Rick Steves book

I frequently use books a year or 2 out to plan. The only issues is prices may be a bit off on attractions. Maps and main tourist sites will be fine as far as how to go about visiting them most efficiently. Cross check things on the internet as far as opening hours or if something is being renovated or current prices.

This is a frequently asked question. Hard to know what the differences are beside update lodging, restaurants, and prices. The basic information will be same. Go to you public library and check out the current copy for comparison. I could probably live with a 17 if I was going to be overly dependent on the recommendations for restaurants.

I would have no problem using a 1 year old book, but I don't overly rely on guidebook pricing since it changes so much (I get pricing and logistical info like opening hours off the web, not a static guidebook)

Definitely no I wouldn't get a new book

Rick makes it easy to learn about key changes by posting updates right on this website:

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/france/guidebook-updates

Just make sure to double check any attraction your planning. For instance, The Cluny is currently closed for repairs and those are the kind of thing you might miss. In the "search" box at the top of the page, type in "guidebook updates" and see if there are updates for the Parisguide.

Definitely go to that link above, you might be surprised at how much has changed.

My books are usually from a year before a trip because that is when I start planning. No big issues. I check opening times and prices online just to verify but the tips on sites and descriptions are usually still good.

For Paris, you can update your itinerary by going to the websites of the places you plan to visit. Google maps usually shows the latest hours. I don't really use either food or lodging recommendations from guidebooks. As far as transportation into and around town. I don't think there will be much difference.

I always buy a new guidebook for my trip, but I write notes in my books and tear out the needed pages.

When you use a website to check hours and prices for a sight in a non-English speaking country, it's smart to check the native language site also, in case they haven't had time to update the English version yet. If you don't know the language, use Google Translate and you should be fine.

I have the Rick Steves Paris 2017. I am planning a trip to Paris in
August. Should I buy the 2018? Is there that much difference? Thanks
for your advice.

Take it out of the library and make comparisons which will give you the opportunity to make a decision. If it's not there yet, go to a bookstore and sit down with it. I have compared both 2017 & 2018 for my trip this autumn when I took them out of the library; I didn't see much of a difference.

Differences can come into play when travel books are updated every 3-4 years as opposed to annually.

If you choose to buy the 2018 book, Amazon has it for $14.57.

If in doubt buy the latest, and here's why. $20 is a deal if it stops you from visiting a sight that is not open because hours have changed since last year.

I'll use older RS books for planning purposes, to help me set an itinerary and know what sites/activities make sense to group together. I don't use them for budgeting or hotel recs. Even if I have a current book I'll still verify days/hours open for sites on the individual websites.

It really depends on for what you use his books. If it is for general information and what sights to see, books many years old do just fine. If it is for finding out specific rates and opening hours, I respectfully suggest you are bound (pun intended) to be using dated information. The information on these types of things in a 2018 book was undoubtedly written at least a half year before your visit (probably more). I wouldn't count on that for my own trip, and would instead go online to verify these specifics (as much as like paper books, we're well in to the 21st century—this is not the way to get "current" information on these sort of things).

Thanks! Very helpful advice...

I'd just like to point out that even in old, highly-established destinations, new sightseeing opportunities do crop up. Two of the most interesting places I've visited over the course of my last three trips were the former Stasi prison in Berlin and the Camp des Milles in Aix-en-Provence. I assume they're in the guide books now, but a few years ago they probably were not. Especially for folks who tend to lock down their sightseeing agendas before leaving home and thus feel no need to check in at the local tourist office, using an outdated guide book is somewhat limiting. Of course, even an up-to-date guide book will probably lack information about special exhibits at museums.

I'm kind of a guidebook freak. I buy several online when I know my destination and then one current one in paper before I leave (I like to flip back and forth). The paper one is often the Rick Steves. I also like Rough Guides, Lonely Planet, Fodor's and Frommers. Someone once told me if you get just one tip from a guidebook that's extremely useful, it pays for itself and I agree. I realize, though, I go a bit overboard, think of it as one way of supporting the travel world.

And what is the new thing to see in Avignon (we are going there for the first time in October)?

Just looked up Camp des Milles. Will try to go.

Of course you're right, Barbra. I've corrected my post. I always have to stop and thing about those "A" cities (including Arles), and I failed to do that.

I had no security at all when I visited Camp des Milles, or at least I don't remember any. But it was cold on the lower level even in mid-summer.

I found the camp very interesting, but I guess I get more out of reading the posted explanatory material than most people do. I really appreciated that almost everything had been translated into English.