Looking to make some springtime travel plans to help you dream away the last few chilly winter nights? If so, February’s travel books are a fantastic place to get started. Whether you are searching for the perfect destination for that last-minute weekend getaway or a detailed guide for the trip of a lifetime, you will find everything you are seeking and much more right here.

1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler’s Life List by Patricia Schultz (Amazon.com/ $13.57, Workman): Originally published in 2003, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die is the ultimate global travel guide and a New York Times bestseller. This newly released edition of Schultz’s collection of must-see destinationspacks an even bigger punch than the original,
in thatit includes 200 new entries and 28 additional countries to inspire the globetrotter in us all. This latest version also features more than 600 full-color photos that truly bring the various locations to life for readers. A trusted world travel expert, Schultz has over 25 years of experience. The book is organized into eight regions, making it simple to plan your next itinerary for any area of the world. Schultz provides her readers with a great deal of detail on each entry, even including information such as where to stay and costs associated with dining and accommodations. Budget-friendly
suggestions and alternatives are also discussed. Truly, you cannot afford not to read 1,000 Places if you are making major travel plans anytime in the near future. It should also be noted that a companion app for the iPad is available.

The New York Times 36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada by Barbara Ireland (Amazon.com/$26.39, Taschen): Inspired by the popular New York Times weekly column “36 Hours,” this travel guide offers readers plenty of weekend trip inspiration. For sightseers interested in planning a short jaunt in their own backyard or perhaps even a road trip across the country, this practical and entertaining book has an array of appealing options. Readers can become familiar quickly
with each destination that the book covers through the color photos and maps included. Packed with plenty of insider knowledge, 36 Hours provides the expertise vacationers need to get the most out of their time at each and every destination. When planning your itinerary for that next weekend retreat, this book should definitely be your go-to guide.