Traveler Put to the Test

Even with the amount of information available on the Web, nothing beats getting off a plane with a weathered guidebook in your hands. The Denver Post's Ricardo Baca recently put our Italy guidebook to the test, as well as eight others.

Here's what he had to say:

National Geographic Traveler: Italy

Reader demographic: You're educated and appreciate world-class photography and display. You're not interested in an exhaustive collection of sights, hotels and cafes; rather you're willing to allow your guidebook to curate your trip with its own exclusive taste.

It's all in the name: Names don't get more reputable than National Geographic. They don't disappoint, although the offerings are very limited.

Known for: Natch, National Geographic is known for its unique photography. And since these books — like the Eyewitness brand — are printed full-color and magazine- style, the sublime photos get supreme treatment.

Map quality: They're not ideal, but they do the job. These maps will get you from Florence's Pitti Palace across the River Arno and to the Galleria to see Michaelangelo's "David," but good luck finding that little bistro in the cobblestone alley. Supplement with another book or a city map.

Usability: The book's presentation is wonderful. 

Depth: Don't expect this guidebook to have that out-of-the-way gallery, or even the celebrated gelato shop. Nat Geo covers the most important sites in any given city — with lush pictures and short blurbs to match — but little else.

Price: $27.95.

Read Baca's reviews of Lonely Planet (one of our favorites!), Let's Go, Frommers, and more, plus a scathing review of MTV's line of guidebooks.

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