WASHINGTON (Sept. 12, 2012)—Take a trip with National Geographic to experience the magic of the world’s most spectacular destinations in a colorful new travel gift book publishing this fall. WORLD’S BEST TRAVEL EXPERIENCES: 400 Extraordinary Places (National Geographic Books; ISBN 978-1-4262-0959-8; on-sale date: Oct. 30, 2012; $40 hardcover), with a foreword by actor, director and travel writer Andrew McCarthy, showcases some of the most transformative places on Earth, from Bhutan to Bermuda, from the Sahara to the Stockholm Archipelago, and suggests unique, intriguing ways to experience them.
Sumptuously illustrated in full color and covering destinations both near and far chosen by National Geographic travel editors and contributors, the book explains the special lure of each place by detailing its particular charm and appeal and its must-see attractions.
There are five sections: “Wild Places” focuses on vast, unspoiled places protected by the extremes of geography and topography, which promise the rejuvenation of the soul. These include such destinations as Auyuittuq National Park in Nanavut, Canada; Botswana’s Okavango Delta; and Russia’s Lake Baikal. “Urban Spaces” looks at the world’s great cities, such as San Francisco, Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, London and Jerusalem, which stimulate and enrich us. “Paradise Found” presents spellbinding places that boast breathtaking vistas and timeless beauty — like the Seychelles, Fiji and Italy’s Amalfi Coast. “Country Unbound” steers readers toward destinations where man and nature exist in perfect harmony, such as Texas Hill Country, Chile’s Lake District and France’s Loire Valley. “World Wonders” showcases places where one can marvel at mankind’s most tantalizing creations, including Mesa Verde, Machu Picchu, Stonehenge and the Taj Mahal. Each destination includes in-depth site descriptions and useful planning information.
Sprinkled throughout the book are “Best of the Best” and “In the Know” sidebars that share interesting tidbits, tips, can’t-miss spots and insights from an insider’s perspective. The book also includes quotes and reminiscences by such luminaries as Anna Quindlen, Bill Bryson, Gore Vidal, Oliver Sacks and Jordan’s Queen Noor.
The book also includes nearly two dozen “Best of the World” top-10 lists, profiling the best destinations for everything from romantic getaways and mountains to climb to volunteer animal rescue and unusual scuba-diving sites.
An evocative journey around the world, WORLD’S BEST TRAVEL EXPERIENCES is the ultimate book for avid adventurers and armchair travelers alike. It’s the perfect way for readers to rekindle their most favorite travel memories or to find that dream-trip destination.
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