So I've been looking through guidebooks... - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**Majestic58** · 12-31-2006, 10:55 PM

trying to figure out which one I like enough to cart around with me and I've come to the conclusion that for the most part they are all filled with information that is of almost no use to me personally... Not to mention that those busters are heavy! SOOOOOO... I've decided that since A: I don't plan on having any sort of a seriously structured trip... and B: I have seven months till I leave... that I would just make my own... Figure out the places I know I want to go, gather information on sites and places I want to see, things I want to experience, weather information, accomodation.. Typing it all out in word and then I figure when I'm finished I will just take it to kinkos or whatever and have them put a spiral binding on it.. Five countries down, only thirty countries to go! Yay me!

davidd · 01-01-2007, 05:11 AM

ive been thinking about doing something like that and instead of printing it just sending it as an email to myself and being able to open it up and have a look in hostels/internet cafes

**blinkchick2134** · 01-01-2007, 02:30 PM

You could also tear out pages that interest you from the guidebooks. That's usually what I do...and a few others have mentioned it here on the boards!

I prefer LP myself...just because it provides the most 'backerpacker' type information.

**marc873** · 01-01-2007, 03:55 PM

While at Kinkos, you should also have them laminate the pages. Long trips offer lots of chances of it getting wet.

**Majestic58** · 01-01-2007, 11:40 PM

I have trouble ripping pages out of books.. my lost youth spent in libraries is probably to blame... But lots of great ideas! Thanks guys.:D

**lauren313** · 01-02-2007, 01:59 AM

Great idea!

Also remember that most decent hostels have copies of LP etc in their book exchange, or behind the reception desk for you to borrow.

**Delaney** · 01-02-2007, 10:51 AM

I usually print stuff from the internet and carry it with me in a folder. Binding it is a good idea, but if the pages are loose you can toss them as you leave each place and that way you aren't carting around a bunch of useless information!

**raoulduke** · 01-03-2007, 01:31 AM

Sounds like a pretty sharp idea. Needless to say you should post it here for our (my) use. I've only got four months til I go though so you better get cracking.

Just Kidding. Good Luck. I'm sure you'll know your stuff back-to-front by the time you're done.

**aliz** · 01-03-2007, 02:46 AM

my brother's girlfriend did your book-binding idea for their trip to japan this christmas - it was good because she got just the city information they needed, as well as copies of her documents, and all their booking confirmations, directions to accommodation etc. very handy if you actually do know where you're going to go. I liked the idea of setting off to europe with good ol lonely planet and planning as i went along, but it depends on how you travel

**Majestic58** · 01-04-2007, 01:56 AM

^^^^^

Ohhh! Lookit the brains on this one!

**travelpunk** · 01-04-2007, 05:41 AM

I'm the kind of guy that likes to "rip the pages out of the guide." Plus, I also will have a self made list of things or places that I need to go/do.

It's definitely about personlizing your trip. Good job!

**LiveFreeorDie** · 01-04-2007, 10:52 AM

Someone needs to find a way to digitize the guidebooks in such a way that you could use them on your Ipod or Smartphone. Just download and go. An interactive, link based format that is similar to web pages would be perfect. I guess you could always scan the relevant pages into a jpeg or something that you could then view on your Ipod, like a photo, but I am thinking of something more user friendly. Someone who has more technical knowhow then me needs to get on that!:D

**aliz** · 01-05-2007, 04:12 AM

^^ I think they have them for PSP... but its a set thing you buy, not very personalizable. but i agree with you. basically i think everything in the world should be iPod compatible.