1,000 Places to See Before You Die: Honest Review from Full-Time Travelers (Giveaway Closed)
Back in London, long before embarking on our full-time travel journey, I gifted my partner Jess the iconic book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz. Our shared passion for travel began early; even as students, we saved for budget flights and long weekends exploring Europe.
Flipping through its pages, we marked visited spots and dreamed of future adventures. Despite frequent trips, we only reached about 50 places, leaving 950 on the list and sparking wonder at how we'd ever complete it.
Years later, after over 800 days of full-time travel, we've ditched annual vacations for constant exploration. Just as we're making progress, the second edition arrives with even more destinations!
This updated edition boasts full-color photos and new inclusions like all of Nicaragua—a favorite of ours. By consolidating entries, Schultz adds over 200 spots, including 28 new countries. Organized by regions—starting with Europe, then Africa (featuring Indian Ocean islands like the Maldives), Middle East, Asia, Australia/New Zealand/Pacific, U.S./Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean—it's user-friendly and inspiring.
Iconic sites like the Vatican, Machu Picchu, Pyramids of Giza, and Great Wall mingle with hidden gems such as Panama's San Blas Islands, Chicago's Art Institute, Wales' Gower Peninsula, and Ottawa's Rideau Canal (we've visited most except San Blas). Even in my native Germany, it highlights unfamiliar treasures.
Blending aspiration with practicality, each entry details logistics: how to get there, accommodations with price ranges, optimal visit times (including festivals), tour costs, and official websites for current info.
No one realistically visits all 1,000 (though some do as a life list). After two years of 365-day travel, we've seen 140.
Ultimately, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die provides regional overviews, uncovers off-radar gems, and ignites wanderlust.
Schultz echoes our travel philosophy:
I think travel makes you a better person and a more aware global citizen. I know that I cherish it as a privilege and a gift—it lifts me up, lightens me, expands me. Most important, and most simply, travel brings us joy.
We once offered three copies as giveaway prizes for building your bucket list.
Giveaway: Win 1,000 Places to See Before You Die (Closed)
***This competition is now closed***. It ran via Rafflecopter until July 31, with entries like commenting your must-see destination, engaging on Facebook, Twitter shares, and likes.
Schultz's words still resonate:
If you’re waiting for a special occasion to make your next trip happen, then consider this the day you get off the couch and head for the airport—that’s the special occasion.
Share your #1 must-see destination in the comments!
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