All travelers need to do a little research before heading out on their destinations. Today’s array of travel websites and travel guides make it easy to find the information you want quickly, and at a reasonable cost. The Internet won’t always be available to you while you’re traveling, even if you do have a laptop and access to a wireless connection. Fodor’s travel books, on the other hand, are the best resource you can choose to carry.

Fodor’s books include detailed information about sites of interest. All sites are sectioned in the book by location, and each section has its own corresponding map. In many cases, the maps overlap, showing the same streets for one section of town on another map that highlights another. This puts walking travelers at a great advantage because it gives them the freedom to explore nearby areas without feeling as if they absolutely must rent a car to get around.

When applicable, Fodor’s books will also include metro system information on each map. You can then select what sites you’d like to visit based on their proximity to a metro stop. The books also feature price information for various transport systems. Where water transport is available, cost and schedule information is also included. And one last added benefit of the books is that they give you reasonable estimated times to reach an airport from a given point in the city.

Fodor’s remembers everyone, from those who like bars and clubs to those who prefer nights at the opera or a community theater. Its nightlife resources are unbeatable.

When selecting a book for travel, whether it be Fodor’s or any other, you should keep several points in mind. The Fodor’s series, with its trademark yellow-orange cover, has all these features and more.

1)Size
a.Is the book small enough to fit in your purse?
b.Is it big enough to grab quickly from a big bag stuffed with other items?

2)Maps
a.Do the maps include public transportation information and metro stops?
b.Are detailed maps given for areas of particular interest to you? With blow-up maps for densely occupied areas?

3)Food and Lodging
a.Does the book include information about the types of lodging you like (B&Bs, RV Parks, hostels, 5-star hotels)?
b.Does the book include information about restaurants that serve the kind of food you like (ethnic foods, local favorites, Kosher, vegetarian), and does it tell how much your meal might cost?

4)Side Trips
a.Are your tastes for side trips to neighboring areas accounted for?
b.Has information about how to reach side-trip destinations been included?