I remember traveling with my parents as a kid and watching as my mom would meticulously mark up guidebooks with places to see during our upcoming trip. Over the years, the family bookcase has become heavy with guidebooks for every country from Israel to Colombia-each one stuffed with post-it notes, highlighted passages and mementos tucked between the pages. At the time, my teenage self would roll my eyes at the history lessons and “fun facts” my mom would tell us about every monument or street corner we passed. It wasn’t until now, in my twenties, did I really start to appreciate guidebooks and how the information they offer can enhance traveling.
While my travel style is all about living like a local and getting lost in a destination, I like to rely on guidebooks to give me a deeper understanding of the culture I’m visiting and the history that surrounds it. When planning a trip, I often rely on guidebooks-such as Panda Guides-to give me insight into a destination’s background, any health/safety concerns I should be savvy to and any must-see places to keep in mind. Of course, a guidebook is only as good as its writers and what Panda Guides offers is knowledgeable, insider tips from local ex-pats based in China. As the newest guidebook to step into the marketplace, Panda Guides has set itself apart from the rest with its quality content, full-page photography, useful maps and English-Chinese translations. Offering guidebooks for the cities of Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, Panda Guides also publishes a 1,360 page complete guide to China.
One of the most unique features of the Panda Guides books are the mini neighborhood maps, which clearly outline where a recommended destination is and the nearest subway station to help get you there. While other guidebooks will share large-scale city maps, Panda Guides uses easy-to-follow instructions and visuals to get you where you need to go. While I am quick to tout the benefits of getting lost abroad and discovering things along the way, it is helpful to have clear directions for that must-try restaurant or celebrated marketplace you’re looking for-especially if you don’t speak or read Chinese! Similarly, Panda Guides offers discounts at various hotels, hostels, restaurants and bars to stretch your budget and help you enjoy your trip-regardless of your travel style.
To celebrate the launch of their guidebooks, Panda Guides had created the Panda Ambassadors Program, which allows anyone who purchases a Panda Guidebook to win a complimentary trip through China! Every year, 20 Panda Guide owners will be selected to win a free 2-week trip through this iconic country (with transportation, accommodations and meals paid for by Panda Guides Publishing, Inc.). Upon arrival, winners of the Panda Ambassadors Program will be met by a certified tour guide who will unveil the beautiful subtleties and history of China and all it offers. With my plans to travel the world in 2016 and hopefully embark to China on my RTW tour I have added Panda Guides to my own bookshelf, which much like my mom’s, is now heavy with guides of countries around the world.
*This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Panda Guides. To enter for a chance to win a free trip to China, register the code in your Panda Guide here.
