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Destination Dachshund: A Travel Memoir: Three Months, Three Generations & Sixty Dachshunds
AMAZON BEST SELLING BOOK
...'This is a fabulous read with so much to enjoy – a travel journal with real heart.'
...'Lisa has such an engaging way of writing that just pulls you in. It's hard to stop reading.'
Destination Dachshund offers a unique twist on the travel memoir with remembrance for those who have been loved and lost, at the heart of one family’s extraordinary journey through Turkey, Russia, the Baltics, Europe and the United States for Christmas in New York City.
With teenage children and in-laws in tow, the Fleetwood family embarks on their adventure just days after the tragic loss of their beloved dachshund, Coco.
When two miniature dachshunds in smart winter coats are spotted in Moscow, it’s game on! A riotous, often hilarious dachshund spotting competition for the lovable, long-bodied dog ensues across 15 countries.
This funny and heartfelt true story will resonate with travel and dog lovers alike as well as history and war buffs. Through the wonder of travel, this remarkable travelogue explores the bond of extended family, the abiding love we have for our pets and the grieving for loved ones, both human and hound.
Reviews
'What a wonderfully captivating read! Destination Dachshund is a humorous, yet moving memoir of a three generational family’s journey through Europe and the USA. As the family deal with the grief of death, there are moments that tugged at the heartstrings as well as a whole load of hilarious anecdotes, a bit of history and of course, the dachshund spotting! This book is a well-paced read and the rich descriptions captured the sights, smells and flavours of Christmas time in the northern hemisphere. We learn of the trials and tribulations of travelling with extended family, yet there are lots of special moments that make this book so complete. Destination Dachshund will make you want to grab your family and hug them tight…if only to make sure they don’t spot a dachshund!' -- 5 stars, Melissa, Sydney
'Destination Dachshund is a truly delightful read with many laugh out loud moments. And it isn't just a book about travel - even though the extraordinary array of travel experiences captured between the pages is epic. The author unpacks with warmth and humour the intricacies of family relationships, our love of pets, and the joys of travelling with dodgy-kneed grandparents. And then there's the hilarious dachshund spotting competition. I now find myself scanning walkways and parks for these spunky little dogs.' -- 5 stars, Vanessa, Sydney
'As a traveler, animal lover, mom, journalist, and voracious reader DESTINATION DACHSHUND really captivated my interest. Lisa's accounts of her family's travels, experiences, interactions, and feelings were all relatable. Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, we as readers were introduced to all the family dynamics and the places traveled with a very descriptive, relatable writing style. Recommend the book to all who travel or who just like to read of travels.' -- 5 stars, Terri from San Diego
'A truly engaging read that is so much more than a travel memoir. Not only does Lisa take us on her 3 month trip of a life time- she also takes us into the heart of her family. While the Fleetwood's travel through Europe, they must also navigate their own grief. Destination Dachshund is a remarkable book- filled with honesty and humour, and the sights, smells and sounds of amazing locations. It will make you want to hug the ones you love, then book a flight somewhere!' -- 5 stars, Sharyn, Springwood
...'This is a fabulous read with so much to enjoy – a travel journal with real heart.'
...'Lisa has such an engaging way of writing that just pulls you in. It's hard to stop reading.'
Destination Dachshund offers a unique twist on the travel memoir with remembrance for those who have been loved and lost, at the heart of one family’s extraordinary journey through Turkey, Russia, the Baltics, Europe and the United States for Christmas in New York City.
With teenage children and in-laws in tow, the Fleetwood family embarks on their adventure just days after the tragic loss of their beloved dachshund, Coco.
When two miniature dachshunds in smart winter coats are spotted in Moscow, it’s game on! A riotous, often hilarious dachshund spotting competition for the lovable, long-bodied dog ensues across 15 countries.
This funny and heartfelt true story will resonate with travel and dog lovers alike as well as history and war buffs. Through the wonder of travel, this remarkable travelogue explores the bond of extended family, the abiding love we have for our pets and the grieving for loved ones, both human and hound.
Reviews
'What a wonderfully captivating read! Destination Dachshund is a humorous, yet moving memoir of a three generational family’s journey through Europe and the USA. As the family deal with the grief of death, there are moments that tugged at the heartstrings as well as a whole load of hilarious anecdotes, a bit of history and of course, the dachshund spotting! This book is a well-paced read and the rich descriptions captured the sights, smells and flavours of Christmas time in the northern hemisphere. We learn of the trials and tribulations of travelling with extended family, yet there are lots of special moments that make this book so complete. Destination Dachshund will make you want to grab your family and hug them tight…if only to make sure they don’t spot a dachshund!' -- 5 stars, Melissa, Sydney
'Destination Dachshund is a truly delightful read with many laugh out loud moments. And it isn't just a book about travel - even though the extraordinary array of travel experiences captured between the pages is epic. The author unpacks with warmth and humour the intricacies of family relationships, our love of pets, and the joys of travelling with dodgy-kneed grandparents. And then there's the hilarious dachshund spotting competition. I now find myself scanning walkways and parks for these spunky little dogs.' -- 5 stars, Vanessa, Sydney
'As a traveler, animal lover, mom, journalist, and voracious reader DESTINATION DACHSHUND really captivated my interest. Lisa's accounts of her family's travels, experiences, interactions, and feelings were all relatable. Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, we as readers were introduced to all the family dynamics and the places traveled with a very descriptive, relatable writing style. Recommend the book to all who travel or who just like to read of travels.' -- 5 stars, Terri from San Diego
'A truly engaging read that is so much more than a travel memoir. Not only does Lisa take us on her 3 month trip of a life time- she also takes us into the heart of her family. While the Fleetwood's travel through Europe, they must also navigate their own grief. Destination Dachshund is a remarkable book- filled with honesty and humour, and the sights, smells and sounds of amazing locations. It will make you want to hug the ones you love, then book a flight somewhere!' -- 5 stars, Sharyn, Springwood
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2016
25 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 19, 2016
A lovely warm read!
What wonderful presentation this book has, who can resist that gorgeous cover pic?! Lisa Fleetwood and her family propose to make a three-month trip from Australia to Europe-in the lead up to Christmas. I had not got very far into the book and already I was getting a lovely cosy feeling from it! It’s a lovely warm read, light-hearted, with many giggles. I LOVED the chatty, conversational, humorous tone. It’s interesting, informative, and often funny. I enjoyed sightseeing with them; Lisa is an incredible guide describing all the exhibits and places of interest with such enthusiasm.
This book is a little bit different: It’s a travel memoir but they’re going from a hot country to a colder-on a winter holiday, Christmas markets etc., and this provides lots of cosy reading. I loved the fun observations and comments. There were many interesting facts and historical information about the places they visited. There are differing emotions: the fun and chuckles and the sadness, eg. when they visit Auschwitz, this was a very poignant chapter. What a journey in this book, what an itinerary! This lady knows how to plan a great trip! I loved reading about this.
Don't think I haven't enjoyed this from how long it's taken me to read it (you can see the dates read on Goodreads): it's just that, as it is written in diary/journal format, you can read it in little instalments without losing the thread; I read it between other books and beta reads. This was always nice and easy to go back to. I kind of experienced their few week’s trip in real time rather than reading the book quickly in a few days. Whichever way you read it, it's great! And wow, what a lovely unexpected bonus-there is a gallery of pics from their trip at the end of the book! Perfect! What a lovely book!
What wonderful presentation this book has, who can resist that gorgeous cover pic?! Lisa Fleetwood and her family propose to make a three-month trip from Australia to Europe-in the lead up to Christmas. I had not got very far into the book and already I was getting a lovely cosy feeling from it! It’s a lovely warm read, light-hearted, with many giggles. I LOVED the chatty, conversational, humorous tone. It’s interesting, informative, and often funny. I enjoyed sightseeing with them; Lisa is an incredible guide describing all the exhibits and places of interest with such enthusiasm.
This book is a little bit different: It’s a travel memoir but they’re going from a hot country to a colder-on a winter holiday, Christmas markets etc., and this provides lots of cosy reading. I loved the fun observations and comments. There were many interesting facts and historical information about the places they visited. There are differing emotions: the fun and chuckles and the sadness, eg. when they visit Auschwitz, this was a very poignant chapter. What a journey in this book, what an itinerary! This lady knows how to plan a great trip! I loved reading about this.
Don't think I haven't enjoyed this from how long it's taken me to read it (you can see the dates read on Goodreads): it's just that, as it is written in diary/journal format, you can read it in little instalments without losing the thread; I read it between other books and beta reads. This was always nice and easy to go back to. I kind of experienced their few week’s trip in real time rather than reading the book quickly in a few days. Whichever way you read it, it's great! And wow, what a lovely unexpected bonus-there is a gallery of pics from their trip at the end of the book! Perfect! What a lovely book!
September 12, 2017
I liked it - I really related to the emotional outpouring when their wee doggie died - and she is SO right - people say oh why are you so upset its just a dog. No - it's not JUST a dog - it's family.
June 1, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this travel memoir - nicely written and easy to feel engaged with the author, her husband and their family + mum and in-laws on 'the trip of a life-time' - from Australia to Estonia and beyond + Europe - the Dachshund spotting was a 'poignant' part of this book too. Nice light-hearted read - interesting to revisit places I have been lucky enough to travel to and also to visit places that remain on my 'bucket list'.
June 7, 2016
After 2 years of planning, Australian Travel Blogger Lisa Fleetwood and her husband Anthony are taking their 2 teenagers, her mom, and his mom and dad on the vacation of a lifetime: 3 months over the Christmas Holidays through multiple countries. As the time gets closer to their departure there is one thing making them anxious; they can’t take their 2 dachshunds, Charlie and Coco, with them on the trip. Even knowing that good friends will be taking care of their furbabies they still will miss them terribly. Then right before they leave a tragedy happens and their little girl dachshund Coco dies. They are devastated and more anxious about leaving Charlie who will be missing Coco, but it’s too late to change travel plans, so with heavy hearts and tears they start out.
In each country they visit they look for dachshunds; they call it the Dachshund Spotting competition! Not only does Lisa show and tell us about all the amazing places they traveled, but we can also feel the excitement of the chase as they find doxies in different areas. Okay I admit I’m a doxie lover, with 3 of my own—so this book appealed to me, but it wouldn’t be such an entertaining story if Lisa wasn’t such a good writer—and she is. I loved they way she looks at life with her family, and her classic “mom sarcasm” when it comes to teenagers, and most of all the way she invites the reader along on the journey. I read this on Kindle, so at the end I could click on the links that took me to her blog and pictures from the trip. This is a great story for dog enthusiasts, travelers, families, and anyone who loves Christmas…oh wait I didn’t tell you about that part of the story then you’ll have to read it to find out. 5 stars.
In each country they visit they look for dachshunds; they call it the Dachshund Spotting competition! Not only does Lisa show and tell us about all the amazing places they traveled, but we can also feel the excitement of the chase as they find doxies in different areas. Okay I admit I’m a doxie lover, with 3 of my own—so this book appealed to me, but it wouldn’t be such an entertaining story if Lisa wasn’t such a good writer—and she is. I loved they way she looks at life with her family, and her classic “mom sarcasm” when it comes to teenagers, and most of all the way she invites the reader along on the journey. I read this on Kindle, so at the end I could click on the links that took me to her blog and pictures from the trip. This is a great story for dog enthusiasts, travelers, families, and anyone who loves Christmas…oh wait I didn’t tell you about that part of the story then you’ll have to read it to find out. 5 stars.
June 30, 2019
An amazing three month holiday with Lisa Fleetwood and her Dachsund loving family from Sydney in Australia through several countries and ending up in the USA.
Each destination is so vividly described that the reader could almost be there with them.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Each destination is so vividly described that the reader could almost be there with them.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
January 29, 2019
This was a cute little travelogue. I found the Australian perspective on the magic of winter and Christmas entertaining. And what a trip of the lifetime! To take 3 months to travel throughout Europe, part of the US, and end up in New York in time for the winter holidays! I love that the extended family was able to be part of much of the trip, complete with a massive (27 people!) family get together at one point.
I did like the descriptions of Russia and the Balkans the most, as there was a hint of danger or uncertainty. Estonia seemed both bleak (especially near the border) and full of mystery. Of course, all the food descriptions were entertaining – sometimes delicious and sometimes full of mystery as well (ha!).
Parts of the tale did lag a little for me because they seemed a little empty, a little vapid. I wanted a bit more substance here and there. The dachshund spotting contest was cute at first but then got a little silly. Still, it was fun for the family and that’s what matters most for this book.
In the end, the family makes it home safely to Australia where the hunt for another dachshund begins (one of there dear beasties having died shortly before their adventure began). I was a little sad to see how fixated they were on getting a dachshund puppy, calling all the breeders three times over until they got the object they desired. After all, there’s plenty of pups and older dogs looking for good homes and getting hung up on a specific breed feeds into puppy mills, etc. So, for me, the tale ended on a sad note. It wasn’t about the dog, but about the object. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Stephanie Macfie was a lot of fun for this book. I feel she nailed the author’s voice perfectly. I also liked her voices for the family members and the occasional side character. Her male voices (which admittedly weren’t required often) were believable. Her pacing was perfect and she was upbeat and engaged for the entire book. 5/5 stars.
I received a copy of this audiobook via The Audiobookworm in exchange for an honest review. The gifting of this book did not affect my thoughts on the book.
I did like the descriptions of Russia and the Balkans the most, as there was a hint of danger or uncertainty. Estonia seemed both bleak (especially near the border) and full of mystery. Of course, all the food descriptions were entertaining – sometimes delicious and sometimes full of mystery as well (ha!).
Parts of the tale did lag a little for me because they seemed a little empty, a little vapid. I wanted a bit more substance here and there. The dachshund spotting contest was cute at first but then got a little silly. Still, it was fun for the family and that’s what matters most for this book.
In the end, the family makes it home safely to Australia where the hunt for another dachshund begins (one of there dear beasties having died shortly before their adventure began). I was a little sad to see how fixated they were on getting a dachshund puppy, calling all the breeders three times over until they got the object they desired. After all, there’s plenty of pups and older dogs looking for good homes and getting hung up on a specific breed feeds into puppy mills, etc. So, for me, the tale ended on a sad note. It wasn’t about the dog, but about the object. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Stephanie Macfie was a lot of fun for this book. I feel she nailed the author’s voice perfectly. I also liked her voices for the family members and the occasional side character. Her male voices (which admittedly weren’t required often) were believable. Her pacing was perfect and she was upbeat and engaged for the entire book. 5/5 stars.
I received a copy of this audiobook via The Audiobookworm in exchange for an honest review. The gifting of this book did not affect my thoughts on the book.
January 3, 2019
I almost didn't listen to this book. Boy am I glad that I took a chance. This was a great way to travel without having to leave my little neck of the woods. It's also a great way to get children involved. I can picture getting a world map and follow Ms. Fleetwood's adventure with her family. It may even give you some ideas of things to do with your own children while on vacation.
Ms. Mcfie was a pleasure to listen to. She helped me relax and really listen to the descriptions and history of the places our author has been. I had no trouble thinking about my addition into this adventure and wished I was actually at the places described. Some may become frustrated by how some words are pronounced differently but that just shows the dissimilarity in languages. You don't get that too much when reading a book but you tend to pick up on it when you listen. It wasn't something that bothered me because if they heard me talk they would probably feel the same.
At the beginning, the author lets us know that if we follow to a website, we can sign up for a companion read. I think this would be good because you can check it out as Ms. Mcfie reads to you. It was a great reminder that we don't have to always listen to fiction. There's no problem in getting out of your comfort zone and finding a pleasant surprise. I can see myself listening to this again or to check out other memoir or travel books.
I voluntarily reviewed an Audiobook copy of this book.
Ms. Mcfie was a pleasure to listen to. She helped me relax and really listen to the descriptions and history of the places our author has been. I had no trouble thinking about my addition into this adventure and wished I was actually at the places described. Some may become frustrated by how some words are pronounced differently but that just shows the dissimilarity in languages. You don't get that too much when reading a book but you tend to pick up on it when you listen. It wasn't something that bothered me because if they heard me talk they would probably feel the same.
At the beginning, the author lets us know that if we follow to a website, we can sign up for a companion read. I think this would be good because you can check it out as Ms. Mcfie reads to you. It was a great reminder that we don't have to always listen to fiction. There's no problem in getting out of your comfort zone and finding a pleasant surprise. I can see myself listening to this again or to check out other memoir or travel books.
I voluntarily reviewed an Audiobook copy of this book.
September 15, 2023
One of my favourite categories of books are travelogues, I would not immediately put this book under that category because it is different from what I am used to.
Actually, this is a travel blog, like Polarsteps, but published as a book. Or in my case as an audiobook. The author of this 'book', the mother of the family, also regularly writes that she updates her blog at the end of a day - I guess this is the result of that.
It's all about a friendly Australian family (7 persons/3 generations) who go on a three-month world trip together, and it is from mom's point of view.
I listened to this audiobook during a week in which I had a lot of commuting to work, and it fit in well:
Friendly chat about the tourist attractions; what everyone ate during the trip; very much (too much) about fun shopping; a little (too little) historical background about the locations visited and family sorrow about a recently deceased father/grandfather and a dachshund - just a few days before departure.
In short: not very special, but it's entertaining.
Actually, this is a travel blog, like Polarsteps, but published as a book. Or in my case as an audiobook. The author of this 'book', the mother of the family, also regularly writes that she updates her blog at the end of a day - I guess this is the result of that.
It's all about a friendly Australian family (7 persons/3 generations) who go on a three-month world trip together, and it is from mom's point of view.
I listened to this audiobook during a week in which I had a lot of commuting to work, and it fit in well:
Friendly chat about the tourist attractions; what everyone ate during the trip; very much (too much) about fun shopping; a little (too little) historical background about the locations visited and family sorrow about a recently deceased father/grandfather and a dachshund - just a few days before departure.
In short: not very special, but it's entertaining.
November 10, 2017
One for dachshund lovers and armchair world travellers. Lisa may as well have packed me in her suitcase! From the beginning I felt like I was right there, exploring exotic locations along with her and her extended family. Lisa also poignantly tracks the grief felt at the unexpected recent loss of one of the beloved family dogs. During the long planned trip she is a tour host extraordinaire, acting not only as tour organiser and bridge between the generations, but emotional barometer for all, too. As a mother myself, I could relate. :) Sprinkled throughout the travelogue are very funny accounts of the dachshund spotting competition which rages between family members. I had to know who would win!
April 1, 2020
If you’re planning a family trip to the Baltic’s, Eastern Europe or Central Europe this travelogue would make a wonderful guide. It’s filled with daily itineraries and shares personal family recommendations for eateries, activities, shops & basic travel hints. It’s also a sweet story of a multigenerational 3 month trip shared amongst a family from Australia who are grieving the lost of a grandfather/father/husband and their dachshund pup, Coco.
Lisa Fitzgerald has a travel blog so this book was a natural choice. I listened to the audio and the lovely Australian accent was absolutely delightful.
Lisa Fitzgerald has a travel blog so this book was a natural choice. I listened to the audio and the lovely Australian accent was absolutely delightful.
January 7, 2017
Absolutely a Fun Read
I enjoyed this warm and insightful book. I felt like I was walking along on the mangroves and in the same countries. The author wrote with such passion and love. Often I found myself wanting to holler Dashound!!!! I am so happy I read this story and I felt the authors tears with her loss so simular to my loss. A must read for Graceland dog loves alike.
I enjoyed this warm and insightful book. I felt like I was walking along on the mangroves and in the same countries. The author wrote with such passion and love. Often I found myself wanting to holler Dashound!!!! I am so happy I read this story and I felt the authors tears with her loss so simular to my loss. A must read for Graceland dog loves alike.
September 16, 2018
Such a pleasure to share this family vacation with the author. Three months extensive travel near and far with a couple, their 12and 15 year olds and three 70 year old parents. Lisa Fleetwood invites us along as they experience new adventures and dachshund sightings along the way. So readable.
April 10, 2021
Well written Memoir. I love and own Dachshunds so I enjoyed the adventure the Author took with her dog.
December 21, 2016
Anthony and Lisa Fleetwood have been planning a three-month long vacation with all the family. David and Maree, David’s parents, Patricia, Lisa’s mother, Sam, and Holly, the couple’s two teenage children. This trip is one to really look forward to as it is literally a trip around the world. The family fly from Sydney to Singapore and then on to Istanbul, Turkey. They spent a few days in each location enjoying the sights. Leaving at the start of the Australian summer, November might not seem like the best idea as their next stops were up north, visiting Moscow, St Petersburg, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. They end their trip through Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany, France, England, Ireland, and the United States.
It is a heartwarming account of a group of relatives, enjoying the different sights, customs, cuisines, and each other’s company. Their quaint game of dachshund spotting, adds another dimension to the story.
I’ve always had an affinity for those long, low-riding, naturally stubborn, German-bred canines, commonly known as Dachshunds. They’ve been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always thought that it takes a special type of person to appreciate this remarkable breed of dog.
This book can’t really be classified as a travel guide as it is more concerned with the individual group member’s reaction or comment to their new and strange surroundings. I would sooner compare it to a Bill Bryson book as it is liberally sprinkled with fun and humor. There are times and places visited that cause one to pause and reflect on the past. The visit to Nazi concentrations, Auschwitz and Birkenau is one of those moments. Validating the statement, “Another man’s grass may be greener but another man’s grief is always deeper.”
Three-quarters of the way through this missive, the thought struck me: has the Fleetwood family bit off more than they can comfortably chew? I, like the family carried on to the last page and I must admit, this book has sated my traveling urges for a few more months; or at least until the weather becomes a little more clement. I highly recommend this book for everyone, especially for those too invalid, lazy, or timid to make the trip on their own. Seeing the world we live in is a noble and satisfying endeavor; seeing it in the company of the Fleetwood’s is just the cherry on top.
It is a heartwarming account of a group of relatives, enjoying the different sights, customs, cuisines, and each other’s company. Their quaint game of dachshund spotting, adds another dimension to the story.
I’ve always had an affinity for those long, low-riding, naturally stubborn, German-bred canines, commonly known as Dachshunds. They’ve been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always thought that it takes a special type of person to appreciate this remarkable breed of dog.
This book can’t really be classified as a travel guide as it is more concerned with the individual group member’s reaction or comment to their new and strange surroundings. I would sooner compare it to a Bill Bryson book as it is liberally sprinkled with fun and humor. There are times and places visited that cause one to pause and reflect on the past. The visit to Nazi concentrations, Auschwitz and Birkenau is one of those moments. Validating the statement, “Another man’s grass may be greener but another man’s grief is always deeper.”
Three-quarters of the way through this missive, the thought struck me: has the Fleetwood family bit off more than they can comfortably chew? I, like the family carried on to the last page and I must admit, this book has sated my traveling urges for a few more months; or at least until the weather becomes a little more clement. I highly recommend this book for everyone, especially for those too invalid, lazy, or timid to make the trip on their own. Seeing the world we live in is a noble and satisfying endeavor; seeing it in the company of the Fleetwood’s is just the cherry on top.
April 12, 2016
This is a totally involving and fascinating travel memoir
I feel the Author made such a brave decision to organise such a trip, to include parents and then to arrange a ship load of friends to all meet in NY for Christmas. I take my hat off to her logistics skills. You'll also find some great tips on what to see and where to go. From a heart breaking beginning to an uplifting conclusion, the book was absorbing and FUN.
I would question the Authors decision to involve children in an educational visit to the death camps of Poland. I personally feel these places can give people awful nightmares, and although I respect the author wanting to educate her children on one of the darkest periods in European history, I personally would recommend such a decision is left for people to chose for themselves, when they are at an age to judge for themselves if they are strong enough and mature enough to take in what happened in these places. I don't think such a decision to go should be made for someone else.
This is of course a criticism of the authors itinerary and not of her book writing skills, which I am reviewing here. I did thoroughly enjoy the read and the fact that I was moved enough to question the Authors decision, means that this is also a thought provoking memoir and not just a Dear Diary, which I do applaud. As I'm reviewing a finished product here, I should also mention that this is probably one of the nicest laid out eBooks that I've seen. Congratulations on a superb job of formatting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2016
‘Destination Dachshund’ is a family travel memoir. It details three generations of family travelling through Europe, the UK and the USA. The memoir is written with humour and warmth and explored the interplay of families on vacation. Which includes moments of tension and also joy. One of the major unifying factors of these three generations is their love of the noble Sausage Dog. A love that I too share. Throughout the exploration of exotic locations such as Tallinn, Estonia and Bayeux, France, there is the one constant, Dachshunds, and the family’s enthusiasm for spotting them. I would recommend anybody thinking of travelling to Europe reads this first as there are so many great locations mentioned beyond the typical, Paris and Rome. A lovely, heartwarming read about travel, family and life.
April 30, 2016
This was a well balanced memoir about a husband, wife, son and daughter who set out for a three month vacation in a number of countries with both grandmothers and one grandfather. Just before they leave, one of their two dachshunds is killed by a snake. (Their other dachshund is kept by a neighbor during the vacation.)
The memoir manages to put in travel destinations and sights without becoming a boring recitation of facts. The author also manages to include some humor and some sad times that occur during their travels. She does not gloss over the issues that traveling as a family create, nor does she dwell on them.
This family is dachshund crazy! They even have a travel game of looking for dachshunds where they keep score of who is the first to see the dog! Each sighting (60 in all) brings to mind the dog they lost and the dog waiting for them back home.
The memoir manages to put in travel destinations and sights without becoming a boring recitation of facts. The author also manages to include some humor and some sad times that occur during their travels. She does not gloss over the issues that traveling as a family create, nor does she dwell on them.
This family is dachshund crazy! They even have a travel game of looking for dachshunds where they keep score of who is the first to see the dog! Each sighting (60 in all) brings to mind the dog they lost and the dog waiting for them back home.
May 8, 2016
Following the sudden death of a parent, Lisa begins plans for a 3 month holiday for 3 grandparents, 2 parents and 2 kids touring many countries around the world from their home in Australia. The trip was incredibly well planned, but the sad note just before the onset of the trip was the sudden death of one of their 2 dachshunds. The recounting of places, sited, joys of children (tongue firmly in cheek), and sighting of dachsies is a delight to share. Near the end of the trip, they were (this was also planned) joined by other family members and friends (bringing the total to 27!) in NYC for Christmas. It was a wonderful time, and there was a lot of laughter throughout. A truly enjoyable read!!!
This ebook was provided by the author or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of ReadingDeals.
This ebook was provided by the author or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of ReadingDeals.
November 12, 2023
What a wonderful, captivating read! Destination Dachshund is a humorous, yet moving memoir of a three generational family’s journey through Asia, Europe and the USA. As the family deal with the grief of death, there are moments that tugged at the heartstrings as well as a whole load of hilarious anecdotes, a bit of history and of course, the dachshund spotting!
This book is a well-paced read and the rich descriptions captured the sights, smells and flavours of Christmas time in the northern hemisphere. We learn of the trials and tribulations of travelling with extended family, yet there are lots of special moments that make this book so complete.
Destination Dachshund will make you want to grab your family and hug them tight…..if only to make sure they don’t spot a dachshund!
This book is a well-paced read and the rich descriptions captured the sights, smells and flavours of Christmas time in the northern hemisphere. We learn of the trials and tribulations of travelling with extended family, yet there are lots of special moments that make this book so complete.
Destination Dachshund will make you want to grab your family and hug them tight…..if only to make sure they don’t spot a dachshund!
May 18, 2016
I loved this book. It worked on so many levels for me. First of all, I am a "crazy doxie lady," so I love anything relating to dachshunds. I'm also glad to know that my family is not the only one that plays "Spot the dachshund." Also, I absolutely love travel, and though I did most of my travel prior to having a family and kids, I would like to travel overseas with my family eventually, and this book listed great sites, great methods for traveling and touring, and even special considerations when traveling with family, or with people of a wide age range. Though this is a memoir and a sort of travel journal, I think a lot can be learned about compromise, close family ties, and cultivating relationships. If you enjoy travel or dachshunds, I would highly recommend this book.
May 9, 2016
Once I saw this book's title, I knew that I had to read it. I wasn't disappointed. Since the title let's readers know that there were 60 dachshunds in this book, I know that I am not giving any spoiler's. The author and her family travel to many countries and because they love dachshunds, they make a game of who spots that breed of dog first.
There are funny stories of being on tours in multiple countries and they tend to spend more time looking for dachshunds instead of listening to the tour guides. The descriptions o the various sites as well as a brief history lessons made me want to go to the various locations myself. I highly recommend this book. A lot of traveling without a passport for the reader.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There are funny stories of being on tours in multiple countries and they tend to spend more time looking for dachshunds instead of listening to the tour guides. The descriptions o the various sites as well as a brief history lessons made me want to go to the various locations myself. I highly recommend this book. A lot of traveling without a passport for the reader.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2016
Hope for family travel!
Enjoy an entertaining romp through multiple countries that makes one actually believe a multiple month trip with extended family is possible! The journey offered the family heart-warming reflection points as they toured many historic places and a lighthearted, continuous game of dachshund spotting along the way. Although this book is a kind of travel journey that provides tips for planning and some lessons learned, it's even more about the love of family and shared time in a world that often seems short of such things.
Enjoy an entertaining romp through multiple countries that makes one actually believe a multiple month trip with extended family is possible! The journey offered the family heart-warming reflection points as they toured many historic places and a lighthearted, continuous game of dachshund spotting along the way. Although this book is a kind of travel journey that provides tips for planning and some lessons learned, it's even more about the love of family and shared time in a world that often seems short of such things.
July 12, 2016
Excellent book for Dachshund and travel lovers. A 3 month trip with three generations of Dachshund owners. Funny, informative, and very well written. I can almost believe I was in some of the places this family visited. All the while keeping track of all the Dachshund sightings from one country to another. They were missing their fur baby back home and arranged Skype sessions with him and the people that were taking very good care of him while they traveled.
June 7, 2016
Destination Dachshund: A Travel Memoir: Three Months, Three Generations and Sixty Dachshunds... A wonderful memoir, trotting around the globe and keeping the reader in the flow of events by spotting the Dachshunds around the globe. A simple genuine and authentic expression of the mind that many travelers want to express but never found the way to express, which was successfully done by the author. A true read indeed.
April 21, 2016
Wonderful travel book! This book is chock full of history and factually based travel information in conjunction with funny asides and dog-friendly humor. I love the author's take on family based travel and the way she intertwines her travel tales with history. Her story is delightful and entertaining! So sad about Coco, but so happy to see that Charlie has new friends.
April 30, 2016
A refreshing and delightful story! Thank you for sharing your travels with us, Lisa. This will be a great reference when I plan a trip abroad. As a dog lover, I particularly enjoyed your focus on seeking out more dachshunds, whether in your travels or at home. Congratulations on writing a beautiful memoir!
May 2, 2016
I read this book while I was flying to California and I quite enjoyed it. It sounds like quite the feat to be able to pack your entire family and 3 generations for a gigantic trip! It seemed like the perfect time to read this book as I was about to spend a week with 3 generations of my partner's family as well and to read that it was all possible. I highly recommend this book!
April 24, 2016
Loved it
I loved reading this book because I can understand the attraction of the dachshund. We currently have a
Black and tan long hair and short hair result miniature male and a long hair black,white,brown and pink female
I loved reading this book because I can understand the attraction of the dachshund. We currently have a
Black and tan long hair and short hair result miniature male and a long hair black,white,brown and pink female
May 24, 2016
Such a cute and light read. It was well written, had great descriptions of the places that were visited on this epic family vacation. My favorite parts were the chapters on Krakow (from my native land of Poland and a city I loved exploring) and NYC, the place I've lived since I was 4.
December 19, 2016
A very interesting book of a different stripe from what I normally read. Loved the mix of Dixie references, hated the drinking like wow hollow legs. Be sure to download the two PET's of great pics & maps from the links.
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