In preparation for a non-European international trip, I have been gathering information from a a variety of sources including books from the library as well as purchasing one. Perhaps I am indoctrinated, but the organization of Rick's books are so easy compared to others. For example, in one recently published book, I wanted basic information on transportation modes/routes/costs from the airport to the city. The information was so generic in nature leaving me to search other information sources. Do others have similar experiences when planning trips? Anyway, thanks for how you organize your books Rick.
Posted by
Reno, NV, USA
2547 posts
Hi Bruce,
That's the thing I love most about the RS guidebooks. He makes getting from point a to point b so easy. :) When we went to Greece a number of years ago, there was no RS guidebook. We managed just fine without it but it would have been nice to have his transportation logistics for the trip.
Mary
Posted by
Washington, DC
888 posts
Agreed. I do find that other guidebooks cover more ground, but they tend to be more generic in their recommendations. I like the personal narrative and organization in Rick's guidebooks, but do need to venture out for more information. Besides Rick's guidebooks, I also like Lonely Planet and Karen Brown for their itinerary suggestions. In finding hotels in other places, I actually find Google and Airbnb more helpful.
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
I think each guide book series has its strengths and weaknesses. I also found Rick's transportation tips very helpful. In italy it was especially the parking guides that saved us from getting into trouble with the dreaded ZTLs.
However, I find Rick's maps mostly useless and need something more precise than those hand-drawn sketches.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I agree that for logistical information, Rick's books can't be beat. Other books will say there is a bus from one city to another. Rick will say exactly where to get the bus, how much it costs, how often it runs, and will warn if there are no buses after 4 PM.
I always supplement Rick's books with others, to get varied opinions on places. This is important for me both to learn about places in a country he doesn't cover (for instance, there's lots of Italy that he doesn't even attempt to include in his book), and to learn about other sights even in places he does cover (particularly for a repeat visit to a city). But I agree that if I'm going to places Rick doesn't discuss, I always miss his logistical help.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32345 posts
Bruce,
I definitely agree! The RS guidebooks are well organized and provide an enormous amount of information in a logical and easy to read manner. I've used the guidebook library at ETBD on occasion, so have been able to peruse a number of different guidebooks, and NONE of them have been as easy to follow as the RS books, nor are they updated as frequently.
Posted by
2081 posts
Bruce,
yes i feel his books are organized. on the flip side if it wasnt, i feel they wouldnt be sell well.
i use Lonely Planet and Frommers and some minor others and i like they way his books are formatted.
happy trails.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
This is one of the benefits of his tendency to recommend certain destinations/activities over the long haul instead of trying to be all things to all people by covering more, and of course it's the first thing that some will criticize him for. Being willing to not talk about spots that others would certainly find enjoyable has worked for RS, enabling people to travel with confidence due in part to the micro-details he provides. As we head to France in a few weeks-our second trip-we have numerous sights on our itinerary that are not covered by RS, but I can tell you where we got the confidence to do it!