Travel guides have evolved from generic historical points of interest to specific interests and needs. Fodor’s and Frommer’s offer comprehensive guides, while Lonely Planet specializes in off-the-beaten-path experiences. A good travel guide should provide crucial information and be a help, not a hindrance.
Back in the “old days,” people bought travel guides that were pretty much the same for every country. They listed historical points of interest, churches and lodgings. There were some written especially for young women or young men, with an emphasis on “proper” accommodations and activities, suitable for innocent and pure-hearted people. Nowadays, a travel guide can present almost all aspects of traveling to a particular region or country.
When choosing a travel guide, the traveler should first consider whether they are looking for generalities or specifics. If you just want a comprehensive travel guide covering the main points of interest, restaurants and lodgings, perhaps with day trip suggestions, you can pick up a guidebook from Fodor’s or Frommer’s that will touch on most of the highlights of your visit. These companies publish guides for individual cities around the world, such as London or Paris, as well as countries. They are established guides and usually offer good value for money. Travel guides are widely available in bookstores or on the Internet.
Some travelers may have special interests. They may want to hike the Alps, cycle through Tuscany, or take a cruise to the Greek islands. They can find a travel guide that will help them plan one of these adventures.
Guides are available for singles, couples, gay travellers, the physically challenged, just about anyone. The folks at Lonely Planet specialize in publishing travel guides that take a person off the beaten track, into the cultural interior of a place. If a person is budget conscious, he can also find there a travel guide that suits his needs.
A traveler should look for a travel guide that meets his or her particular needs, but the publication should also provide crucial information – such as customs regulations, visa application, airline information, language, currency and cultural advice – to help a traveler get from point A to point B. A travel guide should also provide a good overview of the country or city, along with maps and useful phone numbers or websites a traveler can access for more information. A good travel guide should help a person have a memorable trip. It should be a help, not a hindrance.
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