It’s so familiar (the 2008 edition is number 37!) that it’s worth taking a fresh look at the layout and features to see if there’s anything we don’t take full advantage of.

The first section you come across after a couple of ads and a welcome by the editor is a very useful ‘How to use Spartacus’ section - in five languages no less: English, German, French, Spanish and Italian. This might seem blatantly obvious to seasoned users of the guide, with countries listed alphabetically (apart from the numerous islands in the Caribbean - for example the British Virgin Islands - which you’ll find all grouped together under ‘C’), but as this information is updated annually with the rest of the book it’s worth taking a look at.

Also worth noting in this section is the fact that Australia, Canada and the USA are also listed alphabetically by state or province. Here’s another handy hint: if you can’t remember which state is in which province then take a peek at the index on page 1,226 which lists all the countries, states, cities and towns in one easy reference point.

Again in this section we find an explanation of the information found at the start of every country segment, including dialling code and currency, languages spoken, main religions, climate, important gay cities plus lots more! Of course there’s also a summary of what the gay or lesbian traveller should expect when visiting the country, how homosexuality is perceived, any problems they might encounter and the best places to visit - all in all a very useful summary!

Also in the ‘How To Use’ section we find a catalogue of the categories listed and also the code description for each listing. ‘!’ donates a ‘must see’, ‘DR’ a darkroom, ‘PI’ a swimming pool etc. Top tip: use the bookmark on the back page which has all of the codes listed on them - another handy little piece of information I wasn’t aware of!

Last but not least in this section we find health advice; two and a bit pages of information that shouldn’t be hard to get through on even the shortest flight and definitely worth it.

The books index is also a mine of information that may have escaped even regular users of the guide. A world map on the legal situation for male homosexuality is useful at a glance and there’s also a time zones map. Contradictorily, there’s also a list of countries not listed due to lack of information or hostility towards homosexuality and an events calendar, all well worth a browse.

The format of the rest of the book remains largely unchanged, but this is not surprise as the familiar layouts and information work well and present the useful information in a format that is easy to use. Bruno Gmünder’s essential directory has everything you need to know when visiting any country in the world including, maps, transport, accommodation, beaches, cruising areas, restaurants and nightlife. This is undoubtedly the reason why this is the 37th edition making this is the longest running gay guide in print and is once again printed in glorious Technicolor!

It’s a huge database and at the same time strangely comforting. The very fact that there are over 1,300 pages of gay-specific venues is something to shout about. Instead of the more usual feeling of alienation, this book revels in bringing the world’s gay communities together and demonstrates just how prolific we are. Finding out that there’s a healthy scene in a small corner of the globe is incredibly liberating.

There’s no other book that can beat Spartacus for its coverage. But, like many listings of this size, much of the information can be dreadfully out-of-date, especially in cities and towns with a fast-moving gay scene. In addition, the publishers rely on reports from readers that sometimes prove inaccurate.

Don’t be put off by the sheer volume of material on offer as the book is in fact a relatively small size. This makes it a perfect travelling companion and won’t take up too much room in your suitcase. However, its compact format also means that Spartacus tends to be terribly serious, factual and list like. It surely wouldn’t hurt to inject a small amount of humour into an otherwise excellent guide.

There are certainly more amusing and informative gay travel books available. However, for those without access to the wealth of information on the internet and for global coverage, this is still the guide for gay men who travel and offers excellent value for money.

Find out more by reading our interview with Spartacus’ editor in chief, Briand Bedford. Want more? Then check out what we thought of the Spartacus Hotel and Sauna Guides!

2008 Spartacus International Gay Guide, by Bruno Gmunder
Publisher: Bruno Gmunder
Published: March 2008
ISBN: 386187783X

Find out all the latest gay travel information by ordering the brand new 2008 Spartacus International Gay Guide. Get it online and save some money to put towards the other Bruno Gmunder guides - Hotel and Restaurant Guide and Sauna Guide.