Book Review - Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Adventures from the World's Leading Travel Authority

When planning a vacation, if you lean towards activities that are more physical or challenging such as running marathons or rock climbing in the desert, this is the book for you.

For me and my family, I focused on activities that young children could enjoy which wasn't many. Here are the chapters that could fall into the family-friendly category or could be re-worked a bit to become family-friendly: Going to Extremes (a few choices such as the Dead Sea, Greenland, Vatican City), Best Four-Legged Adventures (Reindeer Sledding, Dog Mushing (check on age range requirements), Wagon Train Adventure), Boy's (and Girl's) Own Adventures, Get Your Thrills Indoors (Chakazoolu Indoor Theme Park or Indoor Skiing and Snowboarding), Intrepid Treasure-Hunting Trips (Gold Panning in British Columbia, Canada), Best Undiscovered US Parks, and a chapter dedicated to Family-Friendly Adventures (options like beaches in Bali, Indonesia or Ranching in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Are you a strong swimmer and enjoy water activities, check out these chapters: Best Spots to Catch a Big Wave, Wildest Swims in the World, Epic Sea-Kayak Paddles, Sail or Bust, Get on Board, Truly Wild Waterways, Best Rafting Rivers, Sweetest Snorkel Spots, and more.

Enjoy rock climbing, these might appearl to you: Mountain Quests, Most Spectacular Rock Climbs, Rock Stars: World's Best Bouldering, Best Beginners' Climbs, and more.

Prefer running or extreme hiking? How about Gotta Be In It to Win It: Best Races, Downhill Dashes, Mind-Blowing Marathons, Best Treks with Killer Views, Best ultra Runs, World's Highest Treks, Longest Treks, and more.

Like animals plus adventure (no petting zoos in here), try these: Scariest Animal Encounters, Most Excellent Equine Escapades, Best Birding in Highlands and Islands, Essential African Adventures, and more.

This book was published in 2013 so double-check all the locations to be sure they are still open to tourists and the information is correct.

For a family of young children or for really lazy people who prefer relaxing, this wasn't a very useful guide but there were a few suggestions. If you enjoy daring activities, you'll get plenty of inspiration.

Title: Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Adventures from the World's Leading Travel Authority
Author: Lonely Planet Authors
ISBN: 978-1743217191
Pages: 352

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Book Review - Moon - Dominican Republic by Lebawit Lily Girma

The Dominican Republic is on my travel bucket list for (hopefully) next year so I ordered this book to start planning. What I love most about this book is how authentic the author's experiences come through for each of the areas she has visited. We can get a good understanding of the foods, hotels, travels and experiences for each place. Lots of first-hand advice and descriptions. Also, advice for women travelling alone.

The book is divided out by areas starting with the capital: Santa Domingo, Punta Cana and the Southeast Coast, The Samana Peninsula, Puerto Plata and the North Coast, Santiago and the Cibao Valley, and Barahona and the Southwest. Each of those region chapters is further broken down by city and then sights, foods, accommodations, transportations, and more. Then there's a chapter dedicated to the country's tumultous but fascinating background. A chapter for Travel Essentials (Transportation, Money, Tips, Food, Hotels, Health and Safety, Services, etc). Then a nice Spanish phrasebook that you can rip out and take with you.

Top 10 Experiences introduction is followed by a useful "Planning Your Trip" section with information on passports, transportation, etc. Followed by suggested itineraries in "The Best of the Dominican Republic". Most of us are looking for the "Best Beaches" page listed by area. "Romancing the DR" will interest couples or honeymooners. There's a page listing out top Diving and Snorkeling spots. The culture in Dominican Republic places a lot of emphasis on music and you'll find a call-out section dedicated to enjoying that as well as sprinkled throughout the book. For those so inclined, there's a page about Social Impact Tourism.

Lots of good info and full-color maps. Definitely a keeper guide to add to the collection.

Title: Moon Dominican Republic (Travel Guide)
Author: Lebawit Lily Girma
ISBN: 978-1640490468
Pages: 400

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