Mexico

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years, and as a result has experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money. Lonely Planet has done a superb job of capturing Mexico's diverse offerings in one totable book. Whether you're headed for Baja or Chiapas, this is an essential reference with excellent coverage of Mexico City, regional arts and crafts (including how to buy handicrafts), helpful Web sites, and a useful traveler's Spanish language section. --Kathryn True