Rough Guides comes to the rescue of first-time travelers, with our unique First Time series.  Each of these pre-departure guides is packed with expert tips and advice about everything you should know before you hit the road from finding the cheapest flights, visa requirements, planning a realistic itinerary and budget, and much more.

Written by seasoned travelers intimately familiar with the regions they cover, the First-Time  guides help you decide where to go, when to go, and what to do when you get there. Knowing what to plan for and how--as well as what to leave to Lady Luck--will make for a truly unforgettable trip whether you're slurping a bowl of tom yam soup in a Thai night market, hiking the Inca Trail to the legendary ruins of Maccu Picchu or harvesting grapes in France to help stretch your travel euro.

• Concise country profiles that include maps, best modes of transportation inside a country and between destinations as well as travel time information on trains, buses, and ferries.
• Details of major attractions, cultural activities, and local festivals.
• Travel health and survival tips.
• Special section on work, volunteer and learning vacations.
• Invaluable, diverting tales from fellow travelers.
• Tips for senior citizens, travelers with disabilities, gay travelers, and vegetarians.