Forget the binary; the idea that travel guides are just a subset of romantic inspiration is a simplification that masks their true value.
Fiction can indeed spark an initial spark, but a guide turns this dream into a viable project by managing practical constraints.
The real issue is not whether a guide is a subset of inspiration, but understanding that they are two distinct phases and crucial parts of the trip.
For example, a novel can make you want to visit the Amazon rainforest, but it's the guide that will inform you about mandatory vaccinations, health risks, or rainy periods to avoid, so that the adventure doesn't turn into a nightmare.