Comments on: Google vs Lonely Planet http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/ travel journals about a guy traveling the world in search of home Sat, 31 Jul 2010 10:16:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Paulo http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-1666 Paulo Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:08:58 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-1666 Hey, just my 2 cents: I've been using a offline map application in my netbook: http://code.google.com/p/gmapcatcher/ Before I go to a different town/country I'll download the maps for offline viewing. Dunno if it would work in a smartphone... Hey,

just my 2 cents:

I’ve been using a offline map application in my netbook:
http://code.google.com/p/gmapcatcher/

Before I go to a different town/country I’ll download the maps for offline viewing.

Dunno if it would work in a smartphone…

]]> By: The Longest Way Home http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-1445 The Longest Way Home Wed, 12 May 2010 10:50:10 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-1445 <strong>-ciki-</strong> :) I think there's a place for both. But LP, in my view, are falling behind. Then again, maybe I've out grown them after 5+ years! -ciki- :) I think there’s a place for both. But LP, in my view, are falling behind. Then again, maybe I’ve out grown them after 5+ years!

]]> By: ciki http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-1444 ciki Wed, 12 May 2010 10:39:01 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-1444 who's gloria? LOL i love LP, goggle maps.. somethings are covered better than others but they both have a place in my books:) who’s gloria? LOL

i love LP, goggle maps.. somethings are covered better than others but they both have a place in my books:)

]]> By: The Longest Way Home http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-1281 The Longest Way Home Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:28:44 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-1281 <strong>-Simon monk-</strong> Yes, I'm using 3G in The Philippines. I've never been to a country on this journey whereby I've not been able to get access to the internet on my phone. Is it always easy? No. Sure if you are off in the bush in the middle of the Congo you will have network issues. And, in countries where data is restricted, Egypt e.t.c, it might cause problems. But, that said gprs usually still works. And with it so will google maps, and the internet as one's source of information. The countries I've had more problems in connecting have actually been developed ones. Paper work, expensive sims, and convoluted set ups. Why? There are using older systems that have not been upgraded yet. This is expensive. Whereas many developing countries are basing there new infrastructures on the latest technology. I agree that the likes of I-Phones, Nexus e.t.c., are not created based solely on an international travelers need. But if used with local sims, they will work. Then again, Lonely Planet has been catering more to the generic tourist for the past half decade. With the BBC taking over a couple of years ago, plus the sacking of the website staff recently, we might see some changes here the will improve it's content, web access, infrastructure and presence. Thanks for the comment! -Simon monk- Yes, I’m using 3G in The Philippines. I’ve never been to a country on this journey whereby I’ve not been able to get access to the internet on my phone. Is it always easy? No. Sure if you are off in the bush in the middle of the Congo you will have network issues. And, in countries where data is restricted, Egypt e.t.c, it might cause problems.

But, that said gprs usually still works. And with it so will google maps, and the internet as one’s source of information.

The countries I’ve had more problems in connecting have actually been developed ones. Paper work, expensive sims, and convoluted set ups. Why? There are using older systems that have not been upgraded yet. This is expensive. Whereas many developing countries are basing there new infrastructures on the latest technology.

I agree that the likes of I-Phones, Nexus e.t.c., are not created based solely on an international travelers need. But if used with local sims, they will work. Then again, Lonely Planet has been catering more to the generic tourist for the past half decade. With the BBC taking over a couple of years ago, plus the sacking of the website staff recently, we might see some changes here the will improve it’s content, web access, infrastructure and presence.

Thanks for the comment!

]]> By: Simon monk http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-1280 Simon monk Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:04:46 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-1280 Let's put the data roaming charges to one side for the moment, has anyone actually tried 3g based services while travelling? Most of the places I go there isn't even access and I'd argue this is more years away than most people anticipate. I bet neither mr Jobs or mr Schmidt travel very often to mildly exotic destinations like Vietnam or Egypt, whip out their iPhones and try to use this stuff, whereas Tony wheeler does it all the time. I'm in travel and technology, have been using lp guidebooks for decades, carry several mobile devices with me when I travel, and closely monitor changes in behaviour. Don't disagree with views expressed but still reckon it's a longer timeframe than most people think. Let’s put the data roaming charges to one side for the moment, has anyone actually tried 3g based services while travelling? Most of the places I go there isn’t even access and I’d argue this is more years away than most people anticipate. I bet neither mr Jobs or mr Schmidt travel very often to mildly exotic destinations like Vietnam or Egypt, whip out their iPhones and try to use this stuff, whereas Tony wheeler does it all the time.

I’m in travel and technology, have been using lp guidebooks for decades, carry several mobile devices with me when I travel, and closely monitor changes in behaviour.

Don’t disagree with views expressed but still reckon it’s a longer timeframe than most people think.

]]> By: The Longest Way Home http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-875 The Longest Way Home Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:17:09 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-875 <strong>-Connie T-</strong> Thanks for that link Connie. I actually looked at the i-Phone very carefully last year. But it's cost, and it's lack of multitasking, and it's inability to change batteries rendered a no go for me. I have a symbian phone now which does all the above for 1/3 the price. It's not perfect, but it's saved me money as I've described in the post. -Connie T- Thanks for that link Connie. I actually looked at the i-Phone very carefully last year. But it’s cost, and it’s lack of multitasking, and it’s inability to change batteries rendered a no go for me. I have a symbian phone now which does all the above for 1/3 the price. It’s not perfect, but it’s saved me money as I’ve described in the post.

]]> By: Connie T http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-873 Connie T Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:58:51 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-873 http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2009/12/28/n_augmented_reality_iphone.cnnmoney/ Look what this phone can do. If you can get this, it tells you where things are. Just wanted to let you know. When I watched this, I thought you could use something like this. http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2009/12/28/n_augmented_reality_iphone.cnnmoney/
Look what this phone can do. If you can get this, it tells you where things are.
Just wanted to let you know. When I watched this, I thought you could use something like this.

]]> By: The Longest Way Home http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-861 The Longest Way Home Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:46:26 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-861 <strong>-Sofia-</strong> Yes sometimes with a guide book one follows it too rigidly, and end up missing things that are staring you straight in the face. Local festivals are a prime example. In some countries the dates change frequently so it's hard to pin point them. Though the main one's are mentioned in guidebooks, it's the local one's that are attracting many people these days. Possible due to over commercializing of the others. And yes, random travel can bring up the beauty of the unexpected which make travel so interesting. Having that backup PDF is always useful, especially in countries where there's not that much information, or access to it. -Sofia- Yes sometimes with a guide book one follows it too rigidly, and end up missing things that are staring you straight in the face. Local festivals are a prime example. In some countries the dates change frequently so it’s hard to pin point them. Though the main one’s are mentioned in guidebooks, it’s the local one’s that are attracting many people these days. Possible due to over commercializing of the others.

And yes, random travel can bring up the beauty of the unexpected which make travel so interesting. Having that backup PDF is always useful, especially in countries where there’s not that much information, or access to it.

]]> By: Sofia http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-855 Sofia Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:24:34 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-855 I don't use guide books very often, I find that sometimes you actually miss out on a lot of things by following the guide books. Ofcourse it's good to have one just in case, but sometimes I feel like it takes away the adventure of the trips, it's more fun finding your own places to eat and sleep and finding your own markets and such. The best places I've been to are places that I ended up in by the most random ways.. You're right about the problems of PDF files, but it's a good alternative if you just want to read some brief and necessary facts, and let the rest take care of itself. I like having it in the computer just in case I would need it, because most often you're just fine without it. I don’t use guide books very often, I find that sometimes you actually miss out on a lot of things by following the guide books. Ofcourse it’s good to have one just in case, but sometimes I feel like it takes away the adventure of the trips, it’s more fun finding your own places to eat and sleep and finding your own markets and such.

The best places I’ve been to are places that I ended up in by the most random ways..

You’re right about the problems of PDF files, but it’s a good alternative if you just want to read some brief and necessary facts, and let the rest take care of itself.
I like having it in the computer just in case I would need it, because most often you’re just fine without it.

]]> By: The Longest Way Home http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-844 The Longest Way Home Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:53:07 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-844 <strong>-Connie T.-</strong> Great idea Connie, it's been a while since I looked at them. I've downloaded an application with them on it and will certainly test yahoo maps out. <strong>-jessiev-</strong> Thanks Jessie. Sometimes it doesn't change fast enough though! <strong>-Nomadic Chick-</strong> Good to hear you've had a similar experience. Yes I've heard of Moon, and I think I got my hands on one once. Wasn't going to that place thought. Another I didn't mention is Trailblazer, the old ones at least were stellar! <strong>-Scott-</strong> Hi & welcome Scott! Yes the combination approach is the best option at the moment. Not everything is 100% on both sides at the moment, so having a backup is good. Yes Wikitravel is something I use a lot, but for remoter areas its lacking. Unfortunately that's one of the problems with user edited information. If the funding is there, I am sure it will get better. <strong>-debbieann-</strong> Hi Debbieann, totally agree with you about spending too much time in front of a laptop. I only use it for this website, and research. Once I have the information I just transfer it to my phone. Keep's me out of cyber cafe's a lot, and keeps my costs down! <strong>-simon monk-</strong> Hi Simon, nice to see you here. I read your post. As you asked about where I've been, take a look to the left of nearly every page on this website you can see where I have been on this journey, alone. In every country I have managed to have a gprs connection. Even Nepal and West Africa. The only place I did not use it was Iran where the cost of buying a sim was too much for me. $35 Dollars. Most other places $5. Bar Europe which was $10. In your post you mention using an iPhone. I don't, I have a Nokia, and for all it's faults the symbian apps are not only free, but works pretty well nonetheless. I do agree that smart phones and applications are not 100% the solution, hence I still carry torn up or copied guidebook pages, but they are, in my opinion well on the way to overtaking. <strong>-Keith-</strong> Hi Keith, nice to have you comment here. You bring up a very valid point about guide books being used more for at home, pre travel plans. And also the brand name reassurance for quality of information. Couples are a prime example where a guide book is much easier to share and plan over than a smart phone. That said, I can see this also changing once an application and a phone can allow ease of sharing along with note taking between people. <strong> -Joel P-</strong> Absolutely agree about note taking with a book rather than a smartphone or even laptop. Even with a very, very light laptop I much prefer having a smart phone at hand, and notes in my pocket. That said I've yet to come across a smartphone that makes it easy to take notes with. Once that is cracked, then things will pickup. Safe Travels in Africa! -Connie T.- Great idea Connie, it’s been a while since I looked at them. I’ve downloaded an application with them on it and will certainly test yahoo maps out.

-jessiev- Thanks Jessie. Sometimes it doesn’t change fast enough though!

-Nomadic Chick- Good to hear you’ve had a similar experience. Yes I’ve heard of Moon, and I think I got my hands on one once. Wasn’t going to that place thought. Another I didn’t mention is Trailblazer, the old ones at least were stellar!

-Scott- Hi & welcome Scott! Yes the combination approach is the best option at the moment. Not everything is 100% on both sides at the moment, so having a backup is good. Yes Wikitravel is something I use a lot, but for remoter areas its lacking. Unfortunately that’s one of the problems with user edited information. If the funding is there, I am sure it will get better.

-debbieann- Hi Debbieann, totally agree with you about spending too much time in front of a laptop. I only use it for this website, and research. Once I have the information I just transfer it to my phone. Keep’s me out of cyber cafe’s a lot, and keeps my costs down!

-simon monk- Hi Simon, nice to see you here. I read your post. As you asked about where I’ve been, take a look to the left of nearly every page on this website you can see where I have been on this journey, alone. In every country I have managed to have a gprs connection. Even Nepal and West Africa. The only place I did not use it was Iran where the cost of buying a sim was too much for me. $35 Dollars. Most other places $5. Bar Europe which was $10. In your post you mention using an iPhone. I don’t, I have a Nokia, and for all it’s faults the symbian apps are not only free, but works pretty well nonetheless. I do agree that smart phones and applications are not 100% the solution, hence I still carry torn up or copied guidebook pages, but they are, in my opinion well on the way to overtaking.

-Keith- Hi Keith, nice to have you comment here. You bring up a very valid point about guide books being used more for at home, pre travel plans. And also the brand name reassurance for quality of information. Couples are a prime example where a guide book is much easier to share and plan over than a smart phone. That said, I can see this also changing once an application and a phone can allow ease of sharing along with note taking between people.

-Joel P- Absolutely agree about note taking with a book rather than a smartphone or even laptop. Even with a very, very light laptop I much prefer having a smart phone at hand, and notes in my pocket. That said I’ve yet to come across a smartphone that makes it easy to take notes with. Once that is cracked, then things will pickup. Safe Travels in Africa!

]]> By: Joel P http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-843 Joel P Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:27:37 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-843 I still prefer the guidebooks to the pdfs in general just for basica planning. I'm working with a netbook rather than a smartphone, though-- I travel too quickly through countries for buying sim cards for each to make sense, so all my internet comes from wifi hotspots. Fine in Europe, less convenient here in Africa, where I am now. I don't have a paper guidebook for the area I'm visiting yet, but I usually find I plan a better trip with a physical book I can easily flip thourhg without worrying about batteries. I still prefer the guidebooks to the pdfs in general just for basica planning. I’m working with a netbook rather than a smartphone, though– I travel too quickly through countries for buying sim cards for each to make sense, so all my internet comes from wifi hotspots. Fine in Europe, less convenient here in Africa, where I am now. I don’t have a paper guidebook for the area I’m visiting yet, but I usually find I plan a better trip with a physical book I can easily flip thourhg without worrying about batteries.

]]> By: Keith http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-841 Keith Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:20:02 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-841 Travel still requires a melange of tools. Smartphones have a ways to go yet to make the experience of using them worldwide user-friendly. Guidebooks are becoming more of an at-home pre-planning fixture. And really, I don't think it's about the information so much anymore - that's easily accessible on the internet. Guidebooks seem to drawing readers just on brand power, pulling people in to see the places Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Let's Go, etc. recommend. Travel still requires a melange of tools. Smartphones have a ways to go yet to make the experience of using them worldwide user-friendly. Guidebooks are becoming more of an at-home pre-planning fixture. And really, I don’t think it’s about the information so much anymore – that’s easily accessible on the internet. Guidebooks seem to drawing readers just on brand power, pulling people in to see the places Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Let’s Go, etc. recommend.

]]> By: simon monk http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-838 simon monk Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:20:07 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-838 Mmmm, I'd agree that travel starts with Google these days and not Lonely Planet. However, I don't know where you are travelling to but all the places I go a smart phone doesn't work so you don't have access to all these wonderful applications that work fine at home. Great in theory but it's years before this arrives as a genuine on-the-road travel experience. See my report from my recent experience in Egypt: http://journals.worldnomads.com/simon_monk/post/53330.aspx Mmmm, I’d agree that travel starts with Google these days and not Lonely Planet. However, I don’t know where you are travelling to but all the places I go a smart phone doesn’t work so you don’t have access to all these wonderful applications that work fine at home.

Great in theory but it’s years before this arrives as a genuine on-the-road travel experience.

See my report from my recent experience in Egypt: http://journals.worldnomads.com/simon_monk/post/53330.aspx

]]> By: debbieann http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-836 debbieann Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:21:47 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-836 I agree! up til now I did the guidebook/LP thing, but this last trip was too many countries. I used trip advisor to pick a place the day before we got there - downside was xmas availability in Penang was low, but otherwise it worked great. I used chowhound and eating asia to figure out where to eat and the rest we just played by ear. It made for some lovely surprises - I had no idea Cambodia had ATMs that spit out US $$. also wikitravel is great. oh the other downside was I think we ended up spending a little too much time online - free wifi and carrying our laptops added up to that - but it was our form of relaxation. I agree! up til now I did the guidebook/LP thing, but this last trip was too many countries. I used trip advisor to pick a place the day before we got there – downside was xmas availability in Penang was low, but otherwise it worked great. I used chowhound and eating asia to figure out where to eat and the rest we just played by ear. It made for some lovely surprises – I had no idea Cambodia had ATMs that spit out US $$. also wikitravel is great. oh the other downside was I think we ended up spending a little too much time online – free wifi and carrying our laptops added up to that – but it was our form of relaxation.

]]> By: Scott http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-835 Scott Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:19:00 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-835 We use a combination of guidebooks and the net for our travels. The guidebook is nice to have one centralized location for all the information about the place your going to. But for booking hostels and accomidations, we use the internet 100%. In Europe we used hostelbookers and hrs.com, and in Asia individual guesthouse reviews. I've also found Wikitravel.org to be a fantastic resource, a sort of live guidebook. We use a combination of guidebooks and the net for our travels. The guidebook is nice to have one centralized location for all the information about the place your going to. But for booking hostels and accomidations, we use the internet 100%. In Europe we used hostelbookers and hrs.com, and in Asia individual guesthouse reviews. I’ve also found Wikitravel.org to be a fantastic resource, a sort of live guidebook.

]]> By: Nomadic Chick http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/how-to-live-overseas/google-vs-lonely-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-834 Nomadic Chick Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:14:06 +0000 http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/?p=3185#comment-834 Great opinion piece. Everytime I've purchased a guidebook I only used it for the map, some transportation info and my first night stay. In Brazil, I barely cracked the guidebook. I used the net to find hostels and only referred to the book for an occasional map. You're argument convinced me! One thing, I've heard the <a href="http://www.moon.com/" rel="nofollow">Moon </a> travel guides are stellar. Very detailed and up-to-date info. Great opinion piece. Everytime I’ve purchased a guidebook I only used it for the map, some transportation info and my first night stay.

In Brazil, I barely cracked the guidebook. I used the net to find hostels and only referred to the book for an occasional map.

You’re argument convinced me!

One thing, I’ve heard the Moon travel guides are stellar. Very detailed and up-to-date info.

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