We all know that situation. One day we decide to plan a trip, to a place we are keen to go, or heard from friends, or from a TV and the planning rush is here. We want to see all, and forget nothing. At that moment, the option of travel guides comes to mind. But are they worthy of reading them and following what they recommend?
I think the answer lays in the fact of what type of traveller are you. Travel guides serve well for providing information, selecting ideas, and can help you intentionally with what you might or might not like to see and experience. From personal experience, the mood for opening a colourful book full of tips and Top 10 Places to See is variable and depends on our own mindset for the journey. Do you want to go blindly and be spontaneous? Or do you want to know what to look for and straightforwardly follow the guidelines?
Vacations in cities or any similar crowded places sound a bit more suitable for already having some plan of what to visit and when, but again, no one says you need to have a full itinerary and spend all day and night browsing the most iconic interesting places; it is entirely up to you. So, if you want to be led by unexpected music in streets, banners promoting one-time events happening that night or just stop and listen the world around you, who is telling you to not do so?
A different situation comes with adventuring in nature, far from crowds and "civilization" with just hiking boots and maybe a backpack to travel with. Again, more adventurous time off can be supported by tips in a travel guide - what places not to miss or which hikes to take for the best views. But then, the sense of not planning anything can surprise people with new outcomes and memories.
So, my point is: with a travel guide or not, the help of easing the pressure of planning can be a benefit, but it really depends on your idea of how you want to spend your travel time. You can see a recommended "Top 10", or you can create your own to share.