"Unforgettable Things to do before you die" is the second in the BBC series, and another title which will appeal to the armchair traveller, albeit a slightly more adventurous traveller than the average "Places to see before you die" reader. That said, both books together make a great set, even if reading them cover to cover makes you realise that if you really want to see these great places and do all these great things, you need to get a move on!
Lie its sister title, this can only be a subjective account of the best activities to experience in the world. The book is co-written by two travel writer/photographers - Steve Watkins and Clare Jones, reflecting their own personal experiences.
Perhaps it shows my own less adventurous side that I have not tried any of these "Unforgettable Things" in the book, although I have had one or two almost identical experiences over the years - memories that will always stay with me. That is of course a hidden beauty in a book such as this - it can both inspire you to try new things, whilst remind you of past experiences you have enjoyed. The book itself was researched and published in a very gruelling, but what must have been very enjoyable and fulfilling year.
While all of the experiences within the book
can be accomplished within a one-two week holiday and do not require you to give up gainful employment and go back packing for a year or two (although that would be nice!); the obvious downside is that even these 40 experiences represent a minute slice of what can be achieved in the world, and might take you 40 years to do that…
It is probably fair to say that travel is a yearning that most of is have in our veins, and with the advent of cheap air travel more and more of us are travelling further afield than perhaps our parents used to. For that reason, I honestly think this book would appeal to the majority of readers - because if it doesn't reignite old memories, it will help to cement some future possibilities.
So where to begin this second armchair journey? This time we have but one experience within the British Isles, that of fly-fishing at Inverlochy Castle in Scotland. Whilst fly-fishing itself would certainly not be on the top of my own agenda, I can most certainly see both the attraction in the sport, for its relaxation, combined with the fantastic scenery in this part of Scotland.
Moving into Europe, we are met with a further six adventures in Europe covering France, Iceland, Turkey, Sweden and Italy. For me, my greatest inspiration comes in the idea of Swimming in thermal spas in Golden Circle, Iceland. This is probably a long held fascination for the country, despite never having visited there, with its summer midnight sun, and its natural heated pools.
Staying with Europe, and into France, and at first glance the option of Chateaux and wine-tasting in the Bordeaux region of the country seems positively main stream, as far as British holidays are concerned. But this serves to highlight some of the experiences which are practically under our noses, and which are often the ones which we do not appreciate.
Moving into the continent of North America, and a further seven experiences await. These should cover a variety of tastes from the party animal, to the more peaceful and remote destinations. While the party goer should not miss the Gambling and glitz experience that is Las Vegas, USA, for me an unforgettable experience would be to track Spirit Bears on Princess Royal Island, Canada, or for me a trip back to the most fantastic scenery that is the Canadian Rockies, this time via heli-hiking rather than via road.
On to South America, and there are only a couple of options detailed in the book's journey. But what memorable experiences Angel Falls in Venezuela and the scenic shots of trekking Torres del Paine are to die for - the imposing peaks and the glacier blue lakes.
In this book Australia/NZ is a personal favourite, partly because of the missed opportunities of visiting yet more memorable places in the two years I lived there. We only get to visit a small number of memorable experiences, but the ones in the book do certainly make me feel very envious. The only Australian entry in the book is that of exploring the Kakadu region in the Northern Territory, while both North and South Island New Zealand, get a mention with the tempting experience of both trekking the Milford Track (53KM) and riding White Horses along the 21KM beach of Pakiri, North Island.
Finally, it is into Asia, where once again there is plenty of tempting choice for the visitor, including two destinations in India, together with the Maldives, hiking in Nepal, cycling among rice paddies from Hanoi to Saigon; and of course the Great Wall of China.
What you will find in this book is a publication that feels like a quality and special memoir, and although in a softback format, is printed on high quality glossy paper
Just as the other book in the series, I doubt anyone will read this title cover to cover. I much less doubt anyone will read it cover to cover and plan their next ten destinations. However I think most people will flip through it if they had the opportunity, and the book will do a wonderful job of inspiration. And for that reason alone I recommend it wholeheartedly.
If I now had to pick my next ten destinations out of the book, they would be:
Kakadu, Australia Princess Royal Island, Canada Moab, USA Angel Falls, Venezuela Golden Circle, Iceland Chitwan, Nepal Fiordland, New Zealand Pakiri Beach, New Zealand Hanoi, Vietnam Patagonia, Chile
Bon Voyage!
Published by BBC Books 2004 Cover Price £18.99 but listed on Amazon.co.uk for £11.39
Consider the accompanying title "Unforgettable Places to see before you die!"
Pictures
Kakadu, Australia
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