Omni Daily Crush: "Knopf Citymap Guides"

There are books that are meant to be read and books that are meant to be used.  Travel guides fall into the latter category.  See, we even call them "guides" not "books," even though they are books to be sure.  Travel guides have gotten bigger and smaller over the years.  On a trip to Europe back in the early 90s, I took Let's Go Europe--the travel bible of all backpack and Eurorail pass-wielding youth. It was big and fat and printed on newsprint paper, so although it wasn't heavy, it definitely was a tight squeeze in the day pack.  It was also alarmingly conspicuous in the streets and cafes of all the glamorous old-world capitals that I crammed into that three-week "Let's Go See Everything" death march.  Looking back on those days, I can't decide which was worse--carrying around that clunker and ripping out whole sections as I raced through each city, or wearing white Reebok sneakers and hideous pleated khakis.  

Mercifully, my taste in travel guides and clothing has matured a bit over the years.  On two recent trips to Paris, I tucked the Knopf CityMap Guide: Paris in my coat pocket without straining the seams.  Weighing in at a mere 2.4 ounces, and measuring 6.5 x 4.6 x .04 inches, the guide is truly mini and discreet. But, it's also mighty.  Within that small space and printed travel-tough card stock are convenient (and accurate!) flip-up maps for nearly every neighborhood in the city.  And the maps are accompanied by well-chosen entries on that area's key sights, monuments, restaurants, bars, music, and shopping (very limited lodging info. though).  You don't need a ton of information when you set your boots on the ground in a new city--you just need the right mix of accurate and up-to-date essentials, flavorful finds, and pointers for making your own discoveries!  The Knopf CityMap Guides have got it down. I've also used this urban guide series in Edinburgh, Florence and Rome without looking like a total touristy dork while checking the flip-up maps and listings for directions. While these guides won't replace a comprehensive travel guide and due diligence on good travel sites and blogs, they should be considered a must-have item when you hit the road.  Happy Trails!

--Lauren

Recommended for fans of compact travel guides like Eyewitness Top 10: Paris, Frommer's Paris Day by Day, and Wallpaper City Guide: Paris