Let's first reconstruct the case: the idea that fictional inspiration takes precedence and that guides are only secondary practical tools is a completely defendable position because stories can ignite that initial spark of interest for a destination.
However, this hierarchy is far from stable or universal, heavily depending on the traveler's profile and the nature of their inspiration.
In Belgium, many start with practical constraints like budget or proximity, where a guide on family travel or 'slow travel' stays is the true starting point, well before any fiction.
For them, a guide is not an accessory but a fundamental precursor that transforms a vague desire into a concrete vacation project.