This Fodor’s guide to Buenos Aires begins with an explanation of how the book is set up. Readers are told, for example, that unless stated, “restaurants are open for lunch and dinner daily,” and all hotels operate on the European plan (without meals) unless they specify that one is instead on the Continental plan (with breakfast), or another, clearly described plan.
A Well-Organized Travel Guide
This is, of course, how all travel guides aught to be set up—but it isn’t, and this one does a particularly fine job of welcoming readers to their methods, and also of setting up the information inside (of which there is an enormous amount) in a way that is easy to understand. Readers are even invited to contribute to future editions of the book, by submitting travel photos, opinions, or recommendations. The result is a sense that this book will be reader-friendly and down to earth.
Buenos Aires Travel Pictures
Buenos Aires: With Side Trips to Gaucho Country, Igauzu, and Uruguay, 2nd Edition has a moderate visual element—there are not as many pictures as a DK Eyewitness guide would have, but the text is broken up by occasional photos, along with maps and portraits of notable portenos (people from Buenos Aires). This guide tends to feature candid pictures, of people dancing in a nightclub, say, or shopping in an outdoor market, rather than formal, staged photographs. This adds to the sense of the book as down to earth and casual.
When in Rome (Dress Like a Local)
This Fodor’s guide is especially suitable for travelers looking to visit the city on a budget, and for those interested in learning how the locals do things. The book is full of tips like this one, from page 154:
“…in all but the most snobbish places, you won’t find posted dress codes. But although they may let you into a club or bar with something less than flattering on, know that to Argentineans first impressions are everything, and a too-casual look might signal not only “tourist” but also “poorly put together” in general.”
Buenos Aires Side Trips
This guide includes more than fifty pages of information on side trips for travelers staying in Buenos Aires. There are several options for excursions to Uruguay and Brazil, as well as to the Argentine pampas, all within a few hours from the city. The book gives all the necessary information about each place, including visa entry requirements, food and lodging choices, and currency conversions and safety tips.
With its plethora of insider tips, budget-based restaurant and hotel suggestions, and focus on the ways of the locals, this book would make an excellent choice for anyone planning a trip to Buenos Aires.
Read more suite101 articles on Argentina Travel.
Title: Buenos Aires: With Side Trips to Gaucho Country, Igauzu, and Uruguay, 2nd Edition
Publisher: Random House
Writers: Brian Byrnes, Andy Footner, Victoria Patience
ISBN: 978-1-4000-0425-6
Eva Gordon - Eva Sage Gordon
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