Monday, January 07, 2008

Are the old ones the best ones?

...asks an article on the BBC Online's Magazine section, regarding guidebooks - triggered by the re-launch of the famous Baedeker range.

It ponders the future of the humble travel guidebook as internet research takes over.

Simon Calder adds his two-pennies worth, saying the guide market faces huge problems, as people taking short breaks are more likely to consult the internet than buy a guide.

Make sure you take in the comments at the bottom of the piece from other readers.

Kevin May, editor, Travolution

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have to agree with the guy who says there's nothing like a guide book when you're in the middle of nowhere, or in a tent in the woods for that matter.

They're also way more useful than the Internet for swatting biting insects.

Long live printed guide books!

Anonymous said...

I must be the only person who doesn't like taking around clumpy [is that a word?] guide books around with me.

I love researching online, and then print out the information I need to take with me on my travels.

Anonymous said...

Darren, I'd have to agree with you. Guidebooks often try to be everything to everyone, and instead end up satisfying nobody. Half of the information in guidebooks doesn't appeal to me. If you do research yourself and make your own personal guide, you don't have to tote around useless info.
Plus, the last thing you need when you're walking around a city is to announce to the world that you're a tourist. Look at me, I'm carrying around Rick Steves!