his travel treatise on the 50 states. He doesn't actually discuss all 50 but it sure seemed like twice that many. His humor has many random factoids in it....more
My Rating: 3 stars
Brief Summary: A goofy book about travel (both domestic and international) by popular funnyman Dave Barry. My personal favorite part was his description of the fifty states and their highlights.
Brief Thoughts: If you've ever read a Dave Barry book, I suspect you know exactly what this book is like already. This was a fun "bathroom" read, and I neither highly recommend this book or don't recommend it. It is what it is.
Brief Summary: A goofy book about travel (both domestic and international) by popular funnyman Dave Barry. My personal favorite part was his description of the fifty states and their highlights.
Brief Thoughts: If you've ever read a Dave Barry book, I suspect you know exactly what this book is like already. This was a fun "bathroom" read, and I neither highly recommend this book or don't recommend it. It is what it is.
I'd love to see Dave do an update version of this book, seeing as how its 20 years old. I'd love to see him tackle the heightened security at airports, among other things. But even though the book is a bit out dated, it still has that same witty charm that all of Dave's works contain and it definitely made me laugh out loud on several occasions. He’s written better, but this is an entertaining read.
It's a funny book provided you understand American psyche and way of life. The book is about American life style. I enjoyed thebook because I could relate to it in many ways. I have seen people behave and work like that. I have seen some of the perspectives presented by Dave to be real since I have had similar experiences. Read this if you can relate to life in America.
A laugh out loud funny book about the "joys" of travel. Especially funny are the synopsises (synopsi?) of the states and many European countries, none of which are flattering . I laughed until tears ran down my face and snorted in a couple of places. The maps of major European cities were quite helpful, as well as the useful phrases a traveler might need.
A book filled with Dave Barry's signature brand of humor.
"Massachusetts is also the site of the nation's first college, Harvard, which for more than three centuries has produced graduates who, no matter what their philosophical differences, are all dedicated to the lofty goal of subtly letting you know that they went to Harvard."
"Massachusetts is also the site of the nation's first college, Harvard, which for more than three centuries has produced graduates who, no matter what their philosophical differences, are all dedicated to the lofty goal of subtly letting you know that they went to Harvard."
Here's a taste:
"During the warm season (August 8 and 9), Maine is a true 'vacation paradise,' offering visitors a chance to jump into crystal-clear mountain lakes and see if they can get back out again before their bodily tissue is frozen as solid as a supermarket turkey...."
If you enjoy adolescent humor as I do, Barry is your man.
"During the warm season (August 8 and 9), Maine is a true 'vacation paradise,' offering visitors a chance to jump into crystal-clear mountain lakes and see if they can get back out again before their bodily tissue is frozen as solid as a supermarket turkey...."
If you enjoy adolescent humor as I do, Barry is your man.
Genre: autobiography, humor, travel
Summary: Bits and pieces of travel related humor as told from the familiar and ever-hilarious Dave Barry.
Response: Some parts I liked more than others, just as the funny bone was tickled. I enjoyed reading Dave Barry in the newspaper growing up, and I enjoyed reading this book. Funny stuff.
Summary: Bits and pieces of travel related humor as told from the familiar and ever-hilarious Dave Barry.
Response: Some parts I liked more than others, just as the funny bone was tickled. I enjoyed reading Dave Barry in the newspaper growing up, and I enjoyed reading this book. Funny stuff.
I couldn't resist when I found this in a thrift shop for 40 cents. I love everything Dave Barry's written. The only problem with this book is that, having been published in 1991, it is a little dated. It is from before the European Union, it is from before Bill Clinton was president, it is from before we booked our own trips online without the assistance of a travel agent, it's even from before the royal divorces (there's a mention of Fergie, and I'm not talking about the singer). All of which i...more
I haven't learned anything from this book, but I did laugh about some of the jokes and smiled about others. Although I couldn't remember any of the funny parts after I have finished the book.
And I get the feeling that's exactly what the author was trying to accomplish with this book.
And I get the feeling that's exactly what the author was trying to accomplish with this book.
Love everything Dave Barry writes. This one is definitely dated, but still relevant. His review on Europe is surprising accurate.
--
The more I think about this book, the more I liked it. The fake maps were hilarious and his review of the state famous for his wife eating an entire pie in a parking lot had be reading that chapter to everyone within earshot.
It's a short read and a great laugh.
--
The more I think about this book, the more I liked it. The fake maps were hilarious and his review of the state famous for his wife eating an entire pie in a parking lot had be reading that chapter to everyone within earshot.
It's a short read and a great laugh.
I remember reading Dave Barry's columns when I was little and his stuff was hilarious. However, the humor in this book seemed forced and length of the book made me feel like he was writing for a deadline, rather than for quality.
Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need is typical Barry fare. It has his standard white bread humor coupled with some clever and unexpected moments (as well as his standard absurdist nonsense). Light and reasonably enjoyable.
That really was funny. I'm not usually one for comic reads, but this book captures some hysterical moments in a bad holiday very neatly. The chapter on traveling as a family was an absolute hoot!
I actually read this in about 1991. It just now appeared in the fog of my memory. At the time it was the funniest book I'd read since "The Hitchiker's Guide To The Galaxy".
I came across a collection of Dave Barry books in my attic and began with this one having just returned from a trip to London. DB continues to make me laugh out loud...
I'm generally a fan of Dave Barry, but I wasn't that impressed with this book. It was fairly amusing, but there were only a handful of times I actually laughed out loud.
The Best of the Barry Books. I laugh so hard I cry when I read the synopsis of each state. If you like Barry's humor, it doesn't get any better than this.
Read this first when I was a teenager and laughed so hard I cried. Read it again a few years ago, and did not have the same reaction, but I still enjoyed it.
When things get too serious, Dave Barry is always a perfect way to lighten the mood and give a solid belly laugh or two. This book is no exception.
Clearly not my type of humour, the jokes made me smile sometimes, but the best thing I can say about this book is that it is extremely small.
It was completely useless, of course, but gosh, it was hilarious to read. You never know what facts are correct and what he made up! :)
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Dave Barry is a humor columnist. For 25 years he was a syndicated columnist whose work appeared in more than 500 newspapers in the United States and abroad. In 1988 he won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. Many people are still trying to figure out how this happened.
Dave has also written a total of 30 books, although virtually none of them contain useful information. Two of his books were used as...more
More about Dave Barry...
Dave has also written a total of 30 books, although virtually none of them contain useful information. Two of his books were used as...more
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