Let's face it, for many of us, travel is one of the key factors in giving our lives meaning. We build our year around those precious few weeks when we can make our way to some exotic destination and experience things that are different from all that we normally encounter. With Make the Most of Your Time on Earth (subtitled a Rough Guide to the World), we are offered what the publishers claim are `1000 Ultimate Travel Experiences'. And those familiar with the Rough Guide catalogue will know that that is no idle boast. Within this arm-straining book, we are presented (at length) with the most exhilarating travel experiences the world has to offer. Every possible diversion is on offer here, from a cool and aesthetic appreciation of exquisite architecture to pulse-raising adventure holidays. With Rough Guide's intrepid team of specialists (always seeing things from a different angle), one can trek the Ganges or go mountain biking on some of the world's most treacherous roads in Bolivia.

Alongside the more physical adventures here, we are given the perfect guide to enjoying the ancient beauty of Venice as well as many experiences which are more off the normal tourist trail (such as snorkelling in Tanzania). The thoroughness of the book is as exhaustive as one could wish, with (for instance) fascinating detail on wildlife and festivals. And for those of us attempting to ensure that our holidays have an ethical dimension, such elements are treated with the thoroughness one would expect from this publisher. The sheer bulk of the book means that this is one for planning with rather than stuffing into a rucksack, but such pre-planning will be sheer pleasure. --Barry Forshaw

Inspirational dip in to reading, 29 Aug 2008
This book is great, there is a big wide world out there and dipping into this when you have 5 minutes you are sure to find something to excite and interest you.

Obviously its not a guide book in the true sense but there are some fantastic sound bite nuggets in there that have inspired about 5 years worth of future holidays for me.

Inspirational, 28 Dec 2007
I love this book; the romantic style of writing and stunning photography makes you want to travel immediately!
There is good coverage of the whole world, including a decent section on the UK, and includes a wide variety of experiences from hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro to ghost-hunting in York, to camel riding in Oman, and it also includes festivals.
It is beautifully presented with stunning photography and has experiences arranged by country in the index which makes navigating the book easier. It also includes an appendix with a few lines of useful information about each experience, for example a website.

This book is not one that provides much practical information for planning a trip, but is perfect to give inspiration for where to go/what to do next!

Yes, but how to do it and stay green?, 09 Oct 2007
As you might expect from the Rough Guide, this is a pretty dependable guide in terms of its facts and figures, although as with any '10/100/1000 ultimate' experiences, it's entirely subjective. Furthermore, there's the added trouble nowadays of seeing something of the world without messing it up for future generations (and hey, our own too). Couple this with the vexed question of whether making the most of your time on earth is actually limited to going to see all the places everyone else goes to see, and you've got yourself into a bit of a hole. I personally got more out of the book "Places to Hide" by Dixe Wills which covers some more eclectic (and thus more intriguing) destinations within Britain that you can get to without hopping onto a plane - give it a whirl.

The Rough Guide to Australia is one of the most impressive additions to the already prestigious Rough Guide series, and weighing in at over a thousand pages, it's also one of the most physically imposing. But anything short of this would hardly be appropriate to this most breathtaking of continents, and it has to be said that the team of contributors have covered the country in the most thorough and masterly of fashions. The maps are always a speciality of this series, but the prospect of exploring even the remotest corners of Australia is rendered more than achievable by the cartography on offer here.

What the guide sets out to do, however, has something in common with all the series: to inspire us to visit the country by some of the most tempting photography (along with the text) -- and the latter is a particular asset here. Of course, there is so much to explore in Australia that it is difficult to know where to begin. But such sections as that on the Gold Coast Hinterland will inspire the more fit explorer to tackle the rugged (and less readily accessible) walking tracks and hiking trails, taking in the beech forests and waterfalls.

But the guide will also have you wishing to experience Marine Mountain, a volcanic plateau near the Gold Coast which still has pockets of rainforest, and once was the haunt of the Wangeriburra Aborigines.

As all of this implies, the experience that Australia has to offer is a million miles away from more restricted horizons. If your taste is for nightlife, that's also comprehensively covered here, and (once again), the received opinion that Australia is a philistine country is thoroughly trounced by the detailed coverage of the highly impressive venues for the arts. Let's face it, this is quite likely to be the only guide to Australia that you will ever need. --Barry Forshaw

Inspirational dip in to reading, 29 Aug 2008
This book is great, there is a big wide world out there and dipping into this when you have 5 minutes you are sure to find something to excite and interest you.

Obviously its not a guide book in the true sense but there are some fantastic sound bite nuggets in there that have inspired about 5 years worth of future holidays for me.

Inspirational, 28 Dec 2007
I love this book; the romantic style of writing and stunning photography makes you want to travel immediately!
There is good coverage of the whole world, including a decent section on the UK, and includes a wide variety of experiences from hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro to ghost-hunting in York, to camel riding in Oman, and it also includes festivals.
It is beautifully presented with stunning photography and has experiences arranged by country in the index which makes navigating the book easier. It also includes an appendix with a few lines of useful information about each experience, for example a website.

This book is not one that provides much practical information for planning a trip, but is perfect to give inspiration for where to go/what to do next!

Yes, but how to do it and stay green?, 09 Oct 2007
As you might expect from the Rough Guide, this is a pretty dependable guide in terms of its facts and figures, although as with any '10/100/1000 ultimate' experiences, it's entirely subjective. Furthermore, there's the added trouble nowadays of seeing something of the world without messing it up for future generations (and hey, our own too). Couple this with the vexed question of whether making the most of your time on earth is actually limited to going to see all the places everyone else goes to see, and you've got yourself into a bit of a hole. I personally got more out of the book "Places to Hide" by Dixe Wills which covers some more eclectic (and thus more intriguing) destinations within Britain that you can get to without hopping onto a plane - give it a whirl.

Absolute must have, 20 Jan 2008
This guide book is the best I've read. The advice was invaluable and I trusted the recommendations, especially when it came to accommodation. It very quickly became my travelling companion and I followed its advice as much as I could. Don't leave home without it!

Inspirational dip in to reading, 29 Aug 2008
This book is great, there is a big wide world out there and dipping into this when you have 5 minutes you are sure to find something to excite and interest you.

Obviously its not a guide book in the true sense but there are some fantastic sound bite nuggets in there that have inspired about 5 years worth of future holidays for me.

Inspirational, 28 Dec 2007
I love this book; the romantic style of writing and stunning photography makes you want to travel immediately!
There is good coverage of the whole world, including a decent section on the UK, and includes a wide variety of experiences from hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro to ghost-hunting in York, to camel riding in Oman, and it also includes festivals.
It is beautifully presented with stunning photography and has experiences arranged by country in the index which makes navigating the book easier. It also includes an appendix with a few lines of useful information about each experience, for example a website.

This book is not one that provides much practical information for planning a trip, but is perfect to give inspiration for where to go/what to do next!

Yes, but how to do it and stay green?, 09 Oct 2007
As you might expect from the Rough Guide, this is a pretty dependable guide in terms of its facts and figures, although as with any '10/100/1000 ultimate' experiences, it's entirely subjective. Furthermore, there's the added trouble nowadays of seeing something of the world without messing it up for future generations (and hey, our own too). Couple this with the vexed question of whether making the most of your time on earth is actually limited to going to see all the places everyone else goes to see, and you've got yourself into a bit of a hole. I personally got more out of the book "Places to Hide" by Dixe Wills which covers some more eclectic (and thus more intriguing) destinations within Britain that you can get to without hopping onto a plane - give it a whirl.

Absolute must have, 20 Jan 2008
This guide book is the best I've read. The advice was invaluable and I trusted the recommendations, especially when it came to accommodation. It very quickly became my travelling companion and I followed its advice as much as I could. Don't leave home without it!

Nothing rough about this!!!, 05 Oct 2008
I recently spent some time touring around New Zealand and this guide was my constant companion(as well as my wife).For your money you get an extemely comprehensive guide to one of the most beautiful countries in the world.From the lush green farmland of the north island to the barren desolate stretches of the south island "Gods own country" has it all.

Each area is dealt with in separate chapters and each chapter begins with the "highlights" of the area,so if the highlights dont appeal keep driving! You will find the history of the more interesting places contained in this guide ,not a full on history lesson mind you but just enough to impress the wife with until she picks up the guide for herself ,then the game is well and truly up!The maps are basic but are enough to keep you on the right track.And the accommodation listings are helpful if one finds themselves pushed for time and needing some shut eye.Included aswell are a brief selection of bars,clubs and restaurants,you probably wont go out of your way to seek them out but the average prices are included so its handy for comparative purposes.With New Zealand being the adventure capitol of the world this book is jam packed with madcap things to try ,if you can think it up the kiwis have it,as always prices are recorded in the guide.To sum up this is a great guide to a great country.The highlights on the north island for me were :The Lion man in Whangarei and Rotorua for the Maori experience and on the south island:The beauty of the Southern Alps the Glaciers and Wanaka also the fun filled Queenstown for adrenaline junkies. I could go on but i wont ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Inspirational dip in to reading, 29 Aug 2008
This book is great, there is a big wide world out there and dipping into this when you have 5 minutes you are sure to find something to excite and interest you.

Obviously its not a guide book in the true sense but there are some fantastic sound bite nuggets in there that have inspired about 5 years worth of future holidays for me.

Inspirational, 28 Dec 2007
I love this book; the romantic style of writing and stunning photography makes you want to travel immediately!
There is good coverage of the whole world, including a decent section on the UK, and includes a wide variety of experiences from hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro to ghost-hunting in York, to camel riding in Oman, and it also includes festivals.
It is beautifully presented with stunning photography and has experiences arranged by country in the index which makes navigating the book easier. It also includes an appendix with a few lines of useful information about each experience, for example a website.

This book is not one that provides much practical information for planning a trip, but is perfect to give inspiration for where to go/what to do next!

Yes, but how to do it and stay green?, 09 Oct 2007
As you might expect from the Rough Guide, this is a pretty dependable guide in terms of its facts and figures, although as with any '10/100/1000 ultimate' experiences, it's entirely subjective. Furthermore, there's the added trouble nowadays of seeing something of the world without messing it up for future generations (and hey, our own too). Couple this with the vexed question of whether making the most of your time on earth is actually limited to going to see all the places everyone else goes to see, and you've got yourself into a bit of a hole. I personally got more out of the book "Places to Hide" by Dixe Wills which covers some more eclectic (and thus more intriguing) destinations within Britain that you can get to without hopping onto a plane - give it a whirl.

Absolute must have, 20 Jan 2008
This guide book is the best I've read. The advice was invaluable and I trusted the recommendations, especially when it came to accommodation. It very quickly became my travelling companion and I followed its advice as much as I could. Don't leave home without it!

Nothing rough about this!!!, 05 Oct 2008
I recently spent some time touring around New Zealand and this guide was my constant companion(as well as my wife).For your money you get an extemely comprehensive guide to one of the most beautiful countries in the world.From the lush green farmland of the north island to the barren desolate stretches of the south island "Gods own country" has it all.

Each area is dealt with in separate chapters and each chapter begins with the "highlights" of the area,so if the highlights dont appeal keep driving! You will find the history of the more interesting places contained in this guide ,not a full on history lesson mind you but just enough to impress the wife with until she picks up the guide for herself ,then the game is well and truly up!The maps are basic but are enough to keep you on the right track.And the accommodation listings are helpful if one finds themselves pushed for time and needing some shut eye.Included aswell are a brief selection of bars,clubs and restaurants,you probably wont go out of your way to seek them out but the average prices are included so its handy for comparative purposes.With New Zealand being the adventure capitol of the world this book is jam packed with madcap things to try ,if you can think it up the kiwis have it,as always prices are recorded in the guide.To sum up this is a great guide to a great country.The highlights on the north island for me were :The Lion man in Whangarei and Rotorua for the Maori experience and on the south island:The beauty of the Southern Alps the Glaciers and Wanaka also the fun filled Queenstown for adrenaline junkies. I could go on but i wont ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lost without it, 27 Nov 2007
I visited New York for the first time last Nov and I was given a mini rough guide to New York by a friend. I would have been lost without it.

It was a bible in my bag.

I am due to visit the big apple again in Jan and I decided to purchase the full rough guide to New York and I am not disappointed.

I have also order the mini rough guide to carry round New York when I get there.

The information contained within the book is well written and informative.

The maps at the back are a god's send and must not be under estimated in the overall picture and use of this product.

I would recommend this title to anyone wanting a comprehensive guide of New York.

Informative, practical and up-to-date, 09 Jun 2007
Before travelling to Manhattan for the first time, I browsed a number of different travel guides for New York City, and decided on this one because of its clarity and authority. The guide is easy-to-use, packed full of useful information for travellers, and had everything I needed to know. I also found the maps were better and the information it gave more generally up-to-date and more thorough than the Lonely Planet guide.

It doesn't provide you with pre-planned walks, but you don't need that if you have well-written sections on each district, a guide on what not to miss, and clear maps. The walks I've seen in other guides I actually find limiting, because I want to wander off in directions not officially "on the walk".

The only problem I had with the guide was that occasionally the information I needed wasn't all in one place, which isn't in itself a problem, but could also sometimes be impossible to find more than once. They need to put some thought into simplifying navigation between the sections, to make it quicker and easier - but despite this gripe I still think this is the best guide out there.

Dissapointed, 29 May 2007
This is my first Rough Guide book. I was a bit dissapointed. Although there is a lot of historical information compared to other guides regarding the monuments or areas, for practical information the guide is not very useful.
There are no suggested walks which would make the life much easier specially if your are there on a short stay. The maps for each area are oriented in different ways (north is not always up!) which makes following the streets between maps impossible. There are not estimated price range for the restaurants. The practical information is limited in two pages in small print almost at the end of the guide. The restaurants are in another section than the actual section for each area, without crossreference to pages which is a bit of a hussle. Finally, the citypass (a discount ticket for major attractions) is only mentioned in the adds section of the book.
In the future I might use the rough guide for information before the trip but not in situ.

Inspirational dip in to reading, 29 Aug 2008
This book is great, there is a big wide world out there and dipping into this when you have 5 minutes you are sure to find something to excite and interest you.

Obviously its not a guide book in the true sense but there are some fantastic sound bite nuggets in there that have inspired about 5 years worth of future holidays for me.

Inspirational, 28 Dec 2007
I love this book; the romantic style of writing and stunning photography makes you want to travel immediately!
There is good coverage of the whole world, including a decent section on the UK, and includes a wide variety of experiences from hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro to ghost-hunting in York, to camel riding in Oman, and it also includes festivals.
It is beautifully presented with stunning photography and has experiences arranged by country in the index which makes navigating the book easier. It also includes an appendix with a few lines of useful information about each experience, for example a website.

This book is not one that provides much practical information for planning a trip, but is perfect to give inspiration for where to go/what to do next!

Yes, but how to do it and stay green?, 09 Oct 2007
As you might expect from the Rough Guide, this is a pretty dependable guide in terms of its facts and figures, although as with any '10/100/1000 ultimate' experiences, it's entirely subjective. Furthermore, there's the added trouble nowadays of seeing something of the world without messing it up for future generations (and hey, our own too). Couple this with the vexed question of whether making the most of your time on earth is actually limited to going to see all the places everyone else goes to see, and you've got yourself into a bit of a hole. I personally got more out of the book "Places to Hide" by Dixe Wills which covers some more eclectic (and thus more intriguing) destinations within Britain that you can get to without hopping onto a plane - give it a whirl.

Absolute must have, 20 Jan 2008
This guide book is the best I've read. The advice was invaluable and I trusted the recommendations, especially when it came to accommodation. It very quickly became my travelling companion and I followed its advice as much as I could. Don't leave home without it!

Nothing rough about this!!!, 05 Oct 2008
I recently spent some time touring around New Zealand and this guide was my constant companion(as well as my wife).For your money you get an extemely comprehensive guide to one of the most beautiful countries in the world.From the lush green farmland of the north island to the barren desolate stretches of the south island "Gods own country" has it all.

Each area is dealt with in separate chapters and each chapter begins with the "highlights" of the area,so if the highlights dont appeal keep driving! You will find the history of the more interesting places contained in this guide ,not a full on history lesson mind you but just enough to impress the wife with until she picks up the guide for herself ,then the game is well and truly up!The maps are basic but are enough to keep you on the right track.And the accommodation listings are helpful if one finds themselves pushed for time and needing some shut eye.Included aswell are a brief selection of bars,clubs and restaurants,you probably wont go out of your way to seek them out but the average prices are included so its handy for comparative purposes.With New Zealand being the adventure capitol of the world this book is jam packed with madcap things to try ,if you can think it up the kiwis have it,as always prices are recorded in the guide.To sum up this is a great guide to a great country.The highlights on the north island for me were :The Lion man in Whangarei and Rotorua for the Maori experience and on the south island:The beauty of the Southern Alps the Glaciers and Wanaka also the fun filled Queenstown for adrenaline junkies. I could go on but i wont ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lost without it, 27 Nov 2007
I visited New York for the first time last Nov and I was given a mini rough guide to New York by a friend. I would have been lost without it.

It was a bible in my bag.

I am due to visit the big apple again in Jan and I decided to purchase the full rough guide to New York and I am not disappointed.

I have also order the mini rough guide to carry round New York when I get there.

The information contained within the book is well written and informative.

The maps at the back are a god's send and must not be under estimated in the overall picture and use of this product.

I would recommend this title to anyone wanting a comprehensive guide of New York.

Informative, practical and up-to-date, 09 Jun 2007
Before travelling to Manhattan for the first time, I browsed a number of different travel guides for New York City, and decided on this one because of its clarity and authority. The guide is easy-to-use, packed full of useful information for travellers, and had everything I needed to know. I also found the maps were better and the information it gave more generally up-to-date and more thorough than the Lonely Planet guide.

It doesn't provide you with pre-planned walks, but you don't need that if you have well-written sections on each district, a guide on what not to miss, and clear maps. The walks I've seen in other guides I actually find limiting, because I want to wander off in directions not officially "on the walk".

The only problem I had with the guide was that occasionally the information I needed wasn't all in one place, which isn't in itself a problem, but could also sometimes be impossible to find more than once. They need to put some thought into simplifying navigation between the sections, to make it quicker and easier - but despite this gripe I still think this is the best guide out there.

Dissapointed, 29 May 2007
This is my first Rough Guide book. I was a bit dissapointed. Although there is a lot of historical information compared to other guides regarding the monuments or areas, for practical information the guide is not very useful.
There are no suggested walks which would make the life much easier specially if your are there on a short stay. The maps for each area are oriented in different ways (north is not always up!) which makes following the streets between maps impossible. There are not estimated price range for the restaurants. The practical information is limited in two pages in small print almost at the end of the guide. The restaurants are in another section than the actual section for each area, without crossreference to pages which is a bit of a hussle. Finally, the citypass (a discount ticket for major attractions) is only mentioned in the adds section of the book.
In the future I might use the rough guide for information before the trip but not in situ.



Invaluable, 10 Sep 2008
This book was essential to me having a fantastic week in Paris.

Its Metro map served me particularly well and much easier to use than standing ina crowdd of 50 other tourists trying to decipher maps on the underground map on a wall.

Recommendations on ways to entertain children (we had a 4yr old with us)were pretty much spot on and all in all i would recommend the guide as an invaluable companion.

Inspirational dip in to reading, 29 Aug 2008
This book is great, there is a big wide world out there and dipping into this when you have 5 minutes you are sure to find something to excite and interest you.

Obviously its not a guide book in the true sense but there are some fantastic sound bite nuggets in there that have inspired about 5 years worth of future holidays for me.

Inspirational, 28 Dec 2007
I love this book; the romantic style of writing and stunning photography makes you want to travel immediately!
There is good coverage of the whole world, including a decent section on the UK, and includes a wide variety of experiences from hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro to ghost-hunting in York, to camel riding in Oman, and it also includes festivals.
It is beautifully presented with stunning photography and has experiences arranged by country in the index which makes navigating the book easier. It also includes an appendix with a few lines of useful information about each experience, for example a website.

This book is not one that provides much practical information for planning a trip, but is perfect to give inspiration for where to go/what to do next!

Yes, but how to do it and stay green?, 09 Oct 2007
As you might expect from the Rough Guide, this is a pretty dependable guide in terms of its facts and figures, although as with any '10/100/1000 ultimate' experiences, it's entirely subjective. Furthermore, there's the added trouble nowadays of seeing something of the world without messing it up for future generations (and hey, our own too). Couple this with the vexed question of whether making the most of your time on earth is actually limited to going to see all the places everyone else goes to see, and you've got yourself into a bit of a hole. I personally got more out of the book "Places to Hide" by Dixe Wills which covers some more eclectic (and thus more intriguing) destinations within Britain that you can get to without hopping onto a plane - give it a whirl.

Absolute must have, 20 Jan 2008
This guide book is the best I've read. The advice was invaluable and I trusted the recommendations, especially when it came to accommodation. It very quickly became my travelling companion and I followed its advice as much as I could. Don't leave home without it!

Nothing rough about this!!!, 05 Oct 2008
I recently spent some time touring around New Zealand and this guide was my constant companion(as well as my wife).For your money you get an extemely comprehensive guide to one of the most beautiful countries in the world.From the lush green farmland of the north island to the barren desolate stretches of the south island "Gods own country" has it all.

Each area is dealt with in separate chapters and each chapter begins with the "highlights" of the area,so if the highlights dont appeal keep driving! You will find the history of the more interesting places contained in this guide ,not a full on history lesson mind you but just enough to impress the wife with until she picks up the guide for herself ,then the game is well and truly up!The maps are basic but are enough to keep you on the right track.And the accommodation listings are helpful if one finds themselves pushed for time and needing some shut eye.Included aswell are a brief selection of bars,clubs and restaurants,you probably wont go out of your way to seek them out but the average prices are included so its handy for comparative purposes.With New Zealand being the adventure capitol of the world this book is jam packed with madcap things to try ,if you can think it up the kiwis have it,as always prices are recorded in the guide.To sum up this is a great guide to a great country.The highlights on the north island for me were :The Lion man in Whangarei and Rotorua for the Maori experience and on the south island:The beauty of the Southern Alps the Glaciers and Wanaka also the fun filled Queenstown for adrenaline junkies. I could go on but i wont ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lost without it, 27 Nov 2007
I visited New York for the first time last Nov and I was given a mini rough guide to New York by a friend. I would have been lost without it.

It was a bible in my bag.

I am due to visit the big apple again in Jan and I decided to purchase the full rough guide to New York and I am not disappointed.

I have also order the mini rough guide to carry round New York when I get there.

The information contained within the book is well written and informative.

The maps at the back are a god's send and must not be under estimated in the overall picture and use of this product.

I would recommend this title to anyone wanting a comprehensive guide of New York.

Informative, practical and up-to-date, 09 Jun 2007
Before travelling to Manhattan for the first time, I browsed a number of different travel guides for New York City, and decided on this one because of its clarity and authority. The guide is easy-to-use, packed full of useful information for travellers, and had everything I needed to know. I also found the maps were better and the information it gave more generally up-to-date and more thorough than the Lonely Planet guide.

It doesn't provide you with pre-planned walks, but you don't need that if you have well-written sections on each district, a guide on what not to miss, and clear maps. The walks I've seen in other guides I actually find limiting, because I want to wander off in directions not officially "on the walk".

The only problem I had with the guide was that occasionally the information I needed wasn't all in one place, which isn't in itself a problem, but could also sometimes be impossible to find more than once. They need to put some thought into simplifying navigation between the sections, to make it quicker and easier - but despite this gripe I still think this is the best guide out there.

Dissapointed, 29 May 2007
This is my first Rough Guide book. I was a bit dissapointed. Although there is a lot of historical information compared to other guides regarding the monuments or areas, for practical information the guide is not very useful.
There are no suggested walks which would make the life much easier specially if your are there on a short stay. The maps for each area are oriented in different ways (north is not always up!) which makes following the streets between maps impossible. There are not estimated price range for the restaurants. The practical information is limited in two pages in small print almost at the end of the guide. The restaurants are in another section than the actual section for each area, without crossreference to pages which is a bit of a hussle. Finally, the citypass (a discount ticket for major attractions) is only mentioned in the adds section of the book.
In the future I might use the rough guide for information before the trip but not in situ.



Invaluable, 10 Sep 2008
This book was essential to me having a fantastic week in Paris.

Its Metro map served me particularly well and much easier to use than standing ina crowdd of 50 other tourists trying to decipher maps on the underground map on a wall.

Recommendations on ways to entertain children (we had a 4yr old with us)were pretty much spot on and all in all i would recommend the guide as an invaluable companion.

Brilliant to read with lots of info and inspiration, 20 Aug 2008
I got this book while I was thinking about doing some travelling, it is full of usefull information and is clearly organised. I found it a good read even if you weren't planning on a trip.

Lots of Useful Tips, 19 Jul 2008
Very good for 1st time travellers such as myself with loads of tips from experienced travellers. It is understandably generic in lots of places as it can't cover everything, it would be the size of a house, but if used in conjunction with more specific country guides, I'm sure it will provide the answers you are seeking.

Very vague, good for 1st time travelers only., 02 Sep 2007
I bought this book for my upcoming trip around the world, although I have done some traveling, I needed advice on round the world specifically.
This book is really vague, although it has some good general country information, the travel prices are very general and it has no specific info on flights, tickets etc. It doesn't contain enough information to actaully book and plan your trip.
It's much more suited for those who have never traveled before. If you've strapped on a backpack don't bother! I found other guides far more informative with solid up to date info in such as gap year guides - lonely planet and gap year.com.

good overview for first timers, 04 Feb 2007
I found this book realy useful for planning my first round the world trip. Easy to read, to the point and good practical advice. Brief sections on all important issues to get you started such as health, visas what to pack etc. The best introductory book for backpackers that I have read so far

Can't wait to get started, 29 Jun 2006
Firstly this book is firmly aimed at those who are travlling on a limited budget. If your planning on touring the world staying in hotels and resorts and not having to worry about the pennies then this really isn't for you. However if you have got a limited budget and plan to head of the beaten track then get yourself a copy now.
In clear well organised sections it will help you choose your pack, organise your finances, travel safely, what to take and a host of other usefull advice. Not just that but its a fun read too. The Author used his own experiences to develope his points but always remends you that it's your journey and you need to make your own decisions.
This book is not a guide to the world itself altough there is a region section included. It's all about preparing for your journey and starting out equiped with the things you need to know.

Inspirational dip in to reading, 29 Aug 2008
This book is great, there is a big wide world out there and dipping into this when you have 5 minutes you are sure to find something to excite and interest you.

Obviously its not a guide book in the true sense but there are some fantastic sound bite nuggets in there that have inspired about 5 years worth of future holidays for me.

Inspirational, 28 Dec 2007
I love this book; the romantic style of writing and stunning photography makes you want to travel immediately!
There is good coverage of the whole world, including a decent section on the UK, and includes a wide variety of experiences from hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro to ghost-hunting in York, to camel riding in Oman, and it also includes festivals.
It is beautifully presented with stunning photography and has experiences arranged by country in the index which makes navigating the book easier. It also includes an appendix with a few lines of useful information about each experience, for example a website.

This book is not one that provides much practical information for planning a trip, but is perfect to give inspiration for where to go/what to do next!

Yes, but how to do it and stay green?, 09 Oct 2007
As you might expect from the Rough Guide, this is a pretty dependable guide in terms of its facts and figures, although as with any '10/100/1000 ultimate' experiences, it's entirely subjective. Furthermore, there's the added trouble nowadays of seeing something of the world without messing it up for future generations (and hey, our own too). Couple this with the vexed question of whether making the most of your time on earth is actually limited to going to see all the places everyone else goes to see, and you've got yourself into a bit of a hole. I personally got more out of the book "Places to Hide" by Dixe Wills which covers some more eclectic (and thus more intriguing) destinations within Britain that you can get to without hopping onto a plane - give it a whirl.

Absolute must have, 20 Jan 2008
This guide book is the best I've read. The advice was invaluable and I trusted the recommendations, especially when it came to accommodation. It very quickly became my travelling companion and I followed its advice as much as I could. Don't leave home without it!

Nothing rough about this!!!, 05 Oct 2008
I recently spent some time touring around New Zealand and this guide was my constant companion(as well as my wife).For your money you get an extemely comprehensive guide to one of the most beautiful countries in the world.From the lush green farmland of the north island to the barren desolate stretches of the south island "Gods own country" has it all.

Each area is dealt with in separate chapters and each chapter begins with the "highlights" of the area,so if the highlights dont appeal keep driving! You will find the history of the more interesting places contained in this guide ,not a full on history lesson mind you but just enough to impress the wife with until she picks up the guide for herself ,then the game is well and truly up!The maps are basic but are enough to keep you on the right track.And the accommodation listings are helpful if one finds themselves pushed for time and needing some shut eye.Included aswell are a brief selection of bars,clubs and restaurants,you probably wont go out of your way to seek them out but the average prices are included so its handy for comparative purposes.With New Zealand being the adventure capitol of the world this book is jam packed with madcap things to try ,if you can think it up the kiwis have it,as always prices are recorded in the guide.To sum up this is a great guide to a great country.The highlights on the north island for me were :The Lion man in Whangarei and Rotorua for the Maori experience and on the south island:The beauty of the Southern Alps the Glaciers and Wanaka also the fun filled Queenstown for adrenaline junkies. I could go on but i wont ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lost without it, 27 Nov 2007
I visited New York for the first time last Nov and I was given a mini rough guide to New York by a friend. I would have been lost without it.

It was a bible in my bag.

I am due to visit the big apple again in Jan and I decided to purchase the full rough guide to New York and I am not disappointed.

I have also order the mini rough guide to carry round New York when I get there.

The information contained within the book is well written and informative.

The maps at the back are a god's send and must not be under estimated in the overall picture and use of this product.

I would recommend this title to anyone wanting a comprehensive guide of New York.

Informative, practical and up-to-date, 09 Jun 2007
Before travelling to Manhattan for the first time, I browsed a number of different travel guides for New York City, and decided on this one because of its clarity and authority. The guide is easy-to-use, packed full of useful information for travellers, and had everything I needed to know. I also found the maps were better and the information it gave more generally up-to-date and more thorough than the Lonely Planet guide.

It doesn't provide you with pre-planned walks, but you don't need that if you have well-written sections on each district, a guide on what not to miss, and clear maps. The walks I've seen in other guides I actually find limiting, because I want to wander off in directions not officially "on the walk".

The only problem I had with the guide was that occasionally the information I needed wasn't all in one place, which isn't in itself a problem, but could also sometimes be impossible to find more than once. They need to put some thought into simplifying navigation between the sections, to make it quicker and easier - but despite this gripe I still think this is the best guide out there.

Dissapointed, 29 May 2007
This is my first Rough Guide book. I was a bit dissapointed. Although there is a lot of historical information compared to other guides regarding the monuments or areas, for practical information the guide is not very useful.
There are no suggested walks which would make the life much easier specially if your are there on a short stay. The maps for each area are oriented in different ways (north is not always up!) which makes following the streets between maps impossible. There are not estimated price range for the restaurants. The practical information is limited in two pages in small print almost at the end of the guide. The restaurants are in another section than the actual section for each area, without crossreference to pages which is a bit of a hussle. Finally, the citypass (a discount ticket for major attractions) is only mentioned in the adds section of the book.
In the future I might use the rough guide for information before the trip but not in situ.



Invaluable, 10 Sep 2008
This book was essential to me having a fantastic week in Paris.

Its Metro map served me particularly well and much easier to use than standing ina crowdd of 50 other tourists trying to decipher maps on the underground map on a wall.

Recommendations on ways to entertain children (we had a 4yr old with us)were pretty much spot on and all in all i would recommend the guide as an invaluable companion.

Brilliant to read with lots of info and inspiration, 20 Aug 2008
I got this book while I was thinking about doing some travelling, it is full of usefull information and is clearly organised. I found it a good read even if you weren't planning on a trip.

Lots of Useful Tips, 19 Jul 2008
Very good for 1st time travellers such as myself with loads of tips from experienced travellers. It is understandably generic in lots of places as it can't cover everything, it would be the size of a house, but if used in conjunction with more specific country guides, I'm sure it will provide the answers you are seeking.

Very vague, good for 1st time travelers only., 02 Sep 2007
I bought this book for my upcoming trip around the world, although I have done some traveling, I needed advice on round the world specifically.
This book is really vague, although it has some good general country information, the travel prices are very general and it has no specific info on flights, tickets etc. It doesn't contain enough information to actaully book and plan your trip.
It's much more suited for those who have never traveled before. If you've strapped on a backpack don't bother! I found other guides far more informative with solid up to date info in such as gap year guides - lonely planet and gap year.com.

good overview for first timers, 04 Feb 2007
I found this book realy useful for planning my first round the world trip. Easy to read, to the point and good practical advice. Brief sections on all important issues to get you started such as health, visas what to pack etc. The best introductory book for backpackers that I have read so far

Can't wait to get started, 29 Jun 2006
Firstly this book is firmly aimed at those who are travlling on a limited budget. If your planning on touring the world staying in hotels and resorts and not having to worry about the pennies then this really isn't for you. However if you have got a limited budget and plan to head of the beaten track then get yourself a copy now.
In clear well organised sections it will help you choose your pack, organise your finances, travel safely, what to take and a host of other usefull advice. Not just that but its a fun read too. The Author used his own experiences to develope his points but always remends you that it's your journey and you need to make your own decisions.
This book is not a guide to the world itself altough there is a region section included. It's all about preparing for your journey and starting out equiped with the things you need to know.

Perfect map for travelling in a perfect country, 04 Mar 2008
I have used this map for two trips around NZ, and will use it again for my third trip later this year as it is still in great condition considering the daily folding and unfolding that you inevitably do as you travel the length and breadth of this fantastic country. As it is small and lightweight it is ideal just to tuck in your suitcase or backpack no need to carry a big bulky map around.

A must for any NZ traveller, at a reasonable price.



This Rip-Proof Waterproof Map material is fantastic., 08 Apr 2006
Just returned from a four week self drive tour of New Zealand where this Rough Guide Map was used extensively. The map has been folded and re-folded many many times, been rained on, and wind blown but the rip-proof waterproof Polyart material is still as good as new. Its the same material as used for NZ bank notes !

Like any map a few of the fine details are out of date (e.g. un-sealed roads now sealed), but in general this map is to a good scale, is easy to read, and has lots of detail.

If you only buy one sheet map of New Zealand then buy this one. You can then pick up lots of free NZ paper maps, and street plans, when you are out there in NZ at any Information Point or Car Hire office.

Very useful, especially for motorcyclists, 28 Sep 2005
Very good detail and easy to read. Excellent for mtorcyclists because you *will* get caught in rain at least once if you ride in NZ for any length of time. This map is waterproof and tough, so won't disintegrate like my last one did when the sky dropped what seemed like the whole of Lake Rotorua on me!
It might need a slight update though - for example it still shows some of the Southern Scenic Route (between Ratanui and Niagara) as being an 'unsealed' gravel road, whilst my contact in NZ says it's now all 'sealed' tarmac road (as does my other map book).
It is also, like all fold-out maps, quite large and might not be the easiest to use on a pub table or inside a car. Because of that, and because you'll also need city maps, I recommend getting the AA Road Atlas of New Zealand as well (for when it's not raining or you're indoors!).

Hardy, 01 Feb 2004
It's a map. It's the same scale as most of the other maps you'll find of New Zealand. It has the same islands, placenames, colours as other maps. I compared lots in Stanfords before choosing the Rough Guide map.

Why this one? Well, it's made of some clever material that makes it tough, rip-proof and waterproof, but still easy to fold, unlike thicker laminated maps. There's enough detail on the map for driving around New Zealand. And it shouldn't rip if you're arguing about directions whilst doding sheep on state highway one.

Inspirational dip in to reading, 29 Aug 2008
This book is great, there is a big wide world out there and dipping into this when you have 5 minutes you are sure to find something to excite and interest you.

Obviously its not a guide book in the true sense but there are some fantastic sound bite nuggets in there that have inspired about 5 years worth of future holidays for me.

Inspirational, 28 Dec 2007
I love this book; the romantic style of writing and stunning photography makes you want to travel immediately!
There is good coverage of the whole world, including a decent section on the UK, and includes a wide variety of experiences from hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro to ghost-hunting in York, to camel riding in Oman, and it also includes festivals.
It is beautifully presented with stunning photography and has experiences arranged by country in the index which makes navigating the book easier. It also includes an appendix with a few lines of useful information about each experience, for example a website.

This book is not one that provides much practical information for planning a trip, but is perfect to give inspiration for where to go/what to do next!

Yes, but how to do it and stay green?, 09 Oct 2007
As you might expect from the Rough Guide, this is a pretty dependable guide in terms of its facts and figures, although as with any '10/100/1000 ultimate' experiences, it's entirely subjective. Furthermore, there's the added trouble nowadays of seeing something of the world without messing it up for future generations (and hey, our own too). Couple this with the vexed question of whether making the most of your time on earth is actually limited to going to see all the places everyone else goes to see, and you've got yourself into a bit of a hole. I personally got more out of the book "Places to Hide" by Dixe Wills which covers some more eclectic (and thus more intriguing) destinations within Britain that you can get to without hopping onto a plane - give it a whirl.

Absolute must have, 20 Jan 2008
This guide book is the best I've read. The advice was invaluable and I trusted the recommendations, especially when it came to accommodation. It very quickly became my travelling companion and I followed its advice as much as I could. Don't leave home without it!

Nothing rough about this!!!, 05 Oct 2008
I recently spent some time touring around New Zealand and this guide was my constant companion(as well as my wife).For your money you get an extemely comprehensive guide to one of the most beautiful countries in the world.From the lush green farmland of the north island to the barren desolate stretches of the south island "Gods own country" has it all.

Each area is dealt with in separate chapters and each chapter begins with the "highlights" of the area,so if the highlights dont appeal keep driving! You will find the history of the more interesting places contained in this guide ,not a full on history lesson mind you but just enough to impress the wife with until she picks up the guide for herself ,then the game is well and truly up!The maps are basic but are enough to keep you on the right track.And the accommodation listings are helpful if one finds themselves pushed for time and needing some shut eye.Included aswell are a brief selection of bars,clubs and restaurants,you probably wont go out of your way to seek them out but the average prices are included so its handy for comparative purposes.With New Zealand being the adventure capitol of the world this book is jam packed with madcap things to try ,if you can think it up the kiwis have it,as always prices are recorded in the guide.To sum up this is a great guide to a great country.The highlights on the north island for me were :The Lion man in Whangarei and Rotorua for the Maori experience and on the south island:The beauty of the Southern Alps the Glaciers and Wanaka also the fun filled Queenstown for adrenaline junkies. I could go on but i wont ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lost without it, 27 Nov 2007
I visited New York for the first time last Nov and I was given a mini rough guide to New York by a friend. I would have been lost without it.

It was a bible in my bag.

I am due to visit the big apple again in Jan and I decided to purchase the full rough guide to New York and I am not disappointed.

I have also order the mini rough guide to carry round New York when I get there.

The information contained within the book is well written and informative.

The maps at the back are a god's send and must not be under estimated in the overall picture and use of this product.

I would recommend this title to anyone wanting a comprehensive guide of New York.

Informative, practical and up-to-date, 09 Jun 2007
Before travelling to Manhattan for the first time, I browsed a number of different travel guides for New York City, and decided on this one because of its clarity and authority. The guide is easy-to-use, packed full of useful information for travellers, and had everything I needed to know. I also found the maps were better and the information it gave more generally up-to-date and more thorough than the Lonely Planet guide.

It doesn't provide you with pre-planned walks, but you don't need that if you have well-written sections on each district, a guide on what not to miss, and clear maps. The walks I've seen in other guides I actually find limiting, because I want to wander off in directions not officially "on the walk".

The only problem I had with the guide was that occasionally the information I needed wasn't all in one place, which isn't in itself a problem, but could also sometimes be impossible to find more than once. They need to put some thought into simplifying navigation between the sections, to make it quicker and easier - but despite this gripe I still think this is the best guide out there.

Dissapointed, 29 May 2007
This is my first Rough Guide book. I was a bit dissapointed. Although there is a lot of historical information compared to other guides regarding the monuments or areas, for practical information the guide is not very useful.
There are no suggested walks which would make the life much easier specially if your are there on a short stay. The maps for each area are oriented in different ways (north is not always up!) which makes following the streets between maps impossible. There are not estimated price range for the restaurants. The practical information is limited in two pages in small print almost at the end of the guide. The restaurants are in another section than the actual section for each area, without crossreference to pages which is a bit of a hussle. Finally, the citypass (a discount ticket for major attractions) is only mentioned in the adds section of the book.
In the future I might use the rough guide for information before the trip but not in situ.



Invaluable, 10 Sep 2008
This book was essential to me having a fantastic week in Paris.

Its Metro map served me particularly well and much easier to use than standing ina crowdd of 50 other tourists trying to decipher maps on the underground map on a wall.

Recommendations on ways to entertain children (we had a 4yr old with us)were pretty much spot on and all in all i would recommend the guide as an invaluable companion.

Brilliant to read with lots of info and inspiration, 20 Aug 2008
I got this book while I was thinking about doing some travelling, it is full of usefull information and is clearly organised. I found it a good read even if you weren't planning on a trip.

Lots of Useful Tips, 19 Jul 2008
Very good for 1st time travellers such as myself with loads of tips from experienced travellers. It is understandably generic in lots of places as it can't cover everything, it would be the size of a house, but if used in conjunction with more specific country guides, I'm sure it will provide the answers you are seeking.

Very vague, good for 1st time travelers only., 02 Sep 2007
I bought this book for my upcoming trip around the world, although I have done some traveling, I needed advice on round the world specifically.
This book is really vague, although it has some good general country information, the travel prices are very general and it has no specific info on flights, tickets etc. It doesn't contain enough information to actaully book and plan your trip.
It's much more suited for those who have never traveled before. If you've strapped on a backpack don't bother! I found other guides far more informative with solid up to date info in such as gap year guides - lonely planet and gap year.com.

good overview for first timers, 04 Feb 2007
I found this book realy useful for planning my first round the world trip. Easy to read, to the point and good practical advice. Brief sections on all important issues to get you started such as health, visas what to pack etc. The best introductory book for backpackers that I have read so far

Can't wait to get started, 29 Jun 2006
Firstly this book is firmly aimed at those who are travlling on a limited budget. If your planning on touring the world staying in hotels and resorts and not having to worry about the pennies then this really isn't for you. However if you have got a limited budget and plan to head of the beaten track then get yourself a copy now.
In clear well organised sections it will help you choose your pack, organise your finances, travel safely, what to take and a host of other usefull advice. Not just that but its a fun read too. The Author used his own experiences to develope his points but always remends you that it's your journey and you need to make your own decisions.
This book is not a guide to the world itself altough there is a region section included. It's all about preparing for your journey and starting out equiped with the things you need to know.

Perfect map for travelling in a perfect country, 04 Mar 2008
I have used this map for two trips around NZ, and will use it again for my third trip later this year as it is still in great condition considering the daily folding and unfolding that you inevitably do as you travel the length and breadth of this fantastic country. As it is small and lightweight it is ideal just to tuck in your suitcase or backpack no need to carry a big bulky map around.

A must for any NZ traveller, at a reasonable price.



This Rip-Proof Waterproof Map material is fantastic., 08 Apr 2006
Just returned from a four week self drive tour of New Zealand where this Rough Guide Map was used extensively. The map has been folded and re-folded many many times, been rained on, and wind blown but the rip-proof waterproof Polyart material is still as good as new. Its the same material as used for NZ bank notes !

Like any map a few of the fine details are out of date (e.g. un-sealed roads now sealed), but in general this map is to a good scale, is easy to read, and has lots of detail.

If you only buy one sheet map of New Zealand then buy this one. You can then pick up lots of free NZ paper maps, and street plans, when you are out there in NZ at any Information Point or Car Hire office.

Very useful, especially for motorcyclists, 28 Sep 2005
Very good detail and easy to read. Excellent for mtorcyclists because you *will* get caught in rain at least once if you ride in NZ for any length of time. This map is waterproof and tough, so won't disintegrate like my last one did when the sky dropped what seemed like the whole of Lake Rotorua on me!
It might need a slight update though - for example it still shows some of the Southern Scenic Route (between Ratanui and Niagara) as being an 'unsealed' gravel road, whilst my contact in NZ says it's now all 'sealed' tarmac road (as does my other map book).
It is also, like all fold-out maps, quite large and might not be the easiest to use on a pub table or inside a car. Because of that, and because you'll also need city maps, I recommend getting the AA Road Atlas of New Zealand as well (for when it's not raining or you're indoors!).

Hardy, 01 Feb 2004
It's a map. It's the same scale as most of the other maps you'll find of New Zealand. It has the same islands, placenames, colours as other maps. I compared lots in Stanfords before choosing the Rough Guide map.

Why this one? Well, it's made of some clever material that makes it tough, rip-proof and waterproof, but still easy to fold, unlike thicker laminated maps. There's enough detail on the map for driving around New Zealand. And it shouldn't rip if you're arguing about directions whilst doding sheep on state highway one.

Extensive detail, 20 Jul 2008
I visited Morocco in Spring this year and found that the level of detail in the Rough Guide to Morocco was impressive. The guide is straight forward and easy to use and was full of details I wouldn't have even thought of expecting from a guide book, but definitly appreciated reading. Packed with every detail from which airlines fly into Morocco, to examples of traditional Moroccan myths, it was the perfect companion for our trip! It gave us practical details, which were accurate and helpful and at the same time gave us an insight into the complex culture. I started using Rough Guides with a trip to Stockholm last December and now I'm hooked!

A good guide, but not as good as going, 14 Sep 2005
Having just returned from Morocco with a copy of this book, I would say that for the most part it is, as with all rough guides, an essential travelling companion. For those buying the book with a view to travelling to Morocco, I would bare in mind that because Morocco is a country changing at a great pace especially in terms of its tourist ambitions, that the guide despite only being published a year ago is already out-of-date with regard to some of the facilities available in places of Morocco that some may consider "off the beaten track." The guide suggested that some of the towns we stayed in did not have running water, electricity or places to eat, which was not the case and reading the book beforehand may well have encouraged us not to go to these places. As it transpired, these places were among some of the best we visited. It is also fairly pessimistic about the availability of alcohol and clean hotel rooms, both of which we found to be freely available.
It is still an invaluable travelling guide to Morocco and a good way to while away the hours travelling between towns and villages. For those who are undecided about a trip to Morocco I would suggest going now, it is an amazing place but I have the feeling that in a few years time the tourists will well and truly have taken over the place.

An invaluable guide to Morocco, 07 May 2000
I've just come back from Morocco, and this book was incredibly helpful. From finding hotels, to making sure I saw all the best sites, without the Rough Guide the whole trip would have been far more difficult. Buy it before you go.

Inspirational dip in to reading, 29 Aug 2008
This book is great, there is a big wide world out there and dipping into this when you have 5 minutes you are sure to find something to excite and interest you.

Obviously its not a guide book in the true sense but there are some fantastic sound bite nuggets in there that have inspired about 5 years worth of future holidays for me.

Inspirational, 28 Dec 2007
I love this book; the romantic style of writing and stunning photography makes you want to travel immediately!
There is good coverage of the whole world, including a decent section on the UK, and includes a wide variety of experiences from hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro to ghost-hunting in York, to camel riding in Oman, and it also includes festivals.
It is beautifully presented with stunning photography and has experiences arranged by country in the index which makes navigating the book easier. It also includes an appendix with a few lines of useful information about each experience, for example a website.

This book is not one that provides much practical information for planning a trip, but is perfect to give inspiration for where to go/what to do next!

Yes, but how to do it and stay green?, 09 Oct 2007
As you might expect from the Rough Guide, this is a pretty dependable guide in terms of its facts and figures, although as with any '10/100/1000 ultimate' experiences, it's entirely subjective. Furthermore, there's the added trouble nowadays of seeing something of the world without messing it up for future generations (and hey, our own too). Couple this with the vexed question of whether making the most of your time on earth is actually limited to going to see all the places everyone else goes to see, and you've got yourself into a bit of a hole. I personally got more out of the book "Places to Hide" by Dixe Wills which covers some more eclectic (and thus more intriguing) destinations within Britain that you can get to without hopping onto a plane - give it a whirl.

Absolute must have, 20 Jan 2008
This guide book is the best I've read. The advice was invaluable and I trusted the recommendations, especially when it came to accommodation. It very quickly became my travelling companion and I followed its advice as much as I could. Don't leave home without it!

Nothing rough about this!!!, 05 Oct 2008
I recently spent some time touring around New Zealand and this guide was my constant companion(as well as my wife).For your money you get an extemely comprehensive guide to one of the most beautiful countries in the world.From the lush green farmland of the north island to the barren desolate stretches of the south island "Gods own country" has it all.

Each area is dealt with in separate chapters and each chapter begins with the "highlights" of the area,so if the highlights dont appeal keep driving! You will find the history of the more interesting places contained in this guide ,not a full on history lesson mind you but just enough to impress the wife with until she picks up the guide for herself ,then the game is well and truly up!The maps are basic but are enough to keep you on the right track.And the accommodation listings are helpful if one finds themselves pushed for time and needing some shut eye.Included aswell are a brief selection of bars,clubs and restaurants,you probably wont go out of your way to seek them out but the average prices are included so its handy for comparative purposes.With New Zealand being the adventure capitol of the world this book is jam packed with madcap things to try ,if you can think it up the kiwis have it,as always prices are recorded in the guide.To sum up this is a great guide to a great country.The highlights on the north island for me were :The Lion man in Whangarei and Rotorua for the Maori experience and on the south island:The beauty of the Southern Alps the Glaciers and Wanaka also the fun filled Queenstown for adrenaline junkies. I could go on but i wont ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lost without it, 27 Nov 2007
I visited New York for the first time last Nov and I was given a mini rough guide to New York by a friend. I would have been lost without it.

It was a bible in my bag.

I am due to visit the big apple again in Jan and I decided to purchase the full rough guide to New York and I am not disappointed.

I have also order the mini rough guide to carry round New York when I get there.

The information contained within the book is well written and informative.

The maps at the back are a god's send and must not be under estimated in the overall picture and use of this product.

I would recommend this title to anyone wanting a comprehensive guide of New York.

Informative, practical and up-to-date, 09 Jun 2007
Before travelling to Manhattan for the first time, I browsed a number of different travel guides for New York City, and decided on this one because of its clarity and authority. The guide is easy-to-use, packed full of useful information for travellers, and had everything I needed to know. I also found the maps were better and the information it gave more generally up-to-date and more thorough than the Lonely Planet guide.

It doesn't provide you with pre-planned walks, but you don't need that if you have well-written sections on each district, a guide on what not to miss, and clear maps. The walks I've seen in other guides I actually find limiting, because I want to wander off in directions not officially "on the walk".

The only problem I had with the guide was that occasionally the information I needed wasn't all in one place, which isn't in itself a problem, but could also sometimes be impossible to find more than once. They need to put some thought into simplifying navigation between the sections, to make it quicker and easier - but despite this gripe I still think this is the best guide out there.

Dissapointed, 29 May 2007
This is my first Rough Guide book. I was a bit dissapointed. Although there is a lot of historical information compared to other guides regarding the monuments or areas, for practical information the guide is not very useful.
There are no suggested walks which would make the life much easier specially if your are there on a short stay. The maps for each area are oriented in different ways (north is not always up!) which makes following the streets between maps impossible. There are not estimated price range for the restaurants. The practical information is limited in two pages in small print almost at the end of the guide. The restaurants are in another section than the actual section for each area, without crossreference to pages which is a bit of a hussle. Finally, the citypass (a discount ticket for major attractions) is only mentioned in the adds section of the book.
In the future I might use the rough guide for information before the trip but not in situ.



Invaluable, 10 Sep 2008
This book was essential to me having a fantastic week in Paris.

Its Metro map served me particularly well and much easier to use than standing ina crowdd of 50 other tourists trying to decipher maps on the underground map on a wall.

Recommendations on ways to entertain children (we had a 4yr old with us)were pretty much spot on and all in all i would recommend the guide as an invaluable companion.

Brilliant to read with lots of info and inspiration, 20 Aug 2008
I got this book while I was thinking about doing some travelling, it is full of usefull information and is clearly organised. I found it a good read even if you weren't planning on a trip.

Lots of Useful Tips, 19 Jul 2008
Very good for 1st time travellers such as myself with loads of tips from experienced travellers. It is understandably generic in lots of places as it can't cover everything, it would be the size of a house, but if used in conjunction with more specific country guides, I'm sure it will provide the answers you are seeking.

Very vague, good for 1st time travelers only., 02 Sep 2007
I bought this book for my upcoming trip around the world, although I have done some traveling, I needed advice on round the world specifically.
This book is really vague, although it has some good general country information, the travel prices are very general and it has no specific info on flights, tickets etc. It doesn't contain enough information to actaully book and plan your trip.
It's much more suited for those who have never traveled before. If you've strapped on a backpack don't bother! I found other guides far more informative with solid up to date info in such as gap year guides - lonely planet and gap year.com.

good overview for first timers, 04 Feb 2007
I found this book realy useful for planning my first round the world trip. Easy to read, to the point and good practical advice. Brief sections on all important issues to get you started such as health, visas what to pack etc. The best introductory book for backpackers that I have read so far

Can't wait to get started, 29 Jun 2006
Firstly this book is firmly aimed at those who are travlling on a limited budget. If your planning on touring the world staying in hotels and resorts and not having to worry about the pennies then this really isn't for you. However if you have got a limited budget and plan to head of the beaten track then get yourself a copy now.
In clear well organised sections it will help you choose your pack, organise your finances, travel safely, what to take and a host of other usefull advice. Not just that but its a fun read too. The Author used his own experiences to develope his points but always remends you that it's your journey and you need to make your own decisions.
This book is not a guide to the world itself altough there is a region section included. It's all about preparing for your journey and starting out equiped with the things you need to know.

Perfect map for travelling in a perfect country, 04 Mar 2008
I have used this map for two trips around NZ, and will use it again for my third trip later this year as it is still in great condition considering the daily folding and unfolding that you inevitably do as you travel the length and breadth of this fantastic country. As it is small and lightweight it is ideal just to tuck in your suitcase or backpack no need to carry a big bulky map around.

A must for any NZ traveller, at a reasonable price.



This Rip-Proof Waterproof Map material is fantastic., 08 Apr 2006
Just returned from a four week self drive tour of New Zealand where this Rough Guide Map was used extensively. The map has been folded and re-folded many many times, been rained on, and wind blown but the rip-proof waterproof Polyart material is still as good as new. Its the same material as used for NZ bank notes !

Like any map a few of the fine details are out of date (e.g. un-sealed roads now sealed), but in general this map is to a good scale, is easy to read, and has lots of detail.

If you only buy one sheet map of New Zealand then buy this one. You can then pick up lots of free NZ paper maps, and street plans, when you are out there in NZ at any Information Point or Car Hire office.

Very useful, especially for motorcyclists, 28 Sep 2005
Very good detail and easy to read. Excellent for mtorcyclists because you *will* get caught in rain at least once if you ride in NZ for any length of time. This map is waterproof and tough, so won't disintegrate like my last one did when the sky dropped what seemed like the whole of Lake Rotorua on me!
It might need a slight update though - for example it still shows some of the Southern Scenic Route (between Ratanui and Niagara) as being an 'unsealed' gravel road, whilst my contact in NZ says it's now all 'sealed' tarmac road (as does my other map book).
It is also, like all fold-out maps, quite large and might not be the easiest to use on a pub table or inside a car. Because of that, and because you'll also need city maps, I recommend getting the AA Road Atlas of New Zealand as well (for when it's not raining or you're indoors!).

Hardy, 01 Feb 2004
It's a map. It's the same scale as most of the other maps you'll find of New Zealand. It has the same islands, placenames, colours as other maps. I compared lots in Stanfords before choosing the Rough Guide map.

Why this one? Well, it's made of some clever material that makes it tough, rip-proof and waterproof, but still easy to fold, unlike thicker laminated maps. There's enough detail on the map for driving around New Zealand. And it shouldn't rip if you're arguing about directions whilst doding sheep on state highway one.

Extensive detail, 20 Jul 2008
I visited Morocco in Spring this year and found that the level of detail in the Rough Guide to Morocco was impressive. The guide is straight forward and easy to use and was full of details I wouldn't have even thought of expecting from a guide book, but definitly appreciated reading. Packed with every detail from which airlines fly into Morocco, to examples of traditional Moroccan myths, it was the perfect companion for our trip! It gave us practical details, which were accurate and helpful and at the same time gave us an insight into the complex culture. I started using Rough Guides with a trip to Stockholm last December and now I'm hooked!

A good guide, but not as good as going, 14 Sep 2005
Having just returned from Morocco with a copy of this book, I would say that for the most part it is, as with all rough guides, an essential travelling companion. For those buying the book with a view to travelling to Morocco, I would bare in mind that because Morocco is a country changing at a great pace especially in terms of its tourist ambitions, that the guide despite only being published a year ago is already out-of-date with regard to some of the facilities available in places of Morocco that some may consider "off the beaten track." The guide suggested that some of the towns we stayed in did not have running water, electricity or places to eat, which was not the case and reading the book beforehand may well have encouraged us not to go to these places. As it transpired, these places were among some of the best we visited. It is also fairly pessimistic about the availability of alcohol and clean hotel rooms, both of which we found to be freely available.
It is still an invaluable travelling guide to Morocco and a good way to while away the hours travelling between towns and villages. For those who are undecided about a trip to Morocco I would suggest going now, it is an amazing place but I have the feeling that in a few years time the tourists will well and truly have taken over the place.

An invaluable guide to Morocco, 07 May 2000
I've just come back from Morocco, and this book was incredibly helpful. From finding hotels, to making sure I saw all the best sites, without the Rough Guide the whole trip would have been far more difficult. Buy it before you go.

Useful guide but you can't just rely on this for your trip!, 02 Oct 2008
This is the latest guide on Cape Town & surrounds to be released (Oct 08) and being the most up-to-date makes it a worthwhile purchase. However, I think a lot more could have gone into this guide and the coverage of certain key tourist areas is lacking substantially. Buy this guide but do your own research on the internet to find the best places to stay, bars, clubs and restaurants. Don't just rely on this guide for that! For less than £9 on the web it's worth having, at RRP of £12.99 it's overpriced.