Have you ever found yourself standing in a bookstore, surrounded by travel guide books , wondering which one to choose? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make the right decision. Each guide has its own strengths and weaknesses, and picking the best travel guide book depends on your specific needs and preferences.
To make your decision-making process easier, I've done the hard work for you. I've narrowed down the options to 11 of the best travel guide books and outlined the reasons why they stand out from the rest. By reading each edition for a city or country I am already very familiar with, I could thoroughly assess their accuracy and usefulness. After all, what better way to test a travel guide than to see if it knows a place as well as a local?
Before you rush to buy guidebooks, here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect one for your next adventure:
Always Check the Publication Date
It's essential to check the publication date of the guidebook you're considering. The travel industry is constantly evolving, and establishments can close or change within a short span of time. Public transportation systems also undergo frequent updates. By choosing a recent edition, you ensure that the information provided is up to date and accurate.
Consider Both Hard Copy and E-Format
In today's digital age, guidebooks are available in both hard copy and electronic formats. Each format has its advantages. Hard copies are perfect for taking notes and having a physical reference while you're on the road. E-formats, on the other hand, are convenient for carrying multiple guides without the added weight. Consider buying both formats if you're looking for the best of both worlds.
Think About the Destination and Your Style of Travel
Different travel guidebook series cater to different destinations and travel styles. Each publication has its own target audience and writing style. Some are more comprehensive, while others focus on specific regions or cities. To get a feel for the style and content of a guidebook, head to a library or bookstore and read a few pages. You'll quickly pick up on the nuances and find the one that resonates with you.
Check the Author Bio
Pay attention to the author's background and experience. Look for guidebooks with contributions from local-based writers. They bring valuable firsthand knowledge and insights that add authenticity to the content. By supporting books with local writers, you also contribute to responsible tourism and promote diversity in the publishing industry.
Now, let's explore some of the best travel guide books available:
Lonely Planet Guide
Lonely Planet Guides are my go-to for travel. They excel in providing comprehensive information for countries or regions rather than specific cities or towns. Their understanding of distance, transportation, and hidden gems makes them the perfect companion for exploring off the beaten path. Additionally, Lonely Planet offers a range of specialized books like "The Not-For-Parents Travel Book" and "The Solo Travel Handbook."
Great for: Big picture travel across a whole country, particularly Oceania, Asia, and the "Shoestring" range. Their guide for New Zealand is especially outstanding.
Not so great: They need to update their South America collection. Recent editions lack detail and encouragement to explore lesser-known destinations, such as the Galapagos Islands.
Fodor's
Fodor's guides are highly popular, known for their annual "Go List" of top things to do in different locations. They excel at highlighting the must-see attractions of a city or region. However, they may lack the details and insights of lesser-known places beyond the main tourist areas. Fodor's guides are particularly popular among the older generation and focus on European destinations.
Great for: Discovering the best highlights of any city, especially in Europe (e.g., Paris).
Not so great: If you're seeking local, off-the-beaten-path recommendations, or if you're planning to stay in one place for an extended period.
Frommers
Frommer's guides offer a comfortable balance between comfort and adventure. They prioritize the highlights and give great recommendations for any destination. However, they may lack the insider knowledge of someone who has recently experienced the popular tourist spots. Frommer's guides have recently shifted focus towards budget-friendly travel but should provide more input from local writers.
Great for: Mainstream travel with an upmarket touch, especially in Western Europe.
Not so great: Exploring places beyond the usual tourist spots, such as the hidden laneways of Melbourne.
DK Eyewitness
If you're interested in culture, museums, art galleries, and architecture, DK Eyewitness guides are perfect for you. They excel at visually showcasing the beauty and history of a destination. However, they may lack practical details on things like local food recommendations or parks to visit. Use DK Eyewitness guides for visual inspiration and building your itinerary before your trip.
Great for: Inspiring your holidays through stunning visuals, especially for cities like Rome or London. Their guide on Italy is highly recommended.
Not so great: Providing day-to-day travel details once you step away from the major attractions.
These are just a few of the many travel guide book options available. Other notable series include Rick Steves, Rough Guides, Bradt Guides, Blue Guides, Footprint Travel Guides, and Insight Guides, each with its own unique strengths and focus. Additionally, don't forget about the delightful "This is…" series by Miroslava Saska, which beautifully captures the essence of various cities and countries for a more poetic and artistic travel experience.
Remember, the best travel guide book is the one that aligns with your travel style, provides accurate and up-to-date information, and sparks your wanderlust. So grab a guidebook, let it inspire your next adventure, and bon voyage!
Note: This article was initially published with incorrect information regarding The Insight Guides. The Insight Guides are produced by APA Publications, which is not affiliated with the Discovery Channel.
