I have what I can only describe as a love-hate relationship with Lonely Planet, but I still think they are among the best guidebooks to be had out there, so in preparation for my recent trip to Berlin I picked up a copy of Lonely Planet’s Berlin Encounter (edition 2007).
I had a great time in Berlin, but I have to say that it was not Lonely Planet’s trip. Not only was the guidebook company severely criticized by several people I can across (see my forthcoming article about whether or not to use a guidebook), I was thoroughly disappointed in my Berlin Encounter (the book, not the trip). It’s light on the history and culture and, in my opinion, heavy on the restaurants and shopping listings. So, while factually accurate I’m sure, half of the book was useless to me. Those are things that, if they don’t exactly interest me, I certainly don’t have the euros for. And neither do most backpackers I know.
So is Lonely Planet trying to go for more upscale market with the Encounter series? The glossy pages and (forgive me) lack of content would seem to indicate yes. I was taken in by the smaller price tag and amount of space taken up in my luggage (however, because of the thicker paper, it doesn’t weight all that much less then the full guidebook) and the more recent publication date.
All the basic information was there, and accurate, which is always nice, but I expect a little more from my guidebook. This is why a good guidebook didn’t become extinct when the internet was invented. I need to know more than just when which attractions are open and how much they cost (although I need to know that too!). I want potted history to read while I am munching on my sandwich lunch on a park bench in front of a cathedral. I want interesting vignettes to flip through while I am sitting on the U-bahn. I want cultural information about the significance of the sights I am seeing, not just which ones will make the best postcard-esque pictures for me to take home.
I did like the tear out map, particularly in a city surprisingly unlittered by those free maps tourists centers and hostels seem to thrust upon you at the slightest opportunity. But I didn’t think it was an excuse for leaving an overall map and transport map out of the book proper.
If you are going to buy a Lonely Planet book for Berlin, don’t buy this one. Whether you’re going to buy a Lonely Planet book at all – I’ll let you know after my next trip.
