Alaska

Lonely Planet is at its guidebook best when it's covering isolated regions where those little details of shelter, food, and transportation are of more than passing concern. Just the section on Denali National Park alone makes Jim DuFresne's guide worthwhile, illuminating the complex new rules governing access to that sensational wildlife reserve, plus giving information on dogsled demonstrations, hiking, rafting, backpacking, and so on. The sections on climate, geography, and ecology are very well done, as are the chapters on the Alaskan people and society. The transportation chapters are vital and comprehensive, and the rest of the guide follows suit, covering all of Alaska (no little task) with reliable acumen, information, and savvy. --Stephanie Gold