What are the best resources in case you have some upcoming travel plans? There is, obviously, a lot of free information available on the web, but, i believe, it is still worth having a real book up to you.
I have always discovered that your research that you can do beforehand is actually one of the best areas of travel. The planning and anticipation can greatly increase the travel experience. And nothing compares having a well-written travel guide book.
I wouldn't leave home with no Fodor's Guide. If you choose to depend on only 1 travel guide, this may be my number one pick. Fodor's Guides are usually complete, concise, accurate so when up-to-date together could reasonably expect. There is enough detail and information provided so that it's possible to make informed choices about hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, etc. Information is tailored to one's budgets and interests. Fodor's Guides are available at Border's Books in prices which range from $11 to $21.95
Also, consider Frommer's. Most Frommer's Guide Books retail at Borders's for approximately $18.99. There is a huge selection of travel destinations available, but Frommer's mostly focuses on European destinations. Frommer's has, smartly, added titles on vacationing with kids. For example, it indicates the Harry Potter-related sites if your are visiting London with children.
Michelin Guides have been around more than a century. This trusted old faithful produced 118 titles in a very search at Border's.com. There are guides to destinations ranging from Europe to Mexico, to focused city guides: NYC, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C. and Charleston. Michelin, obviously, focuses primarily on road maps. Pick up one of many "tourist and motoring" editions if you will be driving on your vacation. Prices range from $9.95 to $36.00.
Another travel guide book series that I wouldn't go away without reading is Rick Steve's.There are 87 titles under this series, co-written with Gene Openshaw. This series is interesting, entertaining and less of your "dry" read than a number of the classical guide books. These authors have knowledge of what they are doing and their tips can be be extremely useful. There are "snapshot" books within the series, (shorter, more concise, $9.95) plus more detailed guide books pricing $24.95. "Europe 101: History and Art for that Traveler" is but one book I recommend.
Finally, aficionados of our own National Parks should have a duplicate of "The National Parks: America's Best Idea: An Illustrated History". Contributors include Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan. This book is a must for visitors who will be likely to our National Parks. It retails for $40.00 at Borders.
