What's the Right Guide for You?
Guidebooks, Maps, Phrasebooks… There's a vast array of travel publications available for people who want to discover the world. Sometimes it is hard to know exactly what guidebook to choose. Let us help you make an informed decision about the main features and options that you should consider when making your next travel guide purchase.
In order to find the guide(s) that best suits your needs you will need to ask yourself some questions:
1. Are you planned and prepared?
Brushing up on your pre-departure knowledge can make your trip as safe and hassle-free as possible. Research crucial information such as getting the most out of your itinerary, passports, visas, health, safety, travelling alone or with children, budgeting, packing… there are many valuable insider tips and tricks that are worth finding out BEFORE you book and pay for your trip.
2. What are your intended destinations?
Make a list of countries and major cities you’re planning to see. Then check out our interactive map to see what books are offered for your destinations. For example, if you are visiting multiple countries in Europe then you’ll probably appreciate one book with extensive coverage such as ‘Lonely Planet Western Europe.’ However, if you are jetting off to Hong Kong for only a few days, then a compact city guide such as ‘Hong Kong: Top 10 Eyewitness Travel Guide’ will probably suffice.
3. What is the purpose of your trip?
Business? Pleasure? Adventure? Maybe a working holiday? Check out our books on diving, trekking, walking and wildlife watching for more inspiration.
4. How much information do you actually require?
You may not think that you do not need a guidebook because your Aunt Doris and Uncle Trevor are very knowledgeable and willing tour guides of the region. However, having a detailed guidebook to provide recommendations, reviews and maps, in conjunction with your relatives’ knowledge, will certainly make your trip much more captivating and prompt you to see even more than you would have initially.
5. What sort of budget do you have?
Generally speaking, most guides will cater to a cross range of ages and budgets so you can choose what best suits you. However, If you wish to stretch your dollar further, ‘Shoestring Guides’ are perfect for big trips on small budgets. Remember too, it’s often cheaper and more convenient to purchase a guidebook before you go. Imagine trying to find that elusive, English language guidebook in the middle of nowhere… and when you do, it could be double the price and the listings completely out of date!
6. How much room do you have?
Most travel book publishers have reduced the weight of their titles by using the thinnest paper possible while maintaining quality. They have maximised the amount of information on every page so that you, the traveller, can tote around a compact, detailed book with relative ease.
7. Will you require maps on your travels?
It’s wonderful to have a durable, colour, double-sided, laminated and easy to fold map when you are planning your trip or exploring your undiscovered city of choice. Most maps will also have an extensive street & site index as well as a list of top city attractions and a transit map (for trains/buses etc). ‘City Guides’ will also contain maps but they may not be as comprehensive or detailed as an actual fold out map.
8. Do you want to speak with the locals?
There’s no better way to immerse your self in the culture of a country than to speak the language. A phrasebook could be a lifesaver, particularly in remote areas or where English is not one of the major languages. TGU has many different types of phrasebooks; from pocket-sized basic language books to book and CD packs that allow you to practice your vocabulary before you go.
9. Do you want to diarise your experiences?
Record your once in a lifetime adventures in a lightweight, yet sturdy travel journal. These journals contain helpful traveller tools such as a time zone wheel, world maps, measurement chart and plenty of room to write.
10. Okay, I’ve decided what books to buy.. why should I purchase from Travel Guide Universe?
TGU is the leading online store dedicated to Travel Guide Books and Maps. We offer:
Huge Range: We stock entire ranges from leading publishers. You’ll find popular countries to remote destinations and almost every major city and country in between!
Latest Editions: We offer the most up-to-date guides
Fast Service: We answer emails within 4 business hours or less or you can call us with any queries
Fast Delivery: We stock almost every item we sell in our own warehouse so you receive your order quickly
Great Pricing: And better yet, when you place an order within Australia for $49 or more, you’ll receive FREE shipping!