After a much heated discussion in Pulau Tioman (3 Quebecers, a British, 2 French and 1 half kiwi) about the virtues and vices of the guide books, it makes me wonder. While I didn't feel any urge to buy one before my exchange in Belgium or my travel/work experience in Austria or any short (1-2 weeks) stay outside of Canada, it was my first purchase after my flight ticket to Asia was bought and confirmed.

The main reason is because I didn't feel safe with only my smile, my backpack and myself. While in Europe, I would just walk around the city, ask at the hostel's reception about what's hot in town in terms of activities, food, sighseeing and places to go, get a free map provided by the hostel or the tourist information and/or simply talk with fellow travellers about their experiences and recommendations, it is not so simple and straightforward in SEA.

It often happens that we don't meet any other tourist, there is no tourist information, the guy at the reception doesn't speak much English or/and there is no Internet to google an information.

Since information is often scarce and/or hard to obtain, it's good to have a guidebook so you can read ahead about the culture, the current economy, the language (essential words such as "Thank You"), the main cities, the possible activities, public holidays or festivals and some interesting facts about the country or city you are about to visit (eg. Baguio was heavily bombarded during WWII by the Americans to drive the Japanese out when they had ALREADY left).

But most of all, guidebooks are really handy with their maps and recommendations on places to sleep and transport logistics (time, price, route) from one city to another.

However, it's not a holy book, there are mistakes, it's heavy and prices change over the course of time. Restaurants and guesthouses tend to increase their prices after getting their name in guidebooks.

I think Math, Annis and I make a good team. I'm the reader so I tend to read the whole chapter on facts before entering a country and the section on each city before or during my stay in that city. Math likes it digital so he's the one who looks for online or updated info through travel blogs, Wikitravel, free digital Lonely Planets and official websites (especially the current exchange rates). He's mostly responsible for airfares and logistics because not only it's his major but also because Nis and I get easily distracted by FB, blogger and other stuff like that. (To my defense, Math doesn't have to upload any picture and keep his blog updated since he has none.) Annis is the woman on the spot that you need. Her criteria for a guesthouse are quite high. It has to be dirt cheap, clean, have confortable beds and pillows, good lighting and have a window and if possible, hot shower. If she can convince the guy to give us an aircon room for the price of a fan room or to lower the price even more, she'll go for it. Not that Math and I don't want these criteria. It's just that we are lazy bastards, visit only 3 or 4 places before choosing the best option. Nis can go forever visiting room after room until her heart says yes. So if you want to ask a random or general question about anything concerning the place, come see me. If you want to get the best exchange rate or airplane ticket, ask Math. And if you want a great place to spend the night, Nis might be the best person to help you with that.

So conclusion, the best deal is a combination of a guidebook, a smartphone, lot of patience and time, a good spirit and a nice smile.