March 30, 2011

Where to Go Next: Frommer's 500 Places to See Before They Disappear

500 Places to See Before They Disappear enables passionate travelers and the eco-conscious to learn about and plan a visit to see rare cultural, historic, and natural places before they are irrevocably altered or even gone forever. Here are one-of-a-kind landscapes, fragile ecosystems, rare bird habitats, places to see the last remaining species of big game in the wild, cityscapes in peril, vanishing cultural kitsch, petroglyphs, and more—500 thoughtfully-chosen treasures that will inspire and enlighten travelers of all ages. Each entry explains why it’s been included, gives its history, the nature of the threat against it, brief practical information on how to visit, and what visitors can to do protect it. A geographical index allows travelers to locate attractions across the world. Photos throughout the book help bring destinations to life.
-Publisher summary

March 23, 2011

Where to Go Next: Frommer's 500 Extraordinary Islands

Frommer's 500 Extraordinary Islands features selections for the best islands around the world - from tiny isles to island nations, and from well-trod to totally uninhabited. Chapters are divided into:

•Treasure Islands -- Islands that have a strong, distinctive local culture and personality
•Leisure Islands -- Islands with a relaxed vibe and lots of land sports like hiking or biking
•Pleasure Islands -- Islands famous for their partying and nightlife scenes
•Beachcomber Islands -- Islands known for their beaches, diving, and watersports
•Garden Isles -- Islands with lush or verdant landscapes, orchards, and local produce
•Islands of Mystery -- Places that are somewhat remote and have a mystical and/or exotic vibe
•Island Escapes -- Quiet, uncrowded spots for those who love nature and want a relaxed pace
•Ends of the Earth -- Islands that are rugged, remote, hard to get to, and great for adventure lovers
•Islands of History -- Islands known for specific historic events, and with landmarks to visit
•Wildlife Islands -- Islands that are great for birdwatching, whale watching, and viewing rare species, as well as nature preserves
•Island Nations -- Large islands with their own history and independent government
•Island Cities -- Vibrant metropolises that have thrived as their own islands
•City Islands -- Island enclaves within larger cities
-Publisher Summary

March 21, 2011

Where to Go Next: 100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life

100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life

Removed from the continental constraints of her previous book, Grout takes us on a worldwide tour of promising possibilities. By using four basic elements of travel tantra, she creates the book's four chapters: "Arts & Crafts Getaways," "Volunteer Vacations," "Learning Retreats," and "Wellness Escapes." The itineraries range widely, from learning to shoot films in the streets of Prague to retreating to the wild shorelines of South Africa for painting lessons. Why not volunteer to restore a provincial village while staying in quaint accommodations? From training with a local medicinal shaman of the Andes to teaching others, Grout's many examples emphasize connecting with divergent cultures. This is a rewarding aspect of traveling that cramming on a cruise ship and following tour guides never touches.
Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

March 17, 2011

Where to Go Next: 10 Restaurants Worth a Plane Ride

From new offerings by marquee chefs to more modest openings in out-of-the-way spots, here are 10 restaurants around the globe to keep an eye on in 2011, in alphabetical order.

APONIENTE - EL PUERTO DE SANTA MARíA, SPAIN
BENU - SAN FRANCISCO
DINNER BY HESTON BLUMENTHAL - LONDON
M. WELLS - LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y.
MIRAZUR - MENTON, FRANCE
MOMOFUKU - SYDNEY
RESTAURANT ANDRÉ - SINGAPORE
RESTAURANTE GARZON - GARZON, URUGUAY
TICKETS - BARCELONA, SPAIN
WILLOWS INN - LUMMI ISLAND, WASHINGTON

Featured on NYTimes.com
By Gisela Williams
Published: January 7, 2011

A version of this article appeared in print on January 9, 2011, on page TR4 of the New York edition.

March 10, 2011

Where to Go Next: Food Journeys of a Lifetime

Food Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe

Chilis in Santa Fe, NM, seafood in Sydney, Australia, and street food in Vietnam are just some of the delicious topics covered in this beautifully designed volume in a series of National Geographic coffee-table travel books (e.g., Journeys of a Lifetime and Sacred Places of a Lifetime). Foodies and travelers will enjoy thumbing through the pages and identifying the food they have tasted and/or would love to experience in these locales. The book is arranged thematically, by ingredients and by kinds of food markets, street foods, and great food towns. Page-length entries feature fabulous color photographs, a descriptive summary, brief planning information, and useful web sites.
Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

March 7, 2011

Where to Go Next: World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Sites: a complete guide to 890 UNESCO world heritage sites

Covering 141 countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, the Arab States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, the World Heritage List is a valuable guide to the world's cultural and natural heritage. UNESCO's World Heritage mission is to encourage the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This treasure trove of a book reinforces that mission and, through spectacular photographs, shows how remarkable and beautiful our planet truly is.
Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

March 5, 2011

Where to Go Next: The 10 Best of Everything - Families

For busy families (and who doesn’t have one?) it’s often the little things that matter, such as an outing to a playground or a favorite restaurant. Susan Magsamen’s The 10 Best of Everything - Families: An Ultimate Guide for Travelers uses annotated “10 Best” lists to suggest travel ideas that stem from the exploration and amusement that begin at home. The book starts with the 10 best parks and playgrounds, farms and markets, ice cream spots and food specialties (from barbeque and pecan pie to quesadillas and salmon candy) for each region. Is your family interested in skiing, music festivals, stargazing or civil rights landmarks? They’re all included here...The concluding chapters offer tips on planning and documenting whatever best family trip you choose.
Copyright 2009 BookPage Reviews.