What travel guide do you prefer?

Other than specialized guides, I tend to use Rough Guides though now get e-books instead of hardcover.

Preferably one with a fez.

I think they are pretty outdated, but I like them, too.

When I use a guide, I am more likely to learn about a site or attraction that I didn’t already know about or that is slightly off the beaten path. When you get your information from the internet your starting point is always what you already know. I also like to mark up a book.

I’m not a Luddite, I just think travel books have some advantages. I don’t have a favorite. I usually go to a brick and mortar book store and buy a few and take the one I end up liking the best along with the best pull out map. Unfortunately, I’m at the point where I can’t see a small scale map well enough without good lighting and reading glasses, so I just use my phone during the day. But I like to have a paper map in my hotel. I don’t bring a big laptop with me, just a phone and tablet.

How are you using guide books? If you're primarily taking tours, then you probably don't need a lot of the usual Frommers, Lonely Planet, etc. content There are series like the Insight Guides that have more pictures and general background, which can be good for atmospherics. If you want truly in-depth information, then the sources will vary by destination.

Hot, young, broke, local college students.

Dorling Kindersley

Damron's

Baedeker

Honestly, Google Maps.

I went to Thailand and did all my research on Reddit. People share everything on those subs and many have just returned or travelled in the last year so they are helpful

Monocle Magazine generally has good city guides (and a few country guides.) They are a bit expensive and specific -- they emphasize things other than the big, obvious sites. You'll like the guides or you won't.

Somewhat similar, but mor visually oriented I like DK Eyewitness Guides, and these are more widely found.

For European travel, Rick Steves is generally pretty reliable

I miss the Lonely Planet's discussion board (Thorn Tree, I think). People gave candid advice about what to avoid, what was overpriced, what was worth going out of your way, what was unsafe, etc. And, I have to say, DL posters (at times) offer good travel advice (aside from "you'll be beheaded" or other grim predictions that generally show up in travel posts). But I recall a poster talking passionately (but realistically) about Scotland that convinced me to go

Michelin guides in Europe are top notch. I haven't really seen them in the States - but very thorough and well done. I still have a couple from 30 years ago.

Rick Steves and Blue guides are good starting points, as far as travel guides go. Before a trip I like to read more generally about the place we’re visiting with my interest in art and architecture in focus, both fiction and not. We’re going back to Venice next year so I have Mary McCarthy’s Venice Observed and John Berendt’s City of Falling Angels on my night stand. It takes all kind and extends the pleasure of the trip!

There are subreddits that function like the Thorn Tree. LP's guides themselves are a shadow of what they once were but often cover places that don't have a lot of competition.

The “Top Ten” series for a number of cities helps to narrow down to the main attractions for those going for a short time.