Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When: The Ultimate Trip Planner for Every Month of the Year

This wonderful book is great for those with travel plans in mind, as well as for those who prefer to travel around the world without leaving home. Using the succinct, practical approach that has made Lonely Planet travel books so popular, the authors have divided the book into 12 chapters, one for each month, each describing 30 different places to visit “when the conditions and circumstances are just right.” At the start of each chapter, a two-page flow chart allows readers to decide just what kinds of trips they want, from short breaks to two-week adventures, whether “relaxing/indulging” or hoping to “challenge myself.” Each entry starts with an answer to the question “Why now?” (peninsular Malaysia in April: “Explore cities, beaches, islands, and highlands in relatively dry condition”) as well as trip plans (Kangaroo Island, Australia, in July: “You could do a day trip, but take advantage of off-season prices to stay for longer”). The true delights of the book are the copious stunning photos used to illustrate destination wonders such as Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor and Bhutan’s Tango Goema monastery. (Nov.)