2 comments about Michelin Road Atlas 2008: USA, Canada, Mexico.

1. I have been using the Michelin Road Atlas for about 4 years now. I buy a new one every 2 years because new roads appear about that often.
   
   I travel frequently, and I used to find the map size and amount of detail very good for my needs. For 2008, Michelin has reduced the page width side-to-side by about an inch per page, with about a 10% reduction in scale. The print is starting to get a little small for easy reading. I wish they had kept the original size.
   
   Having said that, I still find that the atlas fits nicely in the door pocket of my vehicle. The page-to-page organization is very logical and easy to follow, with good overlap from page to page. Michelin has done a good job on this atlas series.



2. The key feature of this atlas is the maps division principle. Michelin divides the whole US into equally-scaled rectangular pieces and puts each such piece on a page. This means that they don't put each state on a separate page. This way you get a more logical, uniform organization of maps with predictable transitions between them. The overlaps between the maps are large enough to make it easy to find where you were on the previous map. There are special large-scale maps for the East Coast region, also nicely arranged in an overlapping manner. And of course, many city maps. The atlas also contains a lot of useful information, such as mileages, scenic routes, etc. Be aware that the atlas is smaller than the RandMcNally's big one, I think it is about the size of the smaller RandMcNally atlas, the one which is supposed to fit into the gloves compartment (it does, actually, in my car). I give four stars to the atlas rather than five stars because it is a bit small so the fonts are not large enough to be easily read when driving. But in all other aspects the Michelin atlas is better than its competitors.

3 comments about Streetwise Vancouver Map - Laminated Center City Street Map of Vancouver, Canada - Folding pocket size travel map with integrated Sky Train & Express Line ... & stations (Streetwise (Streetwise Maps)).

1. I love this series of maps. Small and plastic-coated, they tuck into a purse or backpack easily, don't tear or get wrinkled, and they are colorful and attractive. This particular map is very small and yet very easy to read, and gives you everything you need to know about Vancouver, Stanley Park, University of British Columbia campus, downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver area, and even downtown Victoria, which is across the channel on Vancouver Island. Tourist spots are all noted, along with major hotels. It really is the best way to see a city! I get one for every city I go to.



2. Not a bad map, but there are a significant number of streets missing because the map is a bit "zoomed out." Handy to have for orienting yourself, but definitely not ideal as a driving or walking map. For that, purchase a paper map at a bookstore once you arrive.



3. "Streetwise Vancouver" packs an enormous amount of information into a small, plastic, portable folding map of the city. Several coverages are provided.
   
   A general Vancouver Area map provides an overview of the city from Richmond and the International Airport to North and West Vancouver. An inset map provide closer detail on Stanley Park and the area between English Bay and Burrard Inlet. A second inset map covers Yaletown and the Downtown area, including Canada Place and B.C. Place Stadium. A third inset map highlights the University of British Columbia campus and adjacent Pacific Spirit Park. The foldout presentation has an index for the major streets, hotels, gardens, museums, and transportation nodes. As an added bonus, small inset maps show Downtown Victoria and the Strait between Victoria and Vancouver.
   
   This map is small enough to easily fit in a purse, backpack, or even a back pocket. There is sufficient information, when coupled with one of several very adequate guide books, to enable the visitor to find his or her way around Vancouver. This product is highly recommended to travelers planning to visit British Columbia's largest city.

No comments about American Map Road Atlas 2009 Standard (Road Atlas: United States, Canada, Mexico (Spiral)).

3 comments about Streetwise Toronto Map - Laminated Center City Street Map of Toronto, Canada - Folding pocket size travel map with integrated subway & trolley bus lines & stations (Streetwise (Streetwise Maps)).

1. ... you can bet I'll have it with me when I go back. The usual Streetwise quality is evident in this map; the only quibble I have with it is the rather odd orientation. Thanks to the fact that all Streetwise have to fit into their standard rectangle shape, and the somewhat unusual shape of Toronto means that in order to fit it in, it has to be oriented with north nowhere near "up". Once you get used to that, though, you have a dandy, sturdy map of Toronto, including the TTC subway lines.



2. So easy to use! Although orienting yourself with North was a little challenging at 1st. The fact that the map is laminated is a definite plus! This is something I can use over and over again, I even gave one as a gift to a friend who lives in Toronto and they love it as well!



3. I purchased this in 2003 for a trip later that year. I had no problems getting around, but after multiple trips to the city I would recommend buying a map once you're in the city. I spotted a minor error with the subway listings, and they list a non-existent green space in the Annex neighborhood...I asked a passerby and they had no idea where it could be! The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) has free, to-date-maps that are available in all the stations with agents. So do some booths at Pearson Airport. Still, the foldable, waterproof format is super-convenient. Just remember to pick up a more current map and carry the Streetwise one when you're walking around for general reference.

1 comments about Rand McNally Nova Scotia, Canada: Provincial Map.

1. Just came back from a 2500 mile car safari around the Maritime Provinces. This map was useful and up to date. Note that the map includes all of Prince Edward Island and much of New Brunswick as well as Nova Scotia which makes it extremely handy.

No comments about Streetwise Montreal Map - Laminated City Street Map of Montreal, Canada - with integrated metro map including lines and stations.

No comments about Rand McNally 2009 Road Atlas & Travel Guide (Rand Mcnally Road Atlas and Travel Guide: United States, Canada, Mexico).

5 comments about US Rolled Map (M Series World Wall Maps) (M Series U.S.A. Wall Maps).

1. This is a nice map. I use it in my kindergarten class. I laminated it for durability and hope to be able to use it for many years.



2. I purchased this and the "World Map" together from Amazon, since they are made by the same company on the same material, much of my review will be the same:
   
   I was hunting for maps large enough for a 6 and 10 year old to look at and comprehend, but cheap enough to be replaced once things change or the kids did too much damage to it.
   
   The positives - this map is correct, it's large (we tacked them up in the hallway to the kids' rooms) and it's very colorful, which is good for 6 year olds. It has time zones, capitals, waterways, and mountain ranges all clearly marked
   
   The negatives - it's not laminated, now if I was buying this for myself that would be fine, but the paper is also some strange form of paper that attracts and holds small sticky fingerprints. Being maps, little fingers are naturally attracted like magnets.
   
   If you are making the purchase for an adult or a classroom, or if you intend to frame it, then I highly recommend this map. If you are buying for little ones, I'd spend the extra money to get a laminated version.
   
   One last note - if you purchase from Amazon, they are not particularly well packed. They put them in a tube that is too large for the map so it bangs around and the ends get a bit bent up. Also they don't tape the ends of the tube so I had to have a second one sent after my first tube arrived empty and without ends on it. (It was actually the world map that was missing from the tube, but this one was packed in the same manner)



3. This is a good map, it is bigger than I thought it would be. I love it.



4. I was happy to see that this map had major roads on it in light-grey. Not overpowering, but you can get a good view of them. Map was in perfect condition rolled up. (The plastic package was marked $4.95 and I paid $5.95, but worth it!)



5. very good graphics and print quality. The only -ve is that the paper is very thin (for this price don't expect better). Spend few more and get the laminated one. Happy with what I got for the price!!!!

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

1. If you have absolutely no idea what you want to see, or where you want to go, then this book could help you. However, if you shop on Amazon.com, you can get the same information this book provides at any of the cruise websites.
   
   The information in this book is basic and cursory, and it provides no real helpful tips. I was looking for hints on what shore excursions to pick, where to eat in port, etc. I didn't find anything remotely helpful. I haven't read the other cruise guides, but certainly would NOT recommend this one unless you are starting to plan a trip and know absolutely nothing and don't like to read online.



2. We checked out a few Alaska guidebooks before planning our September/07 Alaska cruise and found most lacked the cruising information we needed to help us pick a cruise. We found Ms. Vipond's writing entertaining and thoughtful and her specific information on the types of Alaska cruises that are available (round trip or straight line) very helpful. She also goes into the region's history, native peoples, wildlife, port attractions with lots of detail on shore excursions which helped us sort out our choices.
   
   On the cruise, the guide's detailed port maps and the large Alaska pullout map at the back of the book were indispensable. And unlike many other guides, this one has hundreds of color photos which are useful to identify wildlife, spot attractions and gave us an idea of what we would see on various shore excursions. We never left the ship without it.



3. This is a wonderful and very useful book if you are planning an Alaskan Cruise! My favorite part is the breakdown for every port which includes a terrific self guided walking tour and a map of each port. Bon Voyage!



4. Awesome book. If you are planning on an Alaskan Cruise or Cruise/Tour - this is the only book you need. I previously bought 3 other books on Alaska but when I started reading this one - the others didn't get picked back up. This books has everything you could ever need to plan and enjoy your Alaskan Cruise experience. This book realy should have 10 stars not 5!



5. This is almost certainly the best "overview" guide to Alaska Cruises you'll find. There are chapters on both cruising and the sights you'll see in Alaska, with lots of photos and illustrations plus a large pull-out map. If you're planning an Alaska Cruise, buying this book will be money well-spent.

2 comments about Rand McNally 2009 Road Atlas: United States / Canada / Mexico (Rand Mcnally Road Atlas: United States, Canada, Mexico).

1. I have been collecting/using Rand McNally road atlases since the early '90s. They are consistently great atlases from year to year. Normally, I find the next year's atlas available in September, so I was very surprised to see the 2009 version available in May, 2008. When comparing the 2008 version to the 2009 version, it is clear that the 2009 version was released earlier than usual. There are very few updates that I noticed from one version to the next. Usually I can spot some updates from a mile away, so to speak. This time, I had to get both the 2008 and 2009 versions out and compare them side to side to notice any updates. The updates that were included, that I was finally able to find, were relatively minor, such as some construction areas that are completed, or vice-versa. One semi-major update that I found was a note in the St. Louis city-map stating that I-64 was closed.
   
   All in all, this is a great atlas. However, if you have the 2008 version and are not an avid collector, this is probably a skippable release. I never thought I would say that about a Rand McNally atlas...



2. An excellent atlas. It even shows places where extensive road work is happening. We are very happy with it.