I've only owned one copy of the Rough Guide books, and I must say that it is not even half the "Lonely Planet" books. The one I have is the previous edition of "Norway". Now I don't know exactly how much better the newer editions are (whether for Norway or other countries), the one I have gave so few information that I could barely even plan my trip.

The Lonely Planet books are much more detailed than the Rough Guides, providing you much more information on where to stay, what to see, and where to eat just to name a few. With the Rough Guide that I had, the choices were minimal, and seemed like it only aimed at the more 'touristy' travellers. I like to not only see the well-known and "worthwhile" places, but also see places off-the-beaten-track. Half of the places that I wanted to visit in Norway were either not even mentioned in the Rough Guide, or only had a couple sentences to cover it all. The book was pretty bad with Northern Norway, I think. Not to mention the Svalbard section had outdated information. For example, the information of Longyearbyen provided in that book was nearly opposite from what's true (and from the Lonely Planet version). Rough Guide...why not actually travel there to see what's there rather than assuming everything by its location, and/or taking information from other sources (so it seems like, at least).

Most Lonely Planet books are also somewhat more organised, with more detailed description of each place mentioned. With the Rough Guides, they tend to like cramming everything into paragraphs, and only going as far as bolding the names of places which they barely provide info on. I've looked at the newer editions in bookstores these days as well...and they don't seem like they've improved too much as of yet.

Wonder what guide book to purchase next? Try Lonely Planet! Not only they have more detailed information on various places, but also more options are provided in terms of accomodations, eateries, etc... The Lonely Planet books provided me at least most of the things I wanted to know, and has definately helped me in my travel plans.

And a note to add, you can find a heck of a lot more guide books on different countries and regions from Lonely Planet...

Cheers all!

Each guidebook has its pros and cons. I try to look at all the different guidebooks before I set out on the road. I just go to my local Borders or Barnes and Nobles, grab a cup of coffee, take all the guidebooks to a table and write down the important information from each one. Lonely Planet definately has the most practical informaton in the easiest to use format. However, the newest editions have a different format and I find it much more difficult to navigate than the older format. Rough Guide is good because everyone usues LP on the road and RG sometimes gives different places to stay, eat, etc. making it easier to get away from the well travelled LP road. I also like Footprints and Moon Guides for their extensive history and cultural backgrounds provided but I would never take these books on the road with me, they are strictly pre-travel researche books. I won't even touch Let's Go.

Don't forget to check out independent guides for certain places. For Example, The Cool Guide to Amsterdam by Joe Palker kicks ass. It is a great supplement to your main guide.

My advice to people is to do as much pre-travel research as possible and use whatever guidebook you feel most comfortable with.

Oh, and check out the following:

www.blurrytravel.com

Hey, I love your webpage...some great photos, I must say ;-)

Regarding the guide books, I've also read the newer versions of Lonely Planet guide books are quite disappointing. I am looking forward to the new "Arctic" edition that should be coming out soon. Hopefully it will better their first edition, despite all the complaints on the new designs & layout.

...perhaps Rough Guides may issue guidebooks dedicating to the North in the future (Northern Canada, Greenland, Siberia...)?

yes i dont know about this rough guide but the lonely planet to iceland terribly sucks,reviews have not been changed for 6 years,was in iceland 2001 and lonely planet has some same reviews in 2006 edition,places dont even exist.LONELY PLANET NEVER AGAIN

im travelling to sweeden in mid july for 9 days does any one know of a good car renting company at the arlanda air port in stockholm,know of great restaurants here?