No comments about Peru Travel Map (Globetrotter Travel Map).

5 comments about Southwest USA (Regional Guide).

1. This guide has tons of info for food, lodging, shopping, services, attractions, and activities. Margin "tabs" make it easy to thumb to a specific area. My only complaint is the greyscale maps are unreadable because of tiny fonts and low contrast.There is bleed thru from backside of pages also causing contrast problems and readability. Overall though, it is a good, packable guidebook.



2. I recently made a road trip across the American Southwest and purchased both the Lonely Planet 4th Edition (December 2005) and the Rough Guide 4th Edition (October 2006) as my guides for the week-long adventure. Lonely Planet emerges as the clear winner when the two are compared side by side. It is less than half the thickness of the Rough Guide book, yet has more coverage per town or natural site. I commend Lonely Planet for using such a thin but readable font and thin, high-quality paper to make this guidebook have such a small footprint.
   
   The Lonely Planet guide is divided into tabbed chapters by state (the guide covers Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Las Vegas, and Southwestern Colorado). Maps cover both regions and downtown areas of the major cities and towns in the Southwest. For each city, restaurants, hotels, attractions, and essentials like internet access, post offices, bookstores, and medical facilities are listed. The sidebars contain information from a historical or side note perspective--these are perfect for reading aloud during the inevitable driving time for any Southwest adventure.
   
   If you are planning to spend a long time in the Grand Canyon or other attraction area, I recommend purchasing an additional supplemental guidebook. As a road warrior, I appreciated that this book has all the essentials, but leaves week-long trips to Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon to other guidebooks.



3. I am a major, lifelong supporter of Lonely Planet from the first core Asia books. I have till date not filed a review of a book online, but felt compelled to highlight some major deficiencies in this product and make a recommendation to look elsewhere for information on the American Southwest. Of late, I have begun branching away from Lonely Planet for more detailed information, but still rely on it for useful phone numbers, maps and other logistical information. For a three week camping trip in the Southwest with a few splurges along the way, I wanted to rely heavily on just such a book.
   
   In the Southwest book, much of this information was not present (for example, 'Many campgrounds are available in local state parks' is one of the entries, but no phone numbers, maps nor details given. Not only were options for lodging half-heartedly described, often food options and maps were entirely missing or erroneously described.
   
   The cities are a bit better described, but that isn't offering much of an excuse for an area and geography that is utterly unlike any on earth.
   
   It is not surprising that this particular book is so short on useful information given its small size, but I found it egregious that LP would compromise so heavily on its core responsibility - providing useful, practical information that saves time and enhances the travel experience.
   
   I highly recommend flipping through another guidebook in your local bookstore or experimenting with one of the other brands before relying on the Lonely Planet in this case. I plan to do so for the near future.



4. I feel this book has been very helpful in planning my forthcoming trip to the area. However, compared to other lonely planet volumes, I feel the details concerning points of interest, lodging and dining are a little skimpy.



5. There don't seem to be many all-encompassing guides that address travel in the Southwestern US. However, I was excited to see that Lonely Planet was among them. After reading some of the reviews on this site, I was a bit apprehensive about purchasing it, but a combination of my high regard for Lonely Planet and the alternative of having to purchase several books convinced me to buy it. After spending the past month trying to use this book as a resource for planning a week long vacation in the Southwest, I have to agree with the critical reviews.
   
   Perhaps the editor of this text had a trigger-happy finger with the delete key; whatever the reason may be, this text is missing a good bit. There are many generalizations and few applicable insights. I found myself having to rent other texts from the library, do a good bit of research online, and print maps of the bigger parks from their websites. The maps that are included are difficult to read and a good portion of notable features are missing. Many areas and parks don't have real maps though, including Mesa Verde. The attention given to state parks is even worse. Their treatment of Monument Valley was especially disappointing, as there is less than half page on it, no mention the park's lodge or area's restaurants and statement like, "There are tours" that leave much be further researched. I'm also wondering why the dinosaur tracks outside of Tuba City aren't mentioned; why the IMAX theater outside the Grand Canyon isn't noted; why there isn't any mention of famed attractions inside some of the parks (such as Double Arch in Arches and Angel Arch in Canyonlands); why multi-award winning Las Vegas restaurants such as Bouchon (whose founder was recognized by Time magazine as "Best Chef in America") aren't noted; and so on.
   
   Obviously, there is a lot to cover, but I'd happily pay an extra $5 - 10 for a slightly thicker book that does the region more justice. If I could revisit my purchasing decision, I'd look at Moon's Four Corners guide a bit more (their guides have been just as good and even better than Lonely Planet's in my experience) and supplement it with a small Vegas guide.

No comments about Fodor's South America, 7th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides).

4 comments about Alabama Atlas and Gazetteer (Alabama Atlas & Gazetteer).

1. This atlas is very comprehensive and adds new insight into local geography. My father-in-law lives in remote Cleburne County and visiting is always a challenge to find your way. Even he learned names for the roads he drives that are not posted anywhere but in this volume. The details are wonderful and this provides nearly all necessary maps to navigate the state.



2. All of the DeLorme Gazetteers are wonderful. We try to get one when we go to another state. The topo lines are clear and easy to read. The maps show just enough back roads to keep you from getting lost. Don't leave home without it!



3. These are fantastic maps! I have several others, and use them quite often. I don't know of another one that will be better than this one.



4. I currently own CO, TX, TN, VA and now AL atlas & Gaz.
   all are useful for home hunting, trying to locate a key area, etc.
   don't count on this for in depth directions. but a good look at contours and gps this works.
   this one isn't as good as the TX or TN version.

5 comments about Wallpaper City Guide: Buenos Aires (Wallpaper City Guide Buenos Aires).

1. Brought Wallpaper to Buenos Aires almost as an afterthought, thinking it would be too idosyncratic to be of use to a regular guy like me. Wrong: it proved to be a very accurate guide to all that was best in BA, and much more insightful than most other guides.



2. This book was useless in what I was looking for. I like guide books that help you find interesting places, restaurants, etc. (like Rick Steves)
   This book does none of that. Save your money



3. I can relate to the design-oriented vibe, look and slant of this guide to Buenos Aires. And it's a nice addendum to the more complete Frommer's guide that I already had. But it's an addendum only - with the almost guaranteed promise of dating quickly.



4. Sparse text throughout the guidebook is one complaint of mine, but I guess the "design-conscious traveller" doesn't need it. Of the 104 pages, 23 are dedicated to hotels. That's 22%, folks. A huge chunk of the book is dead weight after you've selected where to spend the night. One of the most horrific things I noticed was that in all the photos (which is the majority of this book's content) there are no people. Barely anyone. Buenos Aires is empty. Regardless if it's a hotel, a restaurant, a landmark building, a soccer stadium, whatever... no people. How the heck did they manage that? It seems surreal.
   
   I laughed out loud when they suggested that you could see the best of BA in just one day. That must further separate me from the "design-conscious traveller." I don't mind. The only historical part of the visit was a trip to Recoleta Cemetery. I can't reproduce their entire text here cuz I'm sure they'd send copyright infringement lawyers after me, but they claim that the entrance is marked by two tall neoclassical columns. Really? Looks like a big gate with 4 columns to me.
   
   The majority of their sightseeing-shopping-dining suggestions are in Palermo. Ew. But I can overlook that. What I can't overlook are the architectural choices: a museum that isn't open yet, 2 buildings by one architect (a crime when there are only 7 buildings recommended total), & the Calatrava bridge in Puerto Madero. Those selections aren't what people find enchanting BsAs architecture. I know what I'm talking about.
   
   In the sports section, they mention the Huracán soccer stadium. I love it & was surprised that they listed it since sending a "design-conscious traveller" to that part of town would probably put them into shock. In the same section, the metrosexual-catering Markus Day Spa (is that a sport?) received a 3 page spread. In a book of 104 pages. I've heard from multiple sources that it isn't all that, but I don't have any personal experience with them. Still, I'm shocked at the amount of coverage.
   
   Let's move to the maps in the back. Typos & misplaced neighborhoods abound. Parque Patricios does not border the Riachuelo, & Barracas has nothing to do with Avenida Entre Ríos. Congreso is not next to San Telmo. Microcentro is not San Nicolás, & Tribunales is not a neighborhood by anyone's measure. Avenida Sánez should be Saénz. What is a "Porte de Buenos Aires?" I think they meant "Puerto." They list something as "Parque del Cementerio" when it's actually Parque Centenario... two very different things.
   
   The enlarged map of Recoleta is just as incorrect. Parque Carlos Thais should be Thays. Pasadas should be Posadas. Ríobamba is missing from the map. There is no such street as Jose Andres. The Palacio Estrouga should be the EstrougaMOU. There are other errors, but you get the point.
   
   Why would anyone buy this?? If I submitted work this sloppy, I'd be fired (I'm a guidebook writer/researcher). This guidebook presents an oddly skewed vision of Buenos Aires that isn't the city I've lived in for almost 7 years. But someone has to be the worst... I just never expected it to be Phaidon.



5. I can understand why some people don't like the book. I agree with them on any number of points, but here's the score: if you're a little shameless about wanting to make sure you see hip stuff in your short time in BA, just get this. The restaurants recommended are really good (The Standard is amazing... Bar 6 is a great place to hang out when you're tired of walking around....). The hotel recommendations are a little ridiculous. (I had a great hotel and paid $350 for 5 nights... they recommend ultra-fab Faena which goes for $500 a night... you can live like a freaking king in Argentina on that kind of cash.... don't bother with their overblown hotel recommendations).
   
   But as far as being a guide to great bars, restaurants, and other non-touristy attractions, it's quite good if you're a Radar-reading, design-obsessed kind of person. If you're a Rick Steeves kind of traveler, don't bother.

1 comments about Argentina - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!).

1. Great guide for getting a quick and comprehensive overview of Argentina. Although primarily focused on Buenos Aires, it gives the reader a fast grasp on what seem to be the essentials in many areas of life, both personal and business. Highly recommended!

1 comments about Guide to the Magic of Walt Disney World: The Lost Journals.

1. I consider myself a pretty knowledgeable Disney fan, that being said I was hopeful for a new and interesting book of Disney facts. Well, boy did this deliver! The Lost Journal is full of fun facts, hidden Mickey's (some I knew of and some I didn't) and really interesting information about so many of the rides.
   
   It was great to spend the afternoon reading this and remember all the places in the park where the hidden Mickey's might be, and planning our next trip to the parks. I will defiantly have this guide with me as we tour the parks again this summer, in search of all the clues to complete the puzzle in the front of it. This is a great book for kids as well, very easy to read and understand. The size is great and will fit perfectly in our backpack at the park.
   
   I highly recommend this guide for all the Disney fans out there.

5 comments about Food And Drink in Argentina: A Guide for Tourists And Residents.

1. Many people see France, Italy and Asia as culinary meccas of the world. But there is a wonderful cuisine waiting to be discovered. The food of Argentina!
   
   As a food writer, I see a multitude of cookbooks and guides to cuisines all the time. But one of the areas that is lacking, is Argentina. With an Argentine mother, and having had the wonderful opportunity to have lived in Argentina, I can declare that this book is excellent and an invaluable resource of food and drink in Argentina.
   
   Not only does this guide explain food terms and etiquette, but also which restaurants are good (even for special diets) as well as information on Argentina's wines.
   
   There are some fantastic photos included too!
   
   What I found to be wonderful were the recipes included for traditional Argentina fare, as well as guides to meat cuts and labeling in Argentina, the United States, England as well as France!
   
   If you are going to eat in Argentina, you will need this book.



2. Expertly researched and co-authored by Dereck Foster & Richard Tripp, Food And Drink In Argentina: A Guide For Tourists And Residents is an informed and informative introduction and "user friendly" reference for dining-out while traveling or working in the beautiful South American nation of Argentina. Included is an A to Z translation for beverage and food terms, advice on where to eat and what to drink, information on exploring the great wine country in Argentina, tips on shopping for food, advice for special diets and those traveling with children, and a wealth of regional recipes and culinary dishes. A "slips easily into your pocket or purse" guidebook, Food And Drink In Argentina is to be given high praise and a very strongly recommended for planning an Argentina itinerary.



3. This colorfully illustrated book provides mouthwatering details of Argentine cuisine, going well beyond the basics of beef, mate and Malbec.
   
   One of my favorite ways to immerse myself in another culture is to eat and drink as the locals do. It's easy with this comprehensive guide. Use its A-Z Guide to translate restaurant menus.
   
   The book is well organized, easy to navigate and conviently sized for travel; it fits into your purse or pocket.



4. I wasted my money and the space in my suitcase buying this book. It is more a spanish-english dictionary. The mayority of the book consists of a long list of spanish words with its meaning in english (ocassionally followed by a brief description and illustration).
   Not recommended if:
   1) you are spanish speaker
   2) you are looking for a dinning guide or something similar.
   
   You will do better by buying a local guide in Buenos Aires



5. Tipping, how to say medium rare in Spanish when ordering one of their famous filet mignons.......you get the picture.......Good start for your adventure.......

5 comments about Trekking in the Patagonian Andes (Walking).

1. This book is a perfect introduction to the wealth of hiking possibilities in patagonia - many of them are still significantly under-used and of equal calibre to the more famous routes. The general information sections are quite good, and give a good feel for what conditions are like both trekking and travelling in general; a good purchase for planning your trip. Where the book falls down is on the actual trekking notes, which are consistently inaccurate, obscenely outdated and sometimes quite misleading (see other reviews). On this front, Cerro Electrico is not safe - however Cerro Electrico Oeste is safely climbable without mountaineering equipment (although crampons are a nice idea) and gives mind-blowing views of the rear of Fitzroy - I think this might be what the author actually had in mind.
   
   The best use of this book is as an introduction/inspiration, then get hold of decent military maps (plentiful in santiago and buenos aires) and local advice (abundant) and go from there. Given that many of the treks require some degree of independence and judgement (especially in snow-bound regions), pretty much any information should be taken with a grain of salt and certainly should be double-checked independantly or at worst against common sense. It is a pity no better alternative exists, but the general information is good and if prepared, leave the fun of route-finding up to yourself.



2. I am an avid traveler, hiker and explorer and have found the Lonely Planet guides to be the absolute BEST if your intention is to explore the "ins and outs" of a country without the services of an in-country guide or tour service. They are a valuable tool for the experienced treeker/hiker/tramper and also a great resource for the urban adventurer. Lonely planet pulls their data from a variety of folks- including locals, recent transplants and adventurers- who provide extremely relevant input for the books. I always find their rating of lodging and food accurate~~ low budget is truly low budget and their recommended picks are always clean, comfortable and well situated. I also find their description and maps of hiking/trekking/tramping routes very accurate, although I would still recommend using up-to-date topo maps, GPS or hiring a local certified guide if you are exploring off-piste, mountainous or rugged regions anywhere. There is no replacement for experience and sound judgment in the backcountry. This particular guide book is wonderfully laid out and their advice is keen. Unless you have a solid 3 months of time to adventure in more than one of the regions it is best to pick an area (like the Lakes District) and focus your time in one place. Obviously the Torres Del Paine or Fitz Roy regions see a lot of traffic but the other areas are absolutely fabulous, as well. While other guide books may cater to the "guided tour crowd", I find Lonely Planet caters more to the independent intrepid traveler. Two Thumbs Up. Enjoy your exploring....



3. For the last year I've been planning a trip to Chile and Patagonia. This book has helped me plan and organize and decide which areas I want to see. This book has been full of helpful information about all the different treks in this region, the difficulty rating, miles, average days specific trails will take, and great maps. Not only does the book give great info about specific treks, it also gives really great information for newer backpackers, such as a checklist of what you should bring on the trek, what kind of food to bring, how to use a compass, first aid info, etc. (Though you should know these things before you trek around Patagonia.) I give this book 5 stars.



4. Everything that is in this book can also be found online...with a little digging. So if money is limited forgo this book, if not, it's a good, one-stop source of information.



5. I used the 1998 edition for a three month trip in 2005. I went on long treks near Ushuaia, PN Los Glaciares near El Calafate, PN Torres del Paine, PN Nahuel Huapi near Bariloche, PN Chiloe, and PN Villarica.
   Sometimes I found it difficult to interpret the directions until after the fact, however, the information was almost always correct. Not bad considering that the book was already several years old.
   Planning out several months of travelling in advance and buying maps in Santiago and Buenoes Aires is impractical. The maps in the book were often the only navigation tool available and were suitable.
   The pictures are beautiful.
   If your Spanish isn't very good you will find this book is indispensible. (I had just enough to get on the right bus)I would strongly recommend this book to anyone planning to hike in the Patagonian region of Chile and Argentina south of Concepcion.

1 comments about Pantanal: South America's Wetland Jewel.

1. Pantanal - just one word that makes you itch to see for yourself the wonders of this magical wetland in the heart of Brazil! Dozens of caimans lurking in the current, mouths agape; a big jaguar comes stalking through the understory at the shoreline; giant otters appear out of thin air right next to the boat; a tapir crosses the lagoon in marvelous light; a group of hyacinth macaws gathers on a fence of a fazenda, and in the savanna a young giant anteater clings cutely to his mother's fur - wildlife photographers' dreams, subjects everyone exploring the Pantanal with a camera longs for.
   Theo Allofs got all these images - thanks to his patience, photographic excellence and his cooperation with Conservation International (CI), opening doors to subjects of some of the most beautiful farms in the area.
   Large pictures, great colors and fine printing - impressive, even at a first glance. A closer look reveals that among some 150 pictures there is no weak or even mediocre one! A photographic gourmet-piece and yet, even more: the publisher and the CI writers found an elegant and well balanced way of presenting pictures and heaps of information on such a vast region, its human inhabitants and breathtaking biodiversity. A fine example of a cooperation between nature conservation and nature photography!