Another recent entry in the popular mega trip-list travel book category is National Geographic’s Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips. Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic writers, this 400-page collection of glossy color photos and descriptions is another daydream machine for wanderlust readers. In addition to the featured journeys, there are also secondary lists for things like the top 10 elevator rides, ancient highways and bridges to walk across.
So, can every travel experience be listed? It seems that way these days. But, as Frank Bures eloquently argued in a recent World Hum travel book column, the checklist approach to travel misses the point. Super-sized itineraries are not practical, and in most cases, just not possible. And that is a good thing. However, this book, and similar titles, are still fun to flip through. They’re kind of like destination menus for travelers to pick-and-choose from — for ideas, inspiration or discussion with others. But over-ordering should be avoided.