From Excuses to Excursions: How I Started Traveling the World

by Gloria Atanmo, Lynette Turnbaugh (Editor)

Education, entertainment, and empowerment about how a girl took her excuses and turned them into excursions to start traveling the world.

There’s a world of knowledge out there in subjects that can’t be taught in a classroom that ultimately shape the better part of our existence. I was willing to do whatever it took to get an A in that curriculum.

Genres: Travel

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2015

Reviews

[Sejal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like a conversation with your Instagram-turned-real-life friend as she talks you through the ups and downs and ugly and beauty of her journey to becoming a travel blogger. Nuggets like, "...the minute you start falling victim to your circumstances is the minute you let the world dictate how high you can climb on this mountain of life" and "...the minute I starting using my worth as a sword to lead with rather than a shield to hide behind, I knew it was history from there" and "I never let the good get to my head or the bad get to my heart" are the moments I was highfiving her in my head and feeling the energy that only she can bring. It's a quick read, an energy boost, and a reminder to anyone that our dreams are our dreams and if you want it bad enough, you'll convert your excuses to energy and get, it, done. But freal, how can I high five her in real life because I kinda sorta definitely think we could be friends

[Madeleine Balestrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved From Excuses to Excursions. The writing style was relatable, hilarious and engaging. It was both honest and informative. My favorite part of the entire read was how Glo did not shy away from real issues that transgress borders and states, like being a solo African American female traveler. All and all this was exactly what I needed to motivate my own travel plans. Do you enjoy humor? Do you enjoy travel? Do you enjoy different perspectives? Do you need that one final push of motivation to do anything, everything or that one thing that has been consuming your thoughts but not your actions? Read From Excuses to Excursions. Read it now. No not tomorrow or next week, right now.

[Damaris · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I love Gloria and she’s one my biggest inspirations. But I did expect more from this. This book had multiple grammar errors, and overall it lacked structure. There were repeat messages that were worded differently and one-page chapters; plenty of “feel good” passages that are perfectly quotable but ultimately lacked sustenance.

Gloria did touch on some lesser-known tips and great advice, but I wished she dived deeper into more of her personal experiences. I didn’t learn much of anything new, and some content she pulled from her current blog or previous interview questions. But overall it’s a good hearted read, and if she were to write another book I would definitely still pick it up.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is Glo-in'! But for real, I've had the pleasure of meeting Glo, and her personality shines through on every page of this book. I appreciated the non-traditional, sometimes-scattered-feeling chapter structure and occasional one-pagers. That's a reflection of life on the road, y'all.

It's encouraging to see someone so genuine travel so far in life (literally and figuratively), and show others how to do the same.

I wish I would have had this book before I went on my first European adventure several years ago. As it is, I didn't learn much that I didn't already know from my own firsthand experience, but I would 100% recommend this guide to anyone who's new to international travel or just has big questions about it, like, "HOW?!"

Glo will show you.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an incredible book. I loved getting more into Gloria's mind. There is much humor, wisdom and quotes to live by. Her honesty and candor about life as a travel blogger was so appreciated! This was great travel reading

[Tayler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to hang out with Glo, have a beer and give her a hug. What a joy this was to read. Funny, insightful and encouraging.

[Lola Akinmade Åkerström · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've recently just finished Gloria's hilarious and insightful book and I highly recommend it no matter what stage you are in your travel journey or life experiences. There is always something you can learn from others - that's my attitude in life!

What I loved most about Gloria's book were some absolutely amazing quotes that show a deep wisdom beyond her years!!

Sometimes we need strong reminders of what we already knew.

Here are just a handful of some of my favourites and the book is packed full of great quotes.
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"Strive to impact, not impress. Traveling is truly an amazing concept. Not many other things in life can leave you speechless, yet turn you into a storyteller." 🙌🏾

"The secret to having it all is believing you already do."

"It's not money that funds your dreams. It's audacity. Courage. Tenacity. The intangibles of downright hard work and a nonstop grind."

"Learn to come to terms with the fact that any issues other people have with you is none of your business."

"The minute you start falling victim to your circumstances is the minute you let the world dictate how high you can climb on this mountain of life."

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I could pull out quote after quote but I think it's best you grab a copy!

[Mikala Slicer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing/Inspiring

Love, love, loved this book!! Would recommend this quick but deep read to any aspiring traveler/adventurer/nomad/expat/open-minded life-enthusiast. This book will give you the inspiration to take that leap, to face your fear and change your life. Glo spoke to my soul and I know she will speak to yours. Thank you so much for writing this book Glo!!! Your friendly, humorous, understanding personality solidified my dreams to go abroad by myself and to just do the dang thang!! Hope to see you in passing one day xoxo

[Alina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skipped through the last 40% just clicking through as it was more Q&A, more lists, more things that look like a magazine article at best, but not a book.
Two stars only because of the story of Berlin. I missed that kind of authenticity, vulnerability in the rest of the book. A connected story of it all.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great advice and amusing stories shared in in the author's typical friendly, funny and fearless manner. It could have benefited from a stronger structure - parts seem like simply a collection of blog posts or listicles.

[Shakerra Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will come back to review this book more in depth, but I really enjoyed it and it really inspired to follow my dreams.

[Luz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that Gloria is bold and brave enough to venture out to places on her own and used her personality to get to know people on her travels. She also appears to be self-aware and uses common sense

[Olamide J. Bamiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great book. I couldn’t stop reading after picking it up. Very relatable and exciting read

[Bellatuscana Bellatuscana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish couchsurfing wasn’t a thing that was falling apart now.

While I did like the motivation, I understand many wouldn’t find this book practical. Sometimes we need motivation, not practical advice.

I will reread this book again for sure.

[Kenda E. Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an inspirational, informative, and fun read! I've been reading the author's blog for a couple of weeks now and this book was an extension of the quick-witted, hilarious vibe her digital travel journal has. She shares how she first started traveling abroad, what she has learned along the way, and debunks myths about travel that most Americans have grown to accept as fact. She shared her views on entrepreneurship, shared the value of transformative travel, and gave both reassurance and encouragement to those who like to experience life outside the box (people who don't wish to live a cookie-cutter, standard issue life but have a fire within that calls for going after new experiences and adventure). As always, she kept it real when it came to the good, bad, and ugly of travel and shared her perspective both as a woman and an African-American woman abroad.

I love how the book was separated into parts instead of chapters, the layout made me devour this book easily within a weekend and could have probably taken an afternoon if I wasn't so prone to falling asleep reading :)

[not a reflection of the book's content, it was awesome!]

Overall after reading this book, I am super excited to experience solo travel for myself and I feel that the information she shared is a great guideline for a first-time traveler such as myself.

[Palak · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s more like a guide on how you could make travel less expensive. Ofcourse, the author is full time travel blogger so it’s from her perspective. I love how her style of writing is very simple, trying to address the lay mans problems and reasons that we usually would give. Enjoyed reading it. Loved quiet a few quotes from her chapters towards the end.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads. I was really looking forward to reading this book and it did not disappoint. Thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish.

[Kristy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book , now where to go first ! motivating couldn't stop read it !
very down to earth
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