Grounded: A Down to Earth Journey Around the World

Seth and his girlfriend Rebecca decide they want to travel all the way around the world by surface travel (i.e. no flying). They set out via ships (cargo and cruise), buses, trains (regular speed and bullet trains), and bicycles. Their journey takes them across the Atlantic Ocean, Germany, Estonia, Moscow, across Siberia, down to Japan, China, Cambodia, Thailand, and back east to and across Australia to New Zealand and back to the US. (And I know I’ve missed some places!).

I really enjoyed this (though I disagree on his assessment of cruise ships!). There were some funny moments. Although, despite the leisurely travel pace, there were times where they really seemed rushed, and weren’t able to enjoy where they were. I guess some of show more it depended on the timing of the travel away from where they were, as it was sometimes difficult to find a way to their next destination, so unless they wanted to wait a week, they might have to continue on right away. He did talk about the different modes of transportation, the history, etc, which I also found interesting. show less

I like this type of book, travel adventure. Although the author and his girlfriend circumnavigated the globe without ever using airplanes, it didn't sound like much fun. They traveled by steamer , train, bike, freighter, etc. but never really got to "see" places, as it was all about getting to the next place. They always seemed to be in a rush. When I travel, it's about the places I'm at and getting to know them. And they drank a lot and stayed at undesirable places, in my opinion. I want to enjoy my traveling! But I'm glad I read it and saw how it is possible to go around the world without having to fly.

I like this type of book, travel adventure. Although the author and his girlfriend circumnavigated the globe without ever using airplanes, it didn't sound like much fun. They traveled by steamer , train, bike, freighter, etc. but never really got to "see" places, as it was all about getting to the next place. They always seemed to be in a rush. When I travel, it's about the places I'm at and getting to know them. And they drank a lot and stayed at undesirable places, in my opinion. I want to enjoy my traveling! But I'm glad I read it and saw how it is possible to go around the world without having to fly.

Seth and his girlfriend, Rebecca, decide to circumnavigate the world. But, with one restriction: All travel must be on the ground, with no travelling by airplane. Though the first part of the journey, a trip across the Atlantic on a commercial barge, was horribly slow and boring, the pace picks up once the two begin to move on dry land. Stevenson has a lively sense of humor and the story seems to get better and better as he and his girlfriend move around the world.

Grounded By Seth Stevenson D.C. writer and his girlfriend Rebecca circumnavigate the globe without flying. At first it seems a testimony to old fashioned romantic travel. Interacting with actual people, eating and staying in offbeat places one would have never found. The author mentions the difficulty flying post 9/11 plus the movements by environmental groups. The stress discomfort and uncomfortable seating adds to Seth's resolve to cross all longitudinal lines and the equator without flying. It is harder than it seems due to timing and some far out places that don't have much ground transport. Grounded is an exciting adventure taken by a smart young couple (who surprisingly and pleasantly get along throughout the travel turmoil) and show more learn a lot about their lives and themselves along the way. show less

I like this type of book, travel adventure. Although the author and his girlfriend circumnavigated the globe without ever using airplanes, it didn't sound like much fun. They traveled by steamer , train, bike, freighter, etc. but never really got to "see" places, as it was all about getting to the next place. They always seemed to be in a rush. When I travel, it's about the places I'm at and getting to know them. And they drank a lot and stayed at undesirable places, in my opinion. I want to enjoy my traveling! But I'm glad I read it and saw how it is possible to go around the world without having to fly.

I like this type of book, travel adventure. Although the author and his girlfriend circumnavigated the globe without ever using airplanes, it didn't sound like much fun. They traveled by steamer , train, bike, freighter, etc. but never really got to "see" places, as it was all about getting to the next place. They always seemed to be in a rush. When I travel, it's about the places I'm at and getting to know them. And they drank a lot and stayed at undesirable places, in my opinion. I want to enjoy my traveling! But I'm glad I read it and saw how it is possible to go around the world without having to fly.