guide (travel) book - general info?

Question

hello, i need some information about guide (travel) book, generally....f.e. history, structure, how important it is for tourists, advantages,....everything....:) thanks

Answer 1

I found this on wikipedia the other day when I had a thought about the different guidebook publishers. It was a good start to see where the types mention came from.

Answer 2

There are 2 schools of thought on Guide books. Some travellers insist on never using them while others swear buy them.

The Pros of a good guide book.
1. Technical information, that is how to get somewhere or get around a city, where to stay. Many local places have different levels of local information, while a guide book is consistent.
2. They tell you the main places to visit.
3. If you don't have a lot of time to plan they are great.
4. If you don't have an exact plan, a guide book will help you be more flexible.
5. If you don't speak the local language, they are very helpful.
6. If you don't have a lot of money they are great. Many locals are helpful to tourists, and push you in the direction of spending money.
7. They usually have more information than web pages.
8. If you are not staying in a good hotel, it is hard to get good local information. Even if you are staying with friends, most locals don't really know the great attractions to go and see and can't really help you with transport.

They have their problems
1. They often miss out some fantastic places.
2. The focus on tourist experiences, and I like to go somewhere with less tourists.
3. You end up doing what everyone else is doing.

After the Philippines where I took a terrible guide book and had a lot of problems travelling around, I always take a Lonely Planet guide. In Korea I got lost in a National park and the local signs were very confusing, but the Guide Book had a great map and I found my way out without too much hassle once I opened my guide bok.

But I am not a slave to the guide, and often half the suggested destinations are not very interesting to me. Also many of the most memorable experiences I have found by accident or by getting local information.

You should supplement your guide book with travelogues (travel stories), real history books and maybe a selection of films.