Friday, February 10, 2017

50 States, 5000 Ideas (review)

**This post contains affiliated links that I may earn commissions from, but all opinions are my own**

For long time readers of this blog, you'll know I love to travel. My goal in life is to see all 50 states and go overseas to another country sometime. I don't know when or where, and I'm a little terrified since I'm such a weird eater and hate everything, but it is a dream of mine.

50 States, 5000 Ideas - National Geographic

This richly illustrated book from the travel experts at National Geographic showcases the best travel experiences in every state, from the obvious to the unexpected. Sites include national parks, beaches, hotels, Civil War battlefields, dude ranches, out-of-the-way museums, and more. You'll discover the world's longest yard sale in Tennessee, swamp tours in Louisiana, dinosaur trails in Colorado, America's oldest street in NYC, and the best spot to watch for sea otters on the central California coast. Each entry provides detailed travel information as well as fascinating facts about each state that will help fuel your wanderlust and ensure the best vacation possible. In addition to 50 states in the U.S., the book includes a section on the Canadian provinces and territories.

I have had this book sitting on my dining room counter (which is the equivalent to the coffee table for us, everything lands there) for a few weeks now and everyone who has come over has picked it up and paged through it. It's a really beautiful books with amazing photographs and countless ideas. It features all 50 states but also Canadian provinces so if your travels take you north, you are well covered.

The great part about this book is that every state has a wonderful write up with the standard tourist areas that really shouldn't be missed, but it also features out of the way destinations. You'll also find "Hidden Treasures", "Local Flavor", "Festivals" and other highlight areas so if you have a state in mind, these will help you narrow down what time of year to visit. I have to tell you that after going through the book I have a bizarre urge to backpack through Olympic National Park for one. This book makes you want to tackle the outdoors, fill up the fanny pack you know you have in your closet, and tour the country. Even as someone who doesn't LOVE nature and the outdoors, this book makes me want to get out there. Landmarks and museums you've never heard of are highlighted throughout. I so highly recommend this book not just for yourself but your friends who always seem to have wanderlust. Definitely 5 stars for this book, it's going to be my first resource when it's time to plan a vacation. It's a United States/Canada bucket list!

You can find this book on Amazon (link below) but also on the National Geographic website HERE.

1 comment:

Heather J @ TLC Book Tours said...

I hope this book inspires you to get out an travel more and get those items checked off your bucket list!

Thanks for being a part of the tour.