Rick Steves' Prague & the Czech Republic by Jan Vihan, Rick Steves (2008, Paperback)

My husband and I are about to visit Prague, and having purchased Rick Steves' travel items before, I knew this was the book I wanted before I left. Not only is the book filled with city descriptions and maps, recommended places to visit, but it is filled with website addresses for things such as weather checks, ground transport and hotels. We easily booked online with native yet excellent English-speakers, into their 1669 house become hotel (with no sign outside). I am so excited to visit and have all confidence before I even leave. In other words, Rick does all the best research for you before you visit. The book also has sections on the language (which will be useful!), currency, tipping, history (the Czech Republic was Communist until 1989), and art history (including writers (kafka, for example); musicians, artists, playwright, etc. so that when I sit and visit with our hoteliers and other Czech people I will not have to be so stupid. It truly gives you a short, engaging, very readable (I enjoyed it thoroughly in a doctor's waiting room and under the hair dryer at the salon) short course on the country and city you travel to. In my book there's no one better than Rick Steves for the inexperienced OR experienced traveler. Come to think of it, I've got to go get my Dublin book - we're going there, too. This seller was also excellent - I got the book in no time for at least 1/2 of the retail price, and it was new. Thanks, and happy travelling!