This isn't one of those books that one reads in the traditional sense.

This cook is more of a 1,200-page checklist of things to do and places to go before it's too late.

It's not your typical novel or non-fiction work that you would sit down and devour in one sitting. Instead, it's a comprehensive guide that offers a plethora of ideas and suggestions for making the most of life.

Regardless, I love every page of this book. It serves as a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me. It makes me think about all the things I want to achieve and the places I want to visit before my time on this earth is up.

Each page is filled with unique and interesting entries that range from simple pleasures like trying a new food or taking a walk in the park to more adventurous activities like skydiving or traveling to a foreign country.

This book has truly opened my eyes to the many possibilities that life has to offer and has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and pursue my dreams.

This book is not “1000 places to see before you die”. Instead, it seems more like “1000 mediocre random places that I personally have been to and a couple tourist traps too”.

It has an excessive focus on the US and the UK. It even includes random tiny villages that look like any other tiny village in the world.

On the contrary, it only allocates a few pages for each African, Asian, and South American country. This is completely disproportionate to the actual number of points of interest in those regions.

I would have preferred the author to wait a few years and visit more places before making the broad and sweeping claim that there are 15 more pages worth of irrelevant things to do in Arizona than in entire countries like Russia, China, or Japan.

It seems that the author's perspective is somewhat skewed, and the book may not provide a comprehensive and accurate representation of the world's must-see places.

Perhaps a more balanced approach would have been to give equal attention to all regions and countries, or at least base the allocation of pages on the actual significance and popularity of the places.

As it stands, this book may disappoint readers who are looking for a truly global and diverse collection of travel destinations.

This book really sucks.

When I first picked up this book, I had high hopes. I thought I was holding a precious treasure in my hands. I believed that this book would hold the key to all my future dreams of seeing the world. I imagined it would be my personal map, leading me to the most breathtaking landscapes and exciting adventures.

However, I was sorely mistaken. This book contains nothing but a list of fancy looking hotels and extravagant places. There is no sense of adventure, no real marvels to discover. Seriously, I am extremely disappointed with this book. It is nothing more than an international directory. Period.

I was looking for inspiration, for stories that would make my heart race and my spirit soar. But instead, I found a dry and uninteresting collection of tourist destinations. It seems that the author has missed the whole point of what makes travel truly memorable.

I would not recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a genuine travel experience. Save your money and look for a book that will actually take you on a journey of discovery.

This really sets the bar a bit high. A thousand places just assumes right off that you have time and money. Since the rest of us drones have trouble getting time off to go visit Aunt Ida in Des Moines. I mean, come on.

We were skimming through it at work. I cannot imagine anyone actually reading the whole thing unless they had a highlighter in hand and index cards 'cause that is how they roll. However, besides realizing I will not ever see 100 things at the rate I am going, it also made me realize I have questionable aim in the places I would choose compared to the higher end choices laid out in this puppy.

So - let's just assume you have ten places to go. Because really, just going from the couch to the kitchen and back to the couch can be exhausting some evenings, yes?

Well.

1) I want to eat a slice of key lime pie in Key West. The tangy and sweet flavor of the pie, combined with the tropical atmosphere of Key West, would be a dream come true.

2) I want to go to Scotland. If I don't go soon, my daughter says she will clonk me over the head and drag me there as she is sick of hearing about it. The beautiful landscapes, rich history, and unique culture of Scotland have always fascinated me.

3) I want to see San Francisco because my mother loved it. I imagine walking in her footsteps, visiting the places she loved, and getting a sense of what made this city so special to her.

4) I don't want to see Niagara Falls but the husband has some obsession with it. I imagine it would be sort of cool to take one of those little boat rides where everyone wears rain slickers, so I have to include it.

5) Pablo Neruda's house in Chili. Isla Negra. And could I just move in? The thought of staying in the house of one of my favorite poets, surrounded by his art and inspiration, is too诱人 to resist.

6) Portland, Maine but without children. I have heard the combination of bookstores and restaurants is lovely. I could spend my days exploring the city's literary scene and indulging in delicious food.

7) England - but Virginia's England and C.S. Lewis' England and Mole and Ratty's England. A cousin-in-law who lives there said I shouldn't actually see England as the England in my head is really far more beautiful and quite fictional. But I still want to try and find the magic and charm that these authors have described.

8) Long backroads and good b-b-q and people that say "hey". There is something so simple and charming about driving down a long, quiet backroad, stopping for some delicious barbecue, and chatting with the friendly locals.

9) Watch the sun set in a desert. Any desert. The beauty and tranquility of a desert sunset are something that I have always wanted to experience.

10) Open to suggestions and changes of heart. Hmmm. Above book gets extra star for inspiring imaginative meanderings. That counts for a lot, inspiration.

It's an intriguing concept, and it's kind of fun to page through. However, it leans way too much towards $300/night hotels, spas, and such.

Let's assume I'm going to Dublin (picking a section at random). She suggests a festival, the Book of Kells, and the pubs (perhaps in conjunction with St. Patrick's Day). All of these are good recommendations. But she also recommends a $65/plate restaurant and a $300/night hotel. I might be able to overlook the restaurant if there were fewer such pricey options.

I much prefer to make use of the almost-1000-long World Heritage List. Maybe it has its own arbitrariness in a way, but at least it is the result of a consensus. Moreover, it places more emphasis on cultural and natural must-sees. This list provides a broader and more diverse range of attractions that can offer a more fulfilling and enriching travel experience, rather than just focusing on luxury and high-cost establishments.

Kiinnostava kirja, joka ei kyllä helpottanut yhtään matkakuumeeseen ja haluun päästä vihdoinkin reissuun.

The destinations were interesting, but it was clearly visible that the author was an American writer, as the perspectives were perhaps chosen in such a way that they would be more interesting to an American traveler than a Finnish one. Or at least I felt that some of the travel destinations and places were such that they were clichés and were also destinations that might even be over-touristed.

But on the other hand, the reason for that could also be the mindset that one has already studied about 75% of one's tourism studies and graduation is approaching next summer/autumn. So if only one can get abroad at some point before that and complete one's international internship.

But the book was otherwise excellent, although for example, regarding the Finnish destinations, I would perhaps have focused on others than just Helsinki or Lapland. Of course, Turku, Porvoo, and Jyväskylä were mentioned as cities, but there is much more in Finland that would surely be more interesting to those traveling to Finland.

But it is definitely worth reading the said book, as one can at least get some kind of an idea of what kind of destinations the world contains. And perhaps also a bit of the price level that trips can cost, although nowadays one can get that information much more easily and up-to-date from other sources as well.

Richly detailed but a bit too slow for my taste.

The descriptive passages are truly beautiful. They paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind, allowing one to fully immerse in the story's setting. However, at times, these detailed descriptions slow the pacing down considerably. It feels as if the story gets bogged down in the minutiae, and the momentum that could have carried the narrative forward is lost.

That said, if you are someone who enjoys books with a strong focus on atmosphere, this one will likely resonate with you. The author has a remarkable ability to create a mood and a sense of place that is palpable. The slow pacing may not be a drawback for you, but rather a means to fully experience the world that has been crafted.

Overall, while the pacing may not be to my liking, I can still appreciate the beauty and artistry of the descriptive writing in this book. It is a unique and engaging read that will appeal to those who have a penchant for atmospheric novels.

Is there a version of this book for those who are not wealthy?

What about people for whom spending $150 per night on a hotel room is indeed a significant expense?

It seems that many products and services are often priced in a way that caters more to the well-off. However, there should also be options available for those who are more budget-conscious.

This book might have different editions or formats that could be more affordable. For example, a paperback version instead of a hardcover.

Or perhaps there could be an e-book option at a lower price point.

After all, not everyone can afford to splurge on expensive items, and it's important to make things accessible to a wider range of people.

Maybe the publisher should consider these factors and offer a version of the book that is more in line with the financial capabilities of those who don't have a lot of disposable income.

3.5 stars.

This rating is truly just a reflection of one person's preferences and interests. While I might not necessarily concur with or have an inclination to visit all the places that are listed, I still firmly believe that it does offer some substantial information about those locations that I might potentially desire to visit.

A significant number of reviewers have also made comments regarding the costly accommodation and restaurants. However, once again, I think that is the author's prerogative and the reader's choice. If one has the financial means to afford it, then why not go ahead?

It's important to note that this review is based on the revised 2nd edition. This edition likely incorporates some improvements and updates that could enhance the overall value and usefulness of the information provided.

In conclusion, despite some differences in opinion regarding certain aspects, this book still has the potential to be a valuable resource for those interested in exploring new places.

This is a beautiful book that is full of fascinating information. It offers a wealth of details and insights into various places and topics.

However, I downgraded my rating for one specific reason. In my opinion, Big Bend National Park should have replaced one of the entries for Texas. This park is an incredibly unique and diverse destination, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife.

While everyone may not agree with all of the selections in the book, it is certain that you will discover places that you would not have considered had you not read it. The book broadens your perspective and introduces you to new and exciting destinations that you may otherwise have overlooked.

Overall, despite my minor criticism, this book is still a great resource for anyone interested in exploring new places and learning about different cultures and environments.

This is my absolute go-to book for any kind of travel whatsoever.

Whether I'm off to a place for work purposes or for personal travel adventures, it never fails to be my trusted companion.

I usually team this book up with a Lonely Planet country guide, and together they make a great combination.

The information provided in this book is honest when it comes to what is a'must see'.

However, the hotels mentioned might be a bit on the aspirational side for my budget.

But that doesn't stop me from using it as a valuable resource to plan my trips and get inspired.

It gives me a good overview of the destinations and helps me make informed decisions about what to include in my itinerary.

Overall, it's an essential book for any traveler, and I highly recommend it.

I have traveled extensively and have noticed that this book mainly appears to emphasize the highlights and concentrate on locations that are expensive to visit. There are numerous upscale hotels and even hotel bars listed. So, do we really need to see a bar in some 5-star hotel in China as much as the Great Wall before we pass away?

In Toronto, it includes the Art Museum of Ontario, yet excludes the Royal Ontario Museum just a few blocks away. I found the latter to be more interesting because of its diversity. There was a great deal more there, including artifacts related to Canadian history, rare gems, dinosaur fossils, meteorites, and art - not just art.

The idea that one must see certain places before dying, or else their life is somehow insufficient and not well-lived, seems absurd. Perhaps the title is largely a marketing gimmick, but the content does not truly inspire me. It makes me question if the author's intention was to create a comprehensive guide or simply to promote certain high-profile and costly destinations. I believe that travel should be about personal experiences and discoveries, not about checking off a list of so-called "must-see" places. There are countless wonderful and unique places in the world that may not be as well-known or expensive as those mentioned in this book, but can offer just as much, if not more, in terms of enrichment and fulfillment.