A great read but seems a bit subjective at times. The write ups for each country seems to use slightly different standards. ( )

Some people choose to travel in places less wandered. This is the book for them. Think of this as a travel book for places you wouldn't typically think to vacation in - and exactly how you would want to go about it. A who's who list of seedy places around the world, Pelton takes the time to quickly run thru the area's history - telling you where you most definitely should not want to go - and laying out exactly what puts the country on the questionable list It may surprise some to learn that the US is indeed on Pelton's infamous list - but after reading it you realize it's not much of a stretch to see that America can indeed be a dangerous place. ( )

I almost didn't buy it. When I picked it up it looked more like a dictionary for travelers from the State Department than it did a novel. However, I plunged in and boy was I glad. Gritty reality - for each country what kind of bugs and parasites, can you bribe officials, how to get out of the country in a hurry, who is most likely to kill you, etc. As a result it kind of read like William Vollmann meets Special Forces. Highly recommend this one, and stick with it. ( )

I don't want to visit Afghanistan or Liberia, but I enjoy reading about what you need to know for the trip. "If you don't like what you read or want a better description, please send a certified check to the author for $500,000 and include the corrections, additions, or adjectives you feel describe your rebel group, manifesto, or leadership more accurately."