More delicious armchair travel! But with a twist this time. Off the Tourist Trail explores 'unexpected travel alternatives'. The authors of this book are the many travel writers who have contributed to the Eyewitness Travel books that DK publishers.

The format is pretty unique - alternatives to well known attractions, journeys, natural phenomenon and more such as Stonehenge, Niagara Falls and more are presented -up to six specifically related suggestions and up to 45 additional recommendations.

Many of the 'well-known' attractions were new to me, so I had just as much fun reading about them. But the off the beaten track destinations are amazing. Our world is so full of extraordinary sites and events. Many of them, I will never get a chance to see, so I enjoy travelling from my armchair. Each destination has a description along with practical information - getting there, where to stay, best time of the year to visit and a direct web address. ( I stopped many times to hop on the computer)

Of course, I always have to check out the Canadian suggestions. I was thrilled to see that Nova Scotia's Evangeline Trail was presented as an alternative to driving the old Route 66 in the US. We actually drove this trail this past summer and yes, it was pretty stunning. We took the train out to the East Coast to start, so I was interested to see the section on alternatives to the famous Orient Express train. The Canadian from T.O. to Vancouver is listed - a trip I'd like to undertake. As was the Viking Trail in Newfoundland, an suggestion in the Great Journeys section.

I've focused on North America, but there are mostly world wide suggestions. The Camino de Santiago has attracted literally hundreds of thousands of walkers, but there are alternatives - a pilgrimage to Rome being one of them.

I'm always drawn to the small islands found as specks on maps and globes. I wonder at the people who live there and what their lives are like. I had never heard of the tropical Fernando de Noronha Islands, suggested as a substitute for the Galapagos Islands, but I'd sure love to visit!

This coffee table sized book is printed on glossy stock and filled with lots of sharp, clear photos. Perfect for an armchair getaway. ( )

Ok, I actually read this entire book. Am I the only one who did this?

Right away I noticed that while the sections were visually similar, I would rather see the book organized geographically than thematically. No one can plan a trip with this organization. The budget information was useful, but didn't spell out expectations for food or lodging like the other eyewitness travel books.

The other thing is how isolated some of the sights are. It would have been better if they were linked to a central spot. This is especially true of the ancient and historical sites, since I doubt you would plan an entire trip out of just one of these sights.

Curiously enough, in the geographical index, Wyoming is next to Lake Michigan (on the east side). Interesting, since growing up in Chicago, I would have visited if I had known how close it was.

There are some real "gems" in some of the smaller entries. So far: Ring O'Brodgar, Orkney Islands (Go there for solitude with water and air), Hagia Sophia, Giotto's Bell Tower, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wales (Seriously, who wouldn't want to fuel their dreams, or nightmares, by taking a charming and surreal boat ride on a narrow structure 115 feet in the air?), ...

I learned things I didn't know before: Iceland is considered part of Europe.

There are a lot of contributors so the writing style varies a lot. Overall, a good reference book to keep around. ~KA ( )

I was expecting a compilation of travel essays when I briefly scanned the Early Reviewers details.

However, I was blown away when a hard cover coffee table sized book showed up.

While it's not convinient to sit and read through it, I've kept it on my bedside table, and will read a section or two here and there - the details about the places do an amazing job of selling them as opposed to what you might think of as the typical vacation spot in an area. ( )

A beautiful book! If you are familiar with the DK Eyewitness Travel series this stunning addition will not disappoint. An interesting and informative work, it has become a wish list of sorts for me. I've recommended it to several people and it is one book that has not made it to my bookshelves. I keep it handy for the times when I have a few moments to relax and dream. ( )

Wow! 5 stars for the photos and other info in the book. How I would love the chance to visit some of the places talked about in this book. Everything from ancient and historic sites, different cities, beaches, festivals, natural wonders, great journeys on foot, bike, ski, or wheels are covered. For this reader, a truly great book about different places on our planet to see and visit. ( )