Book Review (and a Giveaway!): A Traveling Grandma’s Guide to Israel by Delores Topliff

A TRAVELING GRANDMA’S GUIDE TO ISRAEL: Adventures, Wit, and Wisdom by Delores Topliff
GENRE: Travel Guide/Non-fiction (Clean)
PUBLISHER: True North Publishing
RELEASE DATE: August 22, 2023
PAGES: 241

Embark on an extraordinary journey alongside a trail-blazing grandma …

A Traveling Grandma’s Guide to Israel: Adventures, Wit, and Wisdom is an inspiring and heartwarming account of a grandma’s many journeys throughout Israel for nearly forty years.

From Joppa/Tel Aviv through Galilee, Jerusalem, the Negev, the Red Sea, and most points in between, Topliff presents a tapestry of Israel’s history and culture with insight and humor. Each chapter introduces unforgettable people and hidden gems revealing the beauty and complexity of this ancient land.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an armchair adventurer, A Traveling Grandma’s Guide to Israel is your ticket to exploring Israel as few have seen it.

Ever wanted to go to Israel but ended up being too afraid of potential danger or unsure where to go or worried about the cost instead? Delores Topliff is here to ease your mind by arming you with A Traveling Grandma’s Guide to Israel – a book full of tips to save you money, help you make the most of your trip, and avoid troublesome mistakes.

This wealth of knowledge is divided into easy-to-read chapters of practical advice and personal experiences, and the narrative is warm and engaging, as though the author is sitting across from you for a chat about her trips over coffee. Topliff covers topics such as passports, visas, immunizations, travel insurance, medical situations, money safety, tipping, transportation, lodging, the major spots to visit as well as hidden gems, and so much more! She also includes enough historical, religious, and political facts to help you better understand the dynamics of Israel and whet your appetite for further learning – while you’re there and/or when you’re back at home. Making it even more personal are her stories of her own experiences – my favorite were of the God-sends who showed up at just the right moment on more than one occasion – and you’ll chuckle and cringe along with the author while reading some of the ‘didn’t know better yet’ mishaps she admits to. Thanks to Topliff, you can avoid those particular pitfalls on your own trip! She even includes some yummy recipes to bring the Israeli experience a bit closer to home.

Bottom Line: If you’re planning an international trip in the near future – or just dreaming of one – then you need to grab a copy of A Traveling Grandma’s Guide to Israel by Delores Topliff. Many, if not most, of the included tips can apply to a variety of countries and not just Israel, making this a versatile read for any current or wanna-be world traveler! It’s so helpful and practical, with more to glean every time you read through it. And what I loved most of all is the author’s emphasis on the benefits of building relationships as you travel, with the people you’re traveling with certainly but also with the residents of the country you’re visiting. Perfect for people aged 18 to 98, with a tight budget or an unlimited one, this engaging book makes travel accessible to all.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 4 stars / really helpful

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Delores Topliff grew up in Washington state but married a Canadian so enjoys dual citizenship. She teaches university online, travels, and published children’s books and much non-fiction before finding her stride writing historic novels: Books Afloat, Christmas Tree Wars, Wilderness Wife, and Strong Currents, a sequel to Books Afloat. Delores loves her two doctor sons and five grandchildren and divides her year between a central Minnesota farm and the gentle climate and people in Northeastern Mississippi. She also loves connecting with readers at her website and social media.

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Delores Topliff is offering a print copy of A Traveling Grandma’s Guide to Israel to one of my readers! (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.) This giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower’s giveaway policies which can be found here. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.

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What about you? What makes you want to read A Traveling Grandma’s Guide to Israel by Delores Topliff? Why would you like to go to Israel?