general

If grandma and grandpa are getting bored in retirement, this is a fantastic book to buy them. If *you* are looking to explore the world, consider a Lonely Planet or guide better geared at the under-65 crowd.

Certainly people would quibble with my list of 1000 places, but here is why I believe this book is not appropriate for anyone who doesn't get an AARP discount:

- Euro-american focus. The book is almost insulting in its lack of coverage of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. For instance, there is nothing listed in Delhi except a restaurant vs. nine sites in over-touristed Morocco. There is virtually nothing in places not covered by travel guides, such as Central Asia and almost anywhere in Africa that doesn't have pyramids or characters from "The Lion King." Iraq is the cradle of civilization, but apparently UFOs in Roswell and Disney theme parks are more important. At least Schultz acknowledges the bias, saying that places like Kolkata and Madagascar are "arduous choices."

- Cultural insensitivity. Schultz's use of the most anglicized names possible and long-replaced colonial monikers (like Calcutta and Laotian for Kolkata and Lao) makes her occasionally sound like Mr. Burns asking for "the Prussian consulate in Siam."

- Intended for traveler-writers with unlimited budgets. Despite claiming with a straight face that she's "never a travel snob," Schultz typically choses the most expensive way to see a place. I am a travel snob, but sometimes Schultz's recommendations of tours are too outrageous even for me. For instance, Ayuthaya, Thailand, is easily reached by a comfortable air-con first class bus from Bangkok for 95 cents, but Schultz recommends a $390 tour.

- Questionable rationales. Schultz gives the Toronto Four Seasons an entry because, well, celebrities have stayed there. Never mind that the Toronto Four Seasons is potentially the most shabby, cramped, and run-down property in the chain. I have certainly never seen it on a list of Four Seasons's top properties, and the food was nothing spectacular. Entries like that make me wonder if Schultz is holding back the truly great establishments.

Thanks to the modern world's travel infrastructure, many remote and exotic places can be reached in only a day or two, so the entire world can be our playground. How, then, could author Patricia Schulz select 1,000 places from all the wonders the world has to offer? Her criterion was to select places that have inspired adventurers, writers, and artists, as well as curious travelers. She admits that traveling is a personal experience and that this is her own short list of dream trips. Since her choice was subjective, she may well have neglected your favorite vacation spot or dream destination. Even if that is the case, you will still marvel at the breadth of her selections. Don't expect glossy color photos, though. The included pictures are small black and white photos.

The book includes far more than just cities and countries. It mentions excursions like a cruise on the QE2, a trip on the Eastern and Oriental Express from Singapore to Bangkok, and a trip on the Moscow Underground. It suggests events like the Winter Alpine Balloon Festival in Vaud Switzerland and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It lists geographical areas as diverse as London, the North Pole, and Bora Bora. It describes sites as varied as the Mayan city of Tikal, Museum Mile in New York City, and the Taj Mahal. It recommends places to eat as diverse as gourmet restaurants, the street food of Singapore, and Chicago's Superdawg hot dog stand. It suggests places to stay that are destinations in themselves, such as the Singita safari lodge in South Africa and the Rawlins Plantation in St. Kitts, Lesser Antilles. It includes experiences like bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge in New Zealand, playing golf in Scotland, and attending the opera at La Scala in Milan. There is a useful set of special indices to help you find active adventures, festivals, spiritual sites, museums, natural wonders, culinary experiences, resorts, beaches, museums, and sacred places around the world.

This is not really a Fodor's-type travel guide. Although it lists some places to stay and dine, it should be regarded as a source of ideas and suggestions. You should consult more detailed travel guides when planning your trip. Even if you don't have the time or resources to experience some of these destinations, it's a great way to armchair travel to some spectacular places off the beaten track. Bon voyage!

Eileen Rieback

As a well-preserved baby boomer, I am increasingly aware of the passage of time and how little there is left of it (even if I live to be 100+, which I definitely plan on doing). I have visited only two of the places referenced in this book, and I found Schultz's descriptions to be accurate and pleasing. After reading this book, I plan to visit at least a dozen more, excluding the museums and old buildings. I'm more of an outdoors and scenery type.

And if you find yourself in need of a travel companion, I suggest Baby Boomer Bachelorette: How to Have S** At Least Once More Before You Die - AT LEAST being the operative phrase here. It's a funny and fast read, with lots of how-to info on internet dating.