Starts well, ends poorly--the trip, the book, everything. Worth reading for Heinlein fans, and for anyone who wants a reasonable summary of a mid-50s round-the-world trip. Heinlein has some interesting things to say, is up-front about his prejudices, and is a product of his times. Basically a southern-hemisphere trip, by the way.

Some of the situations described seem to have been used later in his fiction, albeit somewhat reshaped. This is, of course, to be expected.

This short review has also been published on a dabbler's journal. ( )

http://www.amazon.com/review/RGDWPD5N10Q1M/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm ( )

Probably of interest mainly to Heinlein's fans, though I enjoyed it. ( )