Lonely Planet Read This First: Europe (Read This First, 1st Ed)

Rating:
Summary: Scant Information
Review: Admittedly, this is not meant to be a replacement for books such as Europe on a Shoestring, but i found it just a little lacking in information that would be useful for planning a trip. Perhaps a good source for complete beginners who know nothing about Europe, but if people wish to travel Europe, perhaps they would be better off with a more in depth guide

Rating:
Summary: Great Place to Start Planning
Review: This book is excellent. I lived in Europe and travelled with my parents so I am aware of traveling needs. However, I've never planned it before or gone solo. This book covers every part of your planning and gives you the basics on what to see in each country depending on how much time you have. If my trip is a as much fun as reading this book was then I'm going to have an experience of a lifetime. This is for anyone who is not sure where to go but knows that they want to go to Europe.

Rating:
Summary: not much detail but stil useful
Review: This book is not very detailed. it has 2 main sections. the first part ha basic travel information such as packing , getting around, hostels and transportation.
The second, more useful section comprises of country information. for the 35 countries covered there is a map and to 4 pages of text for each country with background country information. details on visa requirements, expected costs, other resources ( books, film, internet). The most useful aspect is the suggested itenarys by country. suggested travel itenarys are provided for each country for various durations, 3 days, 1 week , 2 weeks and a month. these are also marked out on the map to give the reader an idea of how much travel is involved.
This book is useful to those considering a European trip as it can help one find the places they may want to visit. It would be of little use to anyone in Europe as there are no local maps or details on where to stay, eat and drink.
The Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring guide would be a good companion to this book. use this book in your planning stages then use the shoestring guide in your travels
As with all LP guides it has many interesting first person anecdotes that make interesting reading.