Customer Reviews

Wales (Lonely Planet Wales)

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

 

 

Lonely Planet Guides are for "advanced" travellers, but this one is usable and very fine even for those of us who aren't in that category. It also seems to be the sole "Wales only" guidebook now available, so for those who plan to travel only in Wales and want detailed information about places, history, transportation etc. it is excellent. Although these days even the un-advanced can plan a trip by websites, most of us need a guide such as this to get started, and the material here proved more reliable than that on some websites. Realistic information about travel distances and times, cautious advice on how to climb Mt. Snowdon, and background about Welsh mythology all can be found here. The guide also tries to counter the "theme park" atmosphere by including the sad history of the collapse of mining and industry.

I'm in the process of researching a trip to Wales, as my husband and I have traveled to England, Scotland and Ireland but want to make sure we see all aspects of the UK. I've been to Cardiff before, but aside from that really didn't know much about Wales.

I picked up the Lonely Planet guide hoping to get some ideas and inspiration to plan the trip. Unfortunately, I just wasn't inspired by the book. I started to doubt whether or not we should really visit Wales based on what I was reading. The book totes walking tours, etc, but I felt like it really glanced upon other beautiful sites like the cairns, castle ruins, and so many other sites. They were in there, but the layout just seemed jumbled together with no distinction of 'must see's!'

I think I was spoiled on our last trip overseas where I relied heavily on the Rough Guide and Rick Steve's. Neither book had 'everything' that I needed alone, but together, they were the perfect resource to make an amazing trip. I'm sure that the Lonely Planet guide works for some, but personally, I love the layout of the Rough Guide with the two columns, bolded sites, ranks of 'need to see', etc. In the end, I returned the Lonely Planet guide and exchanged it for the Rough Guide. Definitely check both out before making your decision as you may prefer one layout over the other, I just thought the RG was more user/traveler friendly.

We are using this book as an aid to planning our trip to the southern coast of Wales. The maps are reasonably helpful and the listings of "sights" in each area are fairly comprehensive. There are some suggestions of eating places, and good shopping areas. I do wish, however, that there was an additional bit of info on which restaurants are especially family/kid friendly, since we will have 2 children, age 5 and 9, in tow.

This is a 5 star book in my opinion. It is full of information and the maps of small areas are definitely helpful in finding your way around. I am looking forward to using it on my upcoming trip. I would recommend it as a must buy for anyone who will be traveling in Wales.

I bought this book to help plan our trip to England & Wales. The book was invaluable in my being armed with information. I highly recommend it!