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What to do with used guidebooks?
I have about a thousand guidebooks. That is a slight exaggeration, but I do have a lot of guidebooks. While I would love to keep them all--in case I ever go back to destination X and reuse them-- but it is probably not a smart thing to do.
I tried to use my 2003 Costa Rica Lonely Planet guidebook during my second trip last year and let me tell you, it did not work. Most of the recommended restaurants, hotels and business were no longer there. While the important stuff - like national parks and such -- remained unchanged, you might as well just go completely without a guidebook at that point.
What do you guys do with older, used guidebooks? I have sold a few on ebay, but I am thinking there might be a better place to sell old guidebooks and buy new ones. Anyone?
Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Hotels and Accommodations, Budget Travel
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ben Jan 27th 2008 2:46PM
On my last day in a country or city I give them to the hostel where I am staying. It lightens my load and I know it will go to someone who will use it.
Jennie Jan 27th 2008 2:50PM
Leaving them at your hostel is a good idea. For those you have already brought home, however, if they are no good to you, they are likely no good to anyone else. If you can't find anyone to sell or donate them to, try recycling them. My city (NYC) will recycle paperback books along with other papers.
judd Jan 27th 2008 3:42PM
You could also sign up for bookcrossing.com and leave them in a train station, airport etc. Then see where they end up. It is a fun way to ditch books while you are vacationing.
iva.skoch Jan 28th 2008 10:01AM
Thanks for the tips!
eleanordew Jan 28th 2008 10:30AM
Try www.paperbackswap.com ... you trade your books (paperbacks OR hardbacks) to someone else, then you can request a book you want from yet a third person. The book you no longer need gets used again, and you get another book that you can use.
eleanordew Jan 28th 2008 12:19PM
Try www.paperbackswap.com ... you trade your books (paperbacks OR hardbacks) to someone else, then you can request a book you want from yet a third person. The book you no longer need gets used again, and you get another book that you can use.
Thomas Jan 29th 2008 5:48PM
Thanks Ben and Jennie - we love that travelers leave their guidebooks at the hostel when they are finished with them. I work at HI-Chicago, and at the end of the year we always ask LP, Let's Go and RG to send us unsold stock. Locals and travelers use the library to plan their trips.
Waqas Feb 12th 2008 6:38AM
I think the best idea is to give it to some needy person or send to some library or you may send it to me i know many libraries in my country where such books are rare. Send me an email to waqaskamran (at) hotmail . com Thanks