See Them Before They’re Gone
Looking for travel ideas and still coming up empty? Frommer’s might be able to help.
I’m loving this new guide – of course, Frommer’s has always come up with great stuff, but 500 Places to See Before They Disappear
The Mosques of Timbuktu (or did you think that Timbuktu didn’t actually exist?) 
Kootenai River Valley where hydroelectic plans have diverted the river’s flow, destroying ecological habitats and dried up formerly beautiful waterfalls.
The Falkland Islands – it’s not all about wars in this place; tourists now enjoy hiking, photography, and fishing…at least for now.
The book helpfully includes flight, hotel, and recommended tour information for each disappearing act. What I really appreciate is the view that Frommer’s has taken – this is not a “everyone stampede these sights so they die a little more quickly”; the view is “visit these places with awareness and contribute to the tourism coffers so hopefully these gems survive.” I’ll let the author speak for herself:
What you’ll find in these pages is a carefully chosen list of destinations for travelers to enjoy. That verb “enjoy” is crucial — for in the process of cherishing these natural and cultural wonders, we renew our commitment to preserving them.
So seriously, if you are feeling like your travelogues are feeling a bit dull and you need some inspiration, pick up 500 Places to See Before They Disappear
Have you been somewhere that’s about to disappear? Tell us in the comments.
Image Credits
Timbuktu Mosque by upyernoz
Kootenai River Valley by nathansnider
Falkland Islands by amoosefloats
Andy Hayes is the managing editor of Sharing Travel Experiences. Featured in Newsweek, the Wall Street Journal, National Geographic Traveler, and other major publications, he travels for up to seven weeks at a time and spends the other seven right here with you. Follow him on Twitter, @andrewghayes.
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January 9th, 2009 at 5:54 am
Just what I need — to add to the list of places I need to go. Fortunately, I have seen a few of the places listed — but that leaves 497 more. Sigh.
Cynthia’s last blog post..Albany Coast, Torndirrup Peninsula
January 9th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Such is the life of a travel writer, doomed to a never-ending list of “must see” sights, attractions, and destinations. Although, I can think of worse things.