Top 10 Travel Books — Our Picks for the Best Global Guides Chris Caggiano July 17, 2024 Budget Travel, Travel Tips Selecting the right travel guidebook can greatly enhance your journey, providing insights and tips that only seasoned explorers can offer. Our ranking of the top travel guidebook series is based on customer reviews, the longevity of the series, and an added touch of our own expertise. Whether you’re seeking in-depth cultural commentary, budget-friendly advice, or visually stunning guides to international destinations, this list has something for every traveler. From the comprehensive and budget-conscious Lonely Planet to the witty and insightful Rough Guides, discover the best options to accompany you on your next adventure. 10. Berlitz Berlitz guides have a long history, stemming from the renowned Berlitz language courses established in 1878 by Maximilian Berlitz. These guides are compact and practical, making them ideal for travelers who need quick and essential travel tips. Berlitz offers a range of products, including phrasebooks and pocket guides, which are particularly valuable for language learning and cultural immersion. Their connection to the Berlitz language courses ensures that travelers can confidently interact with locals and enhance their travel experience. The series remains a go-to resource for practical and accessible travel information. Best for: Compact, practical advice Distinguishing feature: Language learning 9. Michelin Green Guides Michelin Green Guides were first published in 1926 by the Michelin tire company to promote road travel and boost tire sales. They are distinguished by their thorough coverage of cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural sites, with detailed descriptions and precise maps. These guides are ideal for travelers seeking in-depth exploration. Additionally, Michelin Green Guides often highlight the famed Michelin-starred restaurants, offering readers recommendations for top dining experiences. The connection to the Michelin brand reflects a reputation for quality and reliability, with regular updates providing the latest travel information. Best for: Cultural heritage and historical landmarks Distinguishing feature: Michelin-starred restaurant recommendations 8. Let’s Go Let’s Go travel guides were first published in 1960 by Harvard University students, and they quickly gained a reputation for providing practical, budget-friendly advice aimed at young travelers and backpackers. These guides offer detailed information on transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing on a shoestring budget. Their affordability and focus on authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences make them a favorite among budget-conscious adventurers. Let’s Go guides are known for their honest, no-nonsense tone and extensive coverage of destinations, ensuring travelers can explore the world without breaking the bank. Best for: Budget-minded backpackers Distinguishing feature: Affordable, practical travel tips 7. Time Out Time Out guides originated from the iconic Time Out magazine, which began in London in 1968. These guides are known for their up-to-date information on dining, nightlife, and cultural events, making them popular among urban explorers. Written by local experts, Time Out guides offer insider tips and highlight trendy hotspots, ensuring travelers experience the best of the city’s vibrant culture. The connection to the Time Out brand ensures a focus on contemporary, hip locations and activities, with continual updates reflecting the latest developments and trends in major cities around the world. Best for: Urban exploration and trendy hotspots Distinguishing feature: Insider tips from local experts 6. DK Eyewitness DK Eyewitness travel guides were first published in 1993, setting themselves apart with their visually engaging format. Known for combining informative text with stunning photography and detailed illustrations, these guides are popular among visual learners and families. They offer clear, concise information and are designed to make exploring new destinations both enjoyable and educational. DK Eyewitness guides cover a wide range of destinations and include features such as 3D cutaways of famous buildings and landmarks, making them a valuable resource for travelers seeking a comprehensive and visually rich travel companion. Best for: Visually engaging and family-friendly guides Distinguishing feature: Stunning photography and illustrations 5. Rick Steves Rick Steves‘ travel guides focus primarily on European destinations, offering a blend of cultural insights and practical tips tailored for independent travelers. The series began in the 1980s, stemming from Steves’ own travel experiences and his philosophy of traveling “through the back door” to experience destinations authentically. Known for their personable tone and detailed itineraries, these guides help travelers immerse themselves in local culture. Rick Steves’ guides are also complemented by a robust online presence, including podcasts and videos, enhancing the overall travel planning experience. Best for: European destinations Distinguishing feature: Detailed itineraries and cultural insights 4. Fodor’s Travel Guides Fodor’s Travel Guides have been a trusted resource for travelers since 1936, when Eugene Fodor published the first guide. These guides are known for their formal tone and focus on accuracy, providing comprehensive and user-friendly information for various travel styles and budgets. They stand out for their detailed maps and practical advice, offering insightful recommendations from local experts. While Fodor’s guides may be more dry than the others, the dedication to providing reliable, high-quality content the guides indispensable tools for discerning travelers. Best for: Comprehensive and reliable travel information Distinguishing feature: Detailed maps and practical advice 3. National Geographic Traveler National Geographic Traveler guides, launched in 1984, are renowned for their visually stunning presentation and in-depth content. These guides combine breathtaking photography with engaging narratives, offering a rich blend of historical context and practical travel tips. Focused on adventure travel and cultural immersion, these guides appeal to travelers seeking to explore destinations thoroughly. The connection to National Geographic magazine and the TV channel enhances their credibility and appeal, making these guides a top choice for those who value quality journalism and storytelling in their travel planning. Best for: Adventure travel and cultural immersion Distinguishing feature: Connection to National Geographic magazine and TV channel 2. Rough Guides Rough Guides began in 1982, offering a witty and irreverent writing style combined with insightful cultural commentary. These guides are known for their honest, no-nonsense approach, providing practical information and candid reviews. They cover a wide range of destinations and topics, appealing to adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences. Rough Guides are praised for their depth of research and comprehensive coverage, often including lesser-known destinations and off-the-beaten-path tips. This series continues to be a favorite among travelers looking for thorough and engaging travel advice. Best for: Authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences Distinguishing feature: Witty and irreverent writing style 1. Lonely Planet Lonely Planet was founded in 1973 by Tony and Maureen Wheeler, quickly becoming a leading name in travel guides. Known for its in-depth coverage and practical advice, Lonely Planet offers comprehensive information on a wide range of destinations. These guides focus on budget-conscious and off-the-beaten-path experiences, appealing to both backpackers and seasoned travelers. With a vast library of guidebooks, continually updated editions, and a strong digital presence through eBooks and travel apps, Lonely Planet remains a trusted resource for travelers worldwide. Best for: Budget travel Distinguishing feature: Focus on off-the-beaten-path experiences You Might Also Enjoy: Travel Smarter! Useful Apps to Download for Your Next Trip Honorable Mentions: Specialized Travel Series Cicerone Guides: Specializes in outdoor and adventure travel, including walking, trekking, and cycling guides. Known for detailed route descriptions and maps. Bradt Guides: Offers guides to lesser-known destinations and niche travel interests, such as wildlife watching and eco-tourism. Celebrated for their depth and expertise. Footprint Travel Guides: Focuses on in-depth cultural and historical information, often covering more off-the-beaten-path locations. Ideal for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of their destinations. Hedonist’s Guides (Hg2): Caters to luxury travelers, offering insights into high-end accommodations, dining, and nightlife. Perfect for those seeking sophisticated travel experiences. FAQs: Q: How often are travel guidebooks updated? A: Most major travel guidebook series update their editions every one to two years to ensure the information remains current and relevant. Check the publication date for the latest version. Q: Are digital versions of these travel guidebooks available? A: Yes, many travel guidebook series offer digital versions in formats such as eBooks and apps, providing convenient access on smartphones and tablets. Q: Which travel guidebook series is best for budget travelers? A: Let’s Go and Lonely Planet are well-known for their budget-friendly advice, offering practical tips on affordable accommodation, transportation, and activities. Q: Are there travel guidebooks specifically for family travel? A: DK Eyewitness guides are popular among families due to their visually engaging content and clear layout, making them suitable for travelers of all ages. Q: How reliable are the reviews and recommendations in these guidebooks? A: The reviews and recommendations in these guidebooks are generally reliable, as they are written by experienced travelers and local experts. However, it’s always good to cross-reference with recent online reviews. Do you have any favorites that you would add to our list? Tell us in the comments below!
