European Guidebooks like these cover a lot of ground and are pretty darn heavy to travel with. These are great for planning, but you might want to consider purchasing single country guides for the countries you finally decide on visiting to lug along on your trip. Here are some suggested books that cover Western Europe, including some specialty travel guides. These guidebooks make great gifts for the traveler planning a European vacation.
1. Let's Go Europe 2007
Let's Go Travel Guides have long been our favorite for budget travel. Even if you're not traveling on a budget, they are often the best for bus and train information and a good overview of each destination.
2. Let's Go 2007 Western Europe
This version covers only Western Europe so has more detail than the above book.3. Rick Steves' Best of Europe, 2007
Famous travel guru Rick Steves gives his recommendations for the best places to visit on a European trip, including hotels and restaurants for each destination. This book is not a complete guide to European countries, only the places recommended by Rick.4. Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door 2007
Another Rick Steves recommendation, he calls this "The Travel Skills Handbook for Independent Travelers". In this book, he recommends places somewhat off the beaten track or a little less touristy than in the previous book.5. Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring 2007
Lonely Planet's budget-minded guidebook covers forty countries in about 1200 pages. The book's many maps and recommendations for unusual activities make it practical even if you are not on a tight budget.6. Lonely Planet Western Europe 2007
This book covers only Western Europe, but has almost 1300 pages of information, including lots of city maps, lodging recommendations, detailed city information, and photos. There are separate guides to Central and Eastern Europe.7. Dk Eyewitness Travel Guide Europe
Eyewitness Travel Guides are known for lots of great full-color illustrations. This one has detailed maps of over 23 European cities and highlights the major sights in 20 countries.8. Rough Guide to First Time Europe
This Rough Guide is great for inexperienced travelers to Europe. It answers lots of basic questions and helps with trip planning.9. Take Your Kids To Europe
Subtitled "(How To Travel Safely (and Sanely) In Europe With Your Children," this book by Cynthia Harriman has practical tips for family travel in Europe, including finding lodging and affordable family fun.10. Michelin Green Guide Europe
The Green Guide offers suggestions on what to see and do with 1-3 star ratings and gives background on history and cultural heritage for 35 European countries. It also has maps, itineraries, practical information, and photos.