Tipped

I have to admit I've actually kind of soured on the Lonely Planet guides lately, even prior to the BBC acquisition. I just sort of found that a lot of the 'hidden' spots that they recommend that supposedly set them apart from other guides tend to blow their cover upon entry into the guide. Good news for that business, no doubt, but not so much for people looking for the 'off the beaten path stuff' (which is, of course, itself a precious concept).
And that of course says nothing about writers making up hidden spots off the beaten path without even visiting the country!