Ever since I was a kid, I have been obsessed with travel guidebooks. My parents never traveled without one, and to me, it always felt like the smartest way to explore a new place. But with the growth of social media and blog posts (like mine !), I have noticed that guidebooks aren’t as popular as they used to be. Yet, I still find the best resource ! So, here are 5 reasons to show you that a travel guidebook is worth it for your next trip !
So Many Guidebooks, So many options !
The first thing you notice when you buy a guidebook is the variety ! Travel has exploded over the years, and there isn’t just one go-to reference anymore. You will find big-name publishers alongside independent writers both talking about the same country, but with different outputs !
Big brands like Lonely Planet, are convenient, easy to find, and cover a wide range of destinations. Meanwhile, independent guides tend to feel more authentic. It feels like the authors speak directly to you and sharing their own journey like a friend.
I have also noticed that the options also depends on where you are from. Of course, the translation plays a role, but the content varies as well. For instance, in Europe, it seems like each country has its own travel culture. Some books focus on beach spots while others reference mainly museums. So picking a guidebook before you leave might actually fit your needs better than a generic one.
So yes, you will probably have a lot of options to choose from !
Everything you need in one book !
Guidebooks are designed to be straightforward and reader-friendly ! Flip through the first few pages, you will immediately find the country’s most important spots. These pages give you a quick overview of everything you need to see ! As you dive deeper in the book, you will get more details for each region and city. The best part ? Guidebooks separate must-see spots and “nice-to-see” ones so you can prioritize easily.
Guidebooks don’t limit themselves to highlighting the best attractions. They also provide info on the best restaurants and hotels ! So if you don’t have a lot of time to research beforehand, you are sure to find everything in there ! I promise the travel guidebook will be worth it !
Guidebook vs Social Media : Less Scrolling More visiting !
I won’t lie, I have used Instagram or Pinterest to research destinations too. But here is the thing : travel guidebooks tend to have an advantage that social media doesn’t have : structured and efficient itineraries !
Yes, you will find plenty of “best spots to visit” videos and posts online, but there is a catch. Most of that content is scattered. Each creator highlights their favorite places, often without considering where they actually are. How many times have you saved a stunning café or viewpoint on Instagram, only to realize later that it is an hour away from everything else on your list ? Or worse, that you need a car to reach it ? I have lost count of how many times I’ve had to cross places off my list because they were too far or completely out of the way. And let’s be honest : creating a coherent route from a dozen different influencers’ recommendations? It’s exhausting.
On the other hand, guidebooks work completely differently. Spots are organized by city and neighborhood, so your visits are efficient. Most of them include suggested itineraries (usually walkable ones) that help you visit all the best spots in the least amount of time. That is what makes buying a travel guidebook worth it, no intensive scrolling or additional planning but everything to help you focus on the experience.
Get A Glimpse Of The Culture (Before You Arrive !)
Whether you are bored during your flight, train ride or road, your guidebook will come in handy ! Flip to the local customs, dishes and language basics to learn more about the country you are going to visit. Why ? When you visit a new country, learning a few basic things can completly change your experience. You will know how to greet locals, not miss out on that special dish and understand better the people around you.
Guidebooks dive deeper into the destination, so you can immerse yourself completely. A few basic words will save you in day-to-day situations, food recommendations will make your restaurant decisions easier and quicker, and history lessons will enhance your understanding. I will never forget how helpful it was to learn the Korean alphabet before I landed in Seoul, as it saved me multiple times ! (P.S. If you’re heading to Korea, check out my mini-guide [here]!)
So if you want a smoother and immersive experience, you definitely have to read this part !
The Best Souvenir From Your Trip
Souvenirs are not always something you by during your visit; it could be the one thing you carried the whole way. Your guidebook isn’t just a tool, it is your travel companion ! Whether you are exploring alone or as a group, your travel guidebook will also be part of the ride. From your scribbled notes and dog-eared pages to coffee stains during breakfast and crumbled maps during rainy days, it will experience it all ! By the end of your trip, your guidebook will have lived the same adventure as you, your personal travel diary in book form.
To add another detail as well, guidebooks can be recycled ! Once your trip is done, you can use the book to advise family members and friends or even lend them the book just for their trip !
And here’s the best part: its story doesn’t end when you get home. You can pass it on to friends or family planning their own trips, turning your well-loved guide into a shared resource (and a great conversation starter!). Or, if you’re like me, give it a special spot on your shelf and make it a reminder of the memories you made.
So next time you pack, don’t forget to leave room for a guidebook. It’s not just a book; it’s a the perfect souvenir !
You now know why I think buying a travel guidebook is worth it, so check out my travel recommendations here !
