Travel guides are nothing new. The first known guidebook was for Renaissance pilgrims to the Holy Land. As the barriers to travel have decreased, guides have multiplied. Today, there seems to be a book for everywhere! Most series have a niche - budget, region, interest - and it's important to find the right set for the way you enjoy traveling. Here are our favorites and the pros and cons of each.
Before we jump into the specific guides, it's worth understanding why travel guides are so vital. They offer a wealth of knowledge and insider tips about a particular region or city, helping you navigate language barriers, cultural nuances, and even logistical challenges. With the right guidebook in hand, you can confidently embark on your journey, knowing you have a reliable source of information at your fingertips.
Bradt Guides
The independent publisher, Bradt Guides, is my favorite travel series. Their offering is small but growing, and there is an emphasis on areas less traversed or at least, less written about. Authors are locals with deep ties to their regions and engaging writing. Recommendations are unique. The only drawback is that the books aren’t always updated frequently.
Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet is a stalwart in the travel book business. Their guides cover most of the globe. Due to their size, the books are updated with surprising frequency, too. The selection of city guides is quite good although the pocket guides are a bit scant. The series is a great resource for the budget to mid-range traveler although the writing tends to be a bit dry.
Rough Guides
Rough Guides is another very comprehensive series. It is good for budget travelers and those that are looking for outdoor adventures of all types. The series is a great resource for less trodden places even in well-traveled cities. Rough Guides also focuses on local customs and cultural immersion while on the go.
DK Family Guides
DK is a huge publisher of travel books with multiple series for different types of travelers. For those with children in tow, the Family Guides series is a must. While the star attractions are included, there is an emphasis on kids’ engagement and activities. Each site has a handy side bar with access and age information.
Lonely Planet City Trails
This series is a part of Lonely Planet’s Kids. Targeted towards late elementary to middle school, these books offer different paths through some of the world’s more attractive cities. Illustrations, fun facts, and photos engage kids. As a paperback, it's easy to take along. The city options are a bit sparse, but it is expanding.
Rick Steves
Rick Steves focuses only on Europe and has long been popular with American travelers. While I do not use these for planning as I tend to find the information generic, the self-guided tours are very good. Many of these tours are available as an audioguide on the Rick Steves app. You can download offline for use on the go.
Honorable Mention
Some of the best guides are those written by locals and not published as a part of a big series. I’ve found this to be especially true for walks and national parks. Michelin guides are excellent and known for their attention to detail and quality. However, some of them are LONG overdue for an update so be mindful of the date.
There are so many more! The options really are endless. What is your go-to travel guidebook? Share a favorite in the comments!
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