lonely planet v rough guide

PompeyPete

Definitely agree with borrowing from the library.
But whatever guidebook you go for only use it as a guide and not as the bible. We've used LP a few times for accommodation recommendations, and they haven't always been as described! RG have been better.
And particularly in fast developing countries, these guidebooks can quickly become out-of-date.

Trip Advisor(TA) discussion forums are also very useful, as are expat discussion forums.
But always be wary of hotel reviews on TA as anyone can write a review (honest/ficticious/malicious/outrageous/ridiculous), whether they've stayed in that hotel or not. I prefer hotel reviews on Travel Republic or Booking.com, which can only be written by invitation as a result of you having booked (and stayed) hotels through those websites.

Bob_the_Saver

The only trouble with borrowing from the library is they get pi**ed of if you don't come back for 6 months

travelgran

To add - I've the LP website 'Thorntree' excellent for specific questions and prompt replies. Some of the regular posters do seem to have their own agenda though!
Not 6 months but our library will loan a book for 6 weeks if requested at the desk.

PompeyPete

Bob_the_Saver wrote: »

The only trouble with borrowing from the library is they get pi**ed of if you don't come back for 6 months

:rotfl::rotfl:
Whenever I did that sort of thing it was always to the far flung, following pretty much a well beaten backpacking track.
It was always easy to pick up guide books from hostels/guesthouses.

Kamran

want2bmortgage3 wrote: »

Hey all,
I want to order one of the europe on a budget books and just wondered if there are any differences between the LP and RG books?
They look pretty similar but if anyones read either or both and can let me know the differences, please post!
Thanks

I prefer Lonely Planet because they do excellent itineraries - have never been let down by them. When it comes to hotels, I always choose TripAdvisor.com over the guidebooks.

danandjens_worldtravels

I find that one is more 'in date' than the other and depending on where you're going this might be important.

I borrow from the library, but just remember if you leave it on the airplane or in the hire car (both done) you have to replace it for the library! If you are traveling for a long time, pick up whatever is available from guest houses or other travelers

Remember they are only guides, venture 'off map' as well!

laurel7172

Whichever one has been updated most recently...

Mr_Wang

Can I just add the new LP guides are awful! Talk about ruining an excellent guide book

Ames

I've only read LP but I find it great. I don't bother with looking at hotels or restaurents though. I stay in hostels so I prefer to research them on hostelbookers, they've got the best up to date reviews. I've used the Europe on a shoestring and the Eastern Europe guide, I just look through for cities with lots of museums/castles etc, to get a list of places to visit while I travel round. The country guide part of those books is good for rough info like currency and weather, and the 'things to be aware of' is useful.

Really though, the best info comes from meeting people while you're travelling, they'll be up to date on what places have bed bugs, which towns have roadworks on every main street, how reliable buses are etc.

bylromarha

LP over RG for me every time. I find LP easier to access information quickly. The layout of the information is better I find too.

Always use the library for them - take both LP and RG out before I go. Have a good look through both at home and invarably LP goes in the suitcase and RG goes back to the library before we fly out.

Have done this for locations all over the world - LP won every time.