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Book Review: 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

1000 Places to see before you die


If you love travelling, dreaming about destinations, or simply surrounding yourself with beauty and inspiration, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz is the book you’ve been waiting for. Named a Best Gift Book/Best Travel Book of the Year by the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Associated Press, House Beautiful, Business Insider, The Daily Beast, Forbes, Fodor’s, The Points Guy, Seattle Times, and many more, this travel masterpiece is more than just a guide—it’s a lifelong companion for wanderers.

As the New York Times Book Review describes it: “This is the comfort food of travel books. . . . This book will sweep you off your feet.” And Publishers Weekly calls it: “Gorgeous . . . breathtaking . . . spectacular.” With such glowing praise from experts and readers alike, it’s no wonder this book has become a worldwide favourite.

A Treasure for Every Traveller

Patricia Schultz’s 1,000 Places to See Before You Die is a curated collection of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.

 From iconic wonders like the Grand Canyon and the Eiffel Tower, to hidden gems you’ve never heard of, it presents an inspiring list of adventures for every type of traveller.

Unlike standard travel guides, this book is lavishly illustrated with stunning photography and packed with cultural insights, historical context, and recommendations on the best times to visit. 

The result is a book that not only helps you plan trips but also sparks endless wanderlust.

What Readers Are Saying

What makes this book stand out even more is the way it connects with real readers. Here are some highlights from verified customer reviews that reveal why people treasure this book:

  1. A Retirement Gift That Became a Lifelong Journey

    One reader shared how they first received the paperback edition of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die as a retirement gift. It was such a meaningful present that it inspired them to keep going, later buying the annual “1,000 Places” calendars to track the places they hadn’t visited yet. Over the years, their calendar pages became a checklist of adventures, with fewer and fewer destinations left unvisited. Eventually, they “graduated” to the full illustrated edition of the book. They described it as “stunning”—filled with breathtaking photos and easy-to-read descriptions that make travel dreams feel closer than ever.

  2. “One of My Favourite Books of All Time”

    Another reader raved: “I can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s stunning. The size, the pictures, the information about all of these fantastic places. Some are the cool stuff we know about, but most of it are places and things I’ve never heard of but look amazing. It’s honestly one of my favourite books of all time.” This highlights one of the book’s greatest strengths: it doesn’t just recycle popular tourist spots—it opens readers’ eyes to surprising, lesser-known wonders that deserve a place on any traveller’s bucket list.

  3. A Coffee Table Essential for Travel Lovers

    One buyer said they spotted the book at a friend’s house and immediately purchased a copy for themselves. They explained that as someone who loves to travel, it was the “perfect book to have on my coffee table.” Indeed, the large format, glossy pages, and beautiful photography make this book not only a guide but also a conversation starter and piece of decor. Guests will naturally flip through it, sparking travel discussions and trip ideas.

  4. A Retirement Travel Reference

    Another review praised how the book arrived in perfect condition, with reviews, ideas, and photos that “lived up to expectations in every way.” The reader shared that it will serve as their retirement travel reference for years to come. They loved the oversized pages, the weight of the book, and even the pretty cover, noting, “I can’t wait to really go through it—it’s so big!”

  5. Inspiration for Future Vacations

    For others, the appeal lies in simply having a beautiful coffee table book that provides inspiration for the future. One customer said, “A beautiful coffee table book that gives us something to look at and plan future vacations!”

The World as You've Never Seen It Before
These heartfelt testimonials show that the book is not just for hardcore travellers—it resonates with retirees, dreamers, casual travellers, and anyone who loves exploring the world through stories and photographs.

Why This Book Is So Special

  • Visually Stunning – The photography is nothing short of breathtaking, making it a joy to browse even if you’re not planning a trip anytime soon.

  • Perfect Gift – Whether for retirement, graduation, birthdays, or holidays, it has been called one of the best travel gift books available today.

  • Inspiration + Practicality – While inspiring readers to dream big, it also offers tips on when and how to visit these destinations.

  • Bucket-List Worthy – Many readers use it as a checklist for their lifetime travels.

  • Timeless Appeal – Whether you’re 25 or 75, this book grows with you.

Final Thoughts

1,000 Places to See Before You Die is more than a travel guide—it is an inspiration, a gift, and a lifelong companion.

 With global recognition as a Best Travel Book of the Year and glowing reviews from both critics and everyday readers, Patricia Schultz’s work continues to capture hearts.

From retirement gifts to coffee table conversations, from bucket list planning to daily wanderlust, this book serves many purposes. 

As one reviewer perfectly put it, “It’s honestly one of my favourite books of all time.” Another called it “a retirement travel reference for years to come.”

Whether you’re gifting it to someone special or keeping it for yourself, this book will indeed sweep you off your feet. 

As Publishers Weekly said, it’s “Gorgeous . . . breathtaking . . . spectacular.”

If you want a book that combines beauty, adventure, and inspiration, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die deserves a spot on your shelf—and perhaps on your coffee table, where it can spark dreams of journeys yet to come.

About the author

Patricia Schultz is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller 1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die. A veteran travel journalist with 25 years of experience, she has written for guides such as Frommer's and Berlitz and periodicals including The Wall Street Journal and Everyday With Rachael Ray. She also executive-produced a Travel Channel television show based on 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Her home base is New York City. Learn more at 1000Places.com

                            👉 Click here to buy this book on Amazon

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