Thoughts on the Lonely Planet scandal: Guidebooks are a sham

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4-14-2008 @ 4:45AM

Raf said...

"The guidebook views you as an idiot incapable of asking questions..."

"Guidebooks are the CliffNotes of travel writing, nothing more than a hand-holding exercise..."

I completely disagree. I use guidebooks as resources that help me plan out a trip beforehand. As an example I have used Rick Steve's ETBD series to help plan my trips to Europe. I find his information VERY helpful & VERY up to date.

I don't see this as him viewing me as an idiot. I see this as him being helpful to a fellow traveler and since his information is very helpful, I in return trust him & continue to buy his guides. Using his guidebooks in out of the way places in the Balkans & Eastern Europe has been more than helpful.

And also realize that many travelers need a little hand-holding at first. Not all of us are well seasoned back-packers with many experiences to fill a blog with, so excuse me.

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