11 May 2011

Travel Junkies Need Their Fix, Pt 3

This is the final installment of my Travel Junkies series! If you missed the first two installments read them here and here.  I'm a little sad to be wrapping this up because I had such a fun time writing it! But that just means new series are on the way and we are on to bigger and better travel things. After looking through some seriously awesome pictures of my past travels last night I think my next series will be city guides for Europe and North Africa! So keep a look out for that.

Today, we talk travel guides. There are three books that I  can stamp "tested and approved." So if you have some big trips coming up this summer, these books might help you on your way to adventure this season...


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For the Fancy Traveler

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time I probably sound like a broken record- I am not a fancy traveler. When I travel I look to cut corners, save pennies, and get down in the nitty gritty of the city. But I understand that isn't for everyone, and to be honest I wish I could be the chick who struts down a Parisian sidewalk in Manolo Blahniks, a gorgeous Chanel bag perched on her arm, and a cape. Yeah...a cape would really bring that look together.  *day dreams*

So if that's you, get your hot self over to amazon and pick up one of these Luxe City Guides.  It will point you toward all the best places to be and be seen- the ritzy restaurants and the swanky hotels. If you are looking to indulge in a city- this guide will be your very best friend.

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For the Adventure Traveler

So you're in your sophmore year of college and going on a backpacking trip through Europe? This may be the guide for you. Really, these guides are for anyone who's looking for a little adventure, a little push outside their comfort zone, and a decent beer. I think the night life aspect of this guide is what sets it apart from the other guides, and why I feel it's more geared toward your average college student. Lonely Planet Guides have awesome tips for inexpensive hotels and hostels, as well as restaurants. They will also make you aware of the most popular watering holes. They may not be the fanciest, but it will get you in touch with your average Joe who's looking to have some fun (in a completely platonic way of course). 

I've used this guide in the past and found it extremely helpful in getting around a city and finding good eats. So I highly recommend it if your in an area that calls for a little more fun and adventure. Also, their website has a travel forum that I have found unbelieveably useful in preparing and planning for our trips.


John with his Spanish phrasebook.

My favorite Lonely Planet Guide product are actually their phrasebooks. DO NOT leave for a country that speaks another language without one of their phrasebooks. The picture above was taken after a lengthy conversation, in broken Spanish, with an old couple from Malaga. The conversaton would have been impossible without it. You'll find all kinds of tips for useful and funny conversations. These books come complete with a "relationships and intimacy" section, which we found useful as we were on our honeymoon. (wink wink. nudge nudge.)


Me with Rick in front of the Palacio Real de Madrid.

For the Back Door Traveler

You guys know I have a crush on Rick Steves. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I look at all travel guides equally. That would be a lie. I think Rick Steves' Guidebooks are hands down, the best travel book you can buy...ever! I could fill a book with the times and ways Rick has saved me travel hassles the size of Texas. I could write numerous poems on the ways he has been spot on about things to be careful for and things I must see and do.

If you are looking to have a cultural experience in your travels, to have your worldview turned on its head and your paradigm shifted dramatically, pick up his guide and go get your feet soaked in whatever culture you have the privilege of visiting. Happy travels!


What guidebook can't you travel without?

29 comments:

  1. Lonely Planet books are my favorite! Ahh, travel...

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  2. um, we don't travel. like ever. but we totally need to!! i'll definitely have to look up some of these books for when we go on vacay this year! though we won't be going anywhere fancy i'm sure - somewhere in the states for sure. but i do love traveling! most of my traveling has been with my girlfriends (lots of trips to Canada, Toronto, New Orleans, Baltimore, Finger Lakes, Mexico/Cruise...)

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  3. I have heard good things about Rick Steves' books. I want to travel the world more than anything! I am trying to save every penny I can so that my husband and I can go somewhere.

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  4. Does a husband with a smart phone count as a travel book? We were just on vacay and found some really great places via a phone app. :)

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  5. Abby- Keep saving! You'll get there if it is really important to you. Just gotta prioritize. :)

    Theolivetree- OoOoOo! What kinds of apps?!

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  6. This is a brilliant post and some super helpful info for the inexperienced traveler (ahem, me)! I have to say though, I would *so* gravitate to the Luxe ones just because of their gorgeous covers! What's that you say about books and covers and not judging??? I dunno, I was too busy coveting these beautiful covers...(c;

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  7. These travel posts make me want to hop on a plane ASAP! We rarely use guidebooks when planning our vacations - instead we (ok mainly me) obsess over travel sites like Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet

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  8. Have you looked into/tried couch surfing?

    http://ladyofthearts.blogspot.com/2010/03/experience-world-from-your-couch.html

    we are love it.

    Also my fav travel books are the eyewittness- easy to read, follow, good advice and great maps.

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  9. Agreed! Rick Steve's really are the best. Just so fun to read, even when not traveling to some of the areas. Good review and tips :)

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  10. geee! i dont have travel guide book.... i usually get the travel guide in the airport upon arrival. But before the trip I talk to people who have been to places....

    Gracias espanol!... i havent been to europe.... its my dream vacation... my wishlist. shhh

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  11. Thank you for the info! I am so ready for a vacation!

    www.birdietobe.blogspot.com

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  12. What a blessing to have been able to travel all of the wonderful places that you have. I am living through you until my kids get a little bigger.

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  13. if you have a crush on rick steves i have a mini crush on you! i love him! i watch his shows on some pbs affiliated network religiously (and when im not home, i totally DVR them). i think i totally could travel alongside you. i like to immerse myself into a culture and not spend a ton on what i consider "non" important (ie hotel and food). while i like good food, i believe the best foods are the ones found at local markets and small non-touristy restaurants. those are the places that actually give you a taste of the city.

    very excited to continue reading your blog :-)

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  14. Now I wanna go somewhere! :)

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  15. i am a total travel junkie, and i own several of these books! great post belle. xx S

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  16. I'm a Rough Guides person. I like their very detailed maps, and they go in depth with history and background. I feel like I don't need much else.

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  17. Ha, I have so many travel books, even on countries and cities I haven't even been too. I just love reading them nonetheless. :) Traveling is just a fantastic "hobby" :)

    xoxo

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  18. I'm going to Belgium next month and got the Lonely Planet guide specifically for the phrasebook. I was in Germany a few years ago and the fact they show how to pronounce words was gold dust.

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  19. I've never heard of Rick Steves' guidebooks, but after your rave review I will definitely be checking them out.
    I've always travelled with either Lonely Planet or Rough Guides - I find both incredible.
    xo

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  20. yes! rick steve's is my favorite!! he has led us to some of the seriously coolest places ever here in switzerland. love.

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  21. oh dear, i don;t own a travel guide. now i think i might be missing out! or....maybe i should write one!!!? i'll be the female rick steves ;)

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  22. I really love the Lonely Planet guides - use them everywhere we go! They are all lined up on my bookshelf so I can daydream about past holidays every time I see them!

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  23. Thanks for the great tips! I'll have to remember this post when I'm ready to go somewhere. Your blog makes me want to travel!

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  24. Awesome tips, Hannah! I will definitely be checking out some of these guidebooks for our trip out West this Fall... :)

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  25. Ah! I'm so glad to have found your blog and right when you post a travel feature! This has got me wanting to travel that much more (which, trust me, that itch is HUGE.. I keep thinking "today I'll just jump on a train to Amsterdam/Italy/(add in any cool place in Europe)", ha! I've never used a travel book, but you've got me thinking I'm missing out and should reconsider!

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  26. I hardly travel with a guidebook...maybe I should start..

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  27. I love the "Let's Go" books. I used "Let's Go China" for the year I spent there and it was soooo useful for finding the inexpensive but great must sees/dos.

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  28. I love the travel books! Its my hobby to read travel book. Thanks for great Tips....

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  29. great advice :) I just found your blog. and I will def come back!

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