Read this post and understand what is best for itinerary planning — travel guidebooks or travel blogs?
Whether it’s deciding where to go, mapping out every little detail or simply working out how to organise it all, even the best planners can get their heads spinning when planning to travel.
With all the many different types of travel resources like blogs, travel influencers, and guidebooks at your disposal, it’s hard to avoid information overload. What’s worth your time and energy reading? While both guidebooks and blogs have their merits, choosing the right one comes down to how you like to plan and what works best for your trip.
Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a last-minute “wing it” kind of person, this guide will help you decide which resource wins your travelling heart.
Travel guidebooks: the old-school must-have (with a digital twist)
The trusty travel guidebook— a classic choice for anyone who loves flipping pages. Guidebooks provide a solid, curated overview of your destination. They’re an amazing resource for old-school maps, historical context and pre-planned itineraries. However, in our current digital era, guidebooks can seem a little antiquated.
Enter the digital twist. Let’s say you have a guidebook filled with beautiful maps and useful advice, but it’s too big to lug around. With an online PDF maker, you can digitise the resources you need and access them easily on your phone, tablet, or laptop. Not only that, you can add your own notes to create a hybrid travel guide and personal planner. It’s the perfect marriage of old-school reliability and modern convenience.
Guidebooks also excel when you’re in search of depth. Blogs may throw up a dozen top 10 listicles, but guidebooks get into the nitty-gritty — just what you need when you want to get acquainted with local customs or uncover hidden gems. That said, they’re static. A travel guide penned a year ago may leave out the new must-stop café or tell you about a museum that is currently closed for renovations. Pairing a guidebook with a blog or social media updates can help you bridge the gap between timeless advice and real-time insights.
Travel blogs: The Modern Storyteller’s dream
Tourism and adventure blogs are the cool kids of travel planning. Written by explorers who’ve been there, done that (and took a gazillion pictures along the way), these little records are perfect for collecting real-world tips, local hacks, and dreamy travel inspo to fuel your own sense of wanderlust. Travel blogs are also full of authenticity and practical advice, perfect for travellers who want to add a personal touch to their itineraries, whether you’re looking for more foodie recommendations or off-the-beaten path adventures.
One major perk of blogs is that they’re up-to-date. Most bloggers write about personal experiences, so you’re getting the most recent information on entry fees and secret beaches. You may also be able to connect with travel bloggers who offer unbiased reviews of accommodation or activities and attractions. With genuine insights and recommendations, travel blogs can help seriously pad out your trip itinerary with all the right activities.
However, the blogosphere can be a tough place to find quality content when there’s so much of it out there. Look for established bloggers who offer detailed, hands-on advice, and avoid generic posts full of affiliate links. Travel blogs, when done right, can be an amazing resource to create a well-rounded travel plan.
The rise of travel eBooks
If guidebooks and blogs had a child, it would be the travel eBook. These digital nuggets are the perfect blend of the depth of a guidebook and the freshness of a blog. That’s also why so many established travel bloggers eventually branch out into eBooks anyway – including us! You can find our travel eBooks here.
Unlike traditional guidebooks, eBooks often centre on niche topics, such as sustainable travel, foodie tours, or region-specific adventures. They’re snappy, downloadable and perfect for modern travellers who want a focused resource.
Like your travel guidebooks, you can download eBooks as PDF resources so you can access them from your devices while on-the-go. To save on space even further, we recommend removing the background from your PDFs to turn these brightly packed but often cluttered downloads into something cleaner and more easily readable whilst you’re on the go. This is especially helpful when you want to remove distractions and focus on the most important information.
Travel eBooks are especially practical for digital nomads and lightweight travellers. They’re often formatted for easy navigation and can sync to apps or e-readers. Whether you’re flying solo or planning a family getaway, eBooks add flexibility and functionality to your travel experience.
Which should you choose for your trip: why not both?
So what’s the answer to travel guidebooks vs. travel blogs? Really, it just comes down to your travel style. Guidebooks are ideal for left-brain types who like to have all their information in one trustworthy place. They’re also great if you’re travelling to areas where internet coverage may be hit or miss. But for travellers looking for up-to-date tips and tailored recommendations, blogs are best. There’s no harm in pairing the two for a good mix of structured planning and wiggle room for spontaneity, to elevate your trip from good to unforgettable.
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for itinerary planning. Take the time to experiment. Set up a travel folder on your device, save the blog posts that offer the best information on your destination, or scan pages of your favourite guidebook. This hybrid approach not only makes planning easier but also helps ensure you have all your essentials at hand, wherever your explorations lead.
Ultimately, the perfect travel itinerary comes down to balance. And whether you’re a hardcore planner or someone who thrives on spontaneity, having the right combination is crucial. Guidebooks are reliable and structured, while blogs and eBooks make your trip more personal.
So, pack your bags, charge your devices, and get ready to explore. With the right resources and some creativity, your next adventure is only a click away.