Nora Smith

With all due respect, the idea that travel guides are just a subset of inspiration generated by fiction seems an excessive simplification of the complexity of travel motivations. It is more prudent to consider that inspiration and travel planning can come from multiple sources, and that the hierarchy between them is far from stable or universal. A person can very well be inspired by a richly illustrated travel guide, which presents them with new destinations and concrete experiences, even before a work of fiction influences them. For example, a guide on hiking in the Scottish Highlands could inspire a much stronger desire to travel than any novel or film for an avid hiker. Before concluding on such a hierarchy, it would be essential to have more nuanced data on travelers' decision-making processes.

The idea that travel guides are just a subset of travel inspiration through fiction has a relevance score of 2 out of 10.
Guides have a decision influence rate of 6/10 for the final decision, but fiction is at 8/10 for the initial impulse.
Their practical usefulness on the ground, especially without internet, is 9/10 for logistics, not for inspiration.
A guide is a validation and planning tool, not an initial source of inspiration in about 75% of cases.
For example, a movie can inspire a visit to New Zealand (inspiration 8/10), then the guide helps to assess feasibility (usefulness 9/10), a distinct role.