Oh the places you'll go...

So I'm taking a serious trip out of the country for the first time ever. Needless to say I'm excited and, quite honestly, find it a bit daunting. My most recent trip to B&N for a guidebook didn't help. Omigosh the options! Anyone have a preferred travel-guide thingy? I'm doing the traveling alone, but I will be meeting people. Unfortunately they're going to be there on business, so I don't know how much time they'll have to show me around. I'm thinking fairly little, so I really need the guidebook. Or just plain old guidance. Ideas? Recommendations? Advice?