Today’s book recommendation and review comes from Matador Travel community member, Mojo

From the first paragraph to the last word I couldn’t put this book down.

I read it back to back within a week, and I’ve read it 4 times since purchasing it 6 months ago.

It’s an absolute inspiration. As I read this book I kept thinking to myself, “Oh my gosh. This is exactly what I think! This is exactly how I feel! There are other people out there with the same passion as me!”

If you are excited by “the vivid joys of uncertainty,” or if you feel that “your travels are not an escape from your real life, but a discovery of your real life,” then you must read this book.

Filled with amazing stories, helpful tips, entertaining anecdotes, profiles of well-known vagabonders, lists of resources, and so much more!

This “guide book” is like no other guidebook I’ve ever seen.

Rolf Potts doesn’t dictate, demand or even suggest.

He simply shares.

Follow Rolf Potts on his tour promoting his new book, Marco Polo Didn’t Go There.

Price: $11.16 | BUY

When heading out on the road, some people like to take as little with them as possible.

Their reasons vary: some want to travel light, others want no reminders of their life back home.

But sometimes it’s just nice to have a nice distraction when you’re stuck in transit, or have a few hours to kill and have run out of good books.

In my case, I pack a Nintendo DS. I also make sure I bring games that are easy to get into without too much instruction.

Here’s my top 5 to pack on the road, in no particular order:

1. Crosswords DS

I’ve written about this game before, but it’s worth repeating here. Crosswords DS is perfect for long bus rides, plane and train rides, and just about any boredom inducing situation.

The crazy amount of puzzles will take you 8 years to complete. And it’s fun using the stylus to actually write the letter, and trying to beat your time and grade at the end of every puzzle.

BUY Crosswords DS
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Today’s book recommendation and review comes from Matador Travel community member, theworldisgettingsmaller.

First published in 1942, this memoir is so great that even Ernest Hemingway commented, “she has written so well, and marvelously well, that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer.”

The tales in this book chronicle Beryl Markham’s life in Africa - from childhood encounters with tigers to buzzing trees as a bush pilot.

It’s told in a way that can make anyone envision Africa perfectly, even if that person has never seen a picture taken on the continent.

Just when it seems that no story can be topped, she goes on to become the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic from east to west.

West With The Night is one of those few books that can be read at different points in your life, possibly swerving your brain in a direction that it didn’t pivot upon the last pass.

It’s a benchmark book in adventure travel writing, remaining one-of-a-kind for over sixty years.

National Geographic Adventure named it #8 of all time on its 100 Greatest Adventure Books list.  It’s currently the #1 Amazon seller in World Aviation History.

Not to be missed! - theworldisgettingsmaller

Price: $10.20 | BUY

At times, the 2008 presidential election seems more like a three-ring circus complete with strange sideshow merchandise.

Bizarre election paraphernalia is nothing new. However, the vigor with which voters have embraced and derided the candidates this season has produced some strikingly oddball items.

Photo by Alex Barth

We’ve done a wide sweep and pitted the weird against the weirdest products to present you with the strangest election merchandise out there.

This guide is dubiously divided into categories like apparel, comic books, action figures and hygiene products, with a winner and a runner-up in each category.

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Today’s book recommendation comes from Matador Pulse editor and community member, Eva Holland.

Jan Morris is quite possibly the greatest travel writer of our time - and certainly among the all-time greats.

This collection was one of the first pure “travel” books I ever read, but it hasn’t become any less relevant and fabulous in all the time (and plenty of reading I’ve done) since.

The essays in here span Morris’ entire storied career, from her big break, at Everest Base Camp for the Hillary expedition, to her thoughts on Hong Kong’s return to Chinese control at the end of the last century.

They’re organized chronologically, subdivided by decade and region, and all of them showcase her remarkable ability to key in on the character of a new city, or to bring an entire country and its people to life.

An absolute must-read for aspiring travel writers, or anyone who enjoys the finest writing about place.

Price: $11.53 | BUY

Patagonia

Probably the most well-known amongst environmentally and socially responsible outdoor companies, Patagonia has been pushing the envelope since the day it started out as a small climbing business headed up by Yvon Chouinard in the 60s.

The company name has become synonymous with quality. Its performance gear is made with eco-values in mind. Patagonia became a pioneer when its recycled polyester fleece hit the market way back in 1993 – the first outdoor company to do so.

Recently Patagonia launched its Footprint Chronicles, an interactive site that allows you to track the impact of a specific Patagonia product from design through delivery. On top of it all, Patagonia is a member of 1% For The Planet and a co-founder of the Conservation Alliance.

All in all, a commendable company that certainly sticks to its core values.

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Backcountry.com is offering a special 25% discount off all its Goat Brand products to Matador members.

The sale includes essential apparel such as:

• Fleece jackets
• Soft-shell jackets
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Socks

As well as organic baseball caps, water bottles, and t-shirts to support an active, greener lifestyle.

Offer expires September 30, 2008.

Be sure to stop by and stock up on some cool gear.

Price : 25% Discount | BUY

Today’s travel gear review comes from Matador Trips editor and community member, Tim Patterson.

Last month, my college buddy called me with a question about packing for his Southeast Asia trip.

“I’m going to pack real light,” he said.

“Good,” I replied.  “That’s crucial.”

“Is there anything I wouldn’t think of that will really make my travels more comfortable?” he asked.

I thought for a moment.  A light-bulb went off.

“Yes!  Buy a lightweight silk sleeping sack.  It takes up no room and is really handy for getting a good night’s sleep in Southeast Asia.”

After 2 weeks of travel in Cambodia that involved boozing in Phnom Penh, exploring deserted island beaches, crashing with a village chief and camping in the jungle, I said goodbye to my college buddy.

“Thanks,” he said.  “It was a great trip.  And thanks for suggesting that silk sleeping sack.  It really did make all the difference.”

Price: $35.95 | BUY

Today’s gear suggestion and review comes from Matador community member, VagabonderZ

200 ct. Earplugs - $23.00

Try traveling without these for three nights in Platzkartny on a Russian train, or Chinese sleeper trains with the early morning ritual of locals coughing and spitting in the open communal sinks.

I’m talking about ear plugs!.

And the need for them isn’t limited to the confined spaces of trains and buses:

• Dorm rooms in hostels with fellow travelers coming and going;
• Hotels conveniently located beside markets with vendors setting up at 5 AM;
• Pensiones situated above bars and pubs.

It’s worth spending the extra cents to get some higher end ones – the cheapest brands are uncomfortable and don’t form good seals.

They’re inexpensive, small, and lightweight. Before you hit the road, make sure you stock up on these invaluable little pieces of foam…and keep ‘em handy!”

Price: $23.00 | BUY