What People are saying about this book:

"Camping is...one of the most rewarding, least expensive ways to see the world and meet other travelers...this book is a godsend.  Even if you've never camped before, it will hold your hand for the entire experience..."                                                                    BIG WORLD

"Now and then a book comes along that helps dispel fears and adds credence to one's dreams and desires.  For those of you who have a spirit of adventure and a lust for excitement this may be just the guide."                                       FAMILYTRAVEL NETWORK

"She makes it seem relaxed, fun, easy, and safe."                        DANISH TOURIST BOARD

"...walks the reader through the entire experience."                                LIBRARY JOURNAL

Excerpt from the book:

VENETO AND VENICE

      Aristocratic, proud, and shamelessly self-satisfied, Venice is brilliant in her dress of gilded treasures.  The whole scene shimmers with dreams of moonlight ecstasies.  But it can feel like a very large, crowded museum so it must be approached and discovered like a cat seeking prey.  Museums are closed on Mondays.   When you've caught your breath after arriving at Piazza San Marco, visit the tourist office to purchase a good detailed map of the historic area and check the events happening while you're here.  Don't depend on discovering Venice's treasures with a free map; they won't have the detail you need.  To get to the tourist office, walk from the Piazza to the waterfront, and head west.  The tourist office is by the vaporetti (boat buses) boarding and ticketing area.  Wander through Venice's maze of waterways, over its ancient bridges, and into its tiny squares, enjoying the labyrinth.  Take the vaporetti to the Accademia.  Before entering the big museum wander over to the Palazzo Venier and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection which houses and eclectic display of excellent modern work and a whimiscal garden.  Reboard the vaporetti back to the Accademia, from the side you departed, and ride up the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge.  Cross over the bridge and, using your map, wander over to the Campo San Paulo, where you can rest with the locals and watch children play.  Then visit Frai, a massive Gothic cathedral holding masterpieces by Titian and Bellini.  Behind the cathedral is the Scoula Grande di San Rocco with its unrivaled collection of Tintorettos.  You'll find cafes and trattorias nearby at prices the locals can afford.   Wait to enjoy Piazza San Marco in the evening when the crowds have left.  Then dance for free under the stars, while orchestras play from the sidelines.  Take the ferry back to your campgrounds, enjoying warm breezes as you ponder the starlit sky and the fading silhouette of this most magical place.

     On your second day, get a very early start, and take the ferry back to Venice.  Wander over to the open market at the Rialto, where you'll see gondolas unloading their fruits and vegetables.  Joke with the fish merchants while you examine their vast selection, noting the cuttlefish, Venice's specialty.  Have a picnic lunch on the steps of the Accademia while you watch the gondolas slide by.  With your guidebook in hand, you are ready to tackle the bigger stuff.  The Accademia's fabulous collection documents the history of Venetian painting from the 14th to the 18th century.  The treasures in the Palazzo Ducale vividly display the self-aggrandizement of the founding statesmen and Basilica di San Marco is a rich and exotic jewel case.

****CAMPING:  Exit A4 north of the lagoon area, following signs to Lido di Jesolo.  Drive south on the main road in the direction of Cavallino and Punta Sabbioni.  There are plenty of campgrounds and markets.  Many are full-scale resorts.  These two are smaller.  *In Punta Sabbioni, Camping Miramare, Lungomare D. (04-1966-150) or *In Cavallino, Camping Europa, (04-1968-069); both are close to the ferry and beach; bungalows; well maintained; open May-September; $$.  There's parking at the ferry landing or take the bus.

About the Author:

Carol Mickelsen loves to travel.  Having been introduced to the magic of the out-of-doors by her parents and grandmother, she discovered that camping offers a uniquely satisfying way to get to know any country.  During the past 25 years, she has spent as much time as she can exploring the world.She finds budget travel fascinating, fun, and easy. She shares useful travel tips in her new book Camping Europe.

As a professional chef, Mickelsen ran San Benito House and Saloon for 18 years.  The restaurant was created from an historic hotel which she bought and restored from a dilapidated state to a place that National Geographic Traveler called, "...the finest restaurant on the coast between San Francisco and Monterey."   Caroline Bates in Gourmet magazine agreed, praising the "...wonderful homey food with Italian flavor, centered around the local plenty."    The San Benito House is located in Half Moon Bay, California, a small town on the Pacific Coast, south of San Francisco.  Mickelsen recently sold the business to her oldest son, giving her more time to travel and write.

Born and raised through early childhood in Montana, Carol then moved with her family to Arizona. She received a BA from Arizona State University and an MA from San Francisco State University.  She has lived in Half Moon Bay for more than 30 years. Bicycling and exploring the California Coast are among her favorite pastimes when she is in between trips to other parts of the world.  Her next journey is a canoeing/camping trip in the Adirondacks.

"I would encourage everyone to explore the world, whether nearby or on the other side of the globe,"  Carol urges. " The people you will meet, and the things you will learn are experiences you will always treasure."

Copyright 2005  Carousel Press