Rough Guides

Rough Guides is a travel guide book publisher based in the United Kingdom. The series is known for its emphasis on independent travel, cultural understanding, and budget-conscious options, appealing to a wide range of travellers, from backpackers to more affluent tourists.

Founded in 1982 by Mark Ellingham, Rough Guides initially focused on Greece. The series expanded rapidly to cover a wide range of destinations worldwide, encompassing countries, regions, and cities. Guides are updated regularly to reflect changing prices, opening hours, and other relevant information.

Typical Rough Guides include sections on:

• Practical Information: Covering essential travel details such as visas, currency, transportation, and accommodation.
• History and Culture: Providing background information on the history, art, architecture, and social customs of the destination.
• Sightseeing: Describing notable attractions and points of interest, with recommendations for itineraries and activities.
• Accommodation and Restaurants: Offering reviews and listings of hotels, hostels, guesthouses, restaurants, and bars, catering to various budgets.
• Maps and Plans: Featuring detailed maps of cities and regions to aid navigation.
• Language: Often includes a basic phrasebook of essential words and phrases in the local language.

Rough Guides are published by APA Publications, part of Insight Guides, which is owned by Singaporean holding company, MH Media Global. Alongside the printed guides, Rough Guides also maintains a website with travel articles, tips, and online booking resources. The brand has evolved beyond guidebooks to include ebooks, apps, and other digital travel content.