Rough Guides
Rough Guides is a British publisher of travel guidebooks and provider of customized travel planning services, founded in 1982 by Mark Ellingham with the initial Rough Guide to Greece.[1][2] The series distinguishes itself through its candid, opinionated commentary on destinations, accommodations, and cultural experiences, emphasizing independent exploration and lesser-known attractions over mainstream tourist itineraries.[3] Over decades, Rough Guides expanded to cover more than 200 global destinations and diversified into non-travel titles, including the Rough Guide to the Internet, which achieved sales of 4.5 million copies.[3] In recent years, the brand has evolved into an online platform facilitating tailor-made trips via partnerships with local experts, while maintaining its core commitment to practical, insightful travel advice drawn from on-the-ground research.[4] No major controversies have significantly impacted its reputation, though its forthright style has occasionally challenged conventional travel norms by prioritizing authenticity and sustainability.[1]