Customer Reviews

Once in a Lifetime Trips: The World's 50 Most Extraordinary and Memorable Travel Experiences

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Apparently the author really means one-in-a-lifetime trips, because any normal person will only be able to afford one of these interesting getaways in his or her lifetime. The trips themselves were decently inspired, but in reading this book I found myself not getting excited about wanting to see/do the things that were in this book like I do when reading other travel books. Instead I found myself becoming downright depressed that none of the sometimes great ideas would be within my backpacker's budget. Bottom line, for the money-rich, time-poor person you will find this book interesting and inspiring. For myself and the rest of us who desire a more realistic though nonetheless extraordinary and memorable travel experience, take a pass on this book.

Every few years, I like to take a special trip and try to do something very different. I thought this book might help with the planning. Well, the only problem now is that I'll be too tempted to wait a few years between trips. The combination of incredible photography and clear, well-researched writing makes this a fantastic resource for those looking to plan anniversaries, unique family gatherings, or getaways with special friends. I can't say that all of these are viable adventures for me, but I can dare to dream.

Once In a Lifetime Trips: The World's 50 Most Extraordinary and Memorable Travel Experiences covers everything from navigating Alaska on a luxury boat that can sail where cruise ships can't to roughing it on the Amazon in Peru and exploring wild Boreno. Any general library catering to travelers will find this an inspirational guide to such world highlights, blending color photos with exciting 'you are there' travel diaries and dialogue. A top pick.

From the author of Fifty Places to Sail Before You Die, as well as the other Fifty Places to . . . books, comes a unique collection of locations on and above our planet: Once in a Lifetime Trips: The World's 50 Most Extraordinary and Memorable Travel Experiences. Having visited most of the these places himself, Santella doesn't just try to give readers some truly special and awesome places that our planet has to offer, but to make a unique trip, journey, or experience out of it. The book is divided by definition of how one can reach certain places: by sea, in the jungle, in the mountains, in the country, in the city, and even in the sky. Each location has a two- to three-page entry featuring one or two photographs highlighting it, as well as a storytelling description of how one can best experience this unique place told through second person.

Some predictable places are mentioned, like Easter Island, the Galapagos, climbing a mountain in the Himalayas. And some (if not a good percentage) of the places mentioned are out of most peoples' price ranges, such as: "The world's greatest opera houses by private jet" and "Visiting the International Space Station," while others require extreme fitness and skill: "Heli-skiing in New Zealand's southern alps" and "Coasting on the king's trail of Sweden." Nevertheless, Santella does provide a detailed page at the end as to how one can take a trip to each of these unique locations and whom they should contact. While a map may be needed for some readers to know just where these places are, they will at least delight and give reader's ideas about what they might like to do to make their next trip extra special.

Originally written on May 25th 2009 ©Alex C. Telander.

Originally published in the Sacramento Book Review.

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This book is a little disappointing. While it does contain a good variety and lovely photos, most of the trips it discusses are ones you would never take unless you had A LOT of money. Nice reading, unless you really intend to travel to these places.

the book is small, not like your typical coffee table size.
and i really thought there'd be more photo's.
also, the trips here are fantastic, but for those who are wealthy.

If you like to travel to places around the world this book gives you ideas of where to go. I have bought several of these books to give to friends that like to travel and they love them. It is complete and accurate with very good photos as well. Good price

This was a gift for someone who does allot of traveling. She loved the book