Why buy a travel book?

Travel books are not cheap. Some may be as cheap as $10, but most cost closer to $30. On a trip, that could be a meal, entrance to a tourist site, or printing most of your photos. But if you need a book to help you plan and navigate your trip, what do you do?

If it is a short trip, a week or less, then consider visiting the library to see if they have the book(s) you need. As long as it is returned on time and in good condition, the library won’t care if you took it on your trip. Keep the due date in mind when deciding if you should bring it with you. If you only need it to plan the trip—such as selecting a hotel—then you may even be able to return it before you leave on your trip.

If it is a longer trip, you may want to borrow a copy or buy one on the cheap. Even if the book is a few years old, it will be useful. The main information should be the same. Street maps will likely be unchanged. The main tourist sites will still be at the same location. Even the hours the site is open will likely be the same. The main factor to change will be prices. Remember, even “new” books could be out of date by the time they hit the shelves since it takes time to compile the information and publish it. Also, Some travel books are only issued every few years, so there is no need to spend top dollar on a new book if you have access to one that is one a few years old.

(See “Books on a Budget” under “Shopping” to find ways to obtain books on the cheap.)