Map Cambodia Laos

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Types of Travel Guidebooks

Traditional guidebooks make up the largest chunk of your selection... and there are plenty of these. They usually contain lots of good information, some black and white maps, key areas to see, and diagrams of significant buildings. You'll usually find a few color pictures and maps too.

Think about where you're going....

Are you doing the Grand Tour of several European counties? There are travel guidebooks that cover whole countries, and some that cover whole continents.

Are you going just to London and Paris? There are some books that cover just specific cities or areas.

Some will combine two or three neighboring countries like Southeast Asia with Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam all in one book.

Choose the guidebook that will suit your trip. No need to carry that "continent-of-Europe" tome around if all you're seeing is a couple of cities. Two slim city guides will do and be so much easier to pack and carry.

Some guidebooks are far more visual than others. They tend to have lots of pictures and less information. The information is good, just not as in depth as other guides. If you're taking a quick trip somewhere, those pictures can tell you in an instant if something looks like what you want to see.... they're really enticing. And if it's a quick trip, you probably don't have time for long detailed explanations anyway.

There are lots of specialty guidebooks. These won't give you as much general information, but if you have a special interest, it might be worth carrying one along. You can find specialty books for birdwatchers, or wine tasters. There are books that specialize in fancy restaurants.

There are whole books on castles to stay in or luxury spas. Guides to gardens or camping spots or great hiking trails. If you have a special interest, look online and visit travel bookstores... you'll probably find a specialty guide in just the field you're interested in.

Digital guidebooks are coming... well, some are already here. The publishers are still trying to figure out the best way to handle this. Some guides can be downloaded and read on your mobile phone... but those little screens make for eye strain when you're trying to read a map or the fine print in those descriptions.

You can down load some onto your laptop, but carrying your laptop all day will be a drag. You can download them and print them out, but then you might as well take a published guidebook.

Keep your eyes open for digital guides in the future though. Once some of these paperback sized reading devices become easier to carry around, you'll be able to download just the areas you want, the specialties you want, and link to GPS technology.

Never get lost? I don't know. Sometimes part of the fun of travel is getting lost and having great experiences you didn't expect.

So for now, choose the type of printed travel guidebook that will work best for you, and enjoy your trip.

About the Author

This travel tip is brought to you by Stuart Hely of BookCentralCoast.com.au, the specialists in Avoca Beach accommodation. Check us out for the best NSW Central Coast accommodation deals on Avoca accommodation, hotels, resorts, apartments and holiday houses.

"Crossing the Border from Cambodia to Laos" Ditchthecube's photos around Muang Không (slideshow)


map cambodia laos