Some guidebooks go beyond saving you money--they take you to exotic or off-the-beaten-path locales. These volumes cater to the adventuresome independent traveler. For the most part, I've chosen guidebooks about Europe, but most of these books or publishers deal with all parts of the world. Warning: These guidebooks are not for everyone. Assess your intrepid spirit accordingly!
1. Lonely Planet: On a Shoestring
Few guidebooks provide more information about saving money on the road than Lonely Planet's Shoestring series. Expert travel writers describe 40 countries in this volume. Included: hiking through Morocco's Atlas Mountains, and a visit to Blue Lagoon, Iceland.
2. The Rough Guide
Tired of winding up at the same place every other guidebook reader visits? This book specializes in finding a variety of lesser-known travel treasures. You'll find information on 31 nations--everything from breathtaking beaches to trendy tavernas.
3. Fielding's Dangerous Places
Robert Young Pelton makes it plain to all: This book is not for the person seeking a slightly offbeat vacation. It's a survival guide for people who have business in dangerous places. Despite Pelton's warning, the book has been roundly criticized, since in the view of some it promotes potentially lethal itineraries. Buy, read and travel at your own risk.