Instead there are many fun ways to use it. In just one volume, it makes no attempt to be a comprehensive reference book. Using a more liberal concept of 'country', it brings the total number to 230. Even tiny Pacific islands get the same amount of space as everybody else, regardless of their size and popularity in tourism. Listed alphabetically from A-Z, each country occupies 2 pages with vivid pictures and some impression of the lands. and continues on to the last country Zimbabwe, Lonely Planet has put together an extraordinary travel book that brings us to every country in the world. Īfghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola.

But in the end, the true value of this gigantic book lies in the tremendous photography, with consistently eye-catching shots of natural beauty, architecture, and especially real people from every spot on Earth. You have to give Lonely Planet credit for at least trying in the writing department though, and there are usually true treasures in their recommendations for each nation's literature, music, foods, and drinks. Also watch for under-written stereotypical moments that list poverty and sex as calling cards of Cuba, fish as a trademark of Finland, national pride as characteristic of Moldova, or Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra movie as a real cinematic representation of Egypt. Examples include 'beach-hopping from one gorgeous sun-soaked spot to another' in Albania, or 'taking a boat ride down the Euphrates River' in Iraq. In general, just watch out for some poorly considered travel recommendations for out-of-the-way countries that are basically stereotypes, and merely sound cool but which the Lonely Planet folks couldn't have possibly done in person. Now since this is a British book, the recommendations for each country can be a little curious, especially what the Lonely Planet editors think is representative of the United States (which you'll find curious if you're American). Every nation on Earth, and a few non-nations like Antarctica or Puerto Rico, gets equal coverage in two-page spreads, regardless of size, influence, or fame. The adventurous folks at Lonely Planet have given us this nearly perfect book of photos and travel possibilities from around the world.

The Travel Book by Roz Hopkins