What do you think?
Rate this book
Random Acts of Travel: Featuring Trepidation, Hammocks and Spitting
Travelling through our diverse and fascinating world can be invigorating, uplifting and life changing. Of course, it can also be baffling, disgusting, aggravating and ridiculous. In this hilarious tribute to world travel Johnston takes you on an absurd rollercoaster ride through 43 countries, 11 grueling treks, 10 overnight boat trips and 1 confusing encounter with a body pillow shaped like a giant lake trout. His shocking advice, humorous travel stories and strange obsession with the sex lives of celebrities will have you laughing out loud, inspire you to travel and slowly but surely convince you to stock up on hand sanitizer.
“It opens with book recommendations that I read out loud to my husband because I was laughing so hard. If you want to travel, have traveled, enjoy reading about travel then this book is for you……bottom line: it’s a fantastic read”
Helene in Between
“It opens with book recommendations that I read out loud to my husband because I was laughing so hard. If you want to travel, have traveled, enjoy reading about travel then this book is for you……bottom line: it’s a fantastic read”
Helene in Between
431 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2012
35 people want to read
About the author
Dean Johnston
6 books7 followersA former financial planner from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada who has been obsessed with travel ever since he and his wife dropped it all to enjoy a seven month long honeymoon in Southeast Asia back in 2000. He has blogged extensively about their travels since day one but it was only in 2011 that he sat down and focused on writing a full length book. He also owns a bike and several pillows. His pet peeves are television commercials for other television shows and getting stung by things. He hates onions yet loves onion rings. He plans to continue travelling the world and writing whatever pops into his head. He likes turtles.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 27, 2013
Like the man says in his title, this book is random. It has no obvious pattern of organization and no unifying style outside relentless wise-cracking as Johnston shares a compilation of observations gathered from his wanderings around the planet for twelve years. Instead, the book resembles a series of essays that might appear in, say, Mad Magazine or Playboy.
It is long on pages and short on substantial/ sophisticated coverage of travel basics (like cities). But, first and foremost, the book is terrifically, almost fiendishly, funny. I often laughed out loud, though I sometimes wished he'd drop the banter and write something that would make me want to pack my bag. There are moments when the descriptions really take you there (for better or worse)--on the Ilala ferry in Malawi, for instance.
The author falls into two questionable practices: one that an English professor of mine called the "imitative fallacy," where the writer twists the style to mimic what's going on in the material. The other is an annoying tendency to talk up his sleeve. The "best and worst of___" lists are some of the worst offenders in this regard. The material is riffy and arcane rather than entertaining and useful.
Bottom line, if you're put off by scatalogical, randy, punsterish, puckish, and sometimes tortuous prose, this isn't the book for you; there are lots of polite, densely detailed travel guides you'd prefer. But, if you're a fan of Dave Barry, and/or your idea of great travel is a knapsack and making do with rice krispies or kicking back in Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala (Ultimate Travel Experience #6) , you'll probably want to check out this book. Johnston writes he and his wife travel in spite of the food, not for the food, and in this case, he's not kidding. "Snickers, everywhere," he advises.
It is long on pages and short on substantial/ sophisticated coverage of travel basics (like cities). But, first and foremost, the book is terrifically, almost fiendishly, funny. I often laughed out loud, though I sometimes wished he'd drop the banter and write something that would make me want to pack my bag. There are moments when the descriptions really take you there (for better or worse)--on the Ilala ferry in Malawi, for instance.
The author falls into two questionable practices: one that an English professor of mine called the "imitative fallacy," where the writer twists the style to mimic what's going on in the material. The other is an annoying tendency to talk up his sleeve. The "best and worst of___" lists are some of the worst offenders in this regard. The material is riffy and arcane rather than entertaining and useful.
Bottom line, if you're put off by scatalogical, randy, punsterish, puckish, and sometimes tortuous prose, this isn't the book for you; there are lots of polite, densely detailed travel guides you'd prefer. But, if you're a fan of Dave Barry, and/or your idea of great travel is a knapsack and making do with rice krispies or kicking back in Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala (Ultimate Travel Experience #6) , you'll probably want to check out this book. Johnston writes he and his wife travel in spite of the food, not for the food, and in this case, he's not kidding. "Snickers, everywhere," he advises.
February 3, 2013
When I saw the cover of Random Acts of Travel, I was immediately intrigued. I wondered what the author might have against Egypt? Had he pissed on the pyramids or did he just want to? One thing was certain: he didn't care if he offended an entire country.
As it turned out, the author offends countries on every continent (except Antartica - unless I missed that one), including America (to that I say at least our claim to fame isn't Red Green) and, perhaps more gently, his home turf, Canada. He does so with extremely random references and analogies that often involve genitalia, bowel movements, celebrity genitalia or bowel movements, or his obsession with braiding his leg hair. In other words, Random Acts of Travel is not for the more sensitive or politically correct reader... or celebrities who are prone to filing defamation claims.
Much of the book depicts the author's odd adventures in foreign, often third world countries. And it does so, as the title suggests, in random fashion. Part guide book, part news article, part journal, part fiction(?), part every other written medium (was that a screenplay?), Random Acts of Travel hits the reader with a bombardment of jokes right from its opening.
Many jokes are hits, many are so-so, and many are misses. The misses don't really matter because before the reader can be put off by it, another joke is slung at him/her, then another, then another. The book is remniscent of early Family Guy episodes (complete with an Asian reporter Trisha Takanawa reference) where random segways were more prominent than the episode's storyline. For example: "It was starting to seem suspiciously too good to be true, like the time your girlfriend voluntarily offered up oral right after she got back from a girl's trip to Jamaica." For some, the joke surely raises eyebrows. For others, it paints a vivid mental picture. And for others still, it might remind them of their girlfriends. Needless to say, the author's humor pushes the envelope, with the example given being rather tame.
So, yeah, in-your-face humor (no pun intended). The author's self-deprecating (self-defecating?) and more subtle/tongue-in-cheek humor is often more enjoyable. ("One morning in Mexico I did drink some rancid milk... twice. Yup, turned out I was right the first time. There was something off about it.") At times, the onslaught of humor was a bit distracting. I couldn't tell if the author liked anything about some of the places he travelled, aside from the scenery (often volcanos). For example, he spends a lot of time writing about Malawi, but other than it being a country in Africa half covered by a beautiful lake that the locals are polluting, I took away little about this country or its culture. Conversely, when the author describes his African safari, he makes me wish I had been there with him.
So overall, Random Acts of Travel gets high marks for humor and for originality. This book is definitely unique. Here and there, it also offers genuinely useful travel advice, like what to pack, proper border-crossing etiquette, and the to-dos and not-to-dos in particular countries. Perhaps a bit more structure to it, like an actual guidebook where one would read about the country or information he/she requires (retaining the author's humor) rather than the whole book at once, may have served the author better. The photos posted by the author are amazing and give more life to his adventures. He has truly been to some of the most beautiful places on Earth, but I could have done without the squat toilet photo.
Still, a unique, solid effort recommended for fans of Family Guy and those who want to hear another's take on all the good, bad, and ugly vacations they've endured.
As it turned out, the author offends countries on every continent (except Antartica - unless I missed that one), including America (to that I say at least our claim to fame isn't Red Green) and, perhaps more gently, his home turf, Canada. He does so with extremely random references and analogies that often involve genitalia, bowel movements, celebrity genitalia or bowel movements, or his obsession with braiding his leg hair. In other words, Random Acts of Travel is not for the more sensitive or politically correct reader... or celebrities who are prone to filing defamation claims.
Much of the book depicts the author's odd adventures in foreign, often third world countries. And it does so, as the title suggests, in random fashion. Part guide book, part news article, part journal, part fiction(?), part every other written medium (was that a screenplay?), Random Acts of Travel hits the reader with a bombardment of jokes right from its opening.
Many jokes are hits, many are so-so, and many are misses. The misses don't really matter because before the reader can be put off by it, another joke is slung at him/her, then another, then another. The book is remniscent of early Family Guy episodes (complete with an Asian reporter Trisha Takanawa reference) where random segways were more prominent than the episode's storyline. For example: "It was starting to seem suspiciously too good to be true, like the time your girlfriend voluntarily offered up oral right after she got back from a girl's trip to Jamaica." For some, the joke surely raises eyebrows. For others, it paints a vivid mental picture. And for others still, it might remind them of their girlfriends. Needless to say, the author's humor pushes the envelope, with the example given being rather tame.
So, yeah, in-your-face humor (no pun intended). The author's self-deprecating (self-defecating?) and more subtle/tongue-in-cheek humor is often more enjoyable. ("One morning in Mexico I did drink some rancid milk... twice. Yup, turned out I was right the first time. There was something off about it.") At times, the onslaught of humor was a bit distracting. I couldn't tell if the author liked anything about some of the places he travelled, aside from the scenery (often volcanos). For example, he spends a lot of time writing about Malawi, but other than it being a country in Africa half covered by a beautiful lake that the locals are polluting, I took away little about this country or its culture. Conversely, when the author describes his African safari, he makes me wish I had been there with him.
So overall, Random Acts of Travel gets high marks for humor and for originality. This book is definitely unique. Here and there, it also offers genuinely useful travel advice, like what to pack, proper border-crossing etiquette, and the to-dos and not-to-dos in particular countries. Perhaps a bit more structure to it, like an actual guidebook where one would read about the country or information he/she requires (retaining the author's humor) rather than the whole book at once, may have served the author better. The photos posted by the author are amazing and give more life to his adventures. He has truly been to some of the most beautiful places on Earth, but I could have done without the squat toilet photo.
Still, a unique, solid effort recommended for fans of Family Guy and those who want to hear another's take on all the good, bad, and ugly vacations they've endured.
January 8, 2013
Author Dean Johnston takes us on a trip around the world, providing snippets of information that’ll serve as heads-up for the unwary traveler to dreamy destinations, and those we never intend to visit. I particularly liked the four blocker chapter, ‘Our Thirteen Favorite Countries’, because it serves as a quick reference to some of the countries visited by the author, and provides a quick overview of why those destinations are great places to visit.
I often view vacation and travel as a family event, but the sometimes uncouth similes used throughout the book is a great detractor from recommending this book to anyone below 18. Also, I find guides, reference books, or travel memoirs with a semblance of order to be most beneficial. The general advice, the ‘Best Places to...’, and the specific information about the different countries mentioned in this book, while providing valuable information, would be hard to find by someone in need of unbiased opinion.
Random Acts of Travel provides a view of many countries, as experienced by the author and his wife, and before you pack your bags and book travel to a place you know little about, read it. Just make sure the kids are in bed.
I often view vacation and travel as a family event, but the sometimes uncouth similes used throughout the book is a great detractor from recommending this book to anyone below 18. Also, I find guides, reference books, or travel memoirs with a semblance of order to be most beneficial. The general advice, the ‘Best Places to...’, and the specific information about the different countries mentioned in this book, while providing valuable information, would be hard to find by someone in need of unbiased opinion.
Random Acts of Travel provides a view of many countries, as experienced by the author and his wife, and before you pack your bags and book travel to a place you know little about, read it. Just make sure the kids are in bed.
December 14, 2012
Random Acts of Travel Featuring Trepidation, Hammocks, and Spitting by Dean Johnston is quirky, humorous, and a great read for anyone who loves to (or dreams of) traveling. This isn't no ordinary adventure. Johnston intrigues the reader from the beginning with his ambiguous dedication to Nancy Reagan.
From Bolivia to Nepal, Johnston shares his unique insights and interesting facts. For example, in Turkey you will encounter unibrows, olive and cucumber kebabs, and "bathing with old fellas".
The book jumps around, but that is part of the adventure. If you have a sense of humor and aren't easily offended by language and sexual innuendo, this is a don't miss read. Be sure and read through to the end, because the bucket list is a don't miss as well! There is more than can be said, but who wants to give away the whole book? Grab a copy and read it; it will be like a mini-vacation for yourself. I personally look forward to reading more of Dean Johnston's adventures in the (hopefully near) future.
From Bolivia to Nepal, Johnston shares his unique insights and interesting facts. For example, in Turkey you will encounter unibrows, olive and cucumber kebabs, and "bathing with old fellas".
The book jumps around, but that is part of the adventure. If you have a sense of humor and aren't easily offended by language and sexual innuendo, this is a don't miss read. Be sure and read through to the end, because the bucket list is a don't miss as well! There is more than can be said, but who wants to give away the whole book? Grab a copy and read it; it will be like a mini-vacation for yourself. I personally look forward to reading more of Dean Johnston's adventures in the (hopefully near) future.
December 14, 2012
Random Acts of Travel combines 2 of my favorite things – travel and pop culture references! The book starts off with a warning about offensive language and that reader discretion is advised. I wouldn’t recommend this book for a young kid but I would for anyone else who can handle the language. The author also suggests that you have Google handy if you don’t watch 30 hours of TV a week - of course I had no problem keeping up with all of them. (I watch way too much TV.)
I love Dean’s writing style – it is almost more like he is having a conversation with you about where he and his wife went and what they saw than you are reading a book.
I now know where I should travel for the best food – or the worst food (not sure why I’d do that though), for the best views, etc.
If you are like me and love travel (and pop culture) then I definitely recommend this book.
I love Dean’s writing style – it is almost more like he is having a conversation with you about where he and his wife went and what they saw than you are reading a book.
I now know where I should travel for the best food – or the worst food (not sure why I’d do that though), for the best views, etc.
If you are like me and love travel (and pop culture) then I definitely recommend this book.
May 27, 2013
Dean and his compatriot Laynni have traveled extensively, to oft-visited and chronicled places such as Angkor Wat and Varanasi, to less reviewed territory such as Roatan, Honduras and Malawi. He writes with poignancy and vigor, and there is life in every sentence. The book is also incredibly funny, and I picture him perpetually cracking up throughout his travels, finding jest in everything. There are no cheesy attempts at cultural insight or romanticizations of the life of a traveler, but down to Earth experience of life as a romp through disparate and diffuse places. This book is a delight to read and will definitely put a smile on the faces of all, armchair or actual travelers. Highly recommended.
December 2, 2012
A friend of mine told me that if I like Bill Bryson I should check this book out. It's not really the same style as Bryson but he brings the same kind of self-deprecating humour to his travel stories and I found it really funny in parts. A fun, entertaining read.
November 29, 2012
This book was hilarious. It jumps around a lot but still has a lot of good advice to go with very weird stories and funny anecdotes. I laughed out loud several times.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews