This massive (and heavy) book is absolutely loaded with suggested places to visit that rival famous and very touristy locations and even popular festivals. Full-color photos will inspire you. Most of the suggestions come with Practical Information boxes with "Getting There and Around", "When to Go", and a useful website for more information. I like the This vs That format of each location and even offers a little side bar about why you should skip the more famous site.
My favorite part of the book are the chapters titled "Less-Explored" such as "Less-Explored New York" and "Less-Explored San Francisco" located toward the end. They offer unique and interesting experiences without dealing with the long lines or high prices. "Less-Explored New York", for example, has suggestions for Off-Broadway Theater and Performances, international foods to try, Hidden Parks, Music Venues, and suggestions on where to stay and where to eat.
Also at the end of every section are these great "44 More" sights to explore with pages full of great suggestions.
The section "Ancient and Historical Sights" highlights plenty of interesting alternatives such as Pyramids of Meroe in Sudan versus the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt followed by 4 more pyramids to check out. Avebury versus Stonehenge followed by 6 more prehistoric sites. Pula Arena in Croatia versus Rome's Colosseum. This is followed by 6 more amphitheaters to visit.
The "Festivals and Parties" section has suggestions all over the world including Salvador Carinval versus Rio Carnival. Both are in Brazil but the Salvador version offers more participation and is actually the biggest street party in the world. This is followed by 4 more Carnival parties to attend. If you enjoy music, check out the Montreal Jazz Festival versus the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland - it's much closer and much more manageable.
"Great Journeys" section includes chapters "Less-Travelled China" and "Less-Travelled India" in addition to famous treks such as Coastal Route 15 in Mexico versus Route 66 in USA or a Pilgrimage to Rome vs Camino de Santiago in Spain.
"Architectural Marvels" section includes lots of famous structures including Haghia Sophia in Istanbul versus Basilica San Marco in Venice. Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles versus Sydney Opera House in Australia (and it's much closer for us). Notre-Dame d'Amiens in France versus Notre-Dame de Paris.
The next section, "Natural Wonders" has several good American options - Devil's Tower in Wyoming and Bryce Canyon in Utah, but then the authors choose Iceland over Yellowstone.
The "Beaches" section has some gorgeous pictures. Turtle Bay in Watamu, Kenya, Sabratha in Libya, Manzanillo Beach in Costa Rica, and more.
"Sports and Activities" section has some adventurous options. Skiing in Kicking Horse versus Whistler in Canada. Hiking Mount Stanley in Uganda versus Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Diving in Australia's Christmas Island versus The Great Barrier Reef.
"Art and Culture" section includes some interesting options such as Wine-Tasting in Mendoza in Argentina versus Napa Valley. Rock Art of Drakensburg in South Africa versus The Cave Paintings of Lascaux in France. Lyonnaise Cuisine versus Parisian Cuisine. New York's Independent Galleries versus MoMa also in New York.
And finally, "Cities" section featues a lot of "Less-Explored" chapters in addition to a nifty Geographical Index.
Overall, this is a great book to get inspired for some new places to visit and new experiences to try. The price of the book is pretty reasonable. I leave my copy on the coffee table so guests can also feel inspired by the beautiful full color photographs.
Title: Off the Tourist Trail: 1,000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives
Author: DK Publishing
ISBN: 978-0756653996
Pages: 336
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