The Shoestring guide series from Lonely Planet are market-leading, comprehensive guides aimed specifically at those travelling independently on a budget & cover popular backpacking destinations. Frank & informal in style, the guides explore an extensive range of sights, activities, accommodation, restaurants & nightlife & are designed for practical use while travelling on the road. Written & researched by a team of experts, each book is independent in its recommendations & suggestions, often offering individual takes on each destination. Widely recognised for their reliability, each Lonely Planet Shoestring guide has the same layout, covering a large region or continent with dedicated sections for each country. Introductory chapters include information on responsible travel & a ‘ Destination’ section with the main highlights of the region & suggested itineraries. There is also a ‘ Getting Started’ chapter allowing travellers to pre-plan their trip & a ‘ Snapshots’ section exploring local culture, history, religion, sport & wildlife. Each guide is organised alphabetically by country, with individual sections detailing an extensive range of sights, places of interest, attractions, restaurants, nightlife, accommodation & any local activities by geographical region. The guides have detailed explanations of historical context where relevant. There is also practical guidance on ‘getting there & around’, allowing visitors to plan their trip accordingly. Information boxes throughout the text give insights into local culture & customs as well as offering suggestions for restaurants, bars & shopping opportunities. There are dedicated sections on major cities & towns within each region, with relevant information on orientation, sights, activities, eating & drinking, tours, courses, festivals & events. All places highlighted in the text are cross-referenced to black & white overview maps showing their respective locations. An extensive Directory section gives important practical guidance on accommodation, activities, business hours, children, climate charts, customs, dangers & annoyances, embassies, insurance, internet access, maps, money, photography, shopping, solo travellers, transport, travellers with disabilities, visas, volunteering & women travellers, among other useful information.