Clean Breaks: 500 new ways to see the world

by Richard Hammond, Jeremy Smith

"Clean Breaks" unearths 500 unique experiences and new ways to travel that make a real difference to the lives of local people and the planet. It lets you discover a wealth of new adventures from sleeping in houseboats in Kerala and witnessing the zebra migration in Botswana to taking the train-hotel from Paris to Madrid. Whether you fancy living like a local in a tipi with Native American Indians, riding with cowboys in Venezuela or staying in a bunkhouse barn in the Brecon Beacons, this guide is packed with the how, where and when to plan your next extraordinary experience. Authors Richard Hammond, Green Travel Correspondent for "The Guardian", and Jeremy Smith, former Editor of "The Ecologist Magazine", combine cultural sensitivity with practical advice, hand-picking the best hotels, resorts, and tours run by earth-friendly people who are passionate about what they do, assuring a spectacular choice of inspirational travel ideas without compromising on the quality of your holiday. Whether you wish to experience a climate-friendly home-stay or simply want to see the world in a new light; make your next trip a clean break.

Genres: Nonfiction

392 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 2009

About the author

There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
For the British tv presenter, see Richard Hammond
For the PhD scientist, see Richard Hammond

Reviews

[Lauren Farr · Rating 2 out of 5]

So to be fair to the author, I am not the same person who bought this book years ago. 😅 BUT, still only 2 ⭐️ because I feel like it could have been half the size. You can only say “take a train” or “ride a bike” so many times. I did enjoy the tourism options listed that directly benefit the community/surrounding areas instead of some big corporation. Definitely something to keep in mind when traveling to developing countries 😁

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those ready to travel, this is a treasure trove of places to go and things to do and see that "make a real difference to the lives of local people and the planet" (back cover). For those not ready just yet or unable to travel, it is a wonderful "get-away" with its scope of the world and many pictures. Organized by 14 geographic areas, then types of adventures, each of the 500 items has a paragraph or more of description and then a "need to know" information piece. Hammond and Smith have searched out eco-places to stay, locals who are doing interesting things and ready to share, ways to travel that are easy on the environment. I have made notes for my next trip!
(Do note that since it was published in 2009, some things would need to be checked for updates.)

[Jason Perriotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a desire to travel the world in order to experience rather than to visit, I found this book an easy read. The book shows the reader that there is more to travel than simply booking a package at your local travel agent or with some online outlet. As a result, it inspires thought about how and why to travel rather than where to travel. To read every page would be illogical as not all countries, regions, experiences and events will suit everyone. The way the book is laid out allows you to skim some of it and to dig in for inspiration and possibilities in the regions, countries and experiences that are up your alley. Overall a good coffee table kind of book to pick up and skim over or re-read certain articles within that are relevant to your own wants for travel.

[Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

looks like a winner. the proof is in the actually going there, but rough guide does a good job and lots of places and businesses and ideas of sustainability and fair trade included here. funny though, only about 20 places listed for usa, and about 50 for south africa. true reflection of green travel opportunities in usa, or publisher bias? maybe both.
if you travel, go this way if possible. make a clean break.

well, got back from south africa. and the eco-wine area of elgin valley/green mountain is WAY off the beaten path, and not really that "green" but hell, they are trying anyway. go to green mountain if you get a chance. there will be no poncy wine tasters there, i bet.

[Am Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best travel books I've read in quite a while, with information that you won't find in other books. If you're into travelling to exotic locales and volunteering/working while you're there, this book is for you, as it suggests lots of opportunities and methods to do so that I'd not previously heard of. Even if you're just looking to travel for fun or the experience, this book also has plenty of interesting suggestions, focused mainly on the cultural and conservation aspects of travel.

[Riversiobhan]

I'm only a third of the way through this book, but I already love it! No one should plan another vacation without reading this book.