Review of 'Understanding educational expeditions' Beames, S. (Ed.) 2009: Rotterdam, Sense €25.00 (pbk), €90.00 (hbk), 133 pp. ISBN 978-94-6091-123-1 (pbk), 978-94-6091-124-8 (hbk)

Documenting an array of issues relating to extended trips for developmental purposes with young people, 'Understanding educational expeditions' brings together several notable authors within a number of chapters that consider the means by which lengthy outdoor programmes can be conceptualised, planned, and facilitated. Suitably titled, Simon Beames endeavours to collate key insights relating to the history, specialist nature and benefits of expeditions within educational settings. The philosophical underpinnings for such trips as well as the ethical considerations facing both leaders and participants in the modern era are also accounted for. Chapters, particularly those written by Stonehouse and Nightingale, provide carefully consideration for the benefits of expeditions against the costs from a financial, social and environmental context.