Having done a little bit of travelling myself, I always have to admire Theroux's going the extra mile or just doing something I wouldn't do or interact with people I never would. It's an enjoyable read as he travels from country to country, mainly by ferry (he vowed not to take any planes). The only weakness was his travelling in the European part of the Med, through Turkey to Syria and Israel. The political situation in the south (Libya and Algeria especially) was just too dangerous for Americans at this time.
Enjoyed the book, although it was little "too philosophical" for me.