The World Awaits: How to Travel Far and Well

by Paul Otteson

The World Awaits is your guide for planning an extended, independent, international journey. You'll get practical information on visa requirements, web addresses, phone numbers, and more. Organized in three parts sequentially matched to the entire travel experience, The World Awaits also examines issues of goals, passports, shots, packing, budgeting, tickets, route planning, and life on the road. With The World Awaits, you'll learn just how much travel can inspire, reveal, educate, and transform. "Experienced globetrotter Paul Otteson provides all the details needed to plan a fulfilling journey, traveling only with what can fit in the pack on your back, teaching you how to do it yourself." -- Midwest Book Review

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

268 pages, Paperback

First published December 27, 2000

Reviews

[Peregrine 12 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traveling is tough, so be prepared.

In 1996, I borrowed this book from a friend and it changed the way I thought about traveling. Afterward, I lived outside the US and worked and traveled for 7 years; I can tell you that Otteson's book contains insights and information that few people can just 'think up' sitting at home.

Parts of the book may seem outdated, but there is both wisdom and experience in this text. Otteson's been out there; he's actually done it. If you're interested in long-term travel abroad, then this book is worth reading. Pay special attention to the section on budgeting. It's very useful.

Now go and get lost! You won't regret it.

[Dan Tasse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not like. He alternates bland advice that's out of date in the internet age (travelers' checks? really?) with opinions about personal choices (what to pack) with rants against "tourists" and assurances that he isn't one. Skip this, read "Vagabonding" by Rolf Potts instead.

[Joseph Cabit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Otteson is a great writer and this book is a MUST if you are going to be doing extensive travel. We all need some time outside our comfort sphere, and this book will help you figure out 1) What you want out of travel, 2) How to get it. Rock on Mr. Otteson, this book rules.