Краткое описание: The old and the new, the rustic and the sophisticated, the wild and the refined—all of these experiences exist practically side by side in Colorado, amid what is arguably the most breathtaking mountain scenery in America. Colorado’s booming cities - Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver - and its admittedly somewhat glitzy resorts - especially Vail and Aspen - offer much of the comfort and culture of New York or Los Angeles but at a slower, more relaxed pace.

Краткое описание: With every new edition of this book, identifying the “best of China” becomes a more and more difficult task. As this once isolated giant awakens, forces are being unleashed that impact tourism. Devastating pollution, widespread corruption, and the sheer volume of tourists have transformed many of China's best-known sights into filthy, overpriced circuses. To find the very best that China has to offer, it is sadly becoming more important to know what to avoid, rather than what to see.

Краткое описание: Chile’s tremendous length covers a hugely diverse array of landscapes, from the desolate moonscape of Chile ’s Atacama Desert, to the fertile vineyards of the Central Valley, to the lush rainforests of the Lake District, down to the magnificent glaciers and peaks of Patagonia - not to mention more than 4,830km (3,000 miles) of coastline and Easter Island. It’s truly mind-boggling to think of ho w many different experiences a traveler can have in just 2 or 3 weeks in this South American nation.

Краткое описание: What’s the best part about visiting Chicago with y our kids? On the positive side, Chicago is a big city. You’ll find a rich diversity of cultures and languages and the opportunity to expose y our kids to many different sights, sounds, and people. Free activities abound: P arks, a z oo, and the beach are a few of Chicago kids ’ favorite things - and they won’t cost you a penny. Transportation is easy: Kids love the “El,” carriage rides, trolley cars, and buses. And most activities are located around a compact city center - a brief bus or train ride from hotels on the Magnificent Mile, in River North, or the Loop will get you to any of the downtown museums or the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Краткое описание: Frank Sinatra once proclaimed Chicago his kind of town. It’s mine, as well. Awaiting you in the Windy City are new discoveries and favorite places you’ll want to visit again and again, from riding the “El” to singing along with the crowds at Wrigley Field’s seventh-inning stretch. In this section, I describe some quintessential Chicago experiences that just might become part of your family’s vacation lore. They may make Chicago your kind of town, too.

Краткое описание: Like any great city, Chicago’s got something for everyone, whether your tastes run toward world-famous museums and blow-your-budget luxury hotels or family-friendly lodgings and low-key neighborhood restaurants. Narrowing down your choices may seem daunting, but never fear: Here’s your cheat sheet to the very best of the city, the places to which I send out-of-town friends and relatives when they want to experience the “real” Chicago. Some are well-known tourist attractions, others are insider secrets, but all are places and experiences that truly sum up this town. Happy exploring!

Краткое описание: Though today’s cruise ships are sailing to more and more places, the Caribbean is still number one, the destination most of us imagine when we think “cruise.” Throughout the region you’re guaranteed nearly constant sunshine, plenty of beaches, and relaxation, but you’re also likely to find rich culture and (depending on the island) Mayan ruins, European colonial architecture, lush rainforests, winding mountain roads, beautiful tropical flowers and marine life, and opportunities to be as active or laid-back as you want to be.

Краткое описание: In the Caribbean, you can hike through national parks and scuba dive along underwater mountains. But if your idea of the perfect island vacation is to plunk yourself down on the sands with a frosted drink in hand, you can do that, too. Whether you want a veranda with a vie w of the sea or a plantation house set in a field of sugar cane, this chapter will help you choose the vacation that best suits your needs.

Краткое описание: Cape Cod is a curling peninsula only 70 miles long that encompasses hundreds of miles of beaches and more freshwater ponds than there are days in the year. The ocean’s many moods rule this thin spit of land, and in summer , it has a very sunny disposition indeed. The “arm” of the Cape has beckoned way farers since pre-Colonial times. These days, more than five million visitors flock from around the world each year to enjoy nature’s nonstop carnival, a combination of torrid sun, and cool, salty air.

Краткое описание: You don’t have to experience extremes to be gripped by the spirit of enquiry. When you see a skyscraper on TV you might wonder: what’s the tallest? Read about a centenarian’s birthday and you’ll think: who’s older, and by how much? Watch a fireworks display and ponder – what makes the biggest bangs? And just how big are they? You’ll find the answers to all these, and many more conundrums, inside this – The Big Book of Top 10s, from BBC Focus magazine. It’s more than just lists, of course. Each section is lavishly illustrated with graphics and photos to put the facts in their proper context.