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 2011: The Student Travel Guide
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. And remember, high-end student travel info is perfect for middle-class travel in Europe. The 2011 edition weighs in at a whopping 1232 pages.
2. Let's Go 2011 Western Europe
This version covers only Western Europe so has more detail than the above book. 1232 pages3. Rick Steves' Best of Europe, 2012
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 Mr. Steves.4. Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door 2010: The Travel Skills Handbook
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. 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.6. 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.7. The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget
(This new edition will debut in February, 2010) The Rough Guides aren't for backpackers, but for the middle of the road folks who want to get the most value out of a vacation. It's not all about being cheap, you know. Readers like the maps, climate data and extensive eating out and lodging recommendations.