Comments on: Lessons from Middle Earth: How to Use a Guidebook Without Letting it Ruin Your Trip

By: Craze_b0i

Craze_b0i — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 11:29:30 +0000

I am someone who is pro-guidebook for a whole load of reasons. But it is interesting to listen to the philosophy of someone with the opposing view.

By: TaraTravels

TaraTravels — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:52:41 +0000

This is probably the best article I’ve ever read about guidebooks! I wrote one myself that didn’t even come close… very good points (though I do bring the guidebook with me, it’s more of a security blanket than a book I’m constantly referencing while I travel). My favorite point of all is not to trust them – I used to treat guidebooks as if they were the Word of God – not so much now that I’ve discovered how often they’re wrong…

By: wandering educators

wandering educators — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:12:20 +0000

there are so many ways of traveling – we rip out the parts we want and leave the rest at home (well-read, usually!)…i love the part abt asking locals – we always do that, and find the BEST places to eat and stay. thanks for an interesting article!

By: Traveller At Heart

Traveller At Heart — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:14:57 +0000

Well stated, Stephen Bramucci. No one way is for everyone.

By: Stephen Bramucci

Stephen Bramucci — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:29:23 +0000

Laughing Nomad: There’s things you say that I totally agree with– the value of info on maps and transport — but in my opinion as a long-term traveler, there’s definately a more inaccesible vibe that goes along with toting a travel guide.
If you’re doing your reading back at the hostel like Cristina Dima-772 mentioned then that’s not a problem. I guess what I’ve always found is that when someone has access to endless information they’re tempted to use it all the time. So even a savvy traveler with the best intentions ends up consulting their guidebook more and more as the trip goes on (a proof to this theory is the amount that new I-phone owners spend clicking away on their phone, even while in public). One solution is to study up at home and leave the guidebook on the shelf as I’ve mentioned…BUT I TOTALLY AGREE THAT ITS NOT THE ONLY METHOD. If your style of travel works for you it’s definitely the right style– so on that count I couldn’t agree with you more. I guess this piece is more for people who have been working with a guidebook and find their experience lacking. Thanks for the insight on the other side of the coin. It’s great to get more perspective on it.

By: laughingnomad

laughingnomad — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:26:17 +0000

I mean “take” a book or at least part of it.

By: laughingnomad

laughingnomad — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:24:32 +0000

Well, I don’t think it’s an all or none thing. Before I go I read the history/cultural info, but I wouldn’t do without the maps, bus, train, plane info because I am usually going from country to country. I am not going to sit down and copy out info. I do however, tear out maps and transportation pages I want to refer to while on the road and take them with me. And even if you have a book with you it doesn’t mean you have to carry it around like a newbie. Tear out the city walks pages and take with you. And you can still do all the things you have suggested. It doesn’t have to be in lieu of a book. I’ve been on the road 7 years and travelers who refuse to use books seem like travel snobs to me.

By: Stephen Bramucci

Stephen Bramucci — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:57:39 +0000

Miamic: You hit the nail–The Sbarros photo is a warning draped in neon. When I’m in NYC I’m going out to Brooklyn for Grimaldi’s, or down to Spring Street for Lombardi’s– god I miss NY pizza. Thanks for the thoughtful comment!

By: Miamc

Miamc — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:21:24 +0000

Excellent advice. The scuba simily resonated for me — I have also learned to leave the camera on the dive boat for at least half the dives. When I have it I spend the entire dive focused on photo composition, not the whole, wide ocean. Same can apply above water. But I have to wonder about the picture of Sbarro — I hope it’s cautionary, not intended to illustrate local advice. ‘Cause no New Yorker is going to send you there over any of the many variations on “Ray’s Pizza.”

By: Traveller At Heart

Traveller At Heart — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:15:28 +0000

Missing something is inevitable – unless travelling is a “job” to you, or you’re more interested in “telling” rather than “seeing”. Great article.