1,000 Places to See Before You Die - TV-G
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this series -- which is based on Patricia Schultz's bestselling book of the same name -- captures the beauty, diversity, and cultural vibrancy of about 100 of the places featured in the book. Viewers are exposed to the geography, history, and people that make each place unique, and they'll gain a new appreciation for the world's vast differences -- as well as its underlying interconnectedness. This eye-opening series is great to share with kids of any age, but be prepared to answer their questions about things like unfamiliar dress, cuisine, and living conditions.
Families can talk about how their lives compare to the cultures they see on the show. Kids: How is your lifestyle different from the people in this episode? Do they dress, eat, or play differently from you? How does their homeland affect how they live? What do you think their reaction would be to see how you live? What similarities exist between us and them? If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
Based on the bestselling book by Patricia Schultz, 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE takes viewers on a tour of some of the world's most breathtaking places, showcasing each area's natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural diversity, as seen through the eyes of an adventurous young couple who revel in their new experiences.
For Colorado newlyweds Melanie and Albin Ulle, this 14-week journey around the globe -- which includes stops in 13 countries, for a total of about 100 of the places on Schultz's list of 1,000 -- is the adventure of a lifetime, so much so that they've left their jobs and lives behind to experience all the world has to offer. Their odyssey takes them to Mexico, South Africa, Australia, Nepal, France, and Brazil, just to name a few. At each stop, local experts offer insight into history and geography, and the Ulles sample traditional cuisine, meet indigenous wildlife, and try native hobbies.
In a segment shot in Alaska, for example, Melanie and Albin trek across a 10,000-year-old glacier, ride a gondola to the top of a mountain for some stunning natural sightseeing, watch as orcas frolic alongside their tour boat, and experience the rush of sled dog mushing. They also visit local fishing towns and a wildlife preserve that rehabilitates injured and abandoned grizzly bears and moose.
There's really no end to the impressive sights and sounds viewers will find in this wonderful series. And the Ulles' excitement for each new adventure gives it a uniquely welcoming feel for a travel series. If you watch with your kids, you'll find plenty of educational avenues, as well as opportunities to instill respect and appreciation for the world's diverse people and places.
Fans should check out the show's Web site for interactive maps, travel itineraries for each destination, photos, and journal entries. Other great choices for family viewing include Awesome Adventures, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, and Caught in the Moment.
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ViolenceA segment shot in a fishing village shows dead fish hanging from hooks. |
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Social BehaviorThe series promotes cultural awareness and diversity. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoPeople smoke and drink in the background in restaurants and bars. Occasionally the couple drinks wine on camera. |
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