5 comments about Cuba (Country Guide).

1. this is good for all-in-one book.
   But several big mistakes...
   You'd better to take another substitution guide book



2. I bought both the Moon Handbook (Christopher Baker, 4th ed.) and the Lonely Planet guide (Sainsbury, 4th ed.). I haven't been to Cuba, but the Moon guide is a pleasure to read, it's nearly twice the length of the Lonely Planet guide, the maps are better, it goes into more depth on places and also on the general history, the photos are better, etc.



3. Traveling without a lonely planet is a waste of time. I would rate this guides as the best. I love that you know what to expect when you arrive to a place which is listed in the guide. I like the extra reading about history, and facts of the country. Great buy!!



4. Some Background:
   My first trip off the continent and to a foreign speaking country was Cuba. I went with my girlfriend of two years plus in December of 2007. While most people on our flight were headed to Veradero on an all inclusive package, we were headed to Havana, Cuba's capital.
   
   The Guide:
   On the whole, one can't really go wrong purchasing this guide. It's small enough that it can be taken with you throughout the city, and cheap enough that one can afford to abuse it (or spill water on it, as my girlfriend did).
   
   More specifically, the information presented about restaurants, banks, hotels, historic sites and the Cuban culture are usually spot on. Further, the section on Havana has superb maps that are easily intelligible and clear, and also included are two walking tours of Havana Vieja (Old Havana) and Centro Havana, which meant we could skip the tour companies and actually get our feet wet by exploring on our own. An amazing and valuable experience I will continue to recall many years from now.
   
   Some Criticisms:
   The most noteworthy criticism of this book is the lack of specific and concentrated information regarding tourist scams in Cuba. There is mention of it within the book, but it is not rigorous enough to prepare the naive first-time traveler; especially those who will be away from the security laden beaches of Veradero.
   
   There is of course the obvious annoyances of people who offer cheap, but illegal and poor quality, cohibas (cigars), female prostitutes (jineteras, pronounced 'cheen-eteras) and general sellers of questionable wares. All this is, I think, expected by many travelers and poses no great risk to one who is moderately vigilant. The book also covers these points well enough.
   
   What is not covered is the exceptionally profligate Cuban tendency to a) overcharge at restaurants by not giving one a menu, b) offer a service for what seems like a cheap price, but demand payment that is thrice or more what was initially agreed upon once the service has been rendered (bici-taxi's in particular do this) and c) inform tourists that there CUC (tourist currency) is worthless and offer to exchange it at whats seems like very favorable rates for the more "powerful" Peso, which is, in reality, 1/25 the value of the convertible.
   
   One general rule of thumb for Cuba is this: 9 out 10, if not more, Cubans who approach you are probably running a scam. Further, never be afraid to assert yourself and say "No", walk away or refuse to pay for something that seems far too expensive (remember, a typical Cuban makes about 15 CUC a month, so this means that even 1 CUC is good deal of money to them). You may even have to be rude, but that's the name of the game for a tourist in Havana. The scammer intends to use your feelings of guilt against you, but remember, in almost every single case you are not guilty, although you will probably feel you are and the scammer will make every attempt to exploit this. I could go on in great detail about the scams, which can be quite clever and the scammers incredibly cunning. If you have questions about the scams, the best thing to do is a little research on the net (search "Cuba scams").
   
   My other, less significant, criticism is the layout of content within the book. Regions of Havana are not entirely inclusive to each other within the book, i.e. a complete section on Havana Vieja, then a complete section on Centro Havana, etc. Structurally there are sections on sightseeing in Havana Vieja, Centro, and Vedado, then there are sections on sleeping, eating, drinking, etc. in Vieja, Centro, and Vedado that follow the sight seeing sections. Organizationally I would have preferred that Vieja have its own section inclusively (e.g. sight seeing, eating, sleeping, drinking, and the map would all be found in the 10 or so page section of Centro Havana), as well as the others. The constant flipping between pages was a common and avoidable irritation.
   
   Verdict:
   Buy the book! You might also be interested in buying "Culture Smart: Cuba: a guide to etiquette and customs"; and if "Let's Go" ever comes out with a guide to Cuba, it would be worth a look too, since traditionally Let's Go guides aim towards college and budget travelers who want the most bang for their buck.
   
   P.S. Elisabeth Smith's "One Day Spanish" is also a wise-choice; since most people DO NOT speak English in Cuba. If you have more time, it would be wise to take a crash-course in Spanish. Elisabeth Smith is good because she caters to tourists and travelers. Her "Instant Spanish", a 6 week lengthened course of "One Day Spanish", is probably also be a safe bet for someone who has more time to prepare, though, to be honest, I have not tried it. I used the One Day Spanish, however, and found that it helped my cause tremendously, focusing only on essential and useful words, phrases, etc.



5. I had used Lonely Planet on several trips where some of them were disappointing and not so much "guiding". Yet, this Cuba guide made our trip to visit the "real" Cuba our most memorable with sufficient information on each major and minor city.
   
   From Havana to the far end of Baracoa, the guide has useful information on what to do and up to date info on traveling between cities
   
   If any of the 8 cities i visited there was a major or minor event/attraction, Lonely planet had it listed and all you needed to do is choose what to go for.
   
   A lot of detail, very friendly to read, and a nice/light take on history and politics of the Socialist nation

3 comments about Frommer's Portable Aruba, Bonaire, & Curacao (Frommer's Portable).

1. This book was very helpful to me in planning my travel. The information is very current and complete. I highly recommend it!



2. Frommers provides the most detailed and accurate information on travel anywhere in the world. I used this book for information on the island of Curacao. I highly recommend using Frommers travel guides.



3. I found this book very helpful and easy to read. This was my first trip to Aruba and it provided me with a wealth of knowledge. My traveling companions were passing it around and reading it on the plane and once we got there. This saved us asking the front desk innumerable questions.I felt quite confident leaving the US to vacation in Aruba.

5 comments about Frommer's Portable St. Maarten/St. Martin, Anguilla & St. Barts (Frommer's Portable).

1. I was looking for guide books for St. Martin in late 2006 but wasn't able to find one that I sufficiently liked. It was either one of those guide books for whole Carribean and would gloss over this small island in less than 10 pages; or concentrate solely on the outdoorsy/adventure aspect of things, which is not something I wanted. Fortunately, this book was published about a month before my trip to St. Martin and I was able to get a copy of it before then.
   
   This is the most complete and comprehensive guide book for St. Martin that's out there, so I really liked it. I enjoyed reading about the island's history and it has helpful facts to help you prepare for your trip. The book doesn't list and review even half of the accomodation or the restaurants on this small island. For that, you should consult the internet, eg. Tripadvisor and such. Rather, the book highlights for readers what restaurants they shouldn't miss or which hotel they should book in different price ranges.
   
   I wish that there was a price guideline for rental cars that tell you what the average compact car rental would cost. I also wish there were more restaurant review but that's just the foodie in me talking. Overall, the maps of the towns were quite good and helpful but the overall map of the island is not that great to refer to when driving. You can just get a better island road map when you're there anyway. Nevertheless, the book still offers helpful tidbits such as preparing your own medicines/sunscreen and other pharmaceutical needs because it can get tricky to find a complete pharmacy. The Anguilla/St. Barths section looks rather small but I'm not sure of its helpfulness or usefulness because I didn't go there.



2. This was our 3rd trip to St. Martin & the best. We checked out some of the beaches, restaurants, and clubs from the guide and had a blast!



3. I am going to St. Maarten in October! Gave tons of tips and ideas!



4. I agree that it's got great info, but if you already have the thicker Frommer's Caribbean guide, this might not be quite a deal since it looks like most of the info is already in the thicker guide. Of course, this is smaller, which might appeal to those who want to pack light and only have Anguilla, St. Martin, etc. as their specific destinations.



5. Used this for a trip to St. Barts. Was very superficial. Really did not have any info that could not be found spending an hour on the internet.

5 comments about A Small Place.

1. Antigua, an awe-inspiring vacation spot for Europeans and North Americans, takes on a different aura when discussed by native Jamaica Kincaid. Ms. Kincaid describes how the Antiguans feel about the tourists who visit: ugly people. Ugly because they invaded, then brought slaves to work for them so they could become rich while ignoring the needs of those who made them wealthy. Ugly because of what they've done to the island and the people who live there. Jamaica talks about the corrupt government and the hand that North Americans, British, Syrians and Lebanese play in that corruption. She describes how England paved the roads the Queen of England would travel when she visited, but left everything else in poor condition. Ms. Kincaid also mentions the drug dealers that the government ignores and those who build ugly condos for the wealthy and rent business space to the government who should be building their own space.
   
   In a very few pages, Jamaica Kincaid says what a lot of former slaves would like to say but are perhaps too politically correct to utter. She does the job for us. Ms. Kincaid does not mince her words when it comes to what the British Empire did to the people of Antigua and the world for that matter. Frequently, I found myself wanting to stand up and cheer as I read her words of disgust and anger. While Ms. Kincaid is specifically speaking of Antigua, her words describe the slave trade and the destruction and poverty left in the wake of it no matter what country. It is well worth reading - more than once.
   
   Reviewed by alice Holman
   of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers



2. A major failing of this essay, which claims to be non-fiction, is Kincaid's sole reliance on her own memories of Antigua. As an eye-witness, Kincaid has the chance to provide a unique perspective on the issues of slavery, corruption, tourism, colonialism, and SIDS (small island developing states). Yet, she ruins this chance, in my opinion, with her complete disregard of any perspective other than her own.
   
   A Small Place presents a biased and incomplete account of many of the issues facing Antigua and other islands in the Caribbean. Some of Kincaid's criticisms are certainly valid; however, others have been blown completely out of proportion. If one really wishes to know the history of Antigua and to understand the lingering consequences of colonialism, I suggest looking elsewhere.
   
   What this book lacks in factual information, it does not make up for with a strong emotional appeal. Kincaid's story line is incomplete and unengaging. She repeatedly wanders from topic to topic and back again, giving no sense of what is most important or relevant. Additionally, whatever sympathy she may gain from the Western reader is repeatedly lost with her hateful generalizations.
   
   I am sorry that I have to write such a negative review of this book. I believe that it is important for people in the West to understand the plight of developing countries, especially SIDS. However, I do not believe that A Small Place is at all helpful in promoting this dialogue.
   
   It is important to understand the past. And I can sympathize with Kincaid's intense hatred of those who have and continue to oppress "her people". However, I think this text is short-sighted in its desire for change. After repeatedly criticizing tourists for their greed and laziness, does she really expect them to want to understand Antiguan society? I see the hatred and dualism expressed in A Small Place as a major obstacle in achieving a better tomorrow.



3. I had to read this book for a Multicultural Literature class at my Uni, and, far from being informative, all it did was fill with me a contempt of my own. I am not a racist by any means, but when confronted with such a bitter, snide voice as the one Kincaid displays, I find myself unconsciously getting defensive. When she says, "you are a tourist; you are ugly," I find myself saying, "Fine, I'll keep my money and let you trade with seashells and beads." Kincaid is a master of the self-fulfilling prophecy: she says Antiguans are so oppressed and so downtrodden and so angry, and rather than doing anything to help it, she's exacerbating it by using such a bitter, over-the-top voice.
   
   Other reviewers have stated that the vision of Antigua portrayed is a warped and extremely limited one, biased by Kincaid's apparent small mindedness, and I must confess that I'm glad to hear that. To think that the entire island is solely occupied by bitter people who imagine themselves to be ex-slaves would make me steer clear of the area any time I go on vacation.
   
   Because, yes, I am a tourist. And no, being a tourist does not automatically make anyone ugly, despite what Kincaid's bitter rant might say.



4. Published in 1988 Kincaid's "A Small Place" is an unflinchingly angry portrayal of post-colonial, post-slavery life on the island of Antigua. To put it simply: Kincaid is as mad as hell, and she's not going to take it anymore. If you're white and can shelve your defensiveness for a moment this book is actually really enjoyable, it's written in first person and directed at "you," the British colonizer and/or the fat white tourist. Kincaid's sense of humor is wonderfully dark, and there are a lot of moments of humor if you keep an open mind. Still, at the heart of the matter is the story of Antigua's decay, left to rot by the British colonizers, with a population that doesn't vote openly corrupt officials out of office. She openly points out the irony of the celebration of emancipation alongside the valorization of the Hotel Training School, which teaches the residents of the island to be servants. In the end Kincaid concludes that no one is to blame, that after slavery the masters are no longer evil and the slaves are no longer "noble," but that everyone is merely human. She problematizes the matter, but offers no solutions, which might irritate those concrete sequentials among us. Also, she refers to Columbus, and the explorers in general, so adored in American culture, as "human rubbish" on multiple occasions. You might not agree with Kincaid, but this is one topic someone should be angry about, and her unapologetic narrative is about as honest as you can get.



5. If you expect a well-reasoned and persuasive essay, look elsewhere. At best, this is the mindless rantings of somebody who's been through a lot and really needs to vent. The only thing she was able to persuade me by the end of the book was that I was an evil person.
   The book is divided into several chapters. The format is fairly simple: in every chapter, Jamaica Kincaid hates on a different group of people. In the first chapter, she rants about tourists. In the second chapter, she rants about British people. If she focused on one group of people, her argument might make sense, but when she focuses on them all it becomes clear that she just hates everybody. Because she writes the entire book in second person, every insult is directed straight at the reader. I left the book feeling extremely guilty, while at the same time not exactly sure what I had done wrong.

No comments about Fodor's U.S. and British Virgin Islands 2008 (Fodor's Gold Guides).

1 comments about Fodor's Puerto Rico, 4th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides).

1. This book was so valuable on our trip to Puerto Rico! It included a lot of information about hotels, restaurants, and activities. I would buy Fodor's for any vacation to any place!

No comments about Fodor's Bermuda 2008 (Fodor's Gold Guides).

5 comments about An Embarrassment of Mangoes: A Caribbean Interlude.

1. This is a fun book. Among other things, it is the first book on a cruising trip that I have seen with recipes using local ingredients.
   
   More than that though, Ms. Vanderhoof discusses her initial fears and concerns and her later comfort with sailing. All of us have initial fears to some degree, maybe especially if we start sailing as adults.
   
   Also, there are funny and poignant stories. For example, her doctor noticed a lot of bruises on her body and asked her if her husband was beating her. The answer: No, we're just sailing. Her stories about her friends in Grenada are charming and revealing about life in Grenada.



2. Many dream of sailing off to points south, escaping the demands of urban life. In an Embarassment of Mangoes, Vanderhoof shows us it can be done as she chronicles her two year cruise from Toronto to Trinidad and back. Along the way she reminds us that cruising isn't a vacation it's a lifestyle, and as Vanderhoof describes it, a rich lifestyle.
   
   Throughout the book Vanderhoof presents a balanced account of the joys, frustrations, fears, and tedium of life aboard a 40 foot sailboat. Along the way she provides glimpses of island culture and characters while examining her life as it slows down to island time, "jus' now." An added bonus are the regional recipes at the end of each chapter, be sure to try the Lobster Curry!
   
   Engaging and easily read, Mangoes is a book about the why, not the how to go cruising. Excuse me, while I start packing!
   
   Dave Lochner
   NauticalReads



3. This is such a fun book -- travel log - receipes - adventures and sailing!
   It makes you feel like to are on the journey with them, I only wish I could find more books by this author.



4. Borrowed this book from the library and had to own it! The recipes and stories are amazing! This is a story we would all like to attempt! I would recommend to any island fans!!



5. This book is interesting, well written and, according to my cousin Joe, is a 100% accurate description of what it is like sailing in these Carribean waters. I'd recommend it for anyone interested in travelers tales.

4 comments about Fodor's Caribbean 2008 (Fodor's Gold Guides).

1. This book is very informative. The price was very good and it got to me fast!



2. It is difficult finding information on the small island of Dominica. This book covers it and has a lot of useful information, as well as general travel information.



3. Informative and fun, has the facts straight (the few that I can verify as an infrequent but enthusiastic visitor).



4. We were looking for a place to go on our honeymoon in the Caribbean, but could not decide on which island to choose. This guide provided a great table comparing all the islands based on hotels, restaurants, activities, etc. and then a detailed description of each island. Would definitely recomment as a great starting point in planning your Caribbean vacation.

5 comments about The Hedonist: World Travel Guide.

1. 
   I searched Amazon forever for a singles vacation guide and finally found this little nugget.
   
   The only Bachelor's travel guide you'll need. Take Conde Naste, Lonely Planet, and add women, sports, and testosterone and you've got the Hedonist. These are all party cities, mostly tropic locations, with great fishing and golf at each. Complete travel advice on each city; customs, visas, sports companies to use, taxis, hotels, and the underground clubs to visit. For daytime activity, you'll find all the tourist stuff as well. Short, sweet and to the point. I've taken two trips and the advice was spot on, plus this book is witty and interesting; a hoot to read. All original, there's nothing copied here. This is the only book of it's kind. Highly recommended.



2. I bought this on referral, and would recommend it to anyone. My friends and I were trying to decide between Costa Rica and Cabo, and the book was spot on accurate for both locations. (we couldn't decide, so we went to both!) If you have the money, Cabo is pricey, but the golf and fishing are fantastic. They have a million dollar marlin tournament in October, and the book even recommends the best boats to charter if you want to enter.
   
   For a vacation, The Hedonist is very accurate, funny, and gets right to the point for what guys want; helps you find and choose the fishing, golf courses, nightclubs, girly clubs, hotels, local touristy stuff, you name it. Prices and locations for each.
   
   You'll get a big kick reading about the wild, fascinating stuff that goes on in some of the lesser know cities. We haven't decided on the next spot, but it sounds like they are all worth visiting some day. Great book.



3. This book was referred to me by a frequent overseas travel buddy of mine. What can I say, it's been a life changer. I now take vacations every 6 weeks out of the country. This is a point and click travel guide for sports, fun in the sun, and women by the dozens...it gives perfect advice for any bachelor looking to kick start his life on some spectacular vacations in paradises around the globe. Living in Miami, I can pop out Friday at noon and return on red-eye Sunday night flights and live an alternative life that no one knows anything about. I've had so much fun, and so many life-changing experiences with beautiful, fun loving women overseas, I've ceased dating in the US. American women used to offend me. Now they're comic relief. I suppose it's just the nature of the beast. For some men, after a couple dozen beers, a pig can be mildly appealing when the light hits their snout just right. They're just not for me.
   
   This book really opened my eyes to a better life, better sports activities, beautiful scenery, and vivacious, sexy women without an entitlement complex and attitude problems. I could go on, and on, but if you're not happy with your sex life, and tired of being treated like a third class citizen by bitter, beefy women, pick up the Hedonist and you will never look back.



4. I saved plenty of money using this guide, and after two vacations can say it's quite accurate, and helps you find the best party spots without jacking around. If you're single, this book is what you want. It's a first hand insider's scoop that you won't find the inside scoop in any other book; what to do, places to avoid, etc.
   
   I checked Lonely Planet and Fodor's at the bookstore and it was very generic and geared towards families. The Hedonist is great for sports nut like me, and obviously great for meeting local women. Definitely saved me tons of time so I could cut to chase as soon as landing. It's big fun reading about all the other cities; some places I'd never heard of but sound like they need further research. Highly recommended.



5. I was soo surprised on how accurate this book really was, It was almost like Brett had just left Rio the week before I got there. I just returned from Carnaval 2008 and I had the time of my life! This city is a true male twenty-somethings bachelor's paradise. One of my male friends that travels the world put me on to this book while I was there, and it officially became a checklist. Truly unbelieveable how accurate and precise this book is, and is highly recommended to anyone who wants to be in this "secret society". Just follow the rules to this book, or add them to your current agenda, and you too could have the time of your life in one of these many great cities, just like I did in Rio. I'm buying the book for future destinations, and I've also purchased his other book "The Professional Bachelor", which are now known to me as the The "Red" book, and the "Black" book. Both are must haves and I hope Brett keeps all these goodies coming in the future!