Should I Take A Guide Book Traveling?

It's sometimes good to give you guide book a rest.

There are plenty of guide books on offer for those looking to travel the world.

From backpacker favourites such as the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and Footprints to more middle of the road guides such as Fodor’s there is quite a range of choice when it comes to choosing a guide book.

Traveler’s preferences depend on how they like their information presented to them. I prefer the Lonely Planet’s guide book because I know exactly where to find key information I might need, where as with other guides it seems to take me longer.

This much depends on your own personal preference, visit the local book shop and choose one you are comfortable with.

Don’t always take what the guide book says as being true, often you’ll find the opposite

Guide books are great for giving you a general reference. They can give you a basic guide to certain place and often provide you with a map. These maps can give you an idea of a place but should never be taken as an exact mapping of the idea.

Don’t always take what the guide book says as being true, often you’ll find the opposite and recommendations shouldn’t always be followed to the letter. Word of mouth is often a lot more reliable and up to date if you want to find a hostel or restaurant based on recommendation.

Following your guide book too strictly you’ll find yourself traveling to the same towns, villages, cafes and restaurants as every other traveler. It’ll take some adventure out of your travels. Try to use the guide book as simply that, a guide.

Have you been guilty of over using your guide book? Let us know about you experiences in the comments below.