Reviews (4)

A Must for any Newbie to Disney World
If you've never been to Disney World (or if you haven't been for a long time), this book is a must.As a first-timer, I am so very grateful that I bought it.Reading it prepared me for my trip like nothing else I did prior to leaving.The other books on Disney World vacations are of varying usefulness, but this one should be required reading for all first-timers. (By the way, in terms of the other guide books, I like both Passporter and the EZ-Guide for their maps and fun attitude, but found Birnbaum's Official Guide to be both lacking in substance and filled with too much detail about some attractions, which could have potentially ruined my experience had I kept reading that dastardly book).
FINALLY, Testa makes the cover!
I'm another loyal UG reader--every trip, every year (whether we go or not that year).I agree with a previous reviewer's comments that the book is peppered with author comments--for me, that's the beauty.If you are looking for the pure sunny version of "what's at WDW" this may not be the book for you.Consider Birnbaum's or the PassPorter.
Lots of new content for the new edition!!
I've bought this guidebook for the past 4 trips I have taken to WDW.This book is the BEST guide out anywhere for WDW.This issue has some new content which I was very pleased with.I especially like the new map of vacation house resort locations in/around Disney. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    2. Special Interest - Family    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. Travel Guides - U.S.    6. United States - South - South Atlantic (General)    7. United States - South Atlantic - Florida    8. Florida    9. Travel & holiday guides    10. Travel / United States / South / South Atlantic (DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV)   

Reviews (2)

A MUST FOR DISNEY VACATIONERS
Birmbaums is the most comprehensive disney guide there is. Its a fun way to plan your trip. Though not as detailed as some its a very lively look at all that is disney. A great book to get you excited about your trip to the happiest place on earth.

The Official Book of Disney World
My husband, son, and I just got back from Disney World a few weeks ago. We planned the trip in just a month's time, and WDW guides were very helpful!
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Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Travel - General    2. Parks & Campgrounds    3. Special Interest - Family    4. Travel    5. Travel - United States    6. Travel Guides - U.S.    7. United States - General    8. United States - South Atlantic - Florida    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Travel    10. Travel & holiday guides    11. USA   

Reviews (5)

Then and Now
The photographs in this book are good shots - clear, and larger than I had expected. It is very interesting to see how the historical city of Boston was, and how it has changed over the years, most times for the better, though sometimes for the worse.Perhaps I would get more out of this if I knew more about Boston. Unless you are already familiar with this city, then "Boston Then and Now" gives you the feeling of peeping through the windows of a house that's up for rent, rather than being taken on a guided tour. A map certainly would have been helpful, and how about an entire page of background information rather than a footnote? Just an idea, in case someone decides to revise it someday. Nice book. Worth buying.

SNOBS
"Boston Then And Now" was reviewed by Charles Higgensworth III.I do hope there won't be a number 4 Higgensworth.This man should drop the attitude.Then people may like him almost as much as this book.What a jerk!

A good backstop to any trip to Boston's sites
We purchased this book in Boston and found almost all of the sites we saw in town in this book.In this book, the older, up to 150-year old photo of the original structures on the current site, or older pictures than offered a juxtaposition of the surrounding landscape of buildings present in the past and now around selected sites.Read more

Subjects:  1. Boston (Mass.)    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History - U.S.    5. Photoessays & Documentaries    6. Pictorial works    7. Pictorials    8. Subjects & Themes - Travel - U.S./New England    9. Travel    10. United States - State & Local - General    11. Places & peoples: general interest    12. Travel & holiday guides    13. Sale Books   

Reviews (5)

Absolutely Awesome!
This is the best book I have ever seen on the National Parks. The photography alone is worth the price. It gives very comprehensive advice on each park, and you can tell by the way it is written that these people have actually been to, and spent time, in each park. I love the way it breaks down each park into suggested amounts of time so that you can better plan your trip. There are maps for each park, and in the maps is my only complaint. Most of the maps cover more than one page and because there is very little page border down the center, it can make it difficult to see the center of the maps. Other than that, it truly is an awesome book, whether you actually get to travel to the parks or not.

National Parks Guide does its job.
If you are visiting National Parks and want a useful guide to help plan your day(s) this book should be on your list.It goes beyond the quick synopsis you get in AAA guides and describes worthwhile stops and hikes at all the National Parks in the U.S.

A handy reference to supplement (or start) Web research
I just bought the 2006 version of this useful resource to replace my trusty 1989 (!!) original. The new one includes up-to-date content (e.g., Joshua Tree is now a National Park, no longer a National Monument tucked away in the "Excursions" section) but I have two major gripes:
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Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. National parks and reserves    3. North America    4. Parks    5. Parks & Campgrounds    6. Travel    7. Travel - United States    8. Travel Guides - U.S.    9. United States    10. United States - General    11. Travel & holiday guides    12. Travel / North America    13. USA   

Reviews (17)

More helpful than maps found in travel guides
I was very reliant on the Tokyo City Atlas and the maps found outside train and subway stations. The level of detail in the maps on the City Atlas is helpful if you're one of those people who need to check every two minutes if you're heading in the right direction.
Good, but NOT Great
You are kind of stuck.You need a map like this to navigate Tokyo, and this is the only map of its kind on the market.In other words, you pretty much have to buy this book.
Excellent Book for self-guided travel
Just like most of the reviewers, I agree that this book is an excellent source for self-guided travel. The Map is so easy to use and accurate.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - Japan    2. Maps & Road Atlases    3. Reference - Guides (General)    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Japan    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (214)

Inspiring
When I got this book I was pleased about most of the places it listed. However, the author left a lot out (though I know you can't please everybody) and put in too many expensive hotels. If we're supposed to do all 1000 things before we die, how are we expected to afford all of it if we're staying in all the expensive hotels? *sigh* oh well.
Stop reading & travel
I bought this book as a challenge for myself to highlight all the places I've been, considering myself well traveled.But I had no idea and now, I have clear goals of where I want to go and why.I also thought it was funny, that there are no places in Korea listed.I'm unhappily stationed in South Korea and couldn't agree more that there are no places that anyone HAS to see before they die here.I will however make it a point to travel to the steakhouse in OK.The only thing that would make this book better, would be more pics and some of them in color.HAPPY TRAVELS!!

Worst travel book........possible
This has got to be one of the worst travel books I have ever come across. It does not cover anything that would not already be obvious if you went to one of the places listed here - like not to miss the Empire State Bldg if you are in NYC or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. On the Swedish section it has the area referred to as all of Southern Sweden mixed up with an island of its east coast. Anyone looking for experiencing something special on their trips should stay far away from this book. I only give it one star because the system does not allow me to put none. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Reference - General    3. Reference - Guides (General)    4. Travel    5. Travel - General    6. Gift books    7. Places & peoples: general interest    8. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (70)

Bundle with Party Italy
Wow, what a blast I had. I found some cool off the beaten path things to do with Rick Steves and then turned to my Party Italy book to live it up and have the most amazing time. What a great combination.

Rick Steves' Italy 2006
I would never go to Europe without his books!They are the best updated as far as sights, prices, hotels, food and travel hints.His books allow us to spend our time on only the best sights of Europe using his maps which are by far better than ones you can purchase there.They allow us to be our own travel guide.He shares where the best food is and where to get a clean-good nights sleep without breaking the bank.I can't believe how many people we run into using his books.Don't go without it!

Fantastic resource!
Very good book and gives one a look at what to do for the traveler versus a regular or typical tourist--covers the out-of-the-way places very well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Italy    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (4)

Disappointing
I bought this book thinking it would be new and different from all the other traveler's guides. I was sadly mistaken.I looked up my city - Boston.There is nothing described that you couldn't find on the internet for free. In addition, the recommended restaurants are either tired old spots that are just riding on their reputations or yesterday's hot spots, which in my opinion, are overpriced and not that great.
the best travel book everq
Hands down, this is the best travel book I've ever read -- and I enjoyed reading it cover to cover, unlike many travel books. It's a combination of where to eat, stay and what to see as well as a fascinating history/commentary that really gives you a sense of what a city is like, the pulse. Apple is a fantastic writer and I trust his restaurant recommendations over any other writer/critic out there -- in the cities I know well, he's definitely included the best of the best eats, both high brow and low brow. I really hope he can update and re-publish his European guide soon. I don't want to travel anywhere without his guidance any more!

Good book for reading.
I had a wonderful time reading this book. Not bad. Go's into some interesting topics and covers the bases for the most part. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Cities and towns    3. Description And Travel    4. Guidebooks    5. Travel    6. Travel - United States    7. United States    8. United States - General    9. Travel & holiday guides    10. USA   

Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nervesof first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the mostjaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach.While still givinginsights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations anditineraries for those with less time than money.Read more

Reviews (39)

Great Resource
Best overview on India.If you want more in depth you need to buy books related to a particular subject.This book gives an overview on everything Indian.Really important resource for a traveller in India.

AS MUCH ABOUT TOURISM IN INDIA AS CAN BE PACKED INTO A BOOK
It is almost a crime to try to fit a great country such as India into a one volume guidebook.However, being such the understandable proposition -- tourists are unlikely to want to carry many guides -- this guidebook does a very nice job of putting it all together.
Strongly recommended to anyone planning to visit any part of this remarkable country either for business or for pleasure
This expanded and updated eleventh edition of India is the result of considerable research and study by Lonely Planet's expert staff including Sarina Singh and ten associates. India is an comprehensive and highly portable 1140-page paperback guide to the diverse country of India. Introducing travelers to a significant grasp of Indian culture and land, India offers readers a "user-friendly" reference for best accommodations for budget, historical information, lesser known locations such as national parks, remote tribal villages and serene secluded mountain treks, comprehensive understandings of Indian cuisine, and transportation information with over 200 precise maps. India from Lonely Planet is very strongly recommended to anyone planning to visit any part of this remarkable country either for business or for pleasure.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. India    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Europe - Italy    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Italy    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years, and as a result has experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach.While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.Read more

Reviews (39)

good reference
The info in this book is universal to different types of travelers.It is not meant to be read completely.It's format provides an overview of cities for tourists.Another writer from England, Ian Middleton, spent four months backpacking across Mexico.He considered Lonely Planet to be a "Barclaycard", never leave home without it.While Ian Middleton wrote an ebook titled "Down Mexico Way"(availabe at diesel ebooks) that is written in a different and candid format.I originally bought his book to research driving through mexico.But his book is mainly a sharing of one's journey as a backpacker by bus, personal van, hitchhike and train.I suggest decide what kind of traveler or tourist you are before when you buy these books.

Go Pick Up Let's Go Mexico instead
I just returned from a 10 day trip to three different states in Mexico with a friend.I had "Let's Go Mexico" and she had this book.By the end of the trip we were both cursing this guide.We found several innacuracies (the museum hour times in Mexico City are not correct for the Museums around the Zocalo, it also is innacurate as far as the days open while the Let's go book is correct), the descriptions were not helpful, and we found several instances that the descriptions describing sites were simply false.Also, Let's Go gives much more information and history on Mexico.

a good guide
I am living in mexico now and working and have a two year contract.Living here, I take advantage of going around Mexico during my holidays at work. I always take this book with me around and traveled around Mexico.This book was very helpful to me and telling me where to go.However, it is good to note, sometimes if you are looking for mid range to high end hotels in big cities (Mexico City, Monterrey, Acapulco, ect..), it is better to make reservations via the internet.But smaller cities like Durango, Zacatecas or Torreon, LP is very helpful and truth to what it mentions.Reserving through the internet, you can also see what it mentions in LP to compare, which is very helpful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mexico    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (14)

Leaves A Reader More Excited Than Ever To Get To New Zealand!
Like other volumes in this series, this book does what I think is a first-rate job of pointing out sites of interest most other guides wouldn't think to include. The Lonely Planet books are not for every traveler but for anyone who wants to leave the more typical tourist locations behind, it is truly valuable. It is loaded with (the usual) practical information a first-time visitor to New Zealand might need and I think it will save A LOT of time and trouble with its helpful tips and suggestions. I am really pumped by this book and found it excellent.

Simply outdated for 2006 travel
I am near the end of my 1 month stay in NZ, and in the past month, I have encountered too many instances where I relied on LP's info but found it to be erroneous.Trains/ferries no longer running, activities/tours no longer in operation, and restaurants that have closed (in various regions). This book has proven to be a disappointment for 2006.(Thank god for the internet so I am able double-check everything.)

Mom loves it
I bought this book for my mom, who is spending three months in New Zealand.She says she loves it and reads in it all the time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Australia & Oceania - General    2. Australia & Oceania - New Zealand    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. New Zealand    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (34)

Absolutely the best book for Rio, and I've tried many...
I am about to head to Rio for the third time.The first time I spent nine days figuring out that I shouldn't have stayed in Copacabana.I wasted a lot of time and money learning this lesson.Before my second trip I decided to try this book instead of newer editions from the well-known publishers that I had tried on my first trip.What a great decision.Here is why Rio for Partiers outshines books from it's competitors:
LA guy saved by this little book!
Hey fellow americans... this book saved my week long experience.Thru the haze of partying and jumping around, I continually referred to this book to find tips for where to go every night.My buddies and I used it to try alot of different activities and were never disappointed! Whoever put this together knows this city inside and out!Good times!!

Rio for Partiers
The book is amazing, very very very funnny, answers the questions that you wouldnt normally have the guts to ask....quality book ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Travel / South America    2. Brazil    3. Rio de Janeiro    4. South America    5. Travel    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Central America    2. Mexico    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Costa Rica    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (36)

An Excellent Reference
As an architect, I use this book as a reference tool. The library of photos contained within this book sometimes help when trying to develop the characteristics of a certain style of building.I have even used to with a few clients who say thay want this or that look. I then have them thumb through this book and show them the style they have mentioned only to have then say "No, this is the style I'm talking about" pointing to another style.
And it has a Sears Home inside!!
For many years, I've written about historic architecture and vintage homes and have also written four books on this topic (including "The Houses That Sears Built").
Excellent Primer and Reference
"Field Guide" is the first reading required of all graduate students in at least one highly esteemed university degree program in historic preservation.It is also one of those rare books that serves well as both an introduction to and a reference for its subject.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture, Domestic    3. Description and travel    4. Domestic    5. Guidebooks    6. Guides    7. Reference    8. U.S. Architecture - General    9. United States    10. Architecture / Reference   

Reviews (7)

Simply The Best
If you are going to Disney with your kids, this is, hands down, the best guide out there.

my kids (and grandkids) like action
My kids & I used to make a yearly pilgrimmage to WDW in Orlando and now my gradnkids want to do the same. So off I go again. But I wouldn't leave the house (or the car) unles I had Wiley's great guide book in my bag. Everything we need to know is there and the yearly updates make this an imperative take-along travel choice.
Excellent Guide
This is one of the best travel guides that I have used! I took my kids to Disney and this book helped me avoid the long lines (that we all know about!), know where to eat and helped me find a good hotel where my kids could be kids. This is a must if you plan on going to Disney! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family recreation    2. Florida    3. Guidebooks    4. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    5. Orlando Region    6. Orlando Region (Fla.)    7. Parks & Campgrounds    8. Special Interest - Family    9. Travel    10. Travel - United States    11. Travel Guides - U.S.    12. United States - South - South Atlantic (General)    13. United States - South Atlantic - Florida    14. Walt Disney World (Fla.)    15. Travel & holiday guides    16. Travel / United States / South / South Atlantic (DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV)   

Reviews (11)

Practically useless!
So we're in BA last week with this guide, and we're trying to go to some of the restaurants this book recommends. But the book is so OUT OF DATE that the restaurants have CLOSED DOWN.I don't know how this book is for the less traveled parts of Argentina, but for Buenos Aires, it is USELESS.

1 US$ is how much?
While the LP guides has a lot to say for them, both the latest and the previous guide book to Argentina+Uruguay+Paraguay share one serious flaw with all other LP guide books - all the prices are in US$, and all the countries in South America they have their own currency.
The value of this guide is found when you leave Buenos Aires.
Lonely Planet has broken down Argentina into nine geographical areas and the guide is at its best outside of Buenos Aires. The guide excels at providing you with insight into the culture, history and uniqueness of the wonderful countryside of Argentina.But, in Buenos Aires it falls short.
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Subjects:  1. Reference - Guides (General)    2. South America    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Argentina    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (16)

Bundle with Party Europe
LP is a great book and had lots of awesome ideas. If you really want to have the best time of your life, buy a copy of Party Europe as well. LP tells you where to stay and eat, Party Europe will tell you how to have fun. Great combination. Can't wait to head back to the old country.

Too many countries
The book itself is awesome, lots of useful info.
Essential, perfect for a road trip
I bought Europe in a Shoestring as a preparation for my move from Italy to the UK. The book is an excellent reference for accomodation and eating, plus it gives the essential info on places to see and where to go.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - General    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Europe    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (1)

Bundle with Party Europe
Just as good as previous versions with lots of off the beaten path fun things to do. I brought it with a copy of Party Europe. It was a great combo. Rick Steves to chill, Party Europe to have the most fun possible.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - General    2. Europe - Western    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Europe    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Europe / General   

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Italy    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Italy