Travel books have the power to take us out of our homes and daily lives and into daydreaming about visiting the most wild and beautiful places in the world. But only the very best offer truly practical and insightful information that inspires a sense of wanderlust and connection amongst families. Bucket List Family Travel, written by Jessica Gee, takes readers on a journey through the lens of the Gee family, who left behind the ordinary to embrace a life filled with extraordinary adventures.

The Bucket List Family considers themselves to be “family travel journalists,” traveling around the world and sharing their stories through their website, YouTube channel, and Instagram. Their journey began in 2015, when parents Jessica and Garrett sold all of their belongings and packed up their two kids, Dorothy and Manilla, and embarked on a journey to learn all they could about life and happiness. 50 countries later, baby Calihan joined in on the adventure, completing the family of five. They have since established a home base in Hawaii, while continuing their travels and passing on their vast family travel experience to other families all over the world through their National Geographic-published book Bucket List Family Travel.

This book is a treasure trove of insights, from choosing destinations and planning itineraries to navigating the challenges of traveling children, all emphasized by its emphasis on creating meaningful memories as a family. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to cater to both novice and seasoned travelers alike, covering the basics of packing, budgeting, and selecting accommodations, while sharing a unique perspective and off-the-beaten-path recommendations. 

Jessica’s narrative is engaging and informative, offering anecdotes, mishaps, and triumphs - a genuine and relatable account of the many joys and challenges of life on the road. The structure of the book is broken down into three parts:

• Planning: Guides readers through the brainstorming, budgeting, booking, itinerary-making, and packing that precludes the adventure itself.
• En Route and On The Ground: Everything from transportation, finding balance while traveling with children, and creating memories, to answering the burning question of how to handle the inevitable challenges that come with traveling as a family.
• Where to Go: This is where the heart of the book begins, with Jessica breaking down 50 incredible adventures, telling readers exactly where to go, how to get there, what to do, when to visit, where to stay, and what to eat. 

Complete with stunning photography, maps, and a beautifully-flowing format, this book serves as the ultimate source of inspiration for readers to connect with their families through new adventures.

This incredible book is so much more than just a guidebook; Jessica has created an ode to family exploration. Whether you are planning your first family trip, or looking to reconnect with your family over a renewed sense of purpose, this book is a must-read. It will leave you inspired to create your own bucket list and embark on unforgettable adventures with your loved ones.

Book reviewed by: Emily Maltaverne, Heyday Team Contributor