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Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul: Stories of Adventure, Inspiration and Insight to Celebrate the Spirit of Travel
Celebrates the freedom and new experiences that make traveling an opportunity to enhance and enrich one's life.
381 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2002
38 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Jack Canfield
1,286 books1,751 followersJack Canfield is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, which currently has over 124 titles and 100 million copies in print in over 47 languages. According to USA Today, Canfield and his writing partner, Mark Victor Hansen, were the top-selling authors in the United States in 1997.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 31, 2011
One story i will always remember. This one man used his vacation time and hung around the airport during the Christmas holiday season looking to help whomever he can. People rushing all about the place, kids crying and adults frustrated. One woman ran out of diapers while waiting for her plane this man was prepared with diapers, tissues and even candy and some wrapped gifts for children. To make the time go easier he told holiday stories to the children and even started caroling. Another man asked him if he worked for the airline for he would put in a good word for him and he said no this is what i do on my vacation every year because people need me. This man showed selflessness like i had never seen!
April 18, 2013
This particular book in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series is one of the better ones in my opinion. But maybe that's the wanderlust in me speaking. All I know is, I enjoyed a good portion of the stories in this book for the Traveler's Soul.
The Chicken Soup for the Soul series is known for short, inspiring stories. This one is no different, although it mostly goes over travel. But not travel in the usual sense of the word. We have a trip to the moon included in this book in addition to trips out of country. I especially liked the stories about the Peace Corps, and there were a couple in this book. I was glad to see they included that as part of their travel stories. But there were a few stories I didn't enjoy. It seemed a big portion of these were about small trips made by dying people or as part of a wish program for dying children. Yes, it is technically travel, but do they have to include stories that will make you cry in every one of these books? Just a light-hearted one in full once in awhile would be nice.
Because this involves travel, it talks about meeting people all over the world and what can be shared even if you don't speak the same language. There were stories where the people spent hours together even though they didn't understand each other. They didn't have to, because the feelings were there. And that's a beautiful thing. It seems that every traveling soul shares a common theme of wanting to meet different people. Because that's part of the whole traveling experience. And these stories showed that.
The short story format is a good one. You can read a story a night or sit down with the book for one read straight through. The enjoyment doesn't lessen either way. I do feel that this is one of their shorter collections though, which surprised me, because with the whole world as a topic, you wouldn't think there'd be a lack of stories. And surprisingly, this one had quite a few stories based on religion. Now I realize this is a Christian publication, but with the world having some many religions, I was surprised that these were so dominant in the book.
As said before though, I think this is one of the better Chicken Soup books. It inspires a love of travel and a want to see new things.
Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul
Copyright 2002
356 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
The Chicken Soup for the Soul series is known for short, inspiring stories. This one is no different, although it mostly goes over travel. But not travel in the usual sense of the word. We have a trip to the moon included in this book in addition to trips out of country. I especially liked the stories about the Peace Corps, and there were a couple in this book. I was glad to see they included that as part of their travel stories. But there were a few stories I didn't enjoy. It seemed a big portion of these were about small trips made by dying people or as part of a wish program for dying children. Yes, it is technically travel, but do they have to include stories that will make you cry in every one of these books? Just a light-hearted one in full once in awhile would be nice.
Because this involves travel, it talks about meeting people all over the world and what can be shared even if you don't speak the same language. There were stories where the people spent hours together even though they didn't understand each other. They didn't have to, because the feelings were there. And that's a beautiful thing. It seems that every traveling soul shares a common theme of wanting to meet different people. Because that's part of the whole traveling experience. And these stories showed that.
The short story format is a good one. You can read a story a night or sit down with the book for one read straight through. The enjoyment doesn't lessen either way. I do feel that this is one of their shorter collections though, which surprised me, because with the whole world as a topic, you wouldn't think there'd be a lack of stories. And surprisingly, this one had quite a few stories based on religion. Now I realize this is a Christian publication, but with the world having some many religions, I was surprised that these were so dominant in the book.
As said before though, I think this is one of the better Chicken Soup books. It inspires a love of travel and a want to see new things.
Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul
Copyright 2002
356 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
May 5, 2010
Kalau mengharapkan ini adalah semacam buku yang akan mengurai keindahan atau keunikan sebuah tempat, dan bagaimana sang traveler mengisi jiwanya, mungkin akan kuciwa. Karena buku ini lebih banyak menuturkan tentang persentuhan manusia dengan manusia. Lumayan sih.
February 21, 2022
There were a few good stories in this book otherwise it was mostly too religious feeling for me.
My favorite story was "Loose Chickens" and the quote "Instantly, it struck me how similar our lifestyle was to these caged birds. How many of us live our lives in cages, looking out and seeing others having adventures, living their dreams, being free? I realized that there are two kinds of chickens: Those who live in cages and those who roam freely" That quote was exactly how I am feeling now. I watch all those bloggers on youtube traveling the world and I want to do that but I feel trapped in a cage. In a city/country that I no longer want to live in and why? Why not get out there and do what I want to do in life. Maybe one day.
My favorite story was "Loose Chickens" and the quote "Instantly, it struck me how similar our lifestyle was to these caged birds. How many of us live our lives in cages, looking out and seeing others having adventures, living their dreams, being free? I realized that there are two kinds of chickens: Those who live in cages and those who roam freely" That quote was exactly how I am feeling now. I watch all those bloggers on youtube traveling the world and I want to do that but I feel trapped in a cage. In a city/country that I no longer want to live in and why? Why not get out there and do what I want to do in life. Maybe one day.
April 21, 2020
These’re experiences including what I can see myself in. My job is also one of fields which these stories was told about. Leaning in things make you happy, you would see happiness, learn treasurable values as well as never regret.
March 8, 2019
Great stories about travel.
I enjoyed the section about strangers during travel the most.
The part about love during travel was also nice.
Great read for anyone into travel.
I enjoyed the section about strangers during travel the most.
The part about love during travel was also nice.
Great read for anyone into travel.
April 11, 2020
A nice book to read before bed. Pleasant, but won't keep you awake. I prescribe 1 to 3 stories before bed.
April 12, 2020
Writing quality of the short (2-3 page) vignettes is mediocre but overall provided a much-needed verbal hug in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.
May 17, 2020
Brilliantly inspiring stories to sooth the soul.
August 11, 2013
Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul is an eclectic, often delightful, collection of short stories with a common thread of travel. The travel element is sometimes thin, and the stories sometimes venture a bit far into philosophy, theology, or ill-considered opinion, but it was still an interesting read. I enjoyed the occasional glimpses into the observations and thoughts of the travelers. I also found several stories that I will someday use in class or in a talk at church (the story of Josef and Rebecca, for example). There were also occasional thoughts that inspired me to think more deeply, to ponder on their application to my own life, such as:
1. "I asked her (a blind woman in South America who had not seen a mirror in many years) what it was like not to see herself regularly. "I know who I am inside, " she replied, "and that's what I see every day." For several days after reading that story, at odd moments, I pondered upon how my life would be different if I had only my internal self to look at each day...I wonder if I might be more humble, and more...integral. And how different would the world be if no one had mirrors? Someone once said that "fashion is the art of appearances, and it inspires one to seem rather than to be." Perhaps we would all be less focused on what is real, rather than on what seems real.
2. And this excerpt from an account of an African villager who had qualified for tools and materials for a fish pond to help feed his family and bring in more income, but who had to complete the work himself...which he would have to do alone and by hand. "His hand was on fire one morning when I arrived and shook it. 'You're sick," I said. 'I know," he said, and resumed digging. "Then quit working and get some rest." "I can't," came the reply, "I've got a pond to dig." "And on that day when we finally stocked his pond, I knew that no man would ever command more respect from me than one who, to better feed his children, lifts and throws fifty thousand shovel-loads of dirt. I had a hero." Me too.
3. From an account of an old Vietnamese barber, clipping hair outside one fine day. "As he finished up, the barber told me he cut fifteen to twenty heads a day, every day, and he never missed work because of illness. Quite a record for a man his age, I thought. What was the secret? "Never sleep late," he said. "Eat when you're hungry. And always help people. Always love people." Sounds like excellent advice for a joy-filled and meaningful life, no matter how long, and no matter one's occupation.
This was a good book to dip into occasionally while traveling. Most of the stories were just interesting or humorous, but a few were thoughtful, and thought provoking. A good way to travel.
1. "I asked her (a blind woman in South America who had not seen a mirror in many years) what it was like not to see herself regularly. "I know who I am inside, " she replied, "and that's what I see every day." For several days after reading that story, at odd moments, I pondered upon how my life would be different if I had only my internal self to look at each day...I wonder if I might be more humble, and more...integral. And how different would the world be if no one had mirrors? Someone once said that "fashion is the art of appearances, and it inspires one to seem rather than to be." Perhaps we would all be less focused on what is real, rather than on what seems real.
2. And this excerpt from an account of an African villager who had qualified for tools and materials for a fish pond to help feed his family and bring in more income, but who had to complete the work himself...which he would have to do alone and by hand. "His hand was on fire one morning when I arrived and shook it. 'You're sick," I said. 'I know," he said, and resumed digging. "Then quit working and get some rest." "I can't," came the reply, "I've got a pond to dig." "And on that day when we finally stocked his pond, I knew that no man would ever command more respect from me than one who, to better feed his children, lifts and throws fifty thousand shovel-loads of dirt. I had a hero." Me too.
3. From an account of an old Vietnamese barber, clipping hair outside one fine day. "As he finished up, the barber told me he cut fifteen to twenty heads a day, every day, and he never missed work because of illness. Quite a record for a man his age, I thought. What was the secret? "Never sleep late," he said. "Eat when you're hungry. And always help people. Always love people." Sounds like excellent advice for a joy-filled and meaningful life, no matter how long, and no matter one's occupation.
This was a good book to dip into occasionally while traveling. Most of the stories were just interesting or humorous, but a few were thoughtful, and thought provoking. A good way to travel.
June 8, 2010
I started reading this book to pass time at work. I remember when Chicken Soup books were all the rage and I love to travel, so it seemed like a good fit.
There were a handful of truly remarkable, heartwarming and/or humorous stories, but I found most of it too be a bit too fluffy for my taste. Almost every other sentence seemed to be "and then she hugged me for no reason" or "my eyes began to well up with tears." And I have to ask myself where this magical hugging and crying world is, because I haven't seen it or felt it. It was just a lot of sap and ooey gooey. Some people might eat that stuff up; I don't.
It's not a horrible book, just not extremely thought provoking. It's worth the read if it is a gift or you can come across it at discount. It's a breeze, so you can finish it in a day or two.
There were a handful of truly remarkable, heartwarming and/or humorous stories, but I found most of it too be a bit too fluffy for my taste. Almost every other sentence seemed to be "and then she hugged me for no reason" or "my eyes began to well up with tears." And I have to ask myself where this magical hugging and crying world is, because I haven't seen it or felt it. It was just a lot of sap and ooey gooey. Some people might eat that stuff up; I don't.
It's not a horrible book, just not extremely thought provoking. It's worth the read if it is a gift or you can come across it at discount. It's a breeze, so you can finish it in a day or two.
November 11, 2012
Buku ini menceritakan bahwa travelling sama sekali bukan sekedar jalan-jalan, menghabiskan uang, buang-buang waktu, dan segala pikiran negatif lainnya. Buku ini menceritakan bahwa travelling lebih dari semua itu. Travelling dapat membawa kita menemukan diri kita yang sebenarnya, bertemu orang-orang yang tidak kita duga, membawa kita memahami arti dari kebersamaan, saling memahami, saling berbagi, dan saling mencintai.
Lebih dari itu buku ini dapat membuka pikiran dan wawasan kita bahwa travelling bukan sekedar "menghabiskan waktu", tetapi travelling dapat mengajarkan kita arti dari kehidupan (manusia) yang sesungguhnya...
Recommended!
Lebih dari itu buku ini dapat membuka pikiran dan wawasan kita bahwa travelling bukan sekedar "menghabiskan waktu", tetapi travelling dapat mengajarkan kita arti dari kehidupan (manusia) yang sesungguhnya...
Recommended!
November 16, 2013
i found myself in work one day with no book to read during my lunch hour so i borrowed this from the staff room & it proved to be a great choice..its my first 'chicken soup' book & i really liked the format - a collection of short, easy to read & heart warming stories with a common theme of travel..its a handy book to have in your bag when you find yourself having 5 minutes to spare as each story is just a few pages long and then youre on to the next journey..
June 10, 2008
I liked this book, but it wasn't as good as the others. I think the topic was too narrow. The chapters had different headings, but quite a few of the stories sounded like they were about the same thing.
June 24, 2015
This is, as usual in this series, a very good book. This book tells of compassion, healing, and daring while on trips. I loved this book. If you're a traveler, this book will resonate with you and you'll probably love it too.
Want to read
February 2, 2009One of the authors(I can't decipher the signature on my signed copy) came on the plane and gave all the passengers and crew a copy. It was dated 2002. Hope to read it this year.:)
February 1, 2009
This book is fine if you're looking for very light reading without much substance.
Want to read
March 3, 2010Will anyone be as kind to tell me if this is a good book to buy? I love to travel, and it sounds interesting.
April 14, 2011
Nice light read, especially for a short trip. I teared up at a few of the stories. Perfect read for times when you know you'll be getting interrupted.
April 24, 2013
Chicken Soup. As good as it has always been. And pricey. But it's worth it.
June 7, 2013
udah beli, belum dibaca, ngantri dengan buku lain yang juga dibeli bersamaan.. yang jelas, ngiler banget pas liat judulnnya. bersiap-siap aja merasakan sensaSi dan passion utk berpetualang.. :D
August 21, 2013
Wide variety of travel stories. A pleasant read. Inspired me to venture out and travel more.
August 22, 2013
A lot of these made me laugh. Crazy stuff happens on the road. I remembered quite a few from reading it when it came out. Worth keeping around for a quick story.
October 26, 2013
I found this book in lending library at a vacation resort. Perfect time to read it. Very inspirational stories that made me look at the possibilities of very different kinds of travel.
November 18, 2013
This was a different slant for me in terms of travel writing. I love the shortness of the stories and the variety of writers and tales.
February 2, 2014
J'aime ! ! ! ❤️❤️❤️
April 11, 2014
It's not bad
Read
September 26, 2014review menyusul :D
June 22, 2015
Another collection of inspirational stories
May 12, 2016
It had some touching stories but I've enjoyed some of the other Chicken Soup books more than this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews