Hi, I am in very early stages of planning a trip to London for the summer of 2010 (early July). I know the standard advice on this board is first to get a travel guide and read about various destinations. Hence, my question: what are you recommendations for a comprehensive reliable travel book? I have used Rick Steves' and the Rough Guide books in the past and was not fully satisfied with the amount of information. I will be traveling with my husband and a 4.5 year old son. Thanks!

Hello,

I assume you mean July 2011? As for guide books, I like Michelin Green Guides, and also the Top 10 for day to day carrying around as it is small and has cafe and restaurant recommendations for each area.

Hope this helps!

My favorite series has always been Access. I think they are comprehensive yet easily readable.

http://www.amazon.com/Access-London-...8270319&sr=1-1

Not sure what you mean by "not fully satisfied with amount of information". Were you looking for more about hotels, restaurants, etc? Or more about sightseeing? Or more history? You might also consider books that are geared towards families or travel with children.

Go to your local library and pick up all the guides they have on London and order some more if your library offers inter library loans. Then you can decide which guide you like best!

Honestly, you'll probably get recommendations for each and every guide there is as everyone has their favourite but if you tend to be not fully satisfied by the amount of info then you'll need more than one guidebook!

I really like DK (Dorling Kindersley). I love their photographs and diagrams.

This is the Fodor's website, so naturally the Fodor's London guides are the best. Pick one, any one. They are all fantastic.

To the editors: I'll email you my account details for the EBT and I expect my money next week.

Yes, indeed, I meant July 2011. When I said I didn't feel satisfied with the amount of information, I meant that the hotels and restaurant sections were limited and the various activities were geared towards a certain age group: Rick Steves for the 50-60 year olds; Rough Guide for 20-early 30 somethings. Just in my humble opinion. I know there is no perfect guide out there to satisfy everyone, so I guess they have to choose their target audience.

I will try the library option, although the selection in my local library is sketchy. I am not good at putting holds and then showing up on time to pick up a book on hold before it is released into general circulation. Too busy at times. So I just wanted to buy a guide on Amazon and start planning.

Thanks, Gothampc! I will try Access. I have never heard of this guide. It looks good, I just checked it out on Amazon.

Rick Steves is not the best choice for Great Britain ( lousy in fact, IMO) and the Rough Guides are not just for 20/30 somethings. Check reviews on guide books on Amazon if the library is too much trouble.

Time Out London. I've been using these guides for years and they are particularly good for the under 50 set, both single, couples, an those with kids. Good ideas for things to do with kids that include things not always thought of in general guide books. For example, it goes beyond the obvious Tower of London, London Eye sort of thing, and talks about things like taking a canal boat from Islington to Camden Loch, passing by the London Zoo (another good kid choice).

I prefer London for Dummies - simple to use with tons of information. Look through it at a bookstore and see for yourself. I also love "The London Mapguide" by Penquin Books for navigating around London once I'm there. It also has info. on all the major sightseeing spots and what page of the map they are on. It's just the right size to use easily - much simpler than the London A-Z!

I like the Top Ten guide, as well as the TimeOut guide. I also like the Lonely Planet Encounter series, though I haven't tried the London guide, specifically. The TimeOut Shortlist guides are in a similar vein and also very good.

This isn't so much about the information as the guide itself. I've seen some very beautiful guides (colour pics, nicely bound, good paper, etc.) but I have two problems with those. For one thing, they're very heavy and there's no way I'd want to carry them around with me.

The other thing is that I'm just vicious with guidebooks. I tear out whole sections and pop them in my purse for the day I'm going to a particular location. By the time my trip is finished, my book is in tatters and ready for the bin. Therefore, I want a books that's not too expensive, not printed gorgeously, and one I won't feel guilty about destroying (which is why I don't borrow travel guides).

goddesstogo, I make xerox copies of the pages from the book. That way I can make notes on the back of the page and when I'm done with an area, I just throw the copies away.

Copying the pages and then throwing away is handy if you are visiting several cities or countries.

That's a good idea, gothampc. I'm going to try that next time. I really like the idea of being able to write on the backs of the pages.

I checked out Frommers 2011 on Amazon and the reviews are not too complimentary. I am thinking of getting either TimeOut or Access.

Different guides have different strengths and weaknesses.
My opinion:

Frommers has really good self-guided walks -- if that is what you want to do...other than that, they are so-so.

Rick Steves guides are more appropriate for newbies at travel, though their restaurant and hotel recommendations are usually pretty good if you are on a budget.

I have an old (1993) Knopf Guide for London that is superb as a book to read before you go - very heavy on culture, history, art & archetecture, as well as the usual stuff - very comprehensive...though obviously not good for restaurants, prices, night life, etc., due to its publshing date.

This is not one I have taken with me on my three trips, but it is VERY enjoyable reading for preparation/psyching up for the trip.

Amazon shows a 2006 edition with used copies for one cent (plus $4 shipping) -- but with 3rd party sellers, you can't be 100% sure which edition you're getting.

http://www.amazon.com/Knopf-Guide-Lo...8438114&sr=8-2

If you can find one in the library, check it out first...or risk four bucks and buy it.

SS