How to Choose the Best Travel Guide Books

The best travel guide books do more than paint a pretty picture of some far off land. These books inspire us to travel and broaden our horizons. They’re the works that spark our travel desire and encourage us to explore cultures.

What are the best books on travel? Well, you’ll want to consider a few things.

What’s Relevant:

Showing up to a destination with outdated information will have you at a loss. Why? Well, because a travel experience from a while ago is wholly unique to that time. A lot can change since those words went to print — so consider what’s relevant.

Pick a travel guide book that’s no more than 1 or 2 years old.

A recent publication means you’re more likely to see and experience what’s in it when you arrive. You’re less likely to feel alienated because you know what’s going on, too. And, you’ll avoid causing cultural misunderstanding due to old info.

Your Travel Style:

What’s your travel style?

• Solo
• Partner
• Group

Each also breaks off into what people want out of their travel. Some may want to see classic wonders while others go for modern experiences. Some want thrills and danger while others want relaxing escapes.

There are travel guides fit for each travel style. Pick up one that mirrors your personality and personal desires with travel.

How You’re Traveling:

How you’re traveling is a bit like your travel style. Where you decide to go and how you’ll get there can influence what you want to read.

Maybe it’s digging into cruises are for people who love traveling. Or, perhaps you have a love for eco-tourism and slow travel. You’ll find something for everyone.

Think of how you’ll travel, such as via car, ship, plane, or something between.

Self-published travel guides fill the shelves for these interests! Even larger book shops include these fascinating, niche travel guides these days!

Reading Between the Lines:

No one person or organization could possibly review every place and event. Sure, you’ll find hidden gems in the larger publications. But, you may also find influence from the locals with what’s showing up in the book.

Getting featured in a major travel book is a big deal for a business.

Could a business extend itself to the writer? Could a catered experience influence their review? Does the publication have a bias for certain things? All of these are possible, so it’s important to read between the lines when you can.

Trustworthiness:

Imagine getting to your destination and what you find is nothing like in the book. The discrepancy may be from misguided information! The writer may have filled gaps with research. If their source is incorrect then what they write will be too.

Pick a guide book from a writer, organization, and publisher you trust. Plus, read reviews from those who own (and have traveled with) the book.

Even the Best Travel Guides Books Don’t Capture It All:

From Lonely Planet and Fodors to Rough Guides and others. It’s hard to pin-point the best travel guides books because the experience is unique to each person. That said, do enough digging around and you’ll find a sweet spot for travel information!

Go on and get a spark of wanderlust from these wonderful publications.

Looking for insights on travel? Dig around the blog for more inspiration and guides!