Why I Can't Travel Without a Guidebook: Lessons from My Colombia Adventure + DK Eyewitness Giveaway
A few days before my flight to Cartagena, I browsed New York bookstores for a Colombia guidebook. My first stop, the beloved Strand bookstore, only stocked Lonely Planet Colombia, so I headed to Barnes & Noble across Union Square. Overwhelmed by options, I considered reviews but paused: Do I really need a guidebook? With my Kindle Fire, I planned to rely on blogs, Wikitravel, and Pocket app downloads for offline access—or buy digital versions if needed. This would be my first trip sans paperback guide.
One week into Colombia, I realized I couldn't travel without one. Piecing together transport info from multiple sites was exhausting; I craved centralized details.
I downloaded DK Eyewitness Top 10 guides first—loving their photos, itineraries, and vibrant maps—but no Colombia edition exists (DK, I'd write it!). So, I turned to trusty Lonely Planet.
Even on the colorful Kindle Fire, e-guides pale against physical books: quick page flips, seamless map-route-description navigation. Days later, despite luggage weight concerns, I bought a physical copy. Worth it? Unequivocally yes!
Why I Still Travel with a Guidebook
With a guidebook, planning streamlined: bus routes/times, key sights, and maps in one spot. No more juggling sites—I plotted itineraries offline on buses or sans Wi-Fi. Relief! Though online info abounds, flipping book pages is faster and more convenient.
Guidebooks deliver more than logistics. I devoured Colombia's recent history, gaining cultural insights. They uncover hidden gems I'd miss otherwise, like Villa de Leyva—four hours north of Bogotá. Beyond the colonial charm, my guide revealed Los Pozos Azules (azure swimming holes, waterfalls) and a village-overlook hike.
For the 5-day Lost City trek, it detailed pre-Columbian history, trail challenges (confirming my fitness), packing essentials (including top mosquito repellent), and tour operators.
All in one place: activities, hours, fees, eateries—crucial for vegetarians like me. Serendipitous finds thrill, but post-long-bus-ride recommendations save energy.
I supplement with online research, Wikitravel price checks, and local tips—but guidebooks excel for routes, safety (Bogotá gold!).
Is Traveling with a Guidebook Old-Fashioned?
I feel sheepish pulling out my paperback amid tablet-toting travelers' smirks. Am I alone? No—soon I spotted others poring over theirs intently.
Digital travelers often borrowed mine at hostels, echoing my initial regret.
Readers, do you pack guidebooks? Switched to Kindle? Or go guideless?
Discover My Favorite: DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides
I've relied on DK Eyewitness for years. Their upgraded Top 10 pocket guides shine with top-10 lists (eats, stays, sights, entertainment), itineraries, pull-out maps, transit/walking routes, offbeat spots, and photos—perfect for visuals like me. Lonely Planet's text-only Las Lajas description? Meh. DK's stunning photo? Must-visit!
Win 10 Revamped DK Eyewitness Top 10 Guides!
Celebrating the upgrade: giveaway of 10 popular titles—London, Barcelona, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Washington D.C., New York City, Iceland, San Francisco, Rome, Berlin. (Note: This contest ended April 20, 2016.)
Originally: Comment your top pick—Paris? London? Rio?—for a chance to win the set!
