Guidebook Guide - Check out the Travelers Guidebook recommendations

Below are our guidebook recommendations for the traveler. In-depth restaurant and hotel reviews, and smart travel tips coverage of cities and countries around the world.

Australia
Caribbean
Disney
Europe
Family
France
Gemany

New Orleans
New England
Hawaii
Hong Kong
Ireland
Italy
Mexico

New Zealand
San Diego
San Francisco
Solo Travel
Switzerland
Washington, DC

Australia GuideBooks
Here are our top picks for Australia travel guidebooks. If you're traveling to Asia, the South Pacific, or an exotic destination in any part of the world, and you are only going to buy one guidebook, buy a Lonely Planet guide. There are a few Lonely Planet books on Australia, which is, after all, home to the Lonely Planet founders, Tony and Maureen Wheeler, with editions on Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, The Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, and the more general Lonely Planet Australia . That ought to cover it!

The Rough Guide to Australia is an interesting alternative. These candid, practical, comprehensive and opinionated guides are written for independent-minded and adventurous travelers. Don't let their moniker fool you -- these guides are not just for the low-budget traveler.

Rail aficionados should check out Bradt Travel Guides' Australia and New Zealand by Rail , which also highlights Australia's beautiful neighbor. Covering the unusual and less-traveled-to locations of the world, this thoroughly researched and useful guide is for adventurous travelers only! Focusing on three major areas -- country guides, hiking and trekking guides, and rail guides -- this organized guidebook reflects unique and enjoyable ways to explore some of the world's most interesting cultures and natural wonders.

A pair of entries from Insight Guides, your best choice for armchair background reading on a particular destination, will give you a wonderful picture of the people and customs of Australia. The Insight Guide Sydney and Insight Guide Australia are great choices. Insight Guides are the perfect books for pre-trip planning and post-trip reminiscing and they also make excellent companion guides for learning about the sites you are visiting.

Caribbean GuideBooks
The Caribbean: Packed full of practical tips, Lonely Planet's Eastern Caribbean is another guidebook that we would highly recommend. It covers the islands of Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados , Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Montserrat, Saba, St. Barts, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts & Nevis, St.Lucia , St. Martin, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago. The guidebook is particularly good for moderate to budget travelers, but you they also give restaurant and accommodation options for every budget from beachside bungalow at luxury resorts to inexpensive guesthouses. Lonely Planet also publishes an excellent guide to Jamaica .

Moon Handbooks are ideal for the adventure-seeking independent traveler who's young at heart. If you want to go beyond being a superficial tourist, Moon's Jamaica Handbook provides the most comprehensive coverage of Jamaica.

Since it was first published in 1988, Rum and Reggae's Caribbean has become a virtual bible for baby-boomers and those seeking an adventurous vacation in the islands. This guidebook isn't for everyone. If you're the type of traveler who doesn't want to feel like a typical tourist, or would prefer a more active sports-oriented vacation, or if you're in search of secluded, cerebral or hip spots, then give this book a try.

Perhaps more than any other destination, choosing the right resort in the Caribbean can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your vacation. To help you make the right choice, take a look at these 100 Best Resorts of the Caribbean, Best Places to Stay in the Caribbean and Fodor's Caribbean each offer an excellent selection of descriptive reviews on some of the best accommodations in the Caribbean to suite all travel styles and budgets.

If you're planning a Caribbean cruise, pick up a copy of Caribbean Ports of Call the popular by Kay Showker. This invaluable, one-of-a-kind guide to the Caribbean is written specifically for the cruise passenger. You'll get plenty of practical advice on how to prepare for your cruise and what to expect.

With a loyal following of travelers who help keep their guides up-to-date with hundreds of letters to the editor, Footprint Handbooks reprints excerpts of these throughout the guide. An excellent pick from their lineup is the Caribbean Islands Handbook . The only downside to this guide is that it is crammed with information written in an report style in very small print which makes it difficult to read. In addition, Cancun & Cozumel Alive is an extremely useful reference written by veteran travelers Bruce and Jane Conord.

Disney GuideBooks
Any hardcore Disney veteran will tell you...the key to a hassle-free, enjoyable Disney vacation is to plan, plan and then plan some more. A guidebook is essential, more than one would be better! Here are our top picks for Disney travel guidebooks for the independent traveler.

An absolute "must have" guidebook, especially for first-time visitors, Birnbaum's Official Guide to Walt Disney World offers what most other guidebooks do not -- Disney trivia, details of attractions, and general descriptions of all things Disney -- all with Disney's stamp of approval!

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, and its sister publication Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, include comprehensive, up-to-date information about all the major and minor parks, as well as lodging, dining and touring suggestions.

Walt Disney World, Orlando and Beyond , a Hidden Guide, is a new release which covers Disney well, including a plethora of other theme parks in the area. An added bonus: there is a section called "Games to Play While You're Waiting in Line," sure to elicit a laugh or two.

The Passporter Walt Disney World provides the essentials for getting around the parks -- ratings for the attractions, a restaurant guide, maps, your best bet for transportation, and current prices -- but unlike other guides, the Passporter is also a planner, organizer and journal.

Walt Disney World Without Kids focuses on adult fun, entertainment and comfort. It's well-organized format features full and half-day itineraries that you can mix or match to create your own, personalized vacation. Included are the tips and tricks you find in most guidebooks, but you'll also find excellent descriptions of WDW's resorts, nightclubs, amenities and facilities.

Europe GuideBooks
There are dozens of excellent European guidebooks available. Choosing the one that's best for you will depend in part on what type of traveler you are and where you're going. Cadogan Guides and Rough Guides are two excellent British series with a wide selection of European titles. Cadogan is aimed at a slightly more sophisticated traveler and has some of the best regional France, Italy and Greece guides around.

Rick Steves' guides to Europe, the best known of these being Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door . Steves writes in a wonderful entertaining and irreverent style combined with cultural sensitivity and a love for Europe. Steves is particularly known for "Back Door" approach to travel where he'll lead you on ventures away from the typical tourist spots to find the "real" Europe. Other books by Rick Steves include Rick Steves' European country guides, Mona Winks: Self-Guided Tours of Europe's Top Museums , and Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler.

There are also excellent European guidebooks that focus on a particular aspect of travel such as accommodations, restaurants, sightseeing or transportation. Michelin Green Guides are excellent sightseeing guides. Particularly strong are their regional France titles. For suggestions on accommodations with charm or that offer good value for your money, try one of Karen Brown's Charming Inns & Itineraries Guides. Cheap Sleeps in London and Cheap Eats in Italy offer an excellent selection of recommended moderately-priced restaurants and places to stay.

Let's Go: Europe is the bible of the American student backpacking through Europe, with more budget listings than any other guidebook. The Let's Go Guidebooks also have in-depth country guides which are quite good.

A Travel Guide to Jewish Europe is a gem for any traveler interested in Jewish history. The book leads you through famous historical sites in Europe like the home of Ann Frank, as well as lesser know museums, synagogues, and restaurants, revealing a rich and fascinating history of Jewish Europe.

Hawaii
Our top pick for Hawaii guidebooks goes to the five Hawaii Moon Handbooks which are ideal for the adventure-seeking independent traveler who's young at heart. If you want to go beyond being a superficial tourist and truly experience the Hawaiian people and culture, these guidebooks are for you. Special attention is also given to the natural history of an area and outdoor activities. Updated every two years, you'll find these Hawaii titles available: Big Island of Hawaii Handbook, Honolulu Waikiki Handbook, and Kauai Handbook.

Another favorite is Lonely Planet Hawaii. This guide provides ample background coverage of the history, culture and politics of Hawaii, as well as detailed information and reviews of hotels, restaurants and places to visit.

Hidden Hawaii takes that "slightly different approach" often sought after by the adventurous traveler. These guides go beyond what's traditionally offered in encyclopedia-style books to include out-of-the-way spots generally known ONLY to locals.

Rough Guide to the Big Island of Hawaii is another candid, practical, comprehensive and opinionated guide for independent-minded and adventurous travelers. You'll find hotel and restaurant listings in all price ranges and great information on cultural entertainment and night life, plus all the practical travel details you'll need. Also included is good advice for women, family, gay and disabled travelers.

If you're an armchair traveler or looking for a Hawaii guidebook focusing on history, cultural and beautiful photos rather than hotel and sightseeing info, try Insight Compact Guide Hawaii, Oahu/Honolulu.

Cheap Eats Guides are a great collection of reviews of moderately priced hotels and restaurants. Detailed reviews in Cheap Eats in Hawaii make it easy to find a place that you'll be happy with, fits your budget and will appeal to all travelers from backpackers to families and honeymooners.

The Best Places to Stay series, which has recently been completely revised and updated, does an excellent job of selecting and reviewing the best "unique and distinctive accommodations" in all price ranges. Best Places to Stay in Hawaii can make all the difference in how much you enjoy a trip, particularly if time is short and you're looking for a relaxing, hassle-free, enjoyable getaway.

There's something for everyone -- those in love with the great outdoors, museum hounds, trendy, upscale location seekers and time-honored "must sees" -- in Globe Pequot's Fun With the Family series. Their Fun With the Family in Hawaii guide will give you hundreds of ideas for fun day trips with the whole family.

Mexico
If you are looking for a guide to help you plan, or accompany you on your trip to Mexico, we offer up these recommendations:

Lonely Planet Mexico is packed full of practical tips for the independent budget traveler, these guidebooks are updated every two years by experienced travelers with an in depth knowledge of the destination. Good for travelers looking to venture off the beaten path.

The Rough Guide Mexico is an interesting alternative. These candid, practical, comprehensive and opinionated guides are written for independent-minded and adventurous travelers. Don't let their moniker fool you -- these guides are not just for the low-budget traveler.

Frommer's 2002 Cancun, Cozumel and theYucatan is packed with practical travel advice. You'll find 350 pages of hotel reviews, maps and photos, and tips for enjoying the festive night life and local color of Mexico. This and Fodor's 2002 Cancun, Cozumel, Yucatan Peninsula are both excellent, thorough guides covering these popular spots.

Another great one is The People's Guide to Mexico : Wherever you Go, There You Are!, which takes a different approach to guiding. Rather than recommending the best of everything in Mexico, it aims to teach you how to locate these things yourself. Rather than destination-specific information, you will find tips on acclimating to the culture and people of this country.

For armchair background reading try Insight Guide Mexico and Insight Pocket Guide Mexico City . Insight Guides are the perfect books for pre-trip planning and post-trip reminiscing and they also make excellent companion guides for learning about the sites you are visiting.

The Moon Handbook Baja : Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas is packed with every type of travel resource fro those planning a trip to this popular travel destination.

Visiting Cancun? Try the Cancun Map & Guide, which contains great maps of the area plus you'll also find information on tours, malls, taxis, safety, calling home, ATMs and more.

If you are planning a drive through Mexico, pick up a copy of the Rand McNally 2001 Road Atlas Deluxe: United States, Canada, Mexico.

New England
If you're headed to the New England area and want to see what this beautiful region has to offer, pick up a good guidebook. A favorite of ours for this region is Lonely Planet's New England. This guide provides ample background coverage of the area's history and it's culture, as well as detailed information and reviews of hotels, restaurants and places to visit.

Hidden Boston & Cape Cod takes that "slightly different approach" often sought after by the adventurous traveler. These guides go beyond what's traditionally offered in encyclopedia-style books to include out-of-the-way spots generally known ONLY to locals.

If you're an armchair traveler or looking for a New England guidebook focusing on history, cultural and beautiful photos rather than hotel and sightseeing info, Insight Guides are a great choice and there are plentry of titles to choose from. One of our favorites is Insight's Boston.

Michelin Green Guide New England is strictly for seeing the sights -- for which these books are unbeatable. Detailed maps, floor plans, excellent itineraries and walking tours are included. All the sights are rated with stars so you know what you "must see" and what else to do if time permits. Each guide is also packed with comprehensive historical and architectural descriptions of every sight. Michelin Green Guides are slim and lightweight making them easy to carry around with you while sightseeing.

The Best Places to Stay series, which has recently been completely revised and updated, does an excellent job of selecting and reviewing the best "unique and distinctive accommodations" in all price ranges. Best Places to Stay in New England can make all the difference in how much you enjoy a trip, particularly if time is short and you're looking for a relaxing, hassle-free, enjoyable getaway.

New Orleans
If you're headed to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, or any other time of the year for that matter, and want to see what really has folks returning year after year, pick up a good guidebook.

A top pick for New Orleans guidebooks is The Insider's Guide to New Orleans. Throughout The Insider's Guide you'll find interesting tales of local history that give you the flavor of this special place and the background necessary to better understand and appreciate New Orleans as it is today.

If you're an armchair traveler or looking for a New Orleans guidebook focusing on history, cultural and beautiful photos rather than hotel and sightseeing info, New Orleans: Insight Guides is an excellent choice!

Another great option is Fodor's New Orleans. This Gold Guide is updated each year and has a full-color foldout Rand McNally map.

Don't forget to pick up a copy of that old standby Zagat New Orleans Restaurant Survey to help you select that special place for dinner in the French Quarter, or perhaps a riverside take-out joint!

San Diego
If you're headed to San Diego and want to see what really has those swallows returning to Capistrano year after year, pick up a good guidebook.

A top pick for San Diego guidebooks is The Insider's Guide to San Diego. Throughout The Insider's Guide you'll find interesting tales of local history that give you the flavor of this special place and the background necessary to better understand and appreciate San Diego as it is today.

Hidden Southern California takes that "slightly different approach" often sought after by the adventurous traveler. These guides go beyond what's traditionally offered in encyclopedia-style books to include out-of-the-way spots generally known ONLY to locals.

If you're an armchair traveler or looking for a San Diego guidebook focusing on history, cultural and beautiful photos rather than hotel and sightseeing info, Southern California: Insight Guide is an excellent choice!

Don't forget to pick up a copy of that old standby Zagat San Diego Restaurant Survey to help you select that special place for dinner by the ocean, or perhaps a seaside take-out joint!

Finally, Quick Escapes in San Diego will help you find everything you need to know for a memorable weekend (or longer) trip to San Diego, including recommended restaurants, lodging, directions, suggested activities and special events.

San Francisco
If you're headed to San Francisco and want to see what this beautiful city has to offer, pick up a good guidebook a favorite of ours for San Francisco is Lonely Planet's City Guide San Francisco. This guide provides ample background coverage of the city and it's culture, as well as detailed information and reviews of hotels, restaurants and places to visit.

Hidden San Francisco and Northern California takes that "slightly different approach" often sought after by the adventurous traveler. These guides go beyond what's traditionally offered in encyclopedia-style books to include out-of-the-way spots generally known ONLY to locals.

Rough Guide to San Francisco is another candid, practical, comprehensive and opinionated guide for independent-minded and adventurous travelers. You'll find hotel and restaurant listings in all price ranges and great information on cultural entertainment and night life, plus all the practical travel details you'll need. Also included is good advice for women, family, gay and disabled travelers.

Looking for the ultimate intimate romantic escape in and around San Francisco? Pick up a copy of Romantic Days and Nights in San Francisco. You'll find 30 detailed, memorable getaways to appeal to lovers of every taste, mood or budget, that are sure to help you create magical moments and great memories.

Longing for a San Francisco daytrip? Maybe a weekend jaunt? Leave the planning to Quick Escapes, and you can relax and enjoy yourself on a weekend to remember. Each Quick Escape guide includes complete itineraries for more than 30 great daytrips/weekend getaways just a short drive from San Francisco.

While not a traditional guidebook, Travelers' Tales San Francisco makes an excellent companion book to take with you on your trip or to read beforehand in anticipation. Travelers' Tales is also a good choice if you are traveling as part of a pre-packaged tour and you want to get a feel for the city and don't need practical details such as lists of hotels and restaurants.

Solo Travel
Many people relish the thought of taking a journey alone, but are concerned about the potential downside. Will I get homesick? Will I be able to protect myself? There are so many reasons to take a solo trek, and some would argue that they far outweigh the potential risks. There are several travel guides are geared toward the independent traveler; here are a few we recommend:

Traveling Solo. Traveling Solo delineates many (over 200) travel options available to single travelers of all tastes and interests. The book includes a wide range of sections for the various types of vacations, specifications as to the common age range of participants,and candid comments.

Travel Alone & Love It is written by a former travel agent, and is full of great solo travel advice, including how to pack, areas to avoid and some key ways to overcome the fears associated with solo travel. A great bet for first-time solo travelers. This guide also includes a variety of general travel information, such as how to avoid jet lag,and even advice on where to go!

Safety and Security for Women Who Travel (Travelers' Tales Guides)
Good old Travelers' Tales. This solo guide has plenty of tips on avoiding trouble when traveling alone, and what to do if you find yourself in trouble. This guide provides the nut-n-bolts of safe solo treks. Rather than trip ideas and other general tips, the focus here is on security.

A Journey of One's Own: Uncommon Advice for the Independent Woman Traveler This guide takes a whimsical approach to the concept of solo travel, and is a wonderful resource for women travelers. Written in a laid-back, very honest manner, it takes you through the benefits and dangers of traveling alone, while stopping to address the bigger picture. Traveling alone, the author advises, is a state of mind above all else.

One of our old favorites is still A Foxy Old Woman's Guide to Traveling Alone: Around Town and Around the World, which gives solo travelers a wide range of travel tips, suggestions and caveats.

Also try Solo Cruising.

Washington, DC
Whether you're headed to the Washington Memorial, the Smithsonian or the White House, there is no shortage of things to see in D.C. If you're an armchair traveler or looking for a Washington D.C. guidebook focusing on history, cultural and beautiful photos rather than hotel and sightseeing info, Washington, D.C.: Insight Guides is an excellent choice!

Michelin Green Guide Washington, D.C. is strictly for seeing the sights -- for which it is unbeatable. This well-designed guide includes numerous detailed maps and floor plans and suggests excellent itineraries and walking tours for seeing the sights. Clear directions and travel times are given to reach each attraction.

Lonely Planet Guides provide ample background coverage of the history, culture and politics of the country, as well as detailed information and reviews of hotels, restaurants and places to visit. Check out Lonely Planet Washington, D.C.

Quick Escapes from Washington, D.C. is another good option. Each Quick Escape guide includes complete itineraries for more than 20 great weekend getaways just a short drive from home. You'll find everything you need to know for a memorable weekend, including recommended restaurants, lodging, directions, suggested activities and special events.

Depending on your itinerary and budget, you may also want to try The Unofficial Guide to Washington D.C.; or The Rough Guide to Washington D.C. The later is great for low budget or adventurous travelers.