Even in this digital age where travellers can find virtually any information online, from the most eco-friendly Inca Trail organiser to the best place to sample tarantulas in Cambodia, once we’re on the road we still rely on the good old travel guide.
You can buy a guidebook for a single city (or even just part of a city), countries or whole regions, like South East Asia. I am known to be a total sucker for guide books, they fascinate me. When I went to South Africa I think I brought around five guides with me, two just for Johannesburg, and they were absolute lifesavers, advising me where to try the best food, find the best and cheapest hostels and where to find the best safari adventure.
Unfortunately, these little companions aren’t exactly cheap. The standard Lonely Planet or Rough Guide will set you back between £13 and £18 (that’s a whole days’ budget in Nicaragua), so buying all the guide books to prepare for a whole RTW trip can cost you an arm and a leg.
But there are ways to get them cheaper or making back some money, here’s how:
Public library
Yes, that’s right, libraries still exist, and they are still free! Obviously, it’s not recommended to take out a guide book to take travelling with you for a year. This would incur sky high fees which will definitely be more than the price you would have paid for it in the first place. But for trip preparation or simple inspiration it’s the cheapest option (and eco-friendly).
Friends
Do it the old fashioned way and ask your friends if you can borrow their guide books to prepare your trip. They might even let you keep them for your whole trip. Or you could swap your old guides with theirs and exchange tips while you’re at it.
Charity Shops
Most charity shops have a book area and most of these usually include a travel section. You can find all sorts of travel guides here, brand new ones which people donated after a week-long vacation and even vintage ones which can give you an idea of what a country was like 30 years ago. I’ve bought around a third of all my guide books from charity shops and spent around £1 to £3 per book.
Markets
If you’re lucky enough to live in London you will be spoilt for choice. I’ve found great travel guides at Camden lock, South Bank book market and in Notting Hill. But most markets all over the UK usually have book shops and many of these sell travel guides. Make a day of it, visit your favourite market and grab yourself a bargain.
Amazon
Ok, this is the obvious one you will think. Amazon offers most guidebooks at a reduced price, usually around 20-30% less than the retail price, and the used once can be bougth from jusy 1p. If you are using the guide book just for preparation, you can also buy an older issue for much cheaper. But the really good thing about buying them on Amazon is that once you’re done with the book (let’s say you’ve planned your itinerary and don’t need the whole pile of travel guides anymore) you can trade it in for cash back on your next purchase, for example the guide for your next trip.
Ebay
You can find a whole array of travel guides and travel books on ebay. Make sure you check which issue you are buying as it’s not always quoted. And if the seller isn’t clear about the condition of the book then just send them a message and ask them. Don’t forget about the postage fees as these can add up quite a bit.
Book exchanges
Once you’re on the road you can find book exchanges in many hostels. Even if there isn’t an official exchange you can ask other travellers where they’re heading to next and swap with them if they are going to the country that you just left. It’s free and you can share all sorts of travelling tips at the same time.
Kindle
This is a decision every backpacker has to make for themselves, real book vs. kindle. I haven’t actually decided yet which way to go. I love having a real book to hold, it’s just not the same as an e-reader. But I do see the advantages of a kindle. Having all your guide books on one device is very convenient. You won’t have to find a new book when you arrive in a new country and don’t have to swap your old one or send it home. On the other hand it’s just another valuable that you are carrying around with you and which you have to look after.
So there you go, If you follow all these tips you will be able to avoid spending a fortune on travel guides which will be much better invested in cocktails at the beach, zip lining or a bungee jump.
Do you have any advice on where to find cheap travel guides?
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