Bacciagalupe,
I Haven't used a guide book yet. I just sit there looking at a map for weeks on end and slowly work out a route. The guide books that I like, the Michelin Guide, and the Blue Guide are just for the places of interest. For lodging I've just asked around and for food I just stop when I'm hungry. South East Asia is really easy in this regard, and as most of my rides have been in Thailand things have been even easier. On my next trip, November 5! I will carry along a Hennessey Hammock for the first time which I should allow me to not worry at all if that town 46km away has a hotel or not. If you want to take a look at my past trips they are at
www.eastbaybob.crazyguyonabike.com Good luck.