Complete Idiots Guide to The Best Family Destinations - Book Review

I do not know how it is in your house, but trying to figure out a great vacation is not the easiest of things to do.

Especially when you have kids of all different ages.

Take our house, we have to consider fun and entertainment for ages 2-15.
Talk about a wide age gap!

I was lucky enough to have the chance to review " The Complete Idiot's Guide to : The Best Family Destinations."

I love the books from the Complete Idiot's Guide...
It makes me happy to know I am not alone on some things!
You know what I am talking about!! :)
I really liked this book, for several different reasons.

First of all, the breakdown.

The book is first divided by PARTS.

You have:
Part 1- The Northeast

Part 2- The South

Part 3- The Midwest

Part 4- The Southwest

Part 5- Mountain States

Part 6- The West

Part 7- The Northwest

Part 8- Mexico

Part 9- Canada

Now, after you pick the PART you want to travel to...
This book helps you out yet again.

You can then narrow down your trip based upon the adventure you are looking for.

Each PART is then divided by:
City Style, Cultural Appeal, At the Beach, Amusement Parks, Outdoor Adventures.

Obviously, the Midwest does not have an "At the Beach" section, but they have a "Living History" section that other parts do not! :)

The one thing that I wished this book had was a map of the United States.

Yes, I know that is why we have an Atlas, but I really think it would have been more helpful.

They have map outlines for the part you are reading...

but that is not what I am talking about.

Say I wanted to plan a road trip to California.

(NO, I am not that crazy to plan a trip to Cali with 4 boys... I am just saying.)

I would like to have a map to see somewhat of an area of where I would be headed to know what parts to look into.

I know that I would need a more detailed map or the Internet for the actual trip, but for those like me that have no sense of direction, I would like to have been able to sort of see where I would head.

No, don't worry... I wasn't planning on going to Maine on the way to California, I am just saying...

Moving along to the book, we all know I can get a bit off topic...

I do like the graphics along the sections...

If you see a light bulb, you can read a travel tip!
It is like a light going off, a little "food for thought" if you will...

A hand with a finger pointing lets you know a "fun fact."

Just a little extra information to help you enjoy your trip.

The bubble box tells you bits of advice from other travelers.

The construction sign thingy (you know you LOVE my names) tells you of any "traveler beware" information you might need to know.

(Example, it reminds you to be aware of pickpockets in the French Quarter of New Orleans.)

How cool is this?

I also LEARNED about our area!!!
Yes, we have been to Stone Mountain several times...

but, until I read this book, I did not know that you could meet characters like SpongeBob and Dora the Explorer at Stone Mountain!
(Marc did not know that either, so I think we might be going to Stone Mountain this summer!

The final icing on the cake for the book?

After each section has ended, they give you the contact information as well as the websites for the city they just covered!

I have read a few other books from the Complete Idiots Guide selections before, I am glad that I was able to read and review this one to share with you!

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FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.