A travel guide or guidebook is simply “a book of guidance about a specific location designed especially for the usage of tourists or travelers”. It will generally contain information such as hotels, sights, travel time, places to eat, etc. Maps of various detailed and artistic nature are often included as well. These guides are available online for free. The internet has brought the ability to spread information at the click of a mouse. This has in turn led to the rise of numerous self-publishing businesses that undertake the task of creating custom-made travel guides and guidebooks.
The most popular type of travel guide in the United Kingdom is the National Geographic Traveller’s Companion. It is produced annually and is readily available from bookstores and other establishments. It contains information on a variety of different subjects, including routes to view wildlife and art, unusual animal species, local history and culture, ancient architecture, and much more. A lonely Planet guide is an international publication that covers a large number of locations around the globe.
There are also many online travel guides that cater specifically to holiday makers and vacationers. Some websites offer advice on everything from budgeting to eating, from clothing to destinations, from booking tickets to getting insurance, from finding a hotel to making noise in the wilderness, and even currency conversion tools. In addition, some sites offer ratings and reviews by travelers on their experiences at certain locations. Travel guides can be downloaded from several sites for free or can be purchased through websites that allow paid downloads. However, travelers may find that a better way to save money is to buy a printed copy of an online travel guide and bring it along with them instead of relying on available electronic copies for guidance.