Why I Love Lonely Planet

I've found that when it comes to trip planning, there seems to be an endless supply of travel resources. The next step is trying to determine which resources are trustworthy and worth using. While I can't give you tips on every travel site out there, I can offer my two cents on LonelyPlanet and LonelyPlanet.com.

One Stop Shop
Lonely Planet has EVERYTHING! You can book insurance, flights, hotel, tours, car rentals and more! If you like to read blog posts, they've got those too! I particularly enjoy their beautiful travel videos. It's just a very well-run site and one I enjoy using. There's even a forum where you can get advice and offer tips and tricks with fellow travelers. Finally, they also have an online shop with guidebooks and phrasebooks galore!


How I Use Lonely Planet
I personally use Lonely Planet for two main things: Activity recommendations and their travel books.
One of the first things I do once I've picked my next trip destination is check it out on LonelyPlanet.com. They have so many great, reputable recommendations! I always look at the top things to do, best restaurants and places to stay. I feel a little safer and reassured knowing that the things I'm doing have the Lonely Planet seal of approval. I have never yet been led astray!

 I own a zillion print versions of Lonely Planet books on everywhere from Portugal to Spain to South Africa to SouthEast Asia! I swear by them. It's always my first recommendation to anyone traveling somewhere new. Right now, I'm planning for the grand canyon, and sure enough! I am using a Lonely Planet book to help me plan!


Try it For Yourself!
You don't have to take my word for it. I definitely encourage you to try Lonely Planet out for yourself. You may find certain features really help you out, while others aren't really for you. And that's OK! Planning a trip is complicated and using multiple resources is encouraged.

If you still need a little help planning your trip (or you hate planning and just want to GO!), I'd love to help! Check out my company at MilesIntoMemoriesTravel.com.

Visiting the World's Oldest Bookstore

As a book lover, I'm constantly on the hunt for beautiful bookstores wherever I go. While researching our trip to Lisbon, I stumbled across the ultimate bookstore! The Chiado Livraria Bertrand is the oldest bookstore in the world! It even holds a Guinness World Record! This location opened in 1732 and has since become the largest bookstore chain in Portugal. I must say it was magical.

Here I am with the sign out front!

Tired, sweaty but excited! I had the time of my life wandering through the stacks of books and of course, came away with a few to add to my collection. The set up of the store was really neat! It had multiple rooms that stretched back kind of like a tunnel. It ended with a pretty gorgeous little cafe. As a book enthusiast, it was a pretty awesome experience. I highly recommend stopping by if you get the chance!