A guide book is a book for tourists or travelers that provides details about a geographic location, tourist destination, or itinerary. It is the written equivalent of a tour guide. It will usually include details, such as phone numbers, addresses, prices, and reviews of hotels and other lodgings, restaurants, and activities. Maps of varying detail are often included. Sometimes historical and cultural information is also provided. Different guide books may focus on different aspects of travel, from adventure travel to relaxation. Care should be taken when following any guidebook: the information may be out of date (especially for regions undergoing rapid development), the author may have a hidden agenda (for example free meals or rooms in exchange for inclusion in the book or a favorable review -- compare tout). Guide books are generally intended to be used in conjucation with actual travel, they may be used to get an idea of a location before booking a trip. Simply enjoying a guide book with no intention of visiting may be referred to as "armchair tourism".

See also

• Audioguide
• Travel literature

External Links

• Review of Travel Guides

Führer (Nachschlagewerk) | Guide touristique