501 Must-Visit Destinations.

Whether as a trip-planning guide or an armchair traveler's cornucopia of global fascinations, "501 Must-Visit Destinations" is profusely illustrated, 545-page compendium of practical information on tourist worthy places around the world to see and visit and make enduring memories. Thoroughly 'user friendly', "501 Must-Visit Destinations" is organized geographically with sections devoted to Africa, the Americas and Caribbean, Asia, Australia and Oceania, Europe, and the Middle East. All of the major edifices and natural wonders are included ranging from the Great Wall of china to Niagara Falls. Of special note is that each showcased destination includes a succinct 'What is it'; What is it known for'; 'What is there to see'; What is there to do'; and 'How do I get there?' section. A massive compendium that is the epitome of informed and informative, "501 Must-Visit Destinations" is strongly recommended for community library Travel Guide collections and an ideal reference for anyone wanting to one day tour the world for themselves.

501 Must-Visit Destinations gives you an insight into places that are worldly famous, but also places you might not have heard of. As the other reviewer mentioned, this book is organized by various continents and regions within these continents, making it a very user-friendly reference for the traveler who wants information, is planning a trip, or is just curious about the region. For instance, if you wanted information on places to travel or see in Australia and Oceania, you would turn to this section and find information on such places as The Great Barrier Reef, The Whitsunday Islands, Victoria's Great Ocean Road, Bryon Bay, Syndey Harbour, etc. Each page is organized beautifully, with a picture of the area, and brief facts, such as "What is it", "What is it Known For", "What is there do to there", "What is there to see", and "How do I get there." There is also a full page description about the area, more in the line of historical information, the culture of the people living here, and what to expect when you visit. Very cool book for the traveler, or the curious!

Produced by the same team responsible for 501 MUST-VISIT CITIES, this 2006 British import is a photo/text guide to fascinating parks, islands, cities, mountains, lakes, museums, castles, cathedrals, lagoons, marketplaces and assorted other natural and man-made wonders of the world. It's a marvelous one-stop shopping guide for the would-be traveller or anyone interested in the riches of planet earth. Topping out at 544 pages, this Bounty Books volume is divided into: Africa, Americas & The Caribbean, Asia, Australasia & Oceania and Europe & The Middle East. Each section is then subdivided by area and country. For instance, the first Africa entries are: Eastern Africa/Ethiopia, Eastern Africa/Kenya, Eastern Africa/Madagascar, etc. Most entries get a one-page write-up with one color photograph and a brief section of 'Where Is It,' 'What to See,' 'When to Go' and so on. Since DESTINATIONS does include cities, there is a little over-lap with the companion CITIES book. However, the bulk of DESTINATIONS is given over to appealing descriptions of "other" attractions as Lake Pichola, Big Sur, Jerba Island, the Zuma Market, Raft Cove, the Wolong Nature Reserve, the Riijkmuseum, the Spitzkoppe rock formations, Monte Verde, the Jain Temples, the Grunwald Monument, Belle-Ile-en-Mer island, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Lushan National Park, the Everglades, Kelimutu volcano, etc. 501 MUST-SEE DESTINATIONS is a real eye-opener of a book. Even if you NEVER plan on taking a vacation, the book provides a wonderful introduction/guided tour to some of the most interesting sites on the planet. Recommended.

The book is organized by continents and further more by countries. The pages are color coded which helps when looking for a specific location. There is a brief overview about each item and a picture included. Some of the most common questions, like Where is it? or How do I get there? or When is the best time to travel is highlighted in the margin. I'm surprised at some of the locations mentioned in the book, certanly not mainstream. I have never heard of some of the places described and on the flip side some of the very famous places are mentioned. A very good buy for an active traveler, with a bit of flexibility and the ability to spend a bit more. After skiming through the pages I am planning a trip to Machu Picchu.