Matt Kepnes

This book contains a lot of good (if, at this point, dated -- it's inevitable) information on how to travel inexpensively.

Some reviewers have complained that it is a book only for young people. Well, sort of. Younger folks might overall be more willing to 'put up with' the strictures that author Kepnes suggests for keeping costs low. But I'd argue that I, at the tender age of 61, am squarely in the target audience for a great deal of the wisdom(s) proffered here. I don't know how much couchsurfing I would want to do at this point, but I am also quite uncomfortable with the kind of 'luxury' that travel/tour companies seem to assume a person like me would want.

I'm glad I read this, but I have to confess, I do think the book has some ... well, issues of tone, if that's even the right word. The emphasis on cost, cost, cost sometimes gives it a cheapjack, rushy, shallow feel, and I wind up feeling like the world presented here is a big amusement park rather than anything deeper than that. A stupid example would be the use of the word 'attractions' for the kinds of things one might want to do in a given locale. This might indeed be an age issue. I don't know.

Also, given that it's over six years old, the book is really out of date, and it's probably better to keep up with Matt Kepnes via the Nomadic Matt website rather than relying on anything here (though, again, it's worth reading for whatever tips in it wind up applying to you).… (más)

Primarily geared at young (20-something) single people without a career or family or other responsibilities to worry about, who could easily leave a job and travel for an indefinite period of time. Some general advice about credit cards, travel insurance, and recommendations for a variety of websites to find flights that other people can use, too, but overall not too much earth-shattering information or inspiration. I got a bit tired of all of the author's comments like "I never knew I'd learn to scuba dive in Fiji" etc. etc. The author has made a business out of traveling, which is great for him, but it prevents him from having the perspective of a normal person.… (más)