How I Created My Own Series of City Guides For Independent Cultural Travellers
From childhood adventures in Morocco to uncovering Vienna’s hidden treasures, travel writer Duncan JD Smith shares the story behind his Only In Guides. Discover how a lifelong curiosity for history, unusual places, and untold stories inspired a unique series of guidebooks for independent travelers who love exploring beyond the usual tourist trail.
The Art of the Beautiful Book
Tucked beside The Mark Hotel on New York’s Upper East Side, Assouline’s tiny bookstore offers a striking reminder that travel books can be more than sources of information. Beautifully made, highly visual, and definitely expensive, they can celebrate a place, spark curiosity, and become part of the way we remember—or imagine—the world.
The Story Behind Japan's Extraordinary 1954 Travel Guide
This particular book, published in 1954 by the Japan Travel Bureau, tells an extraordinary story. At over 850 pages thick, this wasn't just a guidebook. It was a declaration of hope, an act of pride and courage, and perhaps most importantly, an invitation extended to a world that had every reason to turn away.
The Rise and Fall and Future of Travel Guidebooks
This blog post explores how travel guidebooks are at a crossroads, facing stiff competition from digital alternatives. Neither traditional guidebooks nor current smartphone apps fully meet travelers' needs, pointing to a significant opportunity for innovation in the industry.
