Free Online Travel Guide Options

Sure, it’s a good idea to bring along a guidebook when exploring a new place. But with the world at our fingertips via the Internet, there are also a lot of online options out there.

One site is called ArrivalGuides.com from a company called Fastcheck, which offers downloadable guides and maps in PDF form.

These guides are written by independent writers and journalists who are on the ground in popular countries like Spain, Italy and the U.S.

They come in multiple languages, and best of all, they’re entirely free.

If you’re looking for just the basics on how to get around, the exchange rates, and major attractions, check out HostelWorld.com.

They have downloadable pocket guides for cities around the world.

It won’t show you anything off the brochure, but it’s a great resource to keep on hand when exploring a new city.

And if you already have a favorite guidebook series—whether it’s Lonely Planet or Rough Guide for budget travelers, or Frommers or Fodor’s for more general information, chances are there’s an online component.

Just remember it probably won’t be as thorough as the real guidebook.

And always print a hard copy, since you never know when you might be without Internet access.

Check out our online guides with the Off the Brochure Travel Guides series here.

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