by Rob Whitley

Created on: July 16, 2008   Last Updated: July 18, 2008

Planning an enjoyable vacation takes hours of preparation and no single travel guidebook fits everyone's needs. Are you independent traveler who enjoys wandering aimlessly through the countryside or do you prefer vacations crammed with minute-by-minute itineraries?

Here is an overview of eight popular travel guidebooks that will help you determine which one best suits your style:

* Frommer's - Skip the Pictures, Just Give Me the Facts

If ever there was selection of travel guidebooks that comes close to meeting everyone's needs, it's Frommer's. These guides are jam-packed with travel tips, things to do, ratings and fun facts. The "Best Of" section is helpful for finding hotels, beaches, offbeat experiences and activities for children. You will appreciate candid comments warning of overrated destinations that aren't worth you time.

* DK Eyewitness Travel Guides - Stunning Photography and Great Descriptions

Loaded with eye-popping images on almost every page, Dorling Kindersley's DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are perfect for planning a trip to a destination with which you may be unfamiliar. You will find detailed information about popular towns and top points of interest, street maps with suggested walking tours and historical overviews of each locale. Also included are brief restaurant and hotel recommendations and a section with travel tips.

* Fodor's - Insider Advice and Special Side Trips

These comprehensive guides are great for those who want short, remarkable descriptions of locations, points of interest and things to do. Fodor's travel guidebooks contain sections that include significant sites to see, active nightlife, shopping, outdoor activities, walking tours, and special itineraries organized by length of stay.

* Rough Guides - The Backpackers' Bible

Recognized as the ultimate source of travel information for backpackers, Rough Guides are easy to use and stuffed full of helpful tips and suggestions. There is an introductory section with plenty of color photographs and practical information for pre-departure planning. The main body of the guide gives highlights about each destination and a fantastic "Things Not to Miss" page. Context is added with a few history pages and people profiles. There is even a section that gives straight talk about how to stay out of trouble with the law.

* Rick Steves' - Europe Through the Back Door

This series of travel guidebooks is written primarily for Americans traveling in Europe who desire low-cost, no frills alternatives. If your

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