The Traveling Economist: Using Economics to Think about What Makes Us All So Different and the Same

This fascinating book introduces travelers―of the body or the mind―to a few simple economic concepts that will help them to think differently and more deeply about the differences between the people and the places they visit during their journeys.

• Explains economic concepts in the context of international travel that allow travelers to better understand the differences in living standards between people and places, and why social behaviors or legal standards differ so dramatically between countries

• Explores the role―and limits―of culture in explaining the differences between people around the world and the interaction between economics and nature

• Addresses the reasons for why technology does, and does not, spread to different areas of the world; why haggling is so important in poorer countries, and what this tells us about the benefits and cost of trade; and why tourism is a public good and the benefits and challenges this reality creates for societies

• Offers intriguing information and eye-opening perspectives for general readers with an interest in economics and travel, students of economics, as well as those who enjoy travel writing