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uberjason
Traveller
3 comments

Posted 14 years ago

Hello,

I know this has been asked before but I was hoping for a more up to date answer as Im not sure how much the books might of changed in recent times. I was on the lonely planet shop and found a few books that look good but I am not sure which ones to buy. Going interrailling at the end of this month from Munich to Amsterdam via Eastern Europe if that makes sense.

I found the books,

Lonely Planet - Europe on a Shoestring Travel Guide

Lonely Planet - Discover Europe Travel Guide

And then I found individual guides for the cities Ill be staying in.

I was wondering as there are not any real reviews on these which one to go with if any and whether the Europe guides give enough coverage to the places I want to visit or should I just go with the city guides and spend a bit more.

If the Europe guide is good is there a particular one I should get out of those or another one I haven't found?

I also saw the Thomas Cook books mentioned on here so should I be looking at getting this too?


Sorry for all the question just it will be my first time in travelling and want to get the most out of it that I can. Thanks.

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Peter
Traveller
9333 comments

replied 14 years ago

Hi.

I know the first one you mentioned: Europe on a Shoestring Travel Guide
It is okay.

But to be honest: if you prepare a little bit your trip in advance by information on the internet - you won't need it.
As you can book your hostels in advance online, also during your trip, book directly, see the prices and ratings: [ux]https://rail.shop/hostelworld[/ux]
You will always get free maps in the hostels and the young staff is in most cases well informed about where to find bars, clubs or have a city tour.

So mmmh... let's say it like this: I don't use the travel books - but if you have the money to buy it, it is not a bad deal. :)

Peter :)

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SiDUDe
Traveller
752 comments

replied 14 years ago

I have the Europe on a shoestring book - its pretty good for finding some pretty good cheap restaurants etc.

But the best advice comes from people in hostels - they know their city the best!

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anonymous
Traveller
2469 comments

replied 14 years ago

I have the Europe on a shoestring book too.. very good read.. very good tips.. but you're right.. best tips come from other people you meet at your during your journeys.. especially when it comes to food and drinks.. so many restaurants constantly change their cooks or their menu.. so you're better off asking other people in my opinion.. and this way you can also get some very useful insider tips which won't get from any book in the world :=)

good luck!

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jennigan
Traveller
4 comments

replied 13 years ago

My problem with travel guides is the weight and space they take up. And I've often not read them anyway but still find helpful staff at hostels/B&Bs and other travellers who can provide maps and give recommendations. So my recommendation is not to go with any ;)