Book review

Most of us pick a spot on the globe, and then begin finding low airfares, cheap food, or inexpensive rooms.

Tim Leffel says we've got it backwards.

This book proposes choosing destinations that are known money-savers.

For example, Leffel says Malaysia boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches, and at a fraction of price for more frequently visited coastlines. Antiquities in Turkey and Egypt will cost less to visit than those in Greece. The castles of Hungary are cheaper to see than those of France.

This is not a book for the timid. Leffel proposes visiting places like Laos, Nepal and Venezuela. It's likely many of us barely have enough vacation time for Paris or London.

But Leffel's suggestions could be added to a so-called traditional itinerary. For example, add the Czech Republic to Germany/Switzerland; add Laos to a China/Vietnam journey.

Leffel describes huge, delicious meals purchased for a few US dollars. He visits places where extra money may not add much comfort. Of his visit to Morocco, Leffel says, "the worst hotel we stayed in was $8 (USD per night) and the best one we stayed in was $8. It just depends on where you are."

Although it won't take the place of a detailed guidebook, it provides enough specific information to warrant a small corner of your baggage.

Leffel's book should whet your appetite for a money-saving adventure of the first rank. If he at least gets you thinking about low-cost itineraries, we salute him!