The National Geographic Traveler: Great Britain

This guide offers little concrete information regarding history, train/bus/car routes, nothing on hostels, and very little on prices, other than the occasional "Great Britain is expensive". The pictures, however, are wonderful, and incline one to be far more likely to visit a sight than the dreary pages upon pages of description found in other guides. In short, helpful for visualizing Great Britain, but not much else.

This book is much better at diving into the details and characteristics of the places and events than many of the other travel guides I considered. I wouldn't use this book if you're looking for a specific place to stay or cheap eats, but rather the historical context or anectdotal information that makes traveling more insightful. Don't get me wrong; there are plenty of lists, walking routes, maps and key data that will make travel easier. But National Geographic prides itself in making the leisurely travel experience much more encompassing to your senses. The photographs are incredible, and the text is in-depth. I would make this book (and the entire Series for that matter) a supplement that rounds out your vacation, alongside your "best restaurants and hotels" guide that will help find the basics.

the visuals are excellent and the book inspired us recently as we drove thru scotland and made our itenuary as we were driving. the hotels and places to eat sections is poor and cannot compare to FROMMERS, FODORS or especially LONELY PLANET. this book should be used in addition to one of the above.