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Book Review: Where to Go When by DK Travel

Where to go when

Travel planning can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many beautiful places in the world, one of the biggest challenges for any traveler is not just where to go, but when to go there. This is exactly the problem that "Where to Go When" by DK Travel sets out to solve—and based on the experiences of readers, it succeeds brilliantly.

A Unique Travel Inspiration Guide

Unlike traditional guidebooks that focus on one country or city, this travel inspiration book takes a global approach. 

It organises destinations month by month, offering travellers an easy way to plan trips at the best possible time of year. 

Whether you want to explore European cities in spring, relax on tropical beaches in winter, or go on an adventurous safari in Africa during peak wildlife season, this book provides a road map.

Readers found this structure incredibly helpful. One traveller mentioned that they are planning to pick a destination from the book every month and go there, simply because the layout makes it easy to use.

 For busy professionals or people who don’t want to spend hours researching weather patterns and tourist seasons, this is a game-changer.

Visual Appeal and High-Quality Design

One of the consistent highlights in customer reviews is the visual quality. DK Travel is well known for producing beautifully illustrated books, and Where to Go When is no exception.

 With colourful photographs, detailed maps, and one-to-two page destination summaries, the book is as much a coffee table showpiece as it is a practical travel guide.

A reviewer noted that the photography ideas were so inspiring that it made the book an excellent gift for a traveller. Another reader used the book in a very creative way—as a wedding guest book, where guests added photos and notes about honeymoon suggestions

This not only shows the book’s versatility but also how engaging the visuals and content are for readers of all ages.


Unforgettable trips for every month


Practical and Easy to Use

A standout feature of Where to Go When is its practicality. Many guidebooks can be overwhelming with too much information, but DK Travel has simplified it to just a few pages per destination.

 Each entry provides the essentials—when to visit, why to go, what to see, and a glimpse of cultural highlights. This makes it easy to flip through, get inspired, and make decisions quickly.

For those who dislike overplanning, this is a perfect balance. As one reviewer mentioned, “Spending time trying to figure out where to go and when is the worst part of travelling.

 This book breaks it down month by month.” That sense of simplicity and direction is what makes this book so valuable.

A Great Gift for Travel Lovers

Several readers bought this book as a gift for travellers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers. Whether for a wedding registry, birthday, or simply as a thoughtful gesture, Where to Go When seems to delight recipients. 

The mix of practical travel advice and stunning visuals makes it stand out from other gifts. It isn’t just a book—it’s a source of year-round inspiration.

In fact, one customer shared that after buying it for a bridal registry, they ended up purchasing another copy for themselves because it was too interesting to give away without having one of their own. This shows just how universally appealing it is, even to those who aren’t frequent readers.

Minor Downsides

While the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, a small point of criticism came from someone who purchased a used copy. They felt it was a little pricey for secondhand, though the quality of the book itself was excellent.

 This isn’t a reflection on the content but rather the resale market. New editions tend to hold their value well, which is a testament to the popularity of DK Travel books.

Why This Book Stands Out

What sets Where to Go When apart from other travel guides is its combination of inspiration and practicality. It doesn’t just tell you about destinations; it tells you the best time to go there, making trip planning effortless. It caters to:

  • Travel planners who want a clear month-by-month guide

  • Gift seekers looking for a thoughtful present for friends or couples

  • Honeymooners searching for romantic travel ideas

  • Photography enthusiasts who love visual inspiration

  • Casual readers who enjoy flipping through stunning imagery

Unlike purely informational guides, this book sparks a sense of wanderlust, encouraging readers to dream big and actually turn those dreams into real travel experiences.

Final Verdict

"Where to Go When" by DK Travel is much more than just a guidebook—it’s a travel companion, inspiration source, and practical planner rolled into one.

 Whether you’re planning your next vacation, looking for the perfect honeymoon destination, or simply love exploring the world through photos, this book delivers on every front.

With its month-by-month format, beautiful photography, easy-to-read content, and universal appeal, it deserves a place on the bookshelf of every travel lover. Based on customer feedback, it’s clear that most readers not only enjoyed it but also found creative ways to use and share it.

If you’re searching for the best travel guide to plan your trips, or a thoughtful gift book for travellers, Where to Go When is highly recommended. It makes travel planning less stressful and much more exciting—turning the question of “Where should I go?” into an adventure waiting to happen.


About the author




Taraneh Ghajar Jerven is a wordsmith and traveller. She loves nothing more than dreaming up questions and globetrotting in search of answers. Taraneh has worked on travel-themed books, including illustrated children’s non-fiction and guides to Norway, Denmark, and Greece with Penguin Random House. When she's not exploring the world with her husband and three kids, she lives on a farm in Norway.

(This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect your price.)

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