Rite of Passage: Tales of Backpacking 'Round Europe

by Lonely Planet, Lisa Johnson (Editor)

From the company that kick-started the trend, a funny, touching and mad collection of first-time European backpacking experiences that bring new life to a well-told tale.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Adventure

199 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

About the author

OUR STORY
A beat-up old car, a few dollars in the pocket and a sense of adventure. In 1972 that’s all Tony and Maureen Wheeler needed for the trip of a lifetime – across Europe and Asia overland to Australia. It took several months, and at the end – broke but inspired – they sat at their kitchen table writing and stapling together their first travel guide, Across Asia on the Cheap. Within a week they’d sold 1500 copies and Lonely Planet was born. One hundred million guidebooks later, Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel guide publisher with content to almost every destination on the planet.

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Awesome idea. Mostly terrible writing.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed in this anthology of travel short stories/essays but I think the main problem is they are very dated. The book was published nearly 20 years ago and I believe most the events portrayed by authors occurred sometime in the 1990's. And instead of being reflective of travel before the EU, before the dissolution of Yugoslavia etc, it felt stale. Usually older travel essays (good ones at least) can capture the essence of travel to a destination at that moment of time but I didn't feel that way here. Certainly a percentage of the events portrayed in some of these essays stood the test of time - usually those depicting young naive travelers being taken in by typical cons or grifts or falling for follies that affect travelers regardless of year. It's probably a good book to read if one is planning on an upcoming multi-country European adventure for the first time as it will incite excitement for the trip as well as be somewhat educational. Maybe more seasoned travelers will find the nostalgia elicited by these stories as worth the read but this one did not.

[Roxanne Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me approximately 47 years (or so it felt) to get through this book. I did enjoy some of stories, but I personally find it challenging to "get into" anthologies with different authors for each story.

[Dawn Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of short reminiscences of people who have backpacked in Europe. Its a quick little read and I think anyone who enjoys travel tales would like it.

[John Patrick Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book my short story was published in.

[Mitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of very short stories all contain events that happened to their various authors while backpacking around Europe.

Sometimes, I've been to the places mentioned. Sometimes, I've had the same thoughts or felt the same feelings.

And sometimes, none of the above.

That's what makes this collection worthwhile reading. You enjoy both the familiar and the unfamiliar. It's a lot like traveling, I suppose.

Reading as a kind of travel adventure...I like that.

[JDK1962 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed bag, which is probably to be expected. Some stories I totally loved (especially "A Slight Leaning Backwards"), other sailed by without making any impression at all. Also, as a very solitary traveler, I have little sympathy for stories of people who join up with others with very little thought, then realize they're saddled with a jackass. Bad company is not better than no company.

[Katie Marquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A traveler's dream! I read this book in all of one night, I was so interested in the stories. Full of helpful tips and short stories of other's crazy jaunts around Europe, anyone looking to travel, or has traveled, must read this book. Only problem: makes you wish you were back traveling again!

[Heather Richierich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of experiences to inspire any European trip. as expected, some of the stories left something to be desired while others were inspiring or relatable for people who have done some traveling.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!! It's a collection of short stories from people's adventures backing Europe. Made me want to catch the next flight to France.

[Gibgaluk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, especially if you have experienced a backpack trip before!

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some stories were obviously better than other. Good for travel ideas. Good book for picking up and putting down as needed.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A re-read! Short stories about travelling around Europe.

[rachel]

i'm still reading it. a collection of short travel stories. some better than others.

[Jessie]

Purely raw writing. But hey, they are travelers,not writers after all!