Customer Reviews

Lonely Planet Czech and Slovak Republics (Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is a pity that Lonely Planet didn`t updated this books inthe last 2 years. Czech and Slovakia are beautiful countries, easy to visit, but not very stable since the end of the Communism. Places there change more than in, say, Norway, so you'll find some wrong adress or tips on that book. However, it is a great book, that cover a lot of small towns and nature reserves that are outlooked at the other guides. I was very satisfied during my trip, specially with the Slovakia chapter. If you are going to see more than Prague, you should have it.

Sadly, I ran out of time to explore the Slovak Republic, something I hope to do the next time I go into Eastern Europe. So I can only attest to the Czech republic portion of this book. I found it extremely useful, especially in planning my trips outside of Prague, though it does contain a good portion about Prague. One of the best suggestions was to include a visit to Litomerice after the somber tour of Terezin. I didn't take the advice on booking ahead on my trip to Cesky Krumlov and spent about an hour finding a place to stay and I went late May. Not speaking any Czech beyond hello and thank you, I had a lot of trouble with the Czech train system, especially outside of Prague. I found the bus system to be better than the Czech train system since you could buy a ticket on the bus as you boarded and the bus drivers were friendlier to me than the ladies at the ticket windows at the Main Train station in Prague and in Cesky Budjovice (where my train to Cesky Krumlov was early and I didn't understand when it showed up, so I took a bus instead) Either way, it is extremely inexpensive to travel around the country, so at the very least take a few day trips outside of Prague, if not longer trips. I was lucky this new edition came out months before my trip. Another great guidebook by Lonely Planet. As for an earlier review, Prague Castle counts as a museum, so its closed on Mondays.

I bought this book because I couldn't find the Prague book in time (I live in France). Plus I like more of a country history instead of just city history. As an experienced traveler, I can say that overall this book is good. It's hotel suggestions must have been good because they were all full. The maps were very nice. The restaurant suggestions were great. Only a few complaints: It didn't tell us that the castles are closed on Mondays (we found out when we saw the big CLOSED sign on the castle). Also there is not much info on tipping. The book said 5-10% yet EVERY restaurant added at least 20%. I got the impression the book hadn't been really updated since the previous version.

Just returned from the Czech & Slovak Republics and found this book invaluable. Excellent, correct descriptions of localities. Useful to those of us who drove the country and trained too. The mini phrase section is all you need, so don't buy a separate phrasebook. Those going to Prague should also buy the DK travel guide for that city which is excellent and colorful.

We biked north from Cesky Krumlov to Prague, reviewing thie book as we traveled. While not all areas we traveled through were covered, many were and we enjoyed learning about those areas. As always, this Lonely Planet book offered us info on good vegetarian restaurants - not easy to find in the Czech Republic.

This product was excellent for our trip. It was a year old at the time so the prices were not accurate. However, the other information was right on target. Excellent for any tourist.

I have used LPGs for years, and many travelers like myself are older people. Lately the LPGs font size has gotten very small and really hard to read, probably to save money.
Make the fonts readable for older people, even if the product becomes larger and a little more costly. This applies to all recent LPGs I have bought. Guides are not helpful if you have to struggle to read them. This is particularly true with maps. Last month I gave my daughter in her 40s a guide for Ireland, and her first comment was "I can hardly read it". However, your content, as usual, is exceptional.

This was a gift for my neice who will be traveling to this country. I had it sent straight to her which was a wonderful option. She recieved the book within the time I was told. She was very pleased with it. Thank you for your wonderful service.
Pam Olerich

This book is full of little details and descriptions of the area with location maps that make it easy to find areas of interest.

I've visited 44 countries, mostly on a budget, and Lonely Planet is THE only book I would consider using. It's throrough, comprehensive and concise. It's especially geared for the budget/adventure traveler, though it would also prove useful to anyone on a tour or cruise. Lonely Planet is packed with maps, useful phrases, history lessons, tips on culture & conduct, addresses and descriptions of museums, hotels, restaurants - everything you need. Though Lonely Planet leans towards those of us who travel in hostels and budget hotels, it also gives a good description of hotels and restaurants for those who wish to travel in a more luxurious manner. There are other good travel books out there - Eyewitness Guides, etc - that have a lot of beautiful photos - but unless you're traveling with a steamer trunk, these are of little use because they lack the information you'll need while on the road. Look at the others for inspiration before you go, if you'd like, but pack your Lonely Planet. I'd never travel without it.