1. Stroll the travel section of an actual book store and see if any of the books are laid out in a way that works for you. You can also buy a lot of used books for a small amout at amazon.com from other sellers. When planning a trip I leave them in the bathroom and my husband and I both get our chance to go through them and decide what we think we can’t miss. You can also try to find them on eBay. You would be surprised at the bargains you can get on gently used books.

Rick Steves, Rick Steves, Rick Steves.

He teaches you how to travel light, avoid the tourist traps, and have an authentic experience. He’s never steered me wrong in 20+ years!

If you don’t want to spend money on travel books, checkout http://www.tripsay.com/index.html This site may be helpful, b/c people share their travel experiences of places they’ve been and where to stay etc.

Good Luck
R

I’m a huge fan of Lonely Planet – also try Powells.com for used books. Furthermore, I really like the forum on their website, the Thorntree, as it is country specific and full of real-time info from travelers who are actually there (or planning on going) and discussing which places are the best deals, not so good, or even new and not even in the books yet. Have fun! I’m envious ;)

We use Fodor’s just about everywhere we go. I especially like them because most of their guides have a section with books for further reading, and I like to read historical fiction novels about the place I’m visiting before I go. If you’re in a large city, check the library. I was like you in terms of buying expensive travel books, but when I found out the library carried them, that made things much simpler and much less expensive. Or you can at least try before you buy.

Also try Half Price Books or other used bookstores. Even if the books are a couple of years out of date, they are still fairly accurate on major attractions, a little less so on restaurants, as they are more likely to come and go. Don’t rely too heavily on travel guides for prices; I usually add about 10–20% to get a more accurate price.

I usually borrow travel books from the library, instead of purchasing them. The Eyewitness series has great pictures and I sometimes look at them just for fun. If you are young and on a budget, the Let’s Go books may be just the thing.

Dorling Kindersley has several collections that are great to read before you go, but not the down-and-dirty useful stuff you need when on the road.

fodor’s. i suggest the “see it” series, which is full of pictures and makes you want to go to every place descfibed.

I agree with robhaya, hit the web. Sites like thorntree.com Virtualtourist.com and tripadvisor.com have great info as well as forums.

I second “Lonely Planet”, so much information, tips and great short trip ideas. For a more “souvenir-y” type travel guide, I also like the Eyewitness Travel Series. These have amazing pictures and maps, and they offer some great hotel and restaurant suggestions.

I prefer to post on TripAdvisor and hear suggestions from REAL people not writing a book for profit. I have gotten the most amazing advice from ‘personal people’ who have contacted me from my posts on TripAdvisor. I, myself, love helping others with tips and hints from my own previous travels.

On my visit to Ireland last summer, I was staying in the same B&B by chance as one of Rick Steves’ editors. She was there on their yearly visit to every location mentioned in their books to update information and be sure standards haven’t slipped.

So, real people. :)

Into the Wild – It is the best book i have ever read. The book was adapted to film in 2007, directed by Sean Penn with Emile Hirsch starring as McCandless. I love this book.