Book Review - Lonely Planet: Sustainable Escapes

This book starts with a well-written introduction to sustainable travel which is summarized as "tourism that delivers meaningful guest experiences and benefits locals without negatively influencing communities and the environment." As a traveler, it often means choosing a vendor that utilizes local resources or invests in their local community in a positive way. I was also surprised that many of the places highlighted in this were actually reasonably priced.

Right after the intro is a nice highlight of "Innovative Sustainable Tourism Attractions Around the World" which features 12 sites that were cutting edge in 2020 when this edition of the book was published.

The next chapter focuses on "Nature" with color-coded dots to showcase Wildlife Watching, Outdoor Adventure, and/or Conservation. Each listing includes bullet highlights of the location and a side bar which includes cost (when available), typical food offered, location and website. The chapter contains a guide on "7 Tips for Responsible Wildlife Interactions" which is a bit eye-opening.

"Relaxation" is the next chapter with color-coded dots for Eco-Luxury, Sustainable Dining, and Wellness. This chapter contains a note on "7 Ways to Reduce Waste on Your Travels" with simple tips anyone can try to incorporate.

Next is the chapter on "Culture" with color-coded dots for Community Interaction, Arts and Traditions, and Homestays. Within this chapter is a useful guide on "How to Choose a Responsible Tour Operator". The colored sidebar offers great suggestions on a responsible tour.

The next chapter is titled "Urban" for locations in cities and the color-coded dots include Eco-Luxury, Sustainable Dining, and Community Interaction. Many of the places in major cities are actually reasonably priced. The guide "Identifying a Sustainable Sleep" has some tips on picking a good place to spend the night (not necessarily a resort or hotel).

Next is a chapter on "Learning" where you can combine your travel with education but some of these tours might be a bit of a monetary stretch such as the Antarctica Scientific Expedition Cruise running over USD$14,000. But that is offset by the absolutely free Australia Beach Clean Up 10 day Expeditions. This chapter also contains the guide "How to Choose a Sustainable Volunteering Project"

Since this book was published back in 2020, you will want to verify all the information before making reservations or heading out.

Overall, this was a great book to find locations to stay at or visit that will minimize your impact on the planet and, for many locations, without spending gobs of money. Try to find this book at your local library or through inter-library loan programs.

Title: Lonely Planet Sustainable Escapes
Author: Lonely Planet Authors
ISBN: 978-1838690373
Pages: 256

This article may contain photos and links that take you to third-party Affiliate sites. If you purchase any item on those sites it may contribute a small monetary amount back to our website without any extra cost to you.

Event - #Travel - #Texas - Slaton - 2026 Texas Banana Pudding Festival - September 5, 2026

Slaton, Texas - 2026 Texas Banana Pudding Festival
September 5, 2026
Slaton Bakery
There are people in my life who think they know how to make Banana Pudding. Well, they don't. It's terrible.
But, here is an opportunity for us to try four professionally made puddings (one is not banana) and $5 for every ticket is donated to charity. You will get 5oz of each flavor.
The website says we can bring coolers to take any leftovers home (which I doubt there will be any).
This is a bigger event than just eating pudding. There will be music, vendors and other entertainment as well. The whole town will turn up.

Address: 109 S 9th St Slaton, Tx 79364
Hours: 10:00am CST - 2:00pm CST
Fees: Puddin' Pass is $26.50 online ($25 plus $1.50 fee)

For more information, click here: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/slaton-bakery/2026-texas-banana-pudding-festival

Book Review - Subpar Planet by Amber Share

This is a fun, entertaining book that features some of the most famous landmarks and tourist destinations around the world and what a one-star reviewer said about them.

The author describes each location in great detail with some insight, oftentimes questioning what the reviewer might have experienced. One example: Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada which someone said was "Not Really the Best Place". Amber then discusses the appeal of the park and what a typical tourist might actually experience such as the blue and green lakes filled by glaciel melt, wildflowers in the Sunshine Meadows, and more. Another example: Taj Mahal in Agra, India. The reviewer said "Not as Spectacular as I Had Thought". Ouch. Amber gives the background of this masterpiece with the Emperor Shah Jahan who commissioned it in the 17th century for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died after having 14 children.

The chapters are broken out by continent or region - Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Each chapter has a colorful map of locations.

On pages 40 and 41 are a great "Which Waterfall is 'Best'" discussion comparing some of the most famous waterfalls in the world.

Pages 114 and 115 illustrate "The Big Five", the animals most people want to see when they head to Africa for a safari.

There's a funny chapter called "How to Have an Absolutely Terrible Time Traveling" at the end. This chapter offers some useful advice on not overloading your trip or your expectations.

This is not an actual travel guide but reading through the author's descriptive research, it's hard not to add many of these sites to your bucket list of places to visit. Definitely look for it in your local library for a quick, easy read.

Title: Subpar Planet: The World's Most Celebrated Landmarks and Their Most Disappointed Visitors
Author: Amber Share
ISBN: 978-0593473177
Pages: 254

This article may contain photos and links that take you to third-party Affiliate sites. If you purchase any item on those sites it may contribute a small monetary amount back to our website without any extra cost to you.

Event - #Travel #Texas - Fredericksburg - Gillespie County Fair and Festival - August 27-30, 2026

Fredericksburg, Texas - Gillespie County Fair and Festival
August 27-30, 2026
Gillespie County Fairgrounds and Exhibition Hall
Gillespie County is hosting this year's 138th fair! It's the oldest continuous county fair in Texas.
Check out the antique tractor pull and the 42 domino tournament (which I've never seen before so I'll be stopping by to watch).
There will be livestock shows, contests, goat roping, and horse races as well as other agriculture-related exhibits. Check the website for entry details if you want to participate.
Of course there's a carnvial and midway.
From the website under "concessions": All food and beverages must be purchased with tickets. 1 ticket = $1. Beer/Wine (limit of 2 per person) are 5 tickets each. Sodas are 2 tickets. Water is 1 ticket.
Per the "FAQ" on the website - No dogs allowed. No coolers allowed. You can bring a lawn chair.

Address: 530 Fair DriveFredericksburg, Texas 78624
Hours: Hours vary
Fees: Entry fees, Concession and activity prices vary. If you purchase entry tickets online they add a service fee.

For more information, click here: https://gillespiefair.com/

Book Review - Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Adventures from the World's Leading Travel Authority

When planning a vacation, if you lean towards activities that are more physical or challenging such as running marathons or rock climbing in the desert, this is the book for you.

For me and my family, I focused on activities that young children could enjoy which wasn't many. Here are the chapters that could fall into the family-friendly category or could be re-worked a bit to become family-friendly: Going to Extremes (a few choices such as the Dead Sea, Greenland, Vatican City), Best Four-Legged Adventures (Reindeer Sledding, Dog Mushing (check on age range requirements), Wagon Train Adventure), Boy's (and Girl's) Own Adventures, Get Your Thrills Indoors (Chakazoolu Indoor Theme Park or Indoor Skiing and Snowboarding), Intrepid Treasure-Hunting Trips (Gold Panning in British Columbia, Canada), Best Undiscovered US Parks, and a chapter dedicated to Family-Friendly Adventures (options like beaches in Bali, Indonesia or Ranching in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Are you a strong swimmer and enjoy water activities, check out these chapters: Best Spots to Catch a Big Wave, Wildest Swims in the World, Epic Sea-Kayak Paddles, Sail or Bust, Get on Board, Truly Wild Waterways, Best Rafting Rivers, Sweetest Snorkel Spots, and more.

Enjoy rock climbing, these might appearl to you: Mountain Quests, Most Spectacular Rock Climbs, Rock Stars: World's Best Bouldering, Best Beginners' Climbs, and more.

Prefer running or extreme hiking? How about Gotta Be In It to Win It: Best Races, Downhill Dashes, Mind-Blowing Marathons, Best Treks with Killer Views, Best ultra Runs, World's Highest Treks, Longest Treks, and more.

Like animals plus adventure (no petting zoos in here), try these: Scariest Animal Encounters, Most Excellent Equine Escapades, Best Birding in Highlands and Islands, Essential African Adventures, and more.

This book was published in 2013 so double-check all the locations to be sure they are still open to tourists and the information is correct.

For a family of young children or for really lazy people who prefer relaxing, this wasn't a very useful guide but there were a few suggestions. If you enjoy daring activities, you'll get plenty of inspiration.

Title: Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Adventures from the World's Leading Travel Authority
Author: Lonely Planet Authors
ISBN: 978-1743217191
Pages: 352

This article may contain photos and links that take you to third-party Affiliate sites. If you purchase any item on those sites it may contribute a small monetary amount back to our website without any extra cost to you.

Review - Travel - Texas - Arlington - Six Flags Over Texas 65th Anniversary and the All-New Tormenta Rampaging Run Roller Coaster

 

Six Flags Over Texas is my home park and I'm blessed enough to be able to attend their 65th Anniversary and to get to ride the newest roller coaster, Tormenta Rampaging Run.

This is the original amusement park of the Six Flags Corporation. It opened August 5, 1961.

So for the 65th Anniversary, Six Flags had some really fun "Then and Now" picture boards set up around the park. I first visited SFOT as a child when I first moved to Texas in 1980. Throughout the 80's I visited many times with my family or my school. I remember actually going to the top of the Oil Derreck (it's just decoration now). And the free-fall drop tower the Texas Cliffhanger (and later Wildcatter).

The Silver Star Carousel opened in Long Island, New York in 1926 so it's celebrating it's 100th birthday this year. It was bought by Six Flags and moved to this park in 1962.

Runaway Mine Train is 60 years old, opened in 1966. It's the oldest coaster in the park. American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) gave it a landmark award in 2006 for its significance as Arrow Development's first Mine Train Roller Coaster with steel tubular track.

Runaway Mountain Roller Coaster's 30th anniversary having opened in June 12, 1996. It was Premier Rides' first roller coaster.

Dive Bomber Alley is also 30 years old having opened on March 9, 1996 in time for Spring Break. It actually costs extra to participate.

Wile E Coyote's Grand Canyon Blaster also has a 25th anniversary and same birthday.

Bugs Bunny Cloud Bouncer celebrated its 25th birthday having opened March 10, 2001 on the park's 40th anniversary. It's a kid's ride that bounces up and down.

I love all the Historical Plaques around the park celebrating its rides.

This year is also America's 250th Birthday so Six Flags added some nice 250 touches around the park.

250th Photo Prop right past the park entrance (to the left of the Customer Service booths).

Some banners.

Bunting and decor.

Special 250th Anniversary Treats

Another Postcard Photo Op near the Texas land

Special Drinks

American-themed merch in the main shop near the park's exit

The swing ride (Texas Screamer) with red, white and blue theme. I got the sun hitting the star at the top.

I'm not sure how long the special treats and drinks will be available. Hopefully til the end of the year.

Ok and now for the newest and most exciting addition to Six Flags Over Texas in a looooong time - Tormenta!

To accommodate the massive ride, the land of "Spain" was remodeled. I'll need to dig out some previous pictures one day and show the transformation. For now, check these pictures out:

They've added some Spanish entertainment (check the mobile app for times).

An interesting history of Mexico and their independence from Spain.

Food trucks. You can order your food here and take it to a covered table in the nearby "plaza".

This is the remodeled entrance to the land called "Spain". A good sneak peak of the ride shows just over the gate.

Some interesting costumes the team members wear.

A nice covered shop just outside the ride's exit. There are benches to sit. Some people were sitting along the fence (shaded) while waiting for friends or family to exit.

Right now, at this shop, they only had 1 shirt design available.

I took this video from the "plaza" area where there were a few umbrella-covered tables and some benches to sit on. It was nice and quiet back here. So if you or your kids need a break, take a rest. There's a nice air-conditioned gift shop.

The Raging Bull statue. Take a pic with it after you exit the ride.

Really nice fountain area outside the ride exit (or to the right of the start of the queue line).

The World Records

This is where I stood for the videos I took of the ride. You can get most of the ride here.

I took this picture from the Carousel steps.

And this Farewell pic was taken in the parking lot.

Some stats on Tormenta Rampaging Run:
Opened as the first "giga dive coaster". It's also the tallest dive coaster at 309 feet. The track length is 4,199 feet (Longest Dive Coaster) and reaches top speeds of 87 mph (Fastest Dive Coaster). It has the longest beyond-vertical drop at 285 feet (95 degrees). The first inversion is 218 feet (an "Immelmann Loop") is the tallest of its kind and one of the tallest inversions. The vertical loop is 179 feet and is the tallest.

For more information, click here: https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas

Park map (which is available in the app): https://qr1.be/H70R

Book Review - The Geek Atlas: 128 Places Where Science and Technology Come Alive by John Graham-Cumming

For those who are curious about inventions or gaining a better understanding on scientific concepts, you will enjoy the suggested locations in this hefty book.

The book is divided out into countries in alphabetical order. Under the United States, the chapter is further divided out into states. The last chapter, "Miscellaneous" has two discussion items of interest - Magicicada Brood X (a cicada bug periodically emerging along the Eastern United States coast) and the Magnetic North Pole.

Some highlights: Parkes Radio Telescope in Parkes, Australia.

Mendel Museum of Genetics in Brno, Czech Republic

Institut Pasteur in Paris, France

The Escher Museum in The Hague, Netherlands

Greenwich in London, England

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine

Titan Missile Museum in Sahuarita, Arizona, US

National Cryptologic Museum in Fort Meade, Maryland, US

Keep in mind that this book was published in 2009, so double-check operating hours and fees before heading out.

Overall, this is good book to add must-see locations to your itinerary or to get an overall lesson on scientific notions. Try to find it at your local library.

Title: The Geek Atlas: 128 Places Where Science and Technology Come Alive
Author: John Graham-Cumming
ISBN: 978-0596523206
Pages: 542

This article may contain photos and links that take you to third-party Affiliate sites. If you purchase any item on those sites it may contribute a small monetary amount back to our website without any extra cost to you.