5 comments about Streetwise London Map - Laminated City Street Map of London, England - with integrated London Underground map including tube lines and stations.

1. We just returned from nine days in London and I have to say that this map is the most useful thing we brought with us. It's laminated so that it didn't get ratty like our tube map. (There is also has a tiny tube map on it.) It was easy to slip in the front pocket of my swing pouch and it's small enough so that we didn't look so much like tourists unfolding a giant map when we had to consult it. The map had all the tiny streets in Covent Garden, the City and other areas, so I'm not sure what another reviewer had a problem with. As for covering all of London, maybe you'd need a different map if you were visiting the outer neighborhoods, but for all of the major and minor tourist attractions, this was more than adequate. It's like expecting a tourist map of New York City to cover the outer reaches of Queens and Staten Island. They're technically New York City but the majority of attractions are in Manhattan and the nearest parts of the boroughs. I would definitely buy this map again and I have already purchased a Streetwise Paris map for our upcoming visit.



2. Too small a map for my taste. It just hits the high points and you better bring some reading glasses.



3. You're going to need a map in London. This is a well crafted graphic, easy to read and understand, and appears to be constructed well enough to withstand lots of references, and probably lots of exposure to London weather.



4. Although this small, laminated, folding map will fit in you pocket or bag it was hardly ever there. On my recent trip to London I usually had it in my hand along with the London Mapguide. It is perfect for tourist wanting to see as much as possible within the city. It is very detailed with all the famous landmarks highlighted & color coded. It also has a list of the streets & other places of interest in ABC order with their position on the map, along with a subway map. Highly recommend!!!



5. This is a good, detailed and waterproof map. It is quite helpful for the heart of London. It is however small and a little hard to read. I am here as a tourist and when I reach in to my bag I always pull out the free tourist map that the hotel gave me. The free one is easier to read and marks the tourist sights a little better. If you are just coming for a short holiday, you really don't need to get a map in advance. Get one from your hotel when you check in. If you are moving here it is a good quick reference, but many Londoners use the more extensive A to Z.

5 comments about Route 66: EZ66 Guide for Travelers.

1. I purchased "Route 66: EZ66 Guide For Travelers, I think mainly because of the spiral binding which it advertized would be easy to lay open as one was driving the road. I would say that was a plus. I drove the road with my wife from Ash Fork, AZ to Barstow, CA. It was a lot of fun and the EZ66 Guide was integral to the trip. It had larger section maps of the journey and smaller detail maps of tricky stretches. It's narratives provided valuable background information about each town along the way and fun descriptions like the berm between Essex and Amboy Calif where travelers have left messages using rocks and bottles, and the shoe tree near Amboy. Since this book was written in 2005 and 'bra' tree has now appeared down the road from the shoe tree. Fun stuff. I highly recommend this book for anyone planning a trip down the Mother Road.



2. I am planning a Route 66 trip - back to the 50"s and 60"s.
   
   Thanks for the book and the info in the book
   
   Jayne



3. Lots of information on what to see an do along Route 66. Maps are a little hard to follow.



4. We could not have followed route 66 without this book. Our vacation was absolutely wonderful and we stayed on the original route most of the way.



5. This guide worked great. If you email the author (email address in the guide), he'll send you updates.
   
   Came with detailed maps, turn-by-turn directions for both eastbound and westbound driving, and points of interest. Guide has a spiral binding and just the right size for use on a road trip.
   
   This guide made for a great, unforgettable, 3 week road trip during May/June 2008.
   
   Thanks Jerry!

5 comments about Transit Maps of the World.

1. I took one look at the evolution of the BART maps in the two pages devoted to San Francisco's transit system and knew I had to purchase this soft-cover coffee-table book. A writer with an obvious passion for cartography, Mark Ovenden has put together a most intriguing and idiosyncratic design history book examining the maps that depict the world's transit systems. This is not an in-depth book for urban planners or for anyone interested in the workings of a transit system for that matter. Rather, it looks specifically at how transit system maps have been designed to meet the needs of commuters and travelers alike. For travelers especially, these maps often represent the first impression of the geographic breadth of a city. Instead of organizing the maps in alphabetical order of the nearly one hundred cities included, Ovenden cleverly breaks down the maps into six zones. On one end is Zone 1, which covers the eight most elaborate metropolitan systems, all with extensive histories and maps that evolved in style over time.
   
   Particularly fascinating is the evolution of the New York subway from the intricate 1905 map that places Manhattan on its side to the nearly unreadable 1948 version to the austere, straight-angle design by Massimo Vignelli in 1972 to the current version that attempts to minimize the inevitable clutter. The other Zone 1 cities are predictably Berlin, Chicago, London, Madrid, Moscow, Paris and Tokyo. On the other end of the spectrum, Zone 6 itemizes maps for relatively new systems or those still in development. Thumbnail maps are provided for these cases. In between the two zones are cities with subway maps that look surprisingly similar in their diagrammatical design, a likely intentional decision based on usability ease. Consequently, Ovenden gives good reason for not making topographical accuracy a top priority. Maps become unwieldy and inevitably more difficult to read in a hurry. He supports this reasoning by lucidly sharing key aspects of urban transportation history that have culminated into a general preference for the angular, Beck-style diagrams. Map enthusiasts will find this all quite enthralling.



2. This book is fun for armchair travel buffs, map buffs, history lovers and those that have the cities included on their lists to visit. Great background and historic information, especially on the evolution of the system maps. I loved it!



3. This is one of those books that you didn't know that you needed, much less would enjoy. But it excels on both fronts. As the title suggests, Transit Maps of the World: The World's First Collection of Every Urban Train Map on Earth, by Mark Ovenden, is just that; As far I know, every city that has an urban train is represented in this wonderful book. Whether you are a fan of maps or mass transit, a frequent traveller, or want to know the history of some of the world's greatest (and lesser known) subway systems, this book will take you on an amazing tour of the world, by public transportation.
   
   Contents:
   Acknowledgements
   How to use this book
   Foreword
   Introduction: Early railroads
   Introduction: Urban rail transit
   Introduction: Early railroad maps
   Introduction: From maps to diagrams
   Zone 1
   Zone 2
   Zone 3
   Zone 4
   Zone 5
   Zone 6
   Appendix
   
   As you can tell from the contents, the bulk of the book is divided into "zones," much like a real transit system. Zone 1 contains eight transit systems, dedicating about 4 pages for each. Zone 1 contains the systems with the greatest historical documentation and also are among the world's greatest urban transit systems. These include Berlin, Chicago, London, Madrid, Moscow, New York, Paris, and Tokyo. These are the "heavyweights" of the public transportation systems. Zone 2 has some of the newer systems, for example Washington DC, Seoul, Boston, and Munich. Zone 2 dedicates two pages per city. As you move through the remaining Zones (or chapters), there is less and less historical documentation and you also learn about the lesser known systems (some with only five stations). The early Zones provide you with various iterations of their route maps, culminating in the current version (as of 2007).
   
   I have to admit that this book was fascinating. You may think that route maps (or diagrams) would be boring, but Ovenden does a remarkable job showing that these are works of art. It also helps that, by using the systems in Zone 1, you come to appreciate the problems associated with representing a large system map on small media (folder maps, in-car diagrams, and the like). With that background, it is easy to admire the current look and feel of route diagrams. This book is not meant to be used as a guide for any system, as they continually add service, but more as a snapshot into the transit systems around 2007. My only issue with the book is that some of the maps are way too small to comprehend, especially in the latter Zones. The same can be said of some of the historical maps, especially when Ovenden points out specific details. Overall, this book is a gem. It's topic is one that you probably take for granted but it is given its full due in this book. It is a fun, educational, and interesting look at transit maps worthy of anyone that has even a passing interest in maps, diagrams, travel, or urban transit.



4. This book fulfills one of my top dreams -- to be more exact, I could not have dreamed of such a book! Reading maps and riding subways have been two of my favorite hobbies, and it is definitely awesome to see more than 200 cities' urban transit maps juxtaposed and compared in one book. Even better, the author gives detailed introduction to the history and includes many interesting anecdotes of those storied urban transit systems such as Berlin, Chicago, London, Madrid, Moscow, New York, Paris, and Tokyo. I use this book to remind my boy about the cities and places we ever visited, and teach him how to use a transit map to quickly find a route to any destination. We have been enjoying it so far, and I believe lots of fun will continue to flow out from it.



5. Got this book last night, started reading it, and when I got to the description of NYC 1972 map by Vignelli, giving it a modernistic feel of the times, was pretty excited, because I knew I own a paper map. Went looking for it, and upon reading from the book that users of the map were confused by the fact that the station of "50th St - Bdway" was positioned west of 8th avenue, went to check on my map this fact. Unfortunately, the station was positioned correctly, i.e., east of 8th Ave, and noticed that the map was slightly different from the one illustrated in the book. Then I saw the date of print on my map, 1976, and realized it must have been a revision from the earlier map in response to the users's complaints. Great book.

5 comments about World Rolled Map (M Series World Wall Maps).

1. Simply great map at this price. The reason why I have given 4 star is Map being not laminated needs to be handled properly by children/parents.



2. The map is nice and huge.. packaging was really nice.. arrived in pretty good condition... betters the geographic knowledge knowledge..



3. I really enjoy this map. It is just what I wanted and it arrived within 2 days of ordering. GO AMAZON!!



4. It took me a while to discover that my kids were not going to learn any geography in school. About the time my 10 year old asked me what the capital of London was, I started shopping for maps.
   
   Because the world changes so rapidly now, I decided to order maps large enough for a 6 and 10 year old to look at and comprehend, but cheap enough to be replaced once the borders of various countries are re-done.
   
   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.
   
   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.



5. This is a great map and not just because of its price. I was looking for a map that was updated, large, and, I admit it, colorful. And that's exactly what I got.
   
   I actually like the fact that the map is not the type of paper typically used for posters (the map feels more like printer paper) because there isn't a glare effect from light, which is useful because I'd rather not have to shift, twist, and turn just to read it. Also, even though it is not your typical paper for a map, the quality doesn't strike me as being any lower. You can always laminate it as well- we have a similar map that is laminated and (if you don't mind the glare) it looks very, very nice.
   
   I have to reiterate how colorful this map is! A good buy for anyone, especially those who will use it fairly often and beyond "decoration."

5 comments about the Next EXIT (The Next Exit).

1. Purchased this book just before our month long cross-country trip (May 9 - June 7) towing our 18' travel trailer. It was very helpful. Second would be Trailer Life, Woodall's and finally AAA Tour Books.
   Read the reviews before purchase, had no trouble using the information whatever direction we were going. After all, it's not rocket science or brain surgery.



2. Do not travel without this book, unless you have time to waste looking for places to refuel your car, your stomach, or your backsides. dbw



3. We travel between Minnesota and S.W. Florida twice a year and there is nothing to compare with the "Next Exit" book. We pulled a camper a couple years and located the campgrounds along the way. Very helpful now with the RV friendly gas stations, restaurants, etc. printed in red. We have used it to find gas stations, motels and auto repair stores, rest areas, restaurants, etc. There are many areas along our route where gas stations appear few and far between but can always locate them by a quick check by exit #. Very helpful is the indication of the direction off the exit. The only other book we need is the "Traveling with your Pet Book" (for pet friendly motels and phone numbers)and, of course, a map - and we are good to go. I advise checking the route and making notations as to where highways cross or run together and the next page you need to go to. Highliters are great! Wonderful book and it is a permanent fixture in our auto. Thanks, Donna



4. This book is terrific and a huge help in planning a trip. I am currently planning trips both East and West this year, and this book takes any insecurity of knowing where things are out of the planning. Huge help.
   
   The reviewer who said the book was only good for East to West or North to South is wrong. He said the mile markers were only for East to West. Maybe he didn't realize that the mile markers are the same going both directions. For instance, MM 203 is the same, regardless what direction you are going. It's easy and simple to use the book for either way.
   
   I'd recommend this book to anyone planning a road trip.



5. We have used this book for a few years and bought this most recent copy for friends getting ready to leave on a car trip. If you've ever taken a road trip and asked "how far to the next rest stop?" or "where's the next Cracker Barrel?" then this book is for you! Actually makes traveling on the seemingly endless interstates halfway bearable. Buy it, you won't regret it :)

5 comments about Streetwise Rome Map - Laminated City Street Map of Rome, Italy - with integrated metro map including subway and railway lines, stations.

1. This map is wonderful!!!! It was a great asset to our trip. It is laminated and folds easily so you don't have to worry about it getting ruined. I would highly recommend this map to anyone going to Rome.



2. Has most of Historic Rome but not much of the out lying area. Have bought two to use on different trips.



3. Just returned from eight days of walking in Rome. This is the only map we needed to find our way to everything that was of interest to us. It seems that just about every street and alleyway is listed and shown to scale (which is not the case with the free "tourist" maps). Experienced the joy of just wandering around following our noses to one interesting area after another, always knowing that our trusty "Streetwise Rome" would come to the rescue when we wanted to reach a particular destination. We ventured to the Borghese Gallery, the Vatican, to Trastevere, Palatine Hill, the Colosseum, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Via Veneto, the Baths of Diocletian and from and back to the Termini Train Station. Including having the map out in the rain on several occassions, it still looks like new. The best thing is, it is only 4" X 8.5" when folded in your pocket and so easy to flip open to use (unlike so many other maps that you must unfold in several directions).
   The map also has sketches of many of the sights you will be looking for to help you quickly find them. While we only used the Metro once, all the stations are clearly marked. If you want to spend less time folding and unfolding the map and more time enjoying the sights, you may find this product very much to your liking.



4. There's not much you can say about a Map. It Works. I've used this "Streetwise" series in many cities, and I find them very handy. You don't have to worry about the map tearing, or not being able to fold it back after using it. My only regret is that they don't have more cities. How about Istanbul Streetwise?



5. i love these things. use them all the time in the U.S., so i got one for a friend who was going to Italy. she said it was perfect.

5 comments about Streetwise Manhattan Map - Laminated City Street Map of Manhattan, New York - with integrated subway lines and stations - bus map.

1. I rate this as number three of the four references I purchased to help me navigate NYC. It's sturdy, compact, light weight and packs in all the information you might need to navigate Manhattan and hit the tourist spots.
   This is the map to buy if you want to travel light in Manhattan.



2. don't waste your money. just because its laminated doesn't make it a good map. Not all streets are on it and sections of manhattan are missing. I wouldn't count on this map to help you out if you don't know the area and have things memorized before you get here. WE got lost on more than one occasion trying to use this thing.
   Get the NFT black book of nyc instead. It has all you need and is small enough to fit into your purse or pocket.



3. I use these maps on every trip I go on! They are so accurate and easy to use. The map is durable for every type of weather and small enough to stick in a small bag. There is a streetwise map for every major city we have gone to and we love them! It's a great "memory keeper" as well.



4. This is a great map of the city, easy to carry around. It's plastic, a big plus when it starts raining or if you spill anything on it. My only complain is that it does not include a Subway Map. It has Subway Routes in the map but with all the streets, etc it get a little difficult to make out.
   Overall, great map. A must have for tourist or anyone new to the city.



5. I purchased this map to use on a short trip to NYC. Although it is laminated and folds up to pocket size, there were better maps in the guide books I purchased. On the trip, I didn't use it very much.

5 comments about The World Atlas of Wine: Completely Revised and Updated, Sixth Edition (World Atlas of Wine).

1. simply outstanding, in every way....very complete and detailed and the best book on wine i have seen, ever



2. THIS BOOK IS SO INFORMATIVE AND HELPFUL FOR NOT ONLY THE NOVICE, BUT THE PERSON WHO WOULD LIKE TO BRUSH UP ON THERE KNOWLEDGE OF WINES. HIGHLY RECOMEDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



3. This is a must-have book for your home library. What surprised me is the cost, so low for a hardcover, high quality book like this.



4. This seems to be truly a complete Atlas on wine and locations for
   finding anything you might desire in wines.



5. Really better than 6th edition. I hardly encourage anyone interested in wines to buy it

1 comments about Rand McNally 2009 The Road Atlas Large Scale: United States (Rand Mcnally Large Scale Road Atlas USA).

1. This is the greatest invention since "sliced bread" with the spiral on the edge instead of just being bound. It is so much easier to turn the pages, and the size is not so overwhelming!!! It is already in the trunk of my car, and will be moved to the front seat for ready reference when I travel! I can hardly wait to use it!

5 comments about Streetwise Paris Map - Laminated City Street Map of Paris, France - with integrated metro map including lines and stations.

1. We use Streetwise maps whenever possible when we travel and find them to be the best we've run across. I love the fact that they are sturdy and laminated and don't fall apart. They are clear and accurate. The Paris map has the Metro/RER insert which is handy when you want to travel light and don't need all the information of the full route maps.
   
   You can't go wrong.



2. This is about as complete a map as I think you can find. I tend to use a lot of maps, but always found myself going back to this one whenever we needed to navigate somewhere. We just got back from Paris, and I was able to find every single street I ever looked for on this map. I found the maps of the Metro stops easier to read on this map than the official Metro map.
   
   The only drawbacks - the layout is a bit odd. They chose to center the center of the city, which makes sense, but for the North part you have to flip over, and for the South part, you have to flip over. Just a little unusual. Also, there are no Bus markers, if you were looking for that.



3. While the content of the map was great, the size and lamination would not allow it to fit into my purse. Actually ended up carrying the paper brochure map around from the hotel the whole trip, which also allowed for circling destinations easier.



4. This Streetwise map is the best map ever - no matter what city you need. I just returned from London and Paris and took one of each. As I checked with directions at the hotel desk, they both looked at my map and said it was the best one they had every seen! I agree! It's easy to read, has every street, landmarks,and Metro stops included.



5. Unless you plan to visit only the very center of Paris, this map is useless. If you want a map that covers all of the city, includes maps of the metro and bus lines, and fits easily in your purse or backpack, wait until you get to Paris and buy a "Plan de Paris" (a detailed pocket map) from any newsstand or bookstore.