5 comments about Alaska & Canada's Inside Passage Cruise Tour Guide: City Maps, History, Native Culture Plus a 6-Foot Fold-Out Map of Cruise Route from Puget Sound to.

1. I thought this was an excellent map of the inside passage. Because it is a six foot fold out map it shows the details of the little passes and islands you don't normally get in guidebooks and complemented the book I bought, Alaska By Cruise Ship. What do you for ten bucks nowadays anyway?



2. My wife and I are preparing for a cruise to Alaska in August. We wanted to research the ports we will be visiting on the cruise. The books we ordered have been a great help. We received them promptly and they are all in great shape. I recommend these types of books for anyone planning a vacation.



3. If your into geography and topography then this well detailed map fold out
   is a perfect carry along on your inside passage trip. Cruise routes, ice fields, elevations, land mass identities and a whole lot more will make your cruise that much more enjoyable and informative. Great educational tool for kids too.



4. This is a marvelously detailed, 6-foot-long map of the Inside Passage, from Vancouver to past Juneau and Skagway. It's good for daydreaming, or for identifying the various islands as you pass through them on a cruise ship. I'm delighted that I found this little treasure on Amazon.com, since I had been searching diligently for it.



5. This is a great map -- very easy to fold out various sections without having to open the entire six-foot map! It is printed on high quality material and comes with a protective sleeve. This would be great for someone taking a cruise on the inside passage and wanting to follow the route while on board the ship. The little city maps are great, too. Definitely not a tour guide, per se, but a very nice map. I just placed an order for the "companion" by the same authors, titled "Canada's Yukon and South Central Alaska Tour Guide."

5 comments about Alaska Atlas and Gazetteer (Alaska Atlas & Gazetteer).

1. the map has every detail that we need for planning a trip to Alasks. With this map, you don't need the 1x1 USGS map. However, this map book is kind of too big to carry on a light hiking.



2. If you need to locate a remote village or river anywhere in Alaska this will do it. Great detail, clear and well organized to find places quickly. To big for travel but great for the office.



3. Every Alaska household that's into the outdoors has at least one copy of this book. As someone who operates a popular Alaska travel website (Alaska.org) and helps people plan custom Alaska vacations, I often recommend this book to visitors taking a driving tour.
   
   For $20, you get basically the entire set of USGS topographic maps for the state of Alaska, most at the 1:300,000 scale (1 inch = 4.8 miles). When the book first came out in the 1990's, it broke my heart, because I had just purchased the equivalent Alaska map set from the USGS, each on individual sheets, for $500!
   
   I keep one in my car while driving Alaska's highways, so wherever I go, I'll know the names of the mountains, rivers, and main features. The maps are also detailed enough to use as a reference if you want to take a day hike or backpacking trip.
   
   However, if you plan any kind of multi-day adventure into a specific area, you'll want to instead get at least the USGS quadrangle for that area (available at the Anchorage USGS office at Alaska Pacific University). At a 1:250,000 (1 inch = 3.9 miles) scale, the quads are somewhat more detailed and easy to fold up and carry. If you're not an Alaska backcountry expert, you might also consider picking up the even more detailed 1:25,000 scale (1 inch = .4 mile) maps for your intended route. Each map is $4.00-$6.00.
   
   So, the value of this book is basically being able to research any part of Alaska. For example, if you're calling an air taxi to discuss pickup or dropoff locations, you can just flip to the right page in the Atlas and know what they're referring to. If you're planning a float or backpacking trip, the Atlas can help you gauge the difficulty of the terrain and estimated travel time. If you're planning a road trip, the Atlas is great for planning out where you'll see the most rugged topography and where streams and creeks cross the road (for water or car camping).
   
   If you're planning an extended road trip in Alaska or the Yukon, you'll also want to get the Milepost. Unlike the Atlas, the Milepost does not contain detailed topographic maps but instead mostly text listings of what to see and do at each milepoint. If you're mainly traveling between Seward, Denali, and Fairbanks (the central part of Alaska known as "the Railbelt"), avoid the expense of the Milepost and instead pick up the free, 120-page Alaska Activities Guide available at hotels and car rental locations throughout Anchorage. It contains a couple dozen maps and excellent commentary. You can download some of those maps at Alaska.org/maps, as well as a fairly good State of Alaska Map.
   
   The Atlas is easy to use. There's a large index map on the first page and a nice two-page foldout map of the entire state as well. It also contains some nice reference tables of freshwater and saltwater fishing locations, boat ramps, mountain ranges, wildlife refuges, and other information--though none of these tables are detailed enough to be a standalone trip planning resource.
   
   My main criticism of the Atlas is that huge sections of northern (north of Livengood) and western Alaska (west of McGrath) are at the unfortunate 1:1,400,000 scale (1 inch = 22 miles). I understand that few people visit these regions, but they are at a scale so general as to be almost useless, and the labeling is sparse. If you're planning a trip to the Brooks Range, the rivers of Western Alaska, the Haul Road, or other more remote parts of the state, these 1:1,400,000 maps don't help much.



4. As an independant traveler I have a Gazetteer for every state. They are worth their weight in gold. However, this one was very disappointing. Due to the formatting the major roadways and the majority of the Kenai are in the folds, bindings, or on the grid margins. This would be great if you were going to be in the remote areas, but it was worthless to use for trekking from a main highway onto side roads where most travel. Sorry DeLorme, you need to reformat the layout.



5. Great maps from Alaska. Very good. Small roads are described too. Highly recomanded if you want to travel in Alaska off road.

5 comments about The Alaska Cruise Handbook: A Mile-by-Mile Guide.

1. I ordered this book on 10/3 and still have not received it. I wrote to amazon and still have not received the book. I am very unhappy with the service I am receiving in obtaining my paid for book, that I have not yet received.



2. This book not only identifies what you will see as you travel from either Seattle or Vancouver to Alaska, a great many wonderful stories about historical experiences others who traveled this route have had. The photographs are also great. This book is not only for people who are planning an Alaska cruise, but anyone who is interested in Alaska.



3. My wife and I are planning our first Alaska cruise. To prepare, we have purchased and read a number of books during the past four months. We strongly agree this is one of the best! Unlike many books that cover cruise line/ship details or specific port points-of-interest and shore excursions, Joe's book mixes authentic slice of life observations with vivid pictures and relevant historical events. He covers the Inside Passage and Southeast Alaska in depth. There is sufficient coverage of the balance of the state, especially the coastal regions.
   
   I heartily recommend it to Alaskan cruisers, visitors and dreamers alike.



4. Great book - been to Alaska twice on cruise ships and this book is filled, from cover to cover, on information I wish I had had. And information I will back up. It even has information on Fairbanks, the Alaskan railroad and other inland sites. Wonderful, easy to read in one day and a must for anybody planning a cruise to Alaska.



5. Got this for my parents, who are going on a cruise for their anniversary. My dad especially has loved the perspective from an author who genuinely knows and lives the Alaskan Coast. Makes me want to go back, too, though I don't think I'd be much of a cruise shipper!

1 comments about Rand McNally Easy to Read! Alaska State Map.

1. The map is big just like the state. It has mileage and city maps and easy to read. My only complaint is I wish there was a map that covered only about 15% of the state, the part with roads between Anchorage and Fairbanks, in greater detail. I really did not need to see the major part of the state with no roads.

5 comments about Alaska by Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Cruising Alaska with Giant Pull-out Map (6th Edition).

1. I was hoping for more ideas on things to do in port that were not already listed in ship excursions. Had good general info. Interesting facts about Alaskan culture.



2. This book does not provide any more information than could be found in brouchures at the ship's guest relations desk. It doesn't offer any interesting alternatives to shore excursions and fails to mentions the drawbacks of places listed. Here are two examples. First, Vipond says it is a must to take the White Pass & Yukon Route train in Skagway. Tickets cost over $100.00 per person. Vipond doesn't mention, however, that you can rent a car in Skagway for about $125.00 and drive almost the same route and have the chance to get out and take pictures. There is an Internet guide describing this route and you can download it for a price.
   
   Next, Vipond mentions Totem Bight State Park in Ketchikan and says there is a bus that takes you there for $2.00. That's true, but Vipod doesn't mention that between waiting for the bus to and from the park and time spent at the park itself, you will have spent 2 and 1/2 hours to see about 12 totem poles in 15 minutes. My kids would've rather have taken the duck tour in Ketchikan, which of course Vipond failed to mention.
   
   If it wasn't for the map and the historical and wildlife sections, I'd have given this book 1 star.



3. We found Alaska By Cruise Ship to be a great help on our cruise this summer. We bought two other guides and this one was by far the most helpful with good and useful information on attractions and shore excursions in each port. Hiking suggestions especially were great - trails to Mendenhall Glacier and Deer Mountain Trail were highlights for us. The background on wildlife and glaciers is very interesting and of course enhances the experience when you are actually seeing whales or otters up close. We have done quite a few cruises and I would highly recommend this book.



4. This book is great! The large pull out map is my favorite part. It shows all the distances to the ports and where whales can be sited and lots more. The book gives great information on the port cities and what to expect, places you should try and maps of the areas to help you get around. It is a really helpful book.



5. this book has a lot of good information for anyone taking a cruise to Alaska.

5 comments about Into the Wild.

1. "So, there's this guy, and he decides to prance out into the uncivilised Alaskan bush, without even a compass. This is after doing away with $25,000, by the way. And, oh yeah, after a few months, we find him dead." Now, could this man's life story possibly be given any dignity, told without any implications of insanity?
   
   Well, it would appear Jon Krakauer has managed to do just that.
   
   While Christopher Johnson McCandless (or Alexander Supertramp--ahem, let "changed his name to sever ties with his family and earlier life" be added to his list of accomplishments) would likely be regarded by most as another of the cocky young men for whom hubris beckoned death, Into the Wild was a study into his mind, uncovering what complex motives drove him to take his fatal journey into the tundra. And no, delusions of invincibility were not included in these.
   
   Coherent within a world where adolescents all too often play the daredevil, what with their propensity for tackle sports, heroin, and anarchism, it is all too easy to dismiss McCandless as another distressed youth lacking responsibility (not to mention rationality). But exactly what Krakauer did was to humanize this outdoorsy-magazine feature story, causing it to become more than a figure at which to poke fun. Reflecting the often deeply buried journeyman inside us all, this novel spun the tale of McCandless's life prior to his adventures; a life of academic excellence, parental skirmishes, bonding with pets; a life we can all too often relate to. Through this lens, we begin to understand Krakauer's argument: that while most men, us included, share wild, fantastical ideals as McCandless's (or should I say Supertramp's), few have the guts to live them out; that he wasn't juvenile; he was noble.
   
   Am I beginning to sound redundant? Yeah, that is one thing. With only one real point being proven throughout these 203 pages, Krakauer's message may as well be burned into the reader's forebrain not even mid-way into the book. Because, truth be told, as fascinating as this one point is, I'm not sure any of us need to have it driven in a handful of times every chapter. I mean, sure, there are so many cases that work marvellously as evidence, but by the end what with all the repetition throughout, the book feels a tad dissatisfying, owing mainly to the fact that the reader doesn't feel like they've gotten anything out of it, not when all the "fresh" substance sort of begins its decline after the fourth chapter.
   
   And it's not only due to a lack of variety in material that this insubstantial feeling arises from Into the Wild. For a theme suggested to be as universally applicable as this, surfacing from the covers will not bring more than a whim of inspiration. Sure, the novel was argumentative, and sure, it drew on our emotions, causing us to relate, but unfortunately Krakauer seems to have decided not to take his work just one step further, not including any passages that might cause us to alter our perspectives on life. We might understand what Krakauer's trying to say, but we're not pushed to agree. Simply put, we're given the ability to peer into McCandless/Supertramp's most intimate thoughts, but it still feels...distant, irrelevant.
   
   Though at least we can peer into those most intimate thoughts. And this is where Krakauer excels. In examining not only McCandless/Supertramp's Alaskan odyssey, but also his childhood, school, and college life, we really do wind up understanding how his head works. It's like we've suddenly acquired an astounding amount of psychological insight and he's sitting in front of us, pouring out his thoughts, allowing us to read him like...an open book. Yeah. Into the Wild is that book. ...If you open it.
   
   Though it is laden with much of the same horrific fascination that compels so many of us to "rubberneck" at multi-car-pileups on highways, I can't Into the Wild, really. I mean, it's great. But it's not for everyone--those who have already set their minds that I shouldn't even be recognising McCandless's chosen name in this review: you won't appreciate this book, if what you're seeking is a literary masterpiece. Those with borderline ADHD: you won't appreciate it at all, either. But everyone else...if you've an open mind, why not give it a try? It's something to pick p and flick through, to find some amazing excerpts but not necessarily devour cover to cover. It's absorbing to a point, but less for those who want to introduce themselves to this sort of mindset than for those who already feel some degree of understanding with McCandless/Supertramp.
   
   But then, that category could include more people than you'd think. Because, let's face it, as Krakauer proves many times over, who hasn't at some point considered just...striding...into...the...wild?



2. A very good book that shed light on an incident of which I had only heard rumor and hearsay. Krakauer did an outstanding job researching and retracing McCandless' odyssey, through his tragic demise. Krakauer also keeps the book from devolving into a documentary by trying to dig into McCandless's mind and extrapolate what his thoughts might have been. The author is able to do this so well because he readily admits he strongly relates to the main character. Like many men who have survived their 20's, I was able to relate to McCandless as well- the determination, the recklessness, the need to forge one's own path, all sadly coupled with a lack of wisdom. Had McCandless not made those seemingly small but crucial mistakes at the end, he would have succeeded by relying on that same youthful grit and determination (& stubbornness) that served him so well for two years, but which ultimately led to his downfall. Then perhaps he could have written his own memoir about a man who had the courage to live life the way he chose & took the road less traveled...



3. A literary genius, Krakauer engages the reader so well that one puts it down still wallowing in the emotions of the main character, Christopher McCandless. A true story which begun from a journalist's work, Krakauer draws parallels between his obsession with the McCandless and his own life - where he was always seeking the next adventure, the next high. This book will absolutely connect you to the life of Christopher McCandless, who was simply a boy who challenged the rules in search of a life worth meaning.



4. I really enjoyed the book. The book covers a little more than the movie covered and goes into other discussions about adventures into the Alaskan wilderness. I don't know which one I liked better, but I have watched and read both versions of this story over and over. You won't be disappointed.



5. I saw the movie first and just knew I had to read the book. I still have mixed feelings about this guy. I envy his nerve but he was too smart to have been so ill-prepared. Maybe he was a little arrogant and spoiled. I also question why he seemingly wasn't fishing more. I recommend this book, but I am always drawn to non-fiction. I like the way the author adds his own experiences as well as those of other similar characters. It's a very good read.

5 comments about The Milepost 2009: Alaska Travel Planner.

1. My sister and I rented a car this past summer in Alaska. This book really came in handy on our drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks. We were able to stop and go down side roads to see and learn things we would not have known about without this book. Even the advertising was helpful. Would definally recommend, especially if you are driving.



2. I received my 2009 Milepost and promptly in pristine condition. The information in this book is detailed and easy to use. It's going to get a lot of use this Summer as we travel to Alaska via RV. I will definitely use this provider again.



3. This is a really good book it helped alot but it sometimes got frustrating to use as some of the stuff had changed since it was published and you would drive a long way to find out a place was closed down...More price lists for the things you do should of been published.



4. I found this useful in planning my move to AK. If there was a digital, GPS, real-time version of this as you were driving, it would be the best thing ever!



5. Item arrived in the new condition stated in the "ad" on Amazon. It took longer to arrive then expected. Otherwise, the transaction was smooth.

5 comments about Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping: Alaska and Yukon Camping with RV or Tent (Traveler's Guide series).

1. Great insight on Alaska. Well written with tons of info and maps. Goes hand in glove with Milepost



2. We took our first RV trip to Alaska this past summer. I did tons of reading, and buying books and maps. It turns out it can all be quite easy. Buy and use two books: This book provides extensive details on available campgrounds, and the Milepost let's you know mile by mile what's up ahead. Stop at any of the many visitors centers for further advice and brochures. That's it! Go and enjoy!
   
   This book is so well done, I was really disappointed when, on our return trip, we got too far south to be able to use it anymore. I wish I had a Church authored book for every road I traveled!



3. I loved this book on our recent trip to Alaska. It was extremely helpful and I always knew where we were at. I like how it identifies what is available to do around the campground. I would highly recommend.



4. We are considering a trip (drive) to Alaska with our RV and I wanted to start reading about the journey. After looking at all the book reviews, I ordered this book along with the Guide to the Alaska Highway (where I posted a similar review). It had a lot of good information, and I am satisfied it will help us start thinking about our trip preparations.



5. This is a "must have" book if you are going to Alaska, never have been there, and are renting an RV. We used it everytime we were searching for a campground and found the reviews to be very honest and up to date. We had very positive campground experiences because of this book. We especially enjoyed camping on the beach in Seward and the Byer's Lake campground, chosen because it was one of the author's favorites. Our only suggestion would be to call the campground first if it is a private one because the pricing may have changed due to the economic situation.

1 comments about Frommer's Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call 2010 (Frommer's Cruises).

1. I have always been pleased with the service and quality of the products purchased with Amazon.com. Froomer's is one of the best for travel anywhere.

5 comments about Frommer's Alaska 2010 (Frommer's Color Complete Guides).

1. I have to agree with one of the other reviewers, this is definitely one of the BEST travel books (if not the best) I have ever read! This 628 page book is packed with all kinds of interesting and often times not well known information about Alaska. It is a great book to read even if you are not planning a trip to Alaska anytime soon, as it is an eye opener. The author, Charles Wohlforth is a lifelong Alaskan and an award winning writer. Mr. Wohlforth offers insightful information, it's beautifully written, sometimes I felt, even poetic at how he describes the beauty of Alaska.
   
   This book offers an enormous amount of travel information to help the traveler plan the right trip for him or her. There are suggested itiniraries for the solo traveler, while it also has a large section on cruises. The book also helps you choose the right excursion for you (it helps since there ar so many to choose from). This book divides the state into different sections, each with a map of the area and worthwhile information to help you plan your trip. There's also a map of Alaska that you can pull out. This is a must for anyone planning a trip to Alaska (or maybe just day dreaming about it). Whether you are taking a cruise, or an organized land tour with a group or are planning to travel on your own, your trip will be much more productive and enriching with this book as your guide. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!



2. This is our first Frommer's guide and I am completely impressed with the quality of it and the amount of detail/information they pack into it. Too often the guides/books we get are black and white and cheap quality. This one doesn't skimp at all. There are full color, beautiful pictures throughout the book and a full color map on quality paper in the back. Lots of little maps throughout the book too. The layout of the book is very user-friendly and easy to follow. Open the book it lists the state by section so you can easily explore which area you are interested in. It gives a list of maps and has a best of section that is really cool that tells you the best views, websites, hotels, bear viewing, fishing, etc. I would have liked camping and kayaking in this section, but they are listed in the index.
   Even if someone isn't planning a trip and just wants to learn about Alaska, this is really an excellent source of knowledge on the state, especially in the Alaska in depth section.
   The chapters are: The Best of Alaska, Alaska in depth, Planning your trip to Alaska (When to go, calendar of events, costs, what type of trip to take, health and safety etc.), Suggested Alaska Itineraries, Cruising Alaska's Coast, Southeast Alaska, Achorage and Environs, The Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound, The Denali National Park Region, The Alaskan Interior, The Bush, Fast Facts: Alaska.



3. If you can't find your way around Alaska or figure out what you want to do on your visit, this book will answer all your questions. Like Alaska, this book is big. There are twenty-three detailed maps, mainly of towns, water routes and dozens and dozens of beautiful photographs to piqué your interest. Twelve large chapters cover what is the `best' of Alaska, the demographics of Alaska, how to plan your trip, suggested itineraries, cruising the coast, exploring southeast Alaska (a much different climate), the Anchorage area, Kenai Peninsula/Prince William Sound, the Denali Park Region, the Interior, the `Bush' and "Fast Facts" which will guide you to areas not covered in this book in detail.
   
   Frommer's is always intensive with its information, but this version really takes the cake. Every part of this state has sections on `how to get around (ferry, air, train, car, kayak, etc.), descriptions of the highways (by the mile), where to stay (cabins, camping, motels, hotels) and what the costs are with detailed descriptions, so there are no surprises. Dining is covered the same way with detailed information on food, price and ambience.
   
   The best part about this guide is that it truly takes into account that if someone is going to Alaska, they are going to be prepared. There is a big emphasis on history, the parks and the natural environment, all the while giving great information on the `must see' places and the `roughing it' to the `luxury' places to eat and stay. Getting around and places to see and do are big items here as they should be. Alaska is a huge place and there are more reasonable ways to travel than by car. I particularly found "Fast Facts" helpful, as it gives you telephone numbers of the most important places (banks, hotels, visitor's museums/parks, local history, etc).
   
   Included in the back is a `nice' 12" X 12" colored map showing the National Parks and Reserves, along with the major routes and cities/towns all at 1"=100 miles. A blow up of Denali National Park at 1"=15 miles, a City of Juneau map at 1"= 200 meters and a blow-up of Anchorage at 1"=1 kilometer. You are sure to have a blast!



4. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R5CN9YH1Y98IA In this review, I go over different sections of the book and great additions Frommer made to Alaska's 2010 guide. As always, Frommer has come up with another hit!



5. I have always wanted to go to Alaska, and I recently decided to stop wanting and start planning the trip. This book is an incredible resource for planning an Alaskan vacation.
   
   One of the first things I noticed is that the author lives in Alaska. He really knows the state and had an insider's perspective on it.
   
   The color photos are beautiful, and the book is well-designed. It is easy to read. The fold-out map is helpful for getting an overview of Alaska's geography.
   
   Most importantly, the book is a comprehensive guide to anything and everything Alaska. There are detailed descriptions of each region, along with attractions, tours, lodging and much more. Getting around in Alaska can be more challenging than in many other places, and the author details the available options.
   
   I can't wait to see Alaska, and with this guide to prepare me, I know my trip will be the best it can be.