About Moon

Moon is published by Avalon Travel, formed in 1999 with the merger of three independent travel publishers—Moon Publications (established 1973), John Muir Publications (established 1973), and Foghorn Press (established 1982)—creating the largest independent travel publisher based in the United States.

Avalon publishes several major travel guidebook series: Rick Steves; Moon, which includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Metro, Moon Outdoors, and Moon Living Abroad; The Dog Lover’s Companion; the best-selling guidebook Road Trip USA; and individual travel titles.

Based in Berkeley, California, Avalon is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.


Quick Facts
About Moon Handbooks About Moon Metro

Moon Handbooks aren't your average guides. For more than 30 years, these books have appealed to an eclectic group of travelers, from backpacking students to solo adventurers to families on vacation (and a budget). With expert writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic advice, and an essential dose of humor, Moon Handbooks ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience—and a few new stories to tell.


"One of the finest travel series around. What sets Moon apart is the attention to detail, and more importantly, a respect for the topic." —Chicago Tribune

"The writers have the most impeccably eccentric and well-traveled backgrounds." —New York Times Book Review


  • Moon Handbooks cover more than 100 destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and Asia and the Pacific.
  • Moon Handbooks are updated every 2-3 years.
  • Moon Handbooks authors have close ties to and strong knowledge of the destinations they cover, as well as the strategies travelers need to really experience a place.

Covering 18 major cities, Moon Metro takes travel to a new level with its innovative fusion of discreet maps and insider advice. Metro divides a city into its neighborhoods, allowing travelers to quickly get a sense of their surroundings and find the hottest spots to eat, sleep, shop, and expore.


"Street-map driven with uncluttered layouts and signature electric-turquoise covers . . . an A for Hipness." —Food & Wine magazine

"Map-based and stylish." —Los Angeles Times

"A sleek two-in-one blend of advice and street maps." —U.S.News & World Report


  • Moon Metro reaches 18 destinations: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, New York City, Paris, Rome, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington D.C.
  • Moon Metro guides are updated every two years.
  • Moon Metro writers live in or near the city they write about, and are very knowledgeable about what the city has to offer a sophisticated traveler.
  • The series has been featured in Southwest Airlines' Sprit's top ten list of city guidebooks.

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