OK, so it’s true. I’ve been known to read a guide book from cover to cover. If they’re well written I  can read them like a novel. Don’t skimp on information, it saves you time and money.  Don’t hesitate to buy a $20 guide for a $2000 experience. It will pay for itself in the first day! Click on a book – over the picture you’ll find the “look inside” link – page through it to see the format.  

This is how I plan a trip in this order:

 #1 DK Eyewitness Guides – Touted as the guide books that “shows you what others only tell you”. This is the  first book I always research with because they are FULL of pictures, illustrations and details of sites.  These guides give a paragraph or two for each significant town in a region along with a picture.   Cities and sites of high interest  are described over several pages with everything you need to know to visit.  Historically, these books are so incredible heavy that I would not actually carry the book around with me, but instead study it and take notes on a sheet of paper.  Recently they have changed the format a bit and a new lighter paperback style will make this guide even better.

#2 Rick Steves  – If you are going anywhere in Europe then the gold standard in my view is the Rick Steves’ series of books.  His books have been out and updated yearly since the early 70’s and many of us have done complete European tours with them.  The books are packed with detailed insight however, they are limited to the major sites and cities of each country with a few ‘back door’ gems mixed in.  Rick has always encouraged his readers to travel through the back door and find your own hidden discoveries.  As the years have passed, I have found some special places of my own.

#3 Lonely Planet / Fudors/ Frommers – for any destination, these guides are a gold mine of knowledge.   As with all great guides, they give great commentary of sites but also give detail of smaller sights and tend to have more written information than pictures. The writers selected to research for these books do a great job and finding things off the beaten path and discovering local favorites. I read these closely in my planning for small details that make a big difference.

#4  Google Maps -After I find a few guides to search I then head to good old Google Maps.  Pick a place and start zooming in.  You’ll be shocked at how may out of the way places and sites you’ll find.   Guide books can’t list every shrine, museum and church, castle and restaurant but if you do simple searches or areas you’ll find your own must-sees.  I spend hours goofing off on Google Maps.  The Thirsty Explorer is always looking to find those great beer breaks and wine shops with tastings, so this is almost the only way to really get down to business!

#5  Actual paper maps –   Although many don’t see the need for paper maps anymore, and I’ll admit I use my phone navigation often, a paper map can really help in planning a trip.  I buy one and tape it to a wall to get a really good overview of the area I’m going.  I use sticky flags to mark my locations and post-it notes to jot down the sites there.