How to Save Money on Travel Guidebooks

I'll admit, I love travel guidebooks. I love travel guidebooks that provide self-guided walking tours, history and etiquette rules.  I love having a printed book in my hand instead of playing technology roulette with my mobile devices.  The writers of these guidebooks spend months/years compiling the information in these guidebooks for comprehensiveness and accuracy, recommending the best spots for staying, dining, shopping, and touring.  Unfortunately, once the guidebook is printed, it will be out of date because businesses will close or change their name and/or location.

My trip planning always includes a combination of online research and carrying at least one guidebook with me.

My first dilemma is always how to chose from the plethora of guidebooks available on the market.  One method I have found to "sample" books prior to purchase is my local library.  I was absolutely amazed at the number of travel guidebooks available at my library.  Additionally, if your local library is part of a system wide collection, you can reserve books from other libraries and have them delivered to your local library branch.  Prior to my Brazil trip, I was able to check out at least 12 separate books about Brazil and/or specifically Rio de Janeiro from my library.  My library was also a great resource for check out language guides both in print and audiobooks on CD.  My library allows its members to check out books for a month at a time, so you could check out the guidebooks prior to your trip and then return it to the library when you get back.  I personally don't recommend this method as you could accidentally lose the book while you are on your trip and then you would be required to pay the library back full price for the book.

Another method of saving money on guidebooks is to buy used.  After I admit to myself that all travel guidebook will be outdated in some form or fashion, I turn to my local used bookstore and/or online bookstore (i.e. Amazon) and purchase my guidebook used.  After my trip, I usually resell that same travel guidebook online.  If the guidebook you want was just published yesterday and there are no used copies available, then consider purchasing the book new and then reselling when you get back.