Where To Go When [Hardcover]

Two years ago, the producers of the PBS series, Globe Trekker, released a tie-in book similar in approach to this one called Globe Trekker's World: What's On in the World...and When. Travel writer Joseph Rosendo takes the same approach of presenting a global calendar of must-see sights, events and unique festivals. Granted the paperback Globe Trekker calendar guidebook is half the price, but this has the advantage of the glossy, luxuriant look of the DK Eyewitness Guides adapted into a coffee-table book format full of their superb color photography. As the consulting editor, Rosendo has designed the book specifically to overload the reader's visual senses with exotic images that whet an appetite for further investigation.

Whereas "Globe Trekker" is targeted more to the backpack adventurer, this book encompasses a broader spectrum of experiences, for example, what to do for five days in March during the Fallas Festival in Valencia, Spain, or four days in July during the Calgary Stampede, or ten days sailing in Kerala, India, in December. Not only are there renowned festivals around the world to attend but also more personalized experiences recommended that range from luxuriant trips of romantic fantasy to affordable family getaways. The presentation is smart simply because Rosendo lets the seasons dictate the order of the highlights rather than the geography itself. Each month opens with a two-page spread of thirty key activities occurring at that time around the world of which a dozen are highlighted with greater detail.

Key bits of advice are presented with a couple of lines on such topics as getting there and getting around, what it costs to eat , what to do for a recommended period of time, and even a comment on the local do's and don'ts to avoid being labeled an ugly American. But make no mistake, it's the lush, often dazzling photography that is the draw here, not the relatively cursory information provided. What the DK Eyewitness Guides do especially well is make visual sense of what other guidebooks simply describe in words. This large-format book goes even further in bundling the diverse world of experiences to be had if one ventures forth to find them at the optimal time and with an unlimited budget.

Most travel guides tell you what to see, but not when. Knowing the important cultural events of a country or region makes a trip memorable. Equally significant to me as a photographer are the weather and seasonal conditions. Rainy seasons, extreme heat, days of overcast need to be considered when I travel. I especially like to know when flowers are blooming. The notes in the margin make a quick study of learning the basic facts regarding getting there, getting around, accommodations, eating, and prices for two people. The excellent photographs are well-chosen. Just when I think I don't need another travel book, this one is published. It's a beautiful and useful book and would make a great gift for someone who enjoys travel.

It's a very pretty book with gorgeous pictures, that's what caught my attention to begin with. But it didn't live up to its title for `where to go when'. I think it would be more useful if it's `where to go when and why'. People go places for different reasons, some for the good weather, some for the festivals and special events, and some for the budget. Disregard those considerations, the book became useless for planning a trip. Kauai for example, is listed under October, but was given no reasons why. Anyone who lived in Hawaii knows you can visit Hawaii just about all year around for its good weather. Although winter can be wet, but it offers the biggest waves for surfing. Best whale watching time is February and March. Camping and kayaking to Kalalau beach is only safe or possible in July and August (I can be sure the beautiful Kalalau valley and beach picture wasn't taken in October), in fact September and October is typhoon season. So why October? When weather is mild in most part of the world, it's obviously not suitable for family travel since schools have started, cheaper plane tickets? The book didn't say anything! I looked up places I have visited before and don't think I'd visit them for the time being recommended in the book either. 7 stars for a coffee table book, 1 star for travel planning book.