1000 Ultimate Experiences

By Lonely Planet Publications
Lonely Planet, $22.99, 352 pages

Planning a trip? Take a gander at this book for stimulating ideas for voyages centered around budget adrenaline rushes, romance or simply sheer visual beauty. In this economy, many folks will enjoy the “Best Ways to Eke out your Holiday Money” section with advice from getting a job overseas to sharing a self-catering rental, even places to rent a James-Bond-type survival pod for about 50 Euros; “Countries that can still be travelled on the cheap” comes with a gorgeous shot of Laos’ Tat Sae limestone waterfalls, which can be viewed for free.

Trip-inspiring section like “best beaches to swing in a hammock” or “obscure holiday destinations” are sure to invoke interest as well as a few chuckles; though intriguing, many of the places listed will likely only be experienced by most vicariously. Many of the images scattered throughout the thick volume are quite breathtaking, making one wish the pages had been printed on larger paper (the book measures 5.5”x7.25”). However, a few of the photographs were rather macabre in nature and still others too inappropriate for the book to be perused by young children.

Reviewed by Meredith Greene