The Lonely Planet Effect and Why I Still Love a Good Guidebook

I just booked my first trip to Central America- I can't wait! Not only are we leaving soon (as in December 5 soon), but I also get to partake in my second favorite part about traveling: pre-departure planning. Besides actually being there, the preparation leading up to the big trip is one of my favorite things in the world. I always start with the book. I swear by a good guide book. Not only does it offer a sense of security when you are lost down a dark alley in say- Chinatown in Malaysia, but it also offers a glimpse of knowledge about the history and culture of your destination. A good guidebook will sparks my interest in towns and cities that I haven't heard of, and allows me to research them before taking off to a far away land. I just picked up the Lonely Planet Central America on a Shoestring comprehensive guidebook. I wanted to splurge for one specifically for Belize and one for Guatemala- but couldn't justify the price difference of $24 for the complete guide vs $20 each for the individual ones. Not that the comprehensive one is bad, but I have found that they lack some of the candid explanations and walking tours that I love.