Oh the places you'll go...

[tinpra]

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?

Comments

[klcthebookworm.livejournal.com]

Start at a library for a guide book. That way you can see if you like it before spending the money.

Since it's out of the country, I'd try doing a Google search for anyone's blog travel guides. See what they enjoyed and what troubles they had.

[tinpra.livejournal.com]

That's really good advice! Thanks. My mom had also suggested the check-out-blogs/forums route. :D

[klcthebookworm.livejournal.com]

My parents are planning a trip to Vegas and Mom had a freak out over book prices. Libraries for the win!

[tinpra.livejournal.com]

I'm with your mom. The prices can be egregious. Like I think the Nat Geo book is nifty, but it's about 30 for a book I may only use once. The only other ppl I know who go to Prague often also have a house there!

[wrenel.livejournal.com]

Oooo! Fun! Where to and when? How exciting! A lot of the suggestions I'd have depend on (1) how much time you have before your trip and (2) whether you want to really dive in or just trail your toes in the water as you enjoy the sun and the breeze! Just pick and choose what seems best to you.

While you're online:

What your first commenter said, travel blogs.

Then look up the state department website and read up on whatever advice they're giving to diplomats and their families regarding local customs and security precautions for the country or countries you'll be visiting.

Look up travel websites for a heads-up on the main "must-see" sights, hotels and restaurant recommendations, travel tips and precautions, etc.

Explore whatever foreign government websites may be available. (Our own governments from local on up have websites. The places you'll be visiting have 'em, too.) Even if it's in a language you don't read, it'll be fun to poke around.

And last but not least, Google for "_____________ embassy in USA" to get your destination's hand-offered-in-friendship aspect. You may have to click on "English" or a US flag or something to get the web page in English.

Off-line, the library. Definitely for guidebooks, but also for foreign-language newspapers, histories of the area, where exactly it is on a map and who it shares borders with, etc. And you'd be surprised what you can learn from kids' books about holidays, festivals, foods, and local customs!

Since you already know the address of the embassy from your online forays, why not drop them a note? Tell them you're excited to be visiting their country for the first time, and ask if they have any materials or guidelines available for travelers.

And lastly, check your phone book (or online again) for any organizations for immigrants and their descendants here in America. If you contact them, they may be able to kick your travel plans up a notch with introductions, suggestions, or insider information. Or not. But SO worth a try!

[tinpra.livejournal.com]

Omigosh! What a wealth of advice! Thanks so much! :D I kind of feel silly for not thinking of some of these myself, actually, like checking government sites.