1000 Perfect Weekends from National Geographic

1000 Perfect Weekends from National Geographic

Published by Hachette ISBN 9781426221453

Hardcover, $40, 703 pages

The good thing about National Geographic's 1000 Perfect Weekends- Great Getaways Around the Globe is that you don't have to be a world traveler to enjoy this gem of a book.

It would take 19 years of weekends to visit every place highlighted in the book, an eye-opening fun fact. The book has nineteen chapters, dividing up the weekends for people who enjoy different types of mini-vacations. 

There are the old standards- Beach Escapes, Mountain Retreats and National Parks among them- as well as unique ideas, like Small-Town Charmers, Enabled Adventures, and Pet-Friendly Vacations for those who like to include Fido in the family fun.

Each chapter has a Top Ten List, and  there are many surprises there. Who would expect to find a beach in Oregon (Cannon Beach) as one of only two United States beaches on the list?  The United States is well represented in Top Ten Golf Courses, but would anyone have thought to find that a course in Idaho (Coeur D'Alene Resort) would be there?

Some other interesting Top Ten Lists are the Best Flea Markets and Must-Stop Antiquing Spots for the shoppers, and Movie Locations and TV Locations for screen fans. (You can visit The Shining Hotel.) History buffs will enjoy the Battlefields, Religious Pilgrimages, and Historical Monuments Lists. It's fun to review the lists and say, "What about this?". (I did think there were a few too many New York City spots on the lists; they must have a good marketing department.)

You could make an itinerary that consists solely of UNESCO sites, like Valparaiso in Chile, Chan Chan in Peru, the Tomb of Kings in Cyprus, and Banff National Park in Canada. And who knew that Norway has an abundance of world-class chefs, or that there is a huge ex-pat enclave of US World War II veterans in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico?

It's enjoyable to peruse the book and find all the places you have been, or make a list of where you want to go when travel picks up again. I did get a thrill seeing my hometown area of the Finger Lakes region in New York State get an entire full-page write-up, as well as the Sarasota, Florida area where I spend a lot of time.

You will find hours of enjoyment in 1000 Perfect Weekends, looking at the beautiful photos and reading all about the amazing places on this planet. It would also make a wonderful holiday gift for the travelers (armchair travelers included) on your list. Just remember to order early this year.

Thanks to TLC Tours for putting me on this tour.