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Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips
No one knows the world like National Geographic—and in this lavish volume, we reveal our picks for the world's most fabulous journeys, along with helpful information for readers who want to try them out.
Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's travel writers, Journeys of a Lifetime spans the globe to highlight the best of the world's most famous and lesser known sojourns. It presents an incredible diversity of possibilities, from ocean cruises around Antarctica to horse treks in the Andes. Every continent and every possible form of transport is covered.
A timely resource for the burgeoning ranks of active travelers who crave adventurous and far-flung trips, Journeys of a Lifetime provides scores of creative ideas: trekking the heights of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania... mountain biking in Transylvania... driving through the scenic highlands of Scotland... or rolling through the outback on Australia's famous Ghan train... and dozens of other intriguing options all over the world.
Journeys of a Lifetime also features 22 fun Top 10 lists in all sorts of categories. What are the world's top 10 elevator rides, bridges to walk across, trolley rides, ancient highways, or underground walking adventures? Readers will love evaluating and debating the selections.
Each chapter showcases stunning photography, full-color maps, evocative text, and expert advice—including how to get there, when to visit, and how to make the most of the journey—all packaged in a luxurious oversize volume to treasure for years to come.
Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's travel writers, Journeys of a Lifetime spans the globe to highlight the best of the world's most famous and lesser known sojourns. It presents an incredible diversity of possibilities, from ocean cruises around Antarctica to horse treks in the Andes. Every continent and every possible form of transport is covered.
A timely resource for the burgeoning ranks of active travelers who crave adventurous and far-flung trips, Journeys of a Lifetime provides scores of creative ideas: trekking the heights of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania... mountain biking in Transylvania... driving through the scenic highlands of Scotland... or rolling through the outback on Australia's famous Ghan train... and dozens of other intriguing options all over the world.
Journeys of a Lifetime also features 22 fun Top 10 lists in all sorts of categories. What are the world's top 10 elevator rides, bridges to walk across, trolley rides, ancient highways, or underground walking adventures? Readers will love evaluating and debating the selections.
Each chapter showcases stunning photography, full-color maps, evocative text, and expert advice—including how to get there, when to visit, and how to make the most of the journey—all packaged in a luxurious oversize volume to treasure for years to come.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published October 16, 2007
About the author
National Geographic Society
4,923 books1,209 followersThe National Geographic Society (NGS), headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow portrait frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the margins surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through National Geographic Partners (a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company), the Society operates the magazine, TV channels, a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow portrait frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the margins surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through National Geographic Partners (a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company), the Society operates the magazine, TV channels, a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 19, 2019
Who am I kidding? You don't really "read" a book like this. You leave it sitting on a corner of your desk at work for months on end, and when you're bored or having an especially bad day, you flip through it and plan your next vacation. If you're anal like I am, you try to find a helpful website for the trips you like and bookmark it in Pinterest for future planning/day dreaming. Yeah, that's what I did and I loved it.
But seriously, it's 500 trips. 500! That's a lot. And the library is now threatening to send me to collections and call my mom and maybe burn down my house unless I return this book, despite the fact that I work for them.... sigh..... So, I guess it's time to return the book and just buy my own copy next time I feel the urge to look at the beautiful pictures.
Yeah......
But seriously, it's 500 trips. 500! That's a lot. And the library is now threatening to send me to collections and call my mom and maybe burn down my house unless I return this book, despite the fact that I work for them.... sigh..... So, I guess it's time to return the book and just buy my own copy next time I feel the urge to look at the beautiful pictures.
Yeah......
January 23, 2017
Excellent resource for planning your bucket list.
November 6, 2018
EXPLORE THE BEST OF THE WORLD.
There's over 120 brand new destinations within this book and there is something for everyone inside it. So weather you love hiking, train journeys, stargazing or fishing, flowers, food, culture or history, there's something for everyone to explore in this book.
I have seen so many breath taking pictures within this book that if I could I'd hop on a plane and travel far and wide to see them all. The trouble is there's so many I don't know which I'd pick first! The information detailed within this book is both factual and enjoyable to read. Even my 5 year old daughter has been fascinated looking at all the different places around the world.
The book lists highlights of each location and historical information as well as information in relation to the best times to travel/visit locations, how long they take, any planning info you need e.g such as contacting local tourist boards, if you should book well in advance etc. Inside information such as how often locals use that route, cultural info, what to do in/out of season etc. And websites to check out.
I truly reccomend this book to anyone. It's a book to treasure for life that feeds food to the mind and widens your horizons to what there is around us in the world and many ideas of beautiful locations to explore that you wouldn't normally think of. A real treasure trove of travel.
There's over 120 brand new destinations within this book and there is something for everyone inside it. So weather you love hiking, train journeys, stargazing or fishing, flowers, food, culture or history, there's something for everyone to explore in this book.
I have seen so many breath taking pictures within this book that if I could I'd hop on a plane and travel far and wide to see them all. The trouble is there's so many I don't know which I'd pick first! The information detailed within this book is both factual and enjoyable to read. Even my 5 year old daughter has been fascinated looking at all the different places around the world.
The book lists highlights of each location and historical information as well as information in relation to the best times to travel/visit locations, how long they take, any planning info you need e.g such as contacting local tourist boards, if you should book well in advance etc. Inside information such as how often locals use that route, cultural info, what to do in/out of season etc. And websites to check out.
I truly reccomend this book to anyone. It's a book to treasure for life that feeds food to the mind and widens your horizons to what there is around us in the world and many ideas of beautiful locations to explore that you wouldn't normally think of. A real treasure trove of travel.
November 2, 2018
This six pound reference book is a veritable guide to pretty much anyplace you want to explore and how you want to do it. Not everyone travels the same way or wants to do the same thing so this book breaks down trips and destinations into sections that will appeal to different travelers.
Each page highlights a destination with a brief (not exhaustive) summary, advice about when to go, how long, when to plan, inside information and a list of websites to visit for more information. There is also a small map with tidbits of information on the side panel. Naturally, photographs fill the book.
Here are a few examples of different types of trips:
Are you a foodie? Chapter 6 teases you with different foodie tours
Kentucky Bourbon Trail (page 249)
Blue Mountain Coffee (page 254
Thailand Cuisine Tour (page 259)
Love trains? Chapter 3 provides information for the train lover - whether luxurious or spartan.
Mexico, EL Chepe (page 113)
Vietnam, The Reunification Express (page 119)
India, The Palace on wheels (page 125)
Intrepid Hiker? Chapter 4 - Put on your hiking books and follow some of these trails (both city and wilderness trips)!
Vermont, the Appalachian Trail (149)
Utah, Paria Canyon (153)
Hawai'i, The Kalalau Trail (page 157)
As a world traveler and photographer, I've been to many of the places I read about in the book. Because there are so many destinations featured in this guide, there isn't really a lot of information per subject. That's where you have fun doing your own research! I've already tagged a few pages of destinations I would like to visit!
I highly recommend this guide for any intrepid (or non-intrepid) explorer who wants to explore places both far flung or closer to home.
Each page highlights a destination with a brief (not exhaustive) summary, advice about when to go, how long, when to plan, inside information and a list of websites to visit for more information. There is also a small map with tidbits of information on the side panel. Naturally, photographs fill the book.
Here are a few examples of different types of trips:
Are you a foodie? Chapter 6 teases you with different foodie tours
Kentucky Bourbon Trail (page 249)
Blue Mountain Coffee (page 254
Thailand Cuisine Tour (page 259)
Love trains? Chapter 3 provides information for the train lover - whether luxurious or spartan.
Mexico, EL Chepe (page 113)
Vietnam, The Reunification Express (page 119)
India, The Palace on wheels (page 125)
Intrepid Hiker? Chapter 4 - Put on your hiking books and follow some of these trails (both city and wilderness trips)!
Vermont, the Appalachian Trail (149)
Utah, Paria Canyon (153)
Hawai'i, The Kalalau Trail (page 157)
As a world traveler and photographer, I've been to many of the places I read about in the book. Because there are so many destinations featured in this guide, there isn't really a lot of information per subject. That's where you have fun doing your own research! I've already tagged a few pages of destinations I would like to visit!
I highly recommend this guide for any intrepid (or non-intrepid) explorer who wants to explore places both far flung or closer to home.
January 8, 2010
A wonderful book to dream with--of where you've been and where you'd like to go. Amazingly I have been on many of the domestic trips described. Hopefully I wil be fortunate enough to spend the next 40 years visiting and experiencing some of the international places and adventures. I'll try to remember to return to this book to make plans--it's nicely organized by journeys across water, by road, by rail, on foot, in search of culture,in gourmet heaven, into the action, up and away and in their footsteps (pilgrimages for readers, dreamers, and history fans).
August 3, 2011
Awesome Book. There is a trip for everyone, every bucket list, anyone who wants to travel. Hike the San Juan Skyway, Scotland Highlands, Tour du Mont Blanc in the Alps, Dolomites of Italy, Trans Canada Trail, The Tyrol in Austria, John Muir Trail.... OR.....take the Inland Railway across Sweden, Sea Kayak off Baja, Slow Food in Tuscany, Cross Country Ski Vermont's Catamount Trail, Surf School in Hawaii. The best thing about the book is it lists "When to Go, How Long it takes, Planning, Inside Information, and Guide Websites. Time to take the Journey!
February 1, 2019
If this book doesn’t light a flame under your wanderlust, you are reading the wrong book!
While it included some places and activities that did not appeal to me — aggressive adventures, for example — it did include many fascinating locations and activities.
It even made me want to return to most of the places that I have already visited!
Keep in mind that it is a coffee-table style of travel book, so if that type of reading does not appeal to you then you might be better off reading a book set in one of the many locations described in the pages of this delightful book.
While it included some places and activities that did not appeal to me — aggressive adventures, for example — it did include many fascinating locations and activities.
It even made me want to return to most of the places that I have already visited!
Keep in mind that it is a coffee-table style of travel book, so if that type of reading does not appeal to you then you might be better off reading a book set in one of the many locations described in the pages of this delightful book.
December 18, 2008
Wonder if the publishers considered such alternate titles like, "Oh, The Places You'll Never Go" or "Dare to Dream".
March 19, 2019
Interesting way to lay out travel and I got a few new ideas from it!
Read
May 2, 2017This is a great way to show students the art of embodying the voice of persuasion. These writers have to persuade the audience to think a particular destination is one of the World's greatest trips. I will select a few trips for students to read. This will be used as a model text for students to get some ideas about putting on their selling something voice and persuading the audience on why something is the best or worst. Student will highlight phrases or sentences that really stand out in persuading them to take a trip to that country or destination. Students should also pay attention to the specific detail in the text, and how that enhances the persuasion quality. After that, students will have to persuade the school board on why their school is the best or worst in the district using specific examples just like the articles from Journey of a Lifetime did.
March 10, 2025
Bday gift - many new trip ideas!
May 31, 2019
Something I learned in this book is that The middle East is a very old and interesting tourist atraction, because it is filled with lots of beautiful architecture.
November 15, 2018
This beautiful full colour book takes you on a tour of 500 trips you can take around the world, separated by type of trip and including photos, places you don’t want to miss, tips specific to that area and where to find more information.
The categories are: Across Water, By Road, By Rail, On Foot, In Search of Culture, In Gourmet Heaven, Into the Action, Up and Away and In Their Footsteps.
The first few are obvious. Into the Action are for those who want hands-on adventure (Dogsledding in Alaska, Heli-Hiking in British Columbia, White Water rafting in West Virginia or riding Dune Buggies in Oregon), Up and Away includes flights and bird’s eye views and In Their Footsteps has you following where people from history went such as Cabot Trail (where explorer John Cabot landed in Nova Scotia), following the route taken by Lewis and Clark in the US or visiting the three homes of one of Chile’s important writers/political figures Pablo Neruda.)
For each entry, you will find info, when to go, how long, planning, inside information, websites, highlights and full-colour photographs.
Dribbled throughout the book are also lists such as:
Top 10 Steam Train Tips
Top 10 City Bike Tours
Top 10 Skywatching Destinations
Top 10 Jetboat Adventures
and much more
If you are a traveller this book is for you. If you love learning about notable parts of the world, this book is for you. This is definitely more for a traveller though.
The categories are: Across Water, By Road, By Rail, On Foot, In Search of Culture, In Gourmet Heaven, Into the Action, Up and Away and In Their Footsteps.
The first few are obvious. Into the Action are for those who want hands-on adventure (Dogsledding in Alaska, Heli-Hiking in British Columbia, White Water rafting in West Virginia or riding Dune Buggies in Oregon), Up and Away includes flights and bird’s eye views and In Their Footsteps has you following where people from history went such as Cabot Trail (where explorer John Cabot landed in Nova Scotia), following the route taken by Lewis and Clark in the US or visiting the three homes of one of Chile’s important writers/political figures Pablo Neruda.)
For each entry, you will find info, when to go, how long, planning, inside information, websites, highlights and full-colour photographs.
Dribbled throughout the book are also lists such as:
Top 10 Steam Train Tips
Top 10 City Bike Tours
Top 10 Skywatching Destinations
Top 10 Jetboat Adventures
and much more
If you are a traveller this book is for you. If you love learning about notable parts of the world, this book is for you. This is definitely more for a traveller though.
May 7, 2015
I love, love, LOVE this book. I've had it for years, and it's as fun to read on any rainy day as it is to read when planning a trip. I'm constantly dog-earing another page to add to my list of travel destinations. Half the fun is looking at the photographs, collected over the years by Nat Geo's finest. The format, divided into modes of travel (By Train, On Foot) makes what could be a very overwhelming coffee table book accessible. The Top 10 lists are also great fun (Where else would you find a list of the world's "Top 10 Funiculars and Cable Cars"?). Journeys of a Lifetime is a key read for any aspiring world traveler, and for anyone who wants an adventure without stepping out of their hobbit hole.
November 17, 2018
"Journeys of a Lifetime" which gives short vignettes on interesting travel ideas is a really beautiful book. The pictures are gorgeous and the short trip descriptions are nice.
I didn't love the way the book was organized -- by type of travel rather than location -- as it makes things more difficult to find if you're traveling to an area. (Do a lot of people say, I want to take a trip by train.... I'll look for someplace to go?) I expected more itineraries rather than brief descriptions, too.
The book is nice for armchair expeditions, though it won't help much in the planning department.
I didn't love the way the book was organized -- by type of travel rather than location -- as it makes things more difficult to find if you're traveling to an area. (Do a lot of people say, I want to take a trip by train.... I'll look for someplace to go?) I expected more itineraries rather than brief descriptions, too.
The book is nice for armchair expeditions, though it won't help much in the planning department.
March 16, 2008
Unless you are extremely lucky, extremely rich, or both, this book is a way to vicariously see places you are not likely to visit in person. It's National Geographic, so, of course the pictures are awesome. I was pleasantly surprised that I had visited some of the places mentioned, but not shocked to find that many I'd never heard of! There are minimal travel details included for each journey, but if you actually intend to take one of the trips a more in depth guide would be essential.
August 26, 2014
An excellent "coffee table book". There is a trip in here for everyone who wants to travel local and internationally; by boat, plane, or foot; adventure-themed or food-themed. Very fun. The only thing I wish they could have done was given more detailed information about each trip. Logically I know that book would be 3x the size as this one, and this book is not light already-but that is what I thought was missing, more detail.
February 6, 2008
This was a wonderful "coffee table book" full of ideas about places to go and things to do around the world. It's only drawback was also it's highpoint, that it didn't go into too much depth about each location. It was visually attractive as each page was one locale. For people who like to travel, or wish they could, it was a great way to get ideas about where to go and what to do.
April 27, 2009
Before reading this book I would have never imagined there is The Great Pub Crawl in Australia where the designated driver is the pilot who flies you from pub to pub. It sounded like great fun. This is perfect gift for an armchair traveler or for the person in charge of vacation itineraries. Websites are given for each trip for more research.
September 28, 2012
I love to travel and I think this book is fantastic! Browsing through this beautiful book, I had to add several travel destinations to my list of places I someday want to visit. If you want some great vacation ideas, from US to exotic oversees destinations, this book will provide many. Paging through the book is also an educational opportunity to discover a bit more about places around the world.
August 24, 2013
WOW, WOW & WOW!!!
If this book doesn't wake up the travel and adventure bug in you... nothing will.
So many great trips, so little time.
Nicely split up into chapters.. by water, by road, by rail & by foot. Even has the best elevator trips.
A much better book than "1,000 places to see before you die".
If this book doesn't wake up the travel and adventure bug in you... nothing will.
So many great trips, so little time.
Nicely split up into chapters.. by water, by road, by rail & by foot. Even has the best elevator trips.
A much better book than "1,000 places to see before you die".
February 2, 2015
I read this when it was newly published. The photographs are outstanding---it's National Geographic, after all.
This is a great book to reflect on during cold weather months...take yourself on a visual journey.
This book has inspired country-themed parties; I've used it to inspire a culinary themed dinner at least twice.
Highly Recommended.
This is a great book to reflect on during cold weather months...take yourself on a visual journey.
This book has inspired country-themed parties; I've used it to inspire a culinary themed dinner at least twice.
Highly Recommended.
May 18, 2016
Reading is book is like traveling around the world. I love this book since it introduces places that are very beautiful and nice to visit. Also it includes here some bridges, highways and rides that you can just see it beautiful and great to stay for a while. I love also the pictures included here. Such an overwhelmed to read.
March 18, 2010
Even when I can't travel physically, I can take "mind trips" with this fabulous book by Nat Geo. Of course, the photos are gorgeous, and it's great fun to say, "I've been there!" or "That's on my list!" when flipping through the pages.
March 14, 2013
This is a great coffee table book--I often will flip through it in a spare moment here and there...it's like taking a mini-vacation. It's also great in assisting with off-beat trip planning. This is definitely a book for travelers, not tourists.
January 24, 2008
Amazing book, full of inspirational ideas for trips. Great photography, as always for NG. I will buy this book, just to flip through & dream.
January 8, 2009
Great Book. I've got this and the rest of my travel library right behind me now. I can look things up anytime. It's all about dreaming and thinking about where I want to go next and how I can do it.
January 22, 2009
This will surely give you wanderlust!
February 4, 2009
This is an awesome coffee table book! I like the website references for more info on trips they recommend.
June 2, 2013
An eclectic and fascinating collection of journey that can make someone's life an enriching experience and provide them with adventures and memories to remember for years to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews