MY TRAVEL GUIDE BOOKS: Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Europe by Train
Posted by: kirsty_wilson in Travel General, tags: Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide, Travel Guide BooksTravelling With a Guide Book
I started much of my epic travelling before the internet and mobile phones were readily accessible. Therefore, I did rely heavily on the travel guide book for the information I required about destinations, accommodation, means of transport, local customs and pretty much everything to be reasonably well informed.
Being from Melbourne, also the home of the world renowned ‘Lonely Planet’ Guide Books, I was a loyal Aussie traveller that set off to travel the world with my Lonely Planet book under my arm – well shoved in my day-pack actually!
I now have a great selection of travel guides for various countries and continents that I have collected or borrowed during the years. These guide books are now all piled on my desk as reference points for my Blog, providing factual information or reminding me of my travels to various destinations. Many of them have notes scribbled inside them or bits of memorabilia collected that were once used as bookmarks.
I am more than aware that travelling has probably changed somewhat and the young-one’s are now backpacking with mobile phones, access to internet cafes and possibly even carrying a notebook (laptop). I wonder do they ever really experience that sense of remoteness and adventure?
For two and half months I travelled North Africa and was only able to phone home once. A couple of other times were tried at Central Post Offices but my money was sapped up in connection fees and generally being plain ripped off. I’m interested to hear from you if you are a young traveller, travelling with modern technology – do you ever truly experience that sense of remoteness and adventure? Do you bother with travel guide books? Please leave your comments below…
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I’m hardly “young” but will comment anyway! These days I travel with tri band mobile and laptop. However I still have the habit of taking the relevant Lonely Planet guide book. I usually read about places I’m planning to visit before leaving home, and then each night about next day’s planned itinerary. I use laptop for up to date information (eg was Grand Canyon north rim open when we visited early in season in May last year, and to book accommodation, tours etc.
The laptop mainly comes to keep in touch via email and for share trading.
Hi Kirsty,
Guidebooks definitely still have a place. I usually head to the local library and borrow a selection to get an overview of a destination before I go. There’s usually one I find really useful – perhaps with suggestions on out-of-the-way things to see or often on accommodation options. I’ll buy that one to take with me.
Cheerily Tigerpounce