We will still need a guide, and always poses the dilemma of choosing between the best known: Backpacker vs Lonely Planet guide ...
Both created in the 1970s in a post-hippie era, Routard and Lonely are intended to be guides for alternative travel modest budgets. It is looking for good plans, good restaurants and hotels, but yet everything between these two guides a philosophical point of view.
Here is a brief analysis of the two guides that will surely brighten your choice:
The Rough Guide
picture: culturebox.francetvinfo.fr
Founded in 1973 by Michel Duval and Philippe Gloaguen, two young students who were returning from a long trip to India, the backpacker's Guide has long imposed in France as the essential handbook good cheap plans. Sometimes moralist, the guide goes beyond mere tourist travel awareness globetrotter on other aspects of the country. The backpacker is a global citizen and also a citizen traveler, sensitized by the situation of human rights in some countries, fair trade and the environment. The logo of the guide demonstrates, we see a world traveler carrying the earth backpack. So this is a guide or ethics is more emphasized.
The guide book, made in France, a bit "boy scout," is full of recommendations for restaurants and hotels, critical support, but we regret the lack of cultural and historical information to identify plans that would make the most complete guide. So, how to read takes a hit, harder, less aesthetic but practical 100% effective. Its price is competitive compared to other guides.
The information in The Rough Guide to the best places are good, although it lacks occasionally updates institutions, but over the years the guide away from its main objective, provide tips for small budgets. Today are more ancient seventy-huitards whose resources have increased, that are targeted by this guide, in search of good food "gourmet" and comfortable accommodation.
With over 2 million guides sold every year, the backpacker remains the market leader in travel guides in France. But since the 90s, France saw the arrival of several competitors size: Ulysses, Lonely Planet, and especially the Australian giant Lonely Planet. The opportunity for the small French conquer "international" and reposition itself while keeping its knowledge: good addresses. Many new editions and thematic born (good food, host, etc houses ...)
Lonely Planet
Photo: lippincott.com
As the Rough Guide, Lonely Planet was created in 1973, but this time by a couple of old English hippies, Tony and Maureen Wheeler, who returned from a long journey that began in Europe and ended in Oceania. On their return, they had the idea of creating their first guide "Across Asia on the Cheap." Since then the company has continued to grow with the presence of offices in Melbourne (headquarters), London, Paris and San Francisco. Each year, the group publishes over 400 purchased by more than 4 million people worldwide guides.
In comparison with the French competitor, riding on ethics, Lonely Planet aims to be more aesthetic by providing, beyond the places a wealth of practical information, cultural, historical, making it easier and interesting to read . However, it tends to fall sharply in the register of the encyclopedia. Where the Routard rests on France and Europe, Lonely Planet is an expert on Asia and Oceania. To conquer the French market, the giant Australian tends to correct its shortcomings such as lack of French versions of the guide, targeting destinations acclaimed by French travelers, and enlarging its offer France / Europe (strong point of the Backpacker)
We like the look "complete" the Lonely Planet but less format, larger than the backpacker, and its price, much more than the French. The tips and advice given by the giant are certainly interesting, but when, for example, a new edition comes out with a country in a lavish spot to enjoy a sunset, you may find yourself next to a many travelers ... the price of fame? If a charming village, authentic, coming out of the box, is presented and touted in Lonely Planet, you can be sure it will never be the same ...
To Conclude
In the end, even though the Lonely Planet seems to be more complete and requested that the Rough Guide, I think they complement each other greatly and it is interesting to choose their guides to the destination where it goes . So I will opt for two! Remember that a book is made to circulate from hand to hand, so the best is to survey his surroundings on the relevance of a guide rather than another depending on the destination.
In recent years, the two giants out thematic special editions like the Best Of 2014 Lonely Planet or 1200 favorites of the Rough Guide. Excellent to inspire, prepare your trip, enjoy yourself and have fun. It is more guides, but books with beautiful pictures, advice and information unusual. In short: a thematic compilation of the best guide!
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
1200 favorites of the Backpacker
The best travel ideas Backpacker, from the most traditional to the most shifted together in a single volume: see humpback whales give birth on the island of Sainte Marie, Madagascar; take a tango class in the oldest dance school in Buenos Aires; down the Mekong River in a traditional pirogue ...
+ 1200 recorded experiences: places and must-do activities to choose his destination and make you want to travel the world or simply dreaming seated in his chair. A book full-color, illustrated with great pictures and a map with all sites positioned. Divided into seven main sections: Africa, North America, South America, Asia, Caribbean, Europe (except France) and the Middle East.
+ 80 countries are presented in alphabetical order. An invitation to travel the world!
Price: € 20.81
The Best Of 2014 Lonely Planet: latest trends, best destinations
The best of the trip in 2014: a selection prepared by the authors and Lonely Planet teams with the best countries and cities to visit, new places to discover, the inevitable happened ... It brings together best of trends: the top 10 countries, the top 10 regions, the top 10 cities and the top 10 travel ideas; A calendar with month by month, places not to miss in 2014, in order to go at the right time; Fearless, crazy or luxurious, a top experiences the best and most original journey to live before everyone else.
Price: € 12.83
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