At the least, two travel books are needed:  A good overall travel guide and a bird field guide.  Other information can be useful - ie. where-to-bird site directions or how to tackle the Louvre - but often these can be studied ahead and/or appropriate section photocopied and trimmed, thus avoiding lugging a library.  Books are heavy.  Below, find an overview of some the major types and categories.  Visit their websites (ie - Rough Guides) for the up-and-coming in travel information:  PDA city maps and Podcast audio guides.

>BIRD FIELD GUIDES AND WHERE-TO-BIRD: Many parts of the world are already well-covered with complete species guides, and new ones are being published all the time. Good source:  ABA Sales.  Try also:  Naturally Curious, LA Audubon, Buteo Books.

>GENERAL ADVENTURE: This is the one travel guide that you need, and the Lonely Planet series is the king.  However, Moon Handbooks, Footprints, and Rough Guides are all acceptable.  Check the publication date before you buy - sometimes Lonely Planet guides lag behind a bit in updating, and then another might be a better choice.

>THE THREE F'S:   Fodor's, Frommer's, Fielding's - all American publications, all geared toward the regular American tour/cruise traveler.  However, can be useful in initial itinerary planning for the non-birder - the country's highlights and must-do's are easily discernible.

>EUROPE THROUGH THE BACK DOOR: A must if Europe is your destination.  No one navigates the array of European travel choices with such savvy and humor as Rick Steves: ETBD Website.

>IMMERSION: If you have room for an extra guide, consider one of these:  DK Eyewitness or Michelin Green.  Neither will help you get into the city from the airport or choose a hotel, but if you want visuals and plans of Mayan ruins (Eyewitness) or a detailed history of that Tuscan cathedral over there on the hill (Michelin), these will feed your curiosity and add a dimension to your destination.

Birds and Books, Peruvian Amazon