i am sure that you will find answers to many of your questions on this site. Just trawl through it is all goods reading and will whet your appetite for your coming holiday.
As you read it will also throw up questions that I am sure that the forum members will answer.
At that time of year you will be better off booking.
Lonely planet is okay, but for a varied and different view plus heaps and heaps of advice you can't beat here they are a friendly lot as well.

Jackie

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.