Right now, the winds are swirling and snow is flying outside my Alexandria home. It looks like it’s going to be a full-fledged blizzard out there today, and my muscles are already anticipating the shoveling that will have to be done tomorrow.

With that in mind, I’m going to spend part of the day going through some new travel books, dreaming of the next time I can feel the sun on my skin.

First on my list: 500 Extraordinary Islands, compiled by Frommer’s (2010, Wiley, $19.99). Frommer’s has come out with several of these “500″ guides lately, and ther 500 Places for Food and Wine Lovers is already on my bookshelf as a reference tool.

What I like about the “500 Islands” book is that it defines the term broadly, including larger land masses such as Newfoundland and cities such as Singapore, as well as the small I-wanna-go-there-now tropical getaways such as Nicaragua’s Corn Islands. The authors have rightfully defined an islands’ appeal by its sense of place, as opposed merely to its beauty or tourist appeal, and have organized it along interests (Beachcomber Islands, Wildlife Islands, City Islands, etc.), with lively subheads (pirates, prisons). I also like the island-hopping itineraries that are scattered throughout the book.

What I don’t like: the black and white photos. A book on islands really needs to have some color, and I’d rather see fewer photos in color than the flat ones that seem randomly stuck through the pages.

Which is why I like Lonely Planet’s 1,000 Ultimate Experiences (2009, $22.99). Releassed late last year, the book is a little larger and bulkier than the Frommer’s one (although it doesn’t weigh down my bookshelf nearly as much as the gorgeous National Geographic tomes).

Printed on slick paper with, yes, plenty of great photos, 1,000 Places has a hipper vibe (the gay parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil is included as one of the Best Places to Don Fancy Dress) that’s useful without being too snarky (I’m glad they included Tourist Traps Worth the Crowds because let’s face it, Angkor Wat is).

What I don’t like it: This book is just a little too big to easily throw into a backpack or briefcase. And the slick pages that make the photos look so fantastic are a little stiff, so it’s hard to break in. But it’s perfect for before-bed reading or exotic getaway plotting, which is what often drives my leisure hours.

If you would like me to review your travel book, please contact me at chris@caroundtheworld.com.