But I Wouldn`t Have Missed It For the World!: The Pleasures and Perils of an Unseasoned Traveler

by Peg Bracken

Peg Bracken's rules for innocents It is easier to find a traveling companion than to get rid of one; He who seeks will probably find - something else; Don't make funny remarks about the food you see coming into the dining room - it might be yours; Always have your airline ticket validated at the next stop, no matter who says you don't need to. These and hundreds of other remarkable tips on travel, plus a delicious array of Peg Bracken anecdotes, are waiting for you in this very special guide by one of today's wittiest writers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Memoir, Humor

222 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed the humorous tone of this book, however, there were points where the dated nature of some of the anecdotes were grating. Granted, I understand that comedians (and like-minded individuals), whether stand up or authors, often poke fun at things that the average person wouldn't, but reading some of the culturally insensitive passages made me bristle. While reading such passages, I had to remind myself that this was published multiple decades ago, so what was considered normal and okay then, differs from today. If viewed as an example of another time, although a recent period of history, when traveling and the like were viewed and treated differently, then this is an enjoyable enough read.

[Cat · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story has some interesting points, but it hasn't aged as well as many of Bracken's books. Out of her series, this is the one to skip. Travel has changed greatly in the decades since this was printed, and unfortunately I think that it was better in Bracken's time ... or at least more accessible.

[Ann Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tips on travel, many humorous, by the author of "The I Hate to Cook Book" and "I Hate to Housekeep Book." Not as humorous as her earlier books and the information is quite dated now, but a few gems nevertheless.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it was published in 1973, and therefore some of the advice is out of date (like tipping, and she keeps talking about typing the book on her typewriter, and she owns a Datsun,,,a NEW Datsun) There is much of the advice that is still good stuff. What to pack, the benefits and downfalls of package deals) She also suggests bringing a journal and a pencil (pencils will still write on wet paper) for thoughts that a photograph just can't capture (there are places you can't take photos, and there are 4 other senses that photographs CANT capture) -- and she says, if you see something you want - buy it. Don't wait to see if you can get a better deal or a better item somewhere later -- if you do, buy two. :-)

She has quotes from various folks sprinkled through the book, these were the ones I thought about writing down:

"A trip is what you taken when you can't take any more of what you've been taking." -- Adeline Ainsworth

"Now that our marriage has survived the joys of travel, we're certain that it can survive just about anything." -- Judith Viorst

"There are worse things than being fat, and one of them is worrying about it all the time." -- Peg Bracken herself on page 193 -- after discussing the food issues while traveling.

All in all, this was worth reading. A fun read with some good info and great stories.

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Bracken's other books (I Hate to Cook/Housekeep, A Window Under the Sink) you'll probably like this as well, though, as has been pointed out elsewhere, the book's hopelessly outdated as a travel book. Not surprising, given it's now 40 years old.

On the other hand, it's not so much a travel guide as Bracken's musings on the differences between places, and enjoying travel, and stories about her own travels. There are some pieces of advice--I especially appreciate the section which lists three phrases that she thinks travelers need to know but which aren't often listed in travel phrasebooks: Does anyone here speak English?, No, thank you, and Go Away! (or a more emphatic version of "no, thank you.") I could only think to add "Where's the bathroom?" to that list, as something that may not be able to wait while you and the person to whom you're speaking leaf through the dictionary.

[Debi Garceau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Peg Bracken book I ever bought. My mom had an original copy of the "I hate to housekeep" book when I was a kid. The minute I started reading it I was addicted. I mourn her passing because there won't be any more books. She was just amazing!!!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very dated travel advice book but I have always enjoyed Peg Braken's sense of humor. She has written books on cooking, manners and a bit of an autobiography. I feel that, even though dated, she offers some very good advice.

[Lilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disjointed and kind of scattershot but it's Bracken and forgiveable.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for those who travel extensively because it rings a bell.