Travel Takeaways

From her “first independent trip as an unworldly eighteen-year-old to work as a waitress in the French Alps” in 1974, through to epic South American adventures, and “senior moments in Segovia”, Travel Takeaways: Around the World in Forty Tales spans decades — and the globe — as Julie Watson shares personal memories of remarkable travel experiences.

With each tale presenting a short, perfectly-formed snapshot of the author’s life in travel, Travel Takeawaysis perfect for dipping into to enjoy a spot of armchair adventuring, somewhat akin to settling down in your favourite armchair to be regaled by fascinating stories from around the world.

Whether recounting jungle adventures while teaching in Brunei, or sharing memories of witnessing the magic of nature in Costa Rica, the author’s voice rings with authenticity as she evokes places, people and atmosphere in exhilarating detail. With each tale opening with an arresting image, or stop-you-in-your-track dialogue that transports readers to a place or situation (“I should never have listened to him in the first place”; “Be careful not to roll off the edge”; “A conspiracy of flies clusters on the quayside”), it’s impossible not to be hooked.

-- Joanne Owen, Editorial Expert at LoveReading.co.uk and Rough Guide travel wr