Product Description

We only get one life so we owe it to ourselves to see as much of this beautiful world as possible. For many of us, lying on a beach for two weeks each year is just not enough any more. We want to see ancient monuments, extraordinary scenery, endangered wildlife, foreign cultures, architecture and art - places that give us the chance to grow and expand our horizons. Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die will help you search out some of these essential destinations and experiences. International travel writer and photographer Steve Davey has drawn on his years of experience in selecting forty of his favourite places. Some, such as the Taj Mahal and the Alhambra, are relatively well-known, but most, such as the incredible temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the amazing sand dunes of Dead Vlei in the Namib desert, are very much off the beaten track. Some, such as Venice or New York, involve relatively comfortable journeys, whilst others present more of a challenge - crossing the wilderness to see the rock-hewn churches at Lalibela in Ethiopia, for example, or trekking for nine days at altitude to see the stunning Himalayan scenery around Makalu in Nepal. Although there are plenty of tips for travellers, this is not a travel guide, and is certainly not definitive, but it will introduce you to a host of spectacular locations, all of which can be visited in a holiday of two weeks or less. Beautifully illustrated throughout with specially commissioned photographs, this is a book that will inspire you to think beyond the walls of your room and take time out to visit some of the world's truly unforgettable places.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2789 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-18
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

About the Author
Since graduating with a BA in Photography in 1988 Steve Davey has travelled extensively researching and illustrating features about places most of us only ever dream about, which is why he is ideally suited to write this book. Steve has been published In magazines, books and newspapers all over the world, including Wanderlust, Footprint Guides, Rough Guides, the Independent, Geographical Magazine, Insight Guides and Global Adventure Magazine. In addition, Steve has co-written and illustrated two books on digital photography and has contributed to four anthologies of travel writing. He is also a regular contributor to Total Digital Photography Magazine.

Customer Reviews

The inspiration I needed
Many "coffee table" books have beautiful photos, engaging graphic design, and succinct prose. Fun to browse, a pleasant way to kill time. Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die goes beyond the genre. It stirs not only the visual sense, but also those of sound, smell, and touch, with images of everyday life at truly amazing places. It's not simply a collection of postcards or a photographic travel essay. The book is a call to action. I am fortunate to have been to several of the places featured in this gorgeous book. The reawakening of memories of those long-ago adventures gave the text credibility. And the photos of the many others I've not seen inspired action! I've got places to go, and time's ticking!

I envy the photographers the travels that brought them to these wonderful spots, and their vast talents that bring us there, too.

Warning : this book is bad for your wallet
I warn you now, this book is an inspiration - it will make you want to get on the next plane out to see as many of the amazing destinations it features as possible. It makes sitting at your desk at work so much harder - and your daily commute an emotionally painful journey. There are so many other places I'd rather be travelling to! The photos are simply beautiful. But what makes this book extra special is the way it's written. It's evocative, informative and has a real personal touch. My fiancee and I have used it to decide where to go on honeymoon. I gave the book to my Mum for Mothers Day - she loves it & it's sowing the seeds of adventure in her mind. I gave one to my brother for Xmas and he described it as travel porn. The destinations are both exotic & aspirational, and easily accessible. Take your pick.

Inspiring Stuff
On just a quick through this book, before settling down to read you already feel compelled to drag your back pack out of the attic and hand in your notice at work.

Its a book for rainy days, to remind you whats out there, and you need to see before it, or you goes. Its a book for sunny days to help decide on where to explore next, whilst on the phone to the airline company!

Loved by children, the photos are beautifully presented so that they can use their imagination to take them to these wonderful places. Enjoyed by adults as a motivational tool to get out there again...

A fabulous book, a wonderful gift, highly recommended.