Reviews (6)

Good companion book
This makes a good companion book to a book like Rick Steve's France. The pictures are good and give some ideas at what to see before you go. As far as the other aspects of planning a trip it isuseless. It is a good picture book and no more.

France (Eyewitness Travel Guide)
Great book to read before the trip. It gets your juices flowing. Will even enjoy it after the trip. Too heavy to carry along if you are doing the one bag back pack thing.

DK + France = Great Read!
I've been a fan of DK for years.It's just now that, in searching for travel books, I found this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide series.This is a great book!All the high-quality pictures, illustrations, diagrams you expect out of DK - and the whole of France in clear, easy-to-comprehend chunks.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - France    2. France    3. General    4. Guidebooks    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel / Europe / France   

Subjects:  1. Asia - Southeast    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Travel & holiday guides    6. Travel / Asia / Southeast    7. Vietnam   

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 (5)

tour guide
we were in nepal in recently and found this guide to be very useful and informative; will recommend it to anybody who is travelling to a new country.

Paperback Sherpa
The first time I traveled to Nepal I was on a limited budget, was alone, had no idea where I was going to stayand there was a riot going on in Kathmandu.
Here's another book to get in addition to L.P. Nepal
This book is great!I like to travel and not be a "typical american", and this book really helped me in that effort of knowing the culture and the land.I spent 5 weeks in Nepal and was more educated about the country/traditions/culture than any tourist I ran into.I spent a week in Kathmandu, 3 weeks trekking the Annapurna Circuit, and 1 week kayaking the Seti River.I used the medical section of this book (almost everyone gets sick), but should have bought a little medical book available in the bookstores in Kathmandu.Also, the trekking information in this book is good, but it's not great.If you want the BEST guidbook for trekking the Annapurna Circuit or Everest, then go to yetizone.you know what.It's a good site and the webmaster publishes his own guidebook for cheap!It's the best darn guidebook out there without question.Everyone I ran into in Nepal that looked at my book, and I mean EVERYONE, wanted to buy it or make copies.Also, it's not really a book, it's more like a little spiral bound pamphlet, so it weighs practically nothing, and I could keep it easily accessible in my cargo pocket.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Asia - Southwest    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Nepal    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (1)

Postponed Trip
Because of the attack on Israel, we decided postpone our tour. The book looks very interesting, but right now it is irrelevant. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Israel    3. Middle East - Israel    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Middle East / Israel   

Reviews (10)

Disappointing
I give this book 3 stars because the pictures are beautiful and they made me go and visit the places pictured in the book. But, as another reviewer wrote, you can't cover all the Hawaiian islands in 150-200 pages. Way to little info about the islands and the sights. Ok if you want a quick overview, but not ok if you want details. I usually like the DK guide books, but this one was disappointing. The Ultimate Guide and the Rough Guide are much better.

Love the photos at least
This book leaped out at me when I was in a bookstore the other day looking for books for our upcoming honeymoon to Hawaii. The pictures sold me. They're beautiful and most of the other Hawaii guides weren't so visually appealing. But the iinformation contained in the book was dissapointing. It was as skimpy as some of the bathing suits worn there! I'm going to buy or order another book or two to supplement this one. This will be the one I dream over, and the others will be for good solid practical info and advise.

Good Starter Travel Guide
I am a fan of the DK travel guides, and particularly like the color photography that allows readers to visualize the area more than most other travel guides. In reality I would like to give this guide 3.5 stars, but will have to settle for four. The photography is generally good, and the information is generally correct in my experience. This book features some excellent pointers that are especially good for those new to Hawaii. The book has a brief background section on the islands as a whole, and has decent island by island coverage of all the major Hawaiian Islands (certainly all the ones a tourist would visit.)
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Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. United States - General    4. United States - Pacific - Hawaii    5. United States - West - General    6. United States - West - Pacific (General)    7. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Reviews (5)

South Africa (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
Excellent travel guide!
Great Guide
I first discovered these books (a series Eyewitness Travel) by accident in a Stockholm bookstore. I had just come from Gothenborg by train and was a bit dazed. The book I bought by accident was in swedish but it still useful because of all the photos, cut away views, museum pictures, and maps and historical details. When I got home I bought a pile on Amazon.com of different places that I was going or had visited - but in english.
Very disapointing
I got this book as a present before i went to south africa. I was excited because I have heard that these books are really good. But after reading through the book, I quickly realizied that it did not give me enough information. I am in South Africa, I see how beautiful it is. I don't need to see pictures, I need maps, (there were only maps for Capetown)information about what i am seeing, costs of addmission, times, ect. There were none, and it became really annoying and unpleasant at many times. These books are good for people who just want to see how other countries/cities look like, but not travel to them. If you want a good travel book, look for the Lonely planet series. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Guidebooks    3. South Africa    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel / Africa   

Reviews (10)

Buy the 2005 version and save some money
I just got back from Spain a few days ago, having used the 2006 Frommer's Spain to plan our trip.None of the entries have been updated to reflect 2006 pricing for entry fees to museums, etc.The book has a small section in the front called "What's new in Spain" or something along those lines, but the rest of the book does not appear to have been updated for 2006.We ended up spending more than we had expected at almost every single place we visited on Frommer's advice due to the fact that the pricing was outdated.In hindsight, I would have saved some money and bought a used 2005 version.And FYI, most attractions have student discounts which knock up to half of the admission price off, so don't leave your student ID at home if you have one!

Thorough, Comprehensive and well-put together - excellent guide for Spain
Thorough, Comprehensive and well-put together.
The New 2006 Frommers Review
Note: This is for anyone contemplating purchasing the new 2006 travel guide of Spain by Frommers. Don't waste your money. Although I have purchased over 30 Frommers books in the past and enjoyed each one, the Spain book was awful. In Madrid, the book lists 20 or so "Top Attractions" (which is customary for Frommers). However, try to read about these attractions (e.g. what they are, hours of operation, etc.) and you can only find about half of them in the book. How do you know if it is worth treking across town for something that has no description?
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Spain & Portugal    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Spain    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Spain & Portugal   

Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. Travel Guides - U.S.    4. United States - West - Pacific (General)    5. California    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Reviews (11)

Start Your Planning Here
Overall the Eyewitness series is the best travel guide collection being published, not only for the fact that it is fun to look through and read in its own right, because of the way it shows the sites in beautiful color illustrations, but also because of the wealth of information and the well-thought-out selections its editors include. These books are comprehensive and interesting and great to own, whether one is planning a trip abroad or simply wants to see the sites in foreign places. This '03 edition has been a big help to me in planning my trip to New Zealand, and the '06 edition, due in August, is something I can't wait to get.

Highly Recommend
I made a mistake and bought the Essential New Zealand AAA guide before I had discovered this series. That was an error, that book is very short and lacking in most of the details.
Useful, all around guide
This guide was recommended by friends with family now living in NZ.
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Subjects:  1. Australia & Oceania - General    2. Australia & Oceania - New Zealand    3. Guidebooks    4. New Zealand    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel / Australia & Oceania   

Reviews (2)

Still your best bet for a DC travel guide
I rated the 2004 edition of this book at 5 stars, but this edition has slipped just a bit for containing outdated information and omissions of a few other things, so I would say it deserves a 4-and-a-half star rating.
Frommer's Washington DC 2006 guide has it all!
Frommer's continues its tradition of excellence with the 2006 guide to D.C.Most helpful to us were the "Getting to Know Washington D.C" chapter, and the chapter on "Suggested Itineraries".The pullout map is invaluable.If you've never been to D.C., or have not toured the city, this book is a fabulous reference. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. Travel Guides - U.S.    4. United States - South - South Atlantic (General)    5. United States - South Atlantic - D.C.    6. Southeastern & South Atlantic states    7. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    8. Travel / United States / South / South Atlantic (DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV)    9. USA   

Reviews (5)

Very complete and helpful guide
Whether you plan on doing a safari, or relaxing in the beaches of Zanzibar, or visiting the less traveled regions of Tanzania, this book provides all the useful information that you need to plan your trip or to have a more complete experience once you are there, whether you are planning to travel with a limited budget or not.The book covers Tanzania's wildlife attractions, historical sites, seldom visited places, culture, political history, food, health, maps, local traditions, etc.I didn't find any flaw worth mentioning with the book.So if you plan on going to Tanzania or are just thinking about it, this book will convince you that it is a place worth visiting, with more possibilities than you can imagine.
safari operator through L.P. suggestion
Roy Safaris is a very reliable safari operator in Arusha.
An excellent travel companion
The Lonely Planet produces excellent travel guides, and their Tanzania/Zanzibar edition is no exception. I have used this book on four different trips, and found it indispensible. The guide does an admirable job describing the popular tourist stops (the game parks, Zanzibar's Stone Town, etc.), but its real strength lies in giving the details necessary to take the roads less travelled. Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Tanzania    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Caribbean islands    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies   

Reviews (1)

Lonely Planet is the best choice.
The Lonely Planet travel books are really the very best choice. This new edition of "Thailands Islands and Beaches" covers areas up to date after the tsunami. It is complete and informitive. I go to Thailand every year and always bring my Lonely Planet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Southeast    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Thailand    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (15)

Travel with Eyewitness
The Eyewitness Travel Guides are easy to use and essential for anyone who enjoys getting to know a place on foot. Cities are divided into Districts and then Street by Street. Maps and all essential information is included.

DK EYEWITNESS HISTORY AND TRAVEL GUIDE OF BUDAPEST.
QUICK INFORMATION:
Budapest Travel Guide
I have been using Eyewitness Travel Guides for 8 years now, and find them to be one of the best organized and most helpful travel guides available. Information is organized into logical categories, making any essential information one wants easy to find. Numerous color photographs are especially welcome. I find the walking routes that combine visual and verbal cues extremely helpful, easy to follow, and very much appreciated. Good preparation for a visit enhances one's enjoyment; this guide helps one prepare thoroughly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Eastern    2. Europe - General    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel / Europe / Eastern   

Reviews (3)

Lonely Planet comes through again!
I purchased three Belize guide books, and this was by far the best! Fantastic Book - RIGHT ON THE MONEY
Bravo Lonely Planet!
Good for some, not for budget travel
How to rank this book depends upon what you are looking for. In my case, I've been using Lonely Planet guides for many years and am accustomed to their assistance for traveling on a real budget. This book was different in that it focused much more on the mid-range of travel, and was really lacking on the budget end. For example, it assumes that you will use a tour and tour guide to visit many archeological sites instead of pulling it off using public transportation and your feet. And the least expensive hotels are often not covered.
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Subjects:  1. Central America    2. Mexico    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Belize    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (6)

Helpful but a tad boring
Don't get me wrong, I read all about the places I wanted to go and noted all the things I wanted to see.I was disappointed to see that there was no information about Evvia, the second largest island.
Frommers Greece Guide Book
This book was very helpful.It discusses topics regarding cruises which I thought was very helpful.

Good info, but needs updating
Just came back from a Greece trip, with Frommer's as my main guide. Overall, I am pretty happy with the information in it.Since I went in April, it's not always clear whether I should follow the Summer or Winter operating hours for attractions.Also, many of the restaurants have not yet opened, or have moved or closed down completely. ... Read more

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

Reviews (6)

Not for a person going by rail!
I absolutely hate to give a Rick Steve's book a bad review but in this case I am going to have to. I will preface this however that if you have access to a car this book is proably great for you!
You're going to LOVE FRANCE!
I'vemade >20 visits to France all together.Here are my reviews of the best guides....to meet you r exact needs.....I hope these are helpful and that you have a great visit!I always gauge the quality of my visit by how much I remember a year later......this review is designed to help you get the guide that will be sure YOU remember your trip many years into the future.Travel Safe and enjoy yourself to the max!
Great descriptions but limited coverage
I brought this book with me on a recent trip to Paris, the Loire valley and Brittany. Whenever we could, we used the recommendations for places to go and stay and eat from the book and never came away dissapointed.The book does a great job of getting you to the best sights and avoiding the crowds. Read more

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

Reviews (6)

Excellent Information
Rick Steves did his homework and this book definately helped in the small details.Especially helpful was the section regarding Auschwitz.Getting to and from can be tricky, and the book helps the situation.However, the minibus system wasn't as described in the book.Overall, a fantastic resource for traveling to Eastern Europe.

Needs improvement to be user-friendly!
Although there was a wealth of information within the book, it was almost impossible to locate through the Index.If you are trying to find an explanation or discussion quickly, do not bother with this book, as we found it necessary to leaf through pages and scan for key words, which often were noted museums, churches, palaces, etc.
This Book is an Eastern Europe MUST
05/06/06 I will be traveling to Eastern Europe this summer on a tour, but I wanted a guide book that would help me prepare for my trip.Rick Steves book is full of great history, knowledge and background information.It also covers many major cities (five of which I will be visiting). I like that he's usually "wallet friendly" and you'll know that his recommendations aren't going to max out your credit card.The maps are clear and I have been able to locate my hotels.I will admit, I love to shop in Europe and his guide books don't tell you where to go---for good shopping recommendations check out Fodor's new gold series.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Eastern    2. Russia    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Eastern Europe    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Europe / Eastern   

Reviews (6)

Have used for uzbekistan and found it useful
I used this guide when traveling in Uzbekistani cities in 2003. I found it very helpful ESPECIALLY THE MAPS.
a mixed bag
I found that the East Turkistan (Xinjiang) section of this book was much more helpful when I actually traveled there than the Cadogan "China: the Silk Routes" guide, which is much bigger and much lesse useful. For Uzbekistan, though, this book is useless compared to the Odyssey guide. Essential guide for anyone coming to Central Asia
Take it from an American expat living in Uzbekistan and traveling throughout the region - this is by far the best guide to any place in Central Asia.The authors do a great job of covering all the countries, and they have practical advice on necessary precautions.The general information about the area is solid.Every expat who lives here has a copy, and we all rely on it for advice on where to go and what to see.Also, the historical review is thorough without being tedious, and the practical information on things like climate and local customs is generally dead on.Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Central    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Central Asia    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (3)

Insightful
I recently returned from a trip to Shanghai and thought this was a great guide to the city. Although I love to explore most places on my own, I found Shanghai to be slightly intimidating (especially with all the ongoing construction), so I was definitely thankful I had this book with me.
Good coverage of places to visit, but...
I find this book quite good what comes to ideas for places to visit. There is something for everybody in there, and it covers most important spots you just have to see in Shanghai.
Oh why would you not list the Chinese names for maps and sites......
This guide is so close to being excellent but for some unknown reason Lonely Planet has decided that it is not necessary to list the names of sites, restaurants and the streets on maps in Chinese characters.This has been a complaint with all the previous editions, so I was hoping when pre-ordering this for a mid-May trip that they would remedy situation....but no, that would make too much sense.As reviewers of previous editions have pointed out 99% of cab drivers cannot read the "English" spellings of Chinese places.As a result, we found ourselves stuck having to have Chinese friends or hotel concierges go through and translates all the names in the book.....makes you wonder why you bought the guide in the first place.The maps have some Chinese names, but probably only for about 10% of the streets, and often not enough for cab drivers to figure out where to go.It boggles my mind that this guide could have so much good and insightful information yet leave out the basic of most basics.In the end we ended up having all the Chinese names written into the guidebook by hand (so we manually had to do what LP should have offered in the first place).Heck, maybe I should just Ebay our much more useful version of the guide.Aside from this major (and I mean major) fault the guide is very good.My only other complaints is that the text is microscopic (I am guessing 6 or 8pt), which helps make the book light, but also difficult to read.Also, the map keying system is just bizarre in that listings direct you to a map page but not the specific location where that listing is on the map....for that you have to go to a separate index page which then gives you the location on the map.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. Description And Travel    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. China    6. Travel & holiday guides