I’ve always considered myself a hesitant hiker. I bring mace when I’m hiking solo, fear getting lost on any trail, and cringe at the thought of rock scrambling. However, when I was asked to review Sarah Tiedmann’s book Traveling with Baggage: A Guide for the Hesitant Hiker, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.
Sarah Tiedemann and I share a lot in common. We both picked up some obsessive compulsive tendencies during childhood, are more cautious than most, and weren’t always up for adventure. But somewhere in between, the men in our lives helped break us out of our shells and develop a true passion for exploring the great outdoors.
Sarah and her husband Nick
Sarah’s interest in all things adventure piqued when she met Nick, a modern outdoorsman with a sincere passion for everything nature. During the course of their relationship, they’ve spent much of their time to embarking on adventures, bagging tough peaks, and expanding their knowledge of the do’s and don’ts of traveling.
From a nearly disastrous trek on Kauai’s dangerous Kalalau Trail to an unfortunate encounter with bedbugs in Colorado, Sarah’s had her fair share of setbacks on her trips and plenty of experience to draw from. Her and Nick’s countless adventures combined with their trials and tribulations experienced along the way, prompted her to write her new book: Traveling with Baggage: A Guide for the Hesitant Hiker.
Written almost entirely with humorous undertones, Sarah provides plenty of tips and tricks she’s acquired from her years of travel in a clever and readable way. Rather than writing a standard how-to novel, Sarah uses her own accounts to help support her findings and doesn’t hold back poking fun at herself. Her personal stories, useful tips, and constant proof that she’s only human a make this book a quick, gratifying read.
Another perk of Traveling with Baggage: A Guide for the Hesitant Hike is how relatable the content is for even the most apprehensive and worrisome travelers. Sarah ensures her readers are very familiar with her own grievances before she offers advice to others who may have the same fears. She then tailors her advice so even the most hesitant hiker closes the book feeling comfortable with booking their next trip.
Whether you’re an experienced traveler, are planning your first trip, or simply need to brush up on your outdoor safety knowledge Traveling with Baggage: A Guide for the Hesitant Hiker is both a beneficial and useful read.
To grab your own copy of Sarah’s new book, head to Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
Note: I received a copy of this book for my unbiased and honest review. All views expressed in this post are mine after thoughtful and careful review.
