1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler's Life List by Patricia Schultz
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Book Reviews of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler's Life List
Book Review: Disgraceful Bias and Shameless Slant
Summary: 1 Stars
This is a slanted politically-biased listing with gaping omissions that are simply shameful and unacceptable. For instance, it lists no sites worth seeing in Lebanon, a country that contains 6 of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites; by comparison, for instance, the list includes 10 sites in Israel, a country that contains 6 World Heritage Sites as well (counting the one in Jerusalem as being in Israel, which is disputed still). I frankly can't think of a reason for the glaring discrepancy other than political bias. You'd think a fair and balanced list (not ala Fox News) of 1000 must-see sites would at least include the World Heritage Sites (the total of which is 851 properties "forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value").
I recommend instead the gorgeously photographed "Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die" or Lonely Planet's far more comprehensive "The Travel Book".
Book Review: It was alright but...
Summary: 2 Stars
All I have to say is that I feel that there are a number of places listed in the book that the author never visited and got from a traditional travel guide. I have been to nearly all of the places listed in the United States and much of the listings in Europe and I was surprised at the gaps. For example: Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Grand Tetons, etc are all separate entries but are almost always visited together (as they are next to each other and I will add - totally worth the visit) but the author missed the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, which in my opinion, is worth a visit as it invites one into the local culture and nuances of the area. The Netherlands as well has a short list of museums to visit, but none of the true treasures are mentioned. True, the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum are certainly worth a visit, but there is so much more to the Netherlands than the museums. The concept of the book is good but I think that the author overextended and missed some really amazing aspects of each culture. You can probably do better with an internet search, however, if you don't know where else to start the book may help with that. Book Review: interesting information
Summary: 5 Stars
I hope to go to some of the places in the book. I have been to some of them and the book gives accurate details. I also liked the information about local assistance with addresses and email addresses if available, that was provided. Many are very expensive trips.Book Review: Amazing!
Summary: 5 Stars
For someone that loves to travel and aspires to see all 7 continents, like me, this is the perfect book. It doesn't give you a list of 1000 cities; it's a specific 1000+ things to do.
For example: I took a trip for work recently to San Diego and the book told me I had to visit the Hotel del Coronado. Yes, the book mentions several hotels, but if you read the whole page, you see it also discusses the great southern California beaches and the San Diego Zoo, which almost anyone who travels there already knows about!
I had never heard of the hotel and thought, "How can a hotel be so special?", but I went to see it and it really was beautiful and rich with history. I would have never seen it if it weren't for this book. The trick is to see the hotel and walk around, not overpay to spend a night in each one she mentions. I spent my half-day in San Diego walking around the hotel, then walking along the Coronado beach, watching navy jets land, and walking around all the shops and cafes on Coronado Island. It was great!
This is a book that takes you on a journey to multiple sites for each place it mentions due to the illustrative writing, as well as provides you with addresses, phone numbers, websites, and advice such as the best time to visit, or a great restaurant to eat at while you are in the area. If you combine this book with your own desire to explore, you should easily have the ability to plan half-day, day, or multi-day trips in almost any city.
I don't want my travel guide to be a grocery list of cities with no information, but I also don't want it telling me step-by-step what to. I also don't want it telling me what when I go to Washington DC, I need to see the Capitol, or if I go to Paris, the Eifel Tour is a must. These are things I already know! This book is the perfect happy middle, and I just love it!!!!!
Book Review: This is the Bible?
Summary: 3 Stars
Before buying this book I had been told that it was the ultimate traveler's bible. As a traveling college student, I was excited at the thought of having an outline of possibilities, but found that almost the entire book was out of my price range. It was interesting to see the suggestions, and it was somewhat useful as a platform to jump from, but I could find better information on Lonely Planet or the like.
If you are looking for budget travel, this is not the book for you. However, if you are lucky enough to afford the nicest accommodations in each town along your travels, it's a definite buy. As for me, I prefer for my hotel to not be the best thing I saw while abroad - I'll stick to the $5 hostels that make me want to get out into town.