We're travelling to Barcelona, Valencia and Majorca in October. When we plan a trip I start by ordering the most recent RS book but he only covers Barcelona. I feel lost. I know I can research everything online but I'd like a book that covers all of my questions e.g. Where are the best neighborhoods to stay in Valencia, day trip from Palma, .....Can someone please recommend a close equivalent to Rick's extensile info?
thx in advance
Posted by
8322 posts
I love the DK Eyewitness travel books.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4657 posts
I always start with my local library. As I can order on line for pick up at my local branch, I order a somewhat current copy of the major publishers.....Lonely Planet, Fodors and Frommers . I also like DK EyeWitness for the eye candy photos, but it used to be too heavy for actualy travel. I still like paper books, but you can also get ebooks from the library for research purposes. Lonely Planet used to offer separate downloadable chapters, which would be useful as you don't need a full Spain book.
TBH, no one writes like Rick but he isn't always my first choice.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
I like Lonely Planet, agree that the DK guides are too heavy. I suggest spending time with whatever is in your local library to decide what you find most useful, then investing in the latest version -- or photocopying the relevant pages if not too many and the library version is reasonably current.
And keep in mind that our host's opinions and choices don't have to be ours. He has good advice and does careful research, but he also encourages us to follow our own interests and instincts.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8157 posts
Not counting RS, my favorite guidebooks are Moon, Rough Guides and Lonely Planet. I would agree with Maria that using the library is a good idea. I always get lots of guidebooks from there - both paper and on my KIndle. Then I pick the ones I like best and usually order one.
Of the three I named, I would pick Lonely Planet as having the best updated information. Rough Guide and Moon do not update their books as often. Fodors would probably be closest to Rick's style, but Lonely Planet is the most comprehensive guidebook, in my opinion. DK Eyewitness books are good for looking for itinerary and sightseeing ideas, but not so much for the practical aspect of traveling.
You can also find some good information online at Time Out - it's been around for a long time and covers just about every city. It has loads of good information. For Spain cities, go to https://www.timeout.com/spain.