Well-researched and impeccably written, the Rough Guides are a great choice for anyone seeking to be an informed, prepared traveler. Due to the fantastic essays, the Rough Guides are as much fun for armchair travelers as they are for those actually on the road. Each edition comes with detailed maps, in-depth essays on the history and culture of each destination, a wide range of lodging options, and recommendations for off-the-beaten-path places to visit. The special attention paid to the writing is a boon for travelers, most of whom find themselves reading the guide cover to cover instead of just looking up their specific itineraries.