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:
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. National Geographic Traveler: Italy
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.
'nothing beats getting off a plane with a weathered guidebook in your hands' - absolutely agree
Posted by: oMan | July 16, 2008 at 11:45 AM