Most colleges have their Spring Break coming up (!!) and if you're like me, buried in car payments and online shopping bills, then you also had to pass on a tropical beach vacation. While my friends are off sunning themselves silly, I'm working at my school, touring prospective students. I'm not complaining, but I have spent a good amount of time daydreaming and planning my next wonderful trip. So, of course, I need a travel guide to assist me!



Since I have been thinking about a Greek Island vacation, "500 Extraordinary Islands" seemed like a great option. This book gives "beach read" a whole new meaning. It's a unique travel book; instead of simply touring you around a country, this one gives you the opportunity to check out wonderful places all over the planet! That versatility immediately appealed to me. The book is also organized in a really neat way. Frommers has very much avoided a geographical system, that is, they haven't separated the islands by continent. Instead, they are classified by your interests! With chapters like "Beachcomber," "Garden" and "Wildlife" islands, you're given about seven options in each one, so you're bound to find an island whose atmosphere appeals to you in a location you want to visit (and, more importantly for students, can afford!).



Another feature I really appreciated is called "Island Hopping." Every chapter has this feature, where Frommers outlines a cluster of islands that you can "hop" to, all with the same qualities. One of my favorites is the Lofoten Islands in the "Treasure Islands" chapter. They are a group of seven islands located off the coast of Norway. I've never heard of them, but now Frommers has me looking up flights to Oslo.



For each island, they also provide access information like the nearest airport, boat port, train station and bridges, which is super handy for planning. They also recommend hotels and restaurants, but the majority of the space is dedicated to activities! There is nothing worse than a travel guide full of hotels; I only need a couple options in each price bracket, not every hotel in the city! Thankfully, Frommer's 500 Extraordinary Islands sticks to what is important, especially for students on a budget. A warm place to stay, a couple interesting restaurants and lots and lots of activities to try out!



Anyone who is planning a trip either for this summer or next Spring Break should check out Frommer's 500 Extraordinary Islands. It's informative, helpful and will show you a whole new world of travel options!