The Steves empire now runs to 20 books, from annuals to phrase books. The famous and justly famed Lonely Planet guides, known for their eagerness to document the farthest corners of the world, now have a worthy competitor in the Moon Handbooks , published in Chico, California and jammed with useful information. Most guides skim over history and culture. Moon Travel Handbook illustrations are carefully chosen and the maps and informational sidebars very clear. While Rick Steves is writing mostly for young, middle class Americans, Moon and Lonely Planet address a more cosmopolitan, sophisticated audience.
Nothing beats being there.
But when you're just dreaming about it, these books are good food for dreamers. Check out the programming on KZYX , Mendocino county's own public radio station.