How to Select the Right Guidebook

The guidebook you use can make or break a trip. Prioritizing the elements of your trip before you shop will help you choose the perfect book.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Foreign Language Phrase Books
• Maps
• Travel Guides
• Maps

1. Find a local bookstore with an extensive travel section.

2. Locate guidebooks about your destination. Do you want a book about an entire country? Or perhaps a specific city?

3. Check each guidebook for maps to be sure that each city or town is well detailed.

4. Choose guides that cater to your budget. Some books focus on hostels and budget travel, while others review more upscale accommodations.

5. Cross-reference at least two books to be sure you choose the most comprehensive one.

6. Make sure you are choosing the most current edition of each book.

Tips & Warnings

• Call ahead to any hostels, hotels or travel companies to make sure they are still in business before you visit them.
• Try not to rely solely on any guidebook. Recommendations from friends and associates can be invaluable.

[poetthom]

on 7/5/2009 DK Eyewitness, Fodor's and Baedecker's (?) have always been a good choice for me. DK has great photos and cut-away illustrations of buildings, etc.