The Most Popular Travel Guide, Ranked

Choose the travel guide you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 24, 2024 09:29
When planning a trip, there's nothing quite like having a reliable travel guide to lead the way. The choices can be overwhelming, as each guide offers a distinct perspective, some highlighting local cuisines, others diving into historical lore, and still others sharing those hidden gems off the beaten path. Having a clear, crowd-sourced ranking of top travel guides helps streamline this selection, ensuring you get the most suitable companion for your adventures. Here on this site, users from all around the globe contribute their votes to determine which travel guides rise to the top. Each vote brings real-time dynamics into the rankings, reflecting current preferences and trends in travel guidance. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first getaway, your votes and views help shape the list to better serve the community of explorers.

What Is the Most Popular Travel Guide?

  1. 1
    95
    votes

    Lonely Planet

    A leading travel guide book publisher, known for its detailed and practical advice for travelers.
    • Founded: 1973
    • Founders: Tony Wheeler and Maureen Wheeler
  2. 2
    28
    votes

    Fodor's

    Offers travel guides filled with expert advice and recommendations for various destinations around the world.
    • Founded: 1949
    • Founder: Eugene Fodor
  3. 3
    19
    votes

    Rough Guides

    Known for its 'tell it like it is' attitude, offering detailed guides for destinations around the globe.
    • Founded: 1982
    • Founders: Mark Ellingham, Martin Dunford, and Tony Wheeler
  4. 4
    7
    votes

    Bradt Travel Guides

    Specializes in off-the-beaten-path destinations, offering in-depth information for adventurous travelers.
    • Founded: 1974
    • Founder: Hilary Bradt
  5. 5
    6
    votes

    Frommer's

    Offers a range of travel guides for destinations worldwide, known for their budget-friendly travel tips.
    • Founded: 1957
    • Founder: Arthur Frommer
  6. 6
    5
    votes

    Moon Travel Guides

    Provides comprehensive travel guides with a focus on outdoor activities and unique experiences.
    • Founded: 1973
    • Founder: Bill Dalton
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    Michelin Guides

    Famous for its hotel and restaurant reviews, Michelin Guides also provide valuable travel information for various destinations.
    • Founded: 1900
    • Publisher: Michelin
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    DK Eyewitness Travel

    Known for its visually appealing guides that include detailed maps and photographs of destinations.
    • Founded: 1974
    • Publisher: Dorling Kindersley (DK)
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Insight Guides

    Offers travel guides that focus on culture and history, providing travelers with a deeper understanding of their destinations.
    • Founded: 1970
    • Founder: Hans Johannes Hofer
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Specializes in European travel guides, providing insightful tips and information for travelers.
    • Founded: 1976
    • Founder: Rick Steves

Missing your favorite travel guide?

Graphs
Error: Failed to render graph
Discussion
No discussion started, be the first!

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular travel guide. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or guide is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2202 views
  • 160 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each guide once every 24 hours. The rank of each guide is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Travel Guide

Lonely Planet
Rank #1 for the most popular travel guide: Lonely Planet (Source)
Travel guides have been essential for explorers for many years. They provide valuable information for those visiting new places. These guides offer insights into local culture, food, and attractions. They help travelers make the most of their trips.

The first travel guides appeared in the 19th century. They were often small books with maps and tips. Over time, they grew in detail and scope. Today, they come in many forms, from printed books to digital apps. Despite changes in format, their purpose remains the same.

A good travel guide includes several key elements. It starts with an overview of the destination. This section highlights the main attractions and gives a brief history. It sets the stage for what travelers can expect.

Next, guides often provide practical information. This includes advice on transportation, accommodation, and dining. They suggest the best ways to get around, where to stay, and what to eat. This helps travelers plan their trips more efficiently.

Many guides also cover local customs and etiquette. They explain how to behave in different situations. This helps travelers avoid misunderstandings and shows respect for local traditions.

Safety tips are another crucial part of travel guides. They inform travelers about potential risks and how to stay safe. This includes advice on health, crime, and natural hazards. Being aware of these factors can make a trip more enjoyable and secure.

Travel guides also recommend activities and experiences. They highlight must-see sights and hidden gems. This helps travelers discover unique aspects of a destination. It ensures they do not miss out on anything important.

Many guides now include personal stories and recommendations. These come from other travelers or local experts. They add a personal touch and offer insider knowledge. This makes the information more relatable and trustworthy.

The rise of the internet has changed how people use travel guides. Online reviews and social media provide instant feedback. Travelers can now access up-to-date information at any time. This has made travel planning more dynamic and interactive.

Despite these changes, traditional travel guides remain popular. Many travelers still prefer a physical book. It offers a sense of reliability and can be used without an internet connection. Printed guides also make great keepsakes and souvenirs.

In recent years, there has been a push towards sustainable travel. Many guides now include eco-friendly tips. They encourage travelers to respect the environment and support local communities. This reflects a growing awareness of the impact of tourism.

Travel guides continue to evolve with technology and trends. They adapt to the needs of modern travelers while maintaining their core purpose. Whether in print or digital form, they remain a valuable resource for anyone exploring new places.

In conclusion, travel guides play a vital role in the travel experience. They provide essential information and help travelers make informed decisions. As long as people continue to explore the world, travel guides will remain a trusted companion.

Share this article