History rhymes here, and the idea that guides are just a component of fictional inspiration forgets the role they have historically played.
The playbook has always been to transform a romantic idea into a tangible project, long before internet access.
Guides provide the practical details that make a trip feasible, such as visa information or actual costs.
For example, a travel guide will explain the necessity of a yellow fever vaccine for certain countries, which takes precedence over any literary inspiration.