Customer Reviews

Lonely Planet Turkey, 5th Edition

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

 

 

The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star rating is that so much changes in Turkey that it's inevitable that some of the information (specifically the places to stay listings) in this edition will be a little outdated.

I used Tom and Pat's book a month ago and it was excellent. Some of the criticism from previous reviews say that it's not written by someone familiar with Turkish people. Well, I think the book does a good job balancing what concerns and information "westerners" are looking for, and giving a general sense of what the Turkish people and culture are like. Like any other adventure, it's up to the individual to go beyond the guidebook instead of having everything spelled out like a novel...what would be the point of travelling?

I emailed Tom on some updates and he assured me that they are already in the 1999 edition coming soon. As far as my experience with the LP series, the Turkey guide ranks with the best of them. Highly recommended if you're going to this incredible country!

We just returned from a marvelous vacation in Turkey and found that Tom Brosnahan's Lonely Planet Travel Guide was far and away our most helpful resource in preparing for, and traveling in this fascinating country. It is very clearly written, and takes into consideration the different types of travelers who go to Turkey. The maps, tips on making connections between cities, discussions of social customs, recommendations for places to eat and stay, all were most helpful. We are looking forward to a return trip to Turkey, and we will be taking along the soon-to-be- published 6th edition of the Lonely Planet Guide. It is sure to be indispensable.

This is the only guide to Turkey a backpacker could need. The recommendations - once again - are spot on. Lonely Planet seem to have a better feel for this market than any of the other travel guides, both from the readers' point of view and from the places that they cover. I ran into some complaints from pansiyon owners in Turkey about the tactics used by some of the other guides when reviewing hotels - and some of the ethically questionable practices they took part in to include hotels in their guides. Not so Lonely Planet, apparently. The only real quibble I had with this guide was some of the snide asides - and the frequent references to whether certain places were suitable for women seemed a little excessive. Other than that - high praise, as with all other Lonely Planet guides.

My husband and I were quite impressed by the detail and accuracy of this text. It was compact enough to carry on most of our excursions yet provided an intimate perspective by the author, who obvioulsy had been to this country far longer than most tourists. He not only describes Istanbul and the surrounding areas, but also has well-organized sections on the other major regions of the country. Often we did not need a to hire a guide for our visits. Furthermore, the author allowed us to feel and enjoy his passion for this very interesting and culturally rich country. We were amazed to see that most other tourists also had a copy of this book in their hands!

I've travelled through Turkey many times, and this guidebook is the best. It's especially strong at describing off-the-beaten-path villages and other places of historic and cultural interest. I can't wait for the next edition!

I brought my Lonely Planet book to Turkey with me. Although I was on an escorted tour, I found the book very helpful as I planned for my trip. I knew what to wear, what to eat, what to expect of the culture, etc. I also knew more about each place I was going to visit before I went there. I definitely recommend the book, and even more, I recommend the remarkable country of Turkey. I have nothing but positive memories of the magical place, and plan to return again and again. Of course, I'll still always bring the L.P. book with me!

It is a great book for backpack travellers but not really for those who would like to learn more about deep history on the country and the sites. I have also noticed (In some parts) that it is not reflecting what most of the Turks mentalities are. I don't think it is fair to write something which is not correct for most of the local people for their practise in their real life,I mean there need to be a more observation to write about the locals and their life,work,etc.

Very good work! But it requires some updates and corrections. It is obvious that it has been written by someone who is not from the Turkish culture. If the book goes through a critical reading of a Turkish expert, I am sure, it will be much better.

Some parts are not reflecting the Turkish mentality. It is not the same with local people's daily life. The writer shoud have spent more time with the local people to see the real life, family etc. Although it is a good guide-book, it is not enough for those who would like to learn more about history on the country and the sites. Also there are some parts need to be corrected.

It looks nice from outside. If this is the only book you read about Turkey you may like it. But unfortunately it includes wrong information. The author does not answer the criticisms of the book.