No comments about Birnbaum's Caribbean (Birnbaum's Travel Guides).

1 comments about Rum & Reggae's Dominican Republic (Rum & Reggae series).

1. My wife and me are planning a trip to Puerto Plata in June so I purchased this book hoping to gain some useful information. What a disappointment! In fact, the author doesn't cover Puerto Plata (or Playa Dorado and the other nearby tourist areas) at all, saying only that the city was ugly and should be avoided by everyone. This will probably come as a bit of a suprise to the many people who enjoy vacationing there. It is, after all, the second most visited location in the country after Punta Cana.
   
   The other problem is that the author comes across as an elitist snob of the worst kind. The book starts off with him whining about how tough it is to be a travel writer because he has to drive around to different cities and visit different hotels instead of being able to just lounge by the pool. But, of course, he does enjoy getting to brag about his travels later on at the fabulous cocktail parties he attends. He then goes on to complain about how corrupt and poverty stricken the Dominican Republic is, at one point referring to the country as a "banana republic." Hey, if you think so badly of the place then just go home instead of trying to make money by writing a travel guide. There are practically no recommendations for backpackers or others on a tight budget and he refers to all-inclusive hotels as "the bane of the Caribbean". Basically, he just discounts the vast majority of travellers as being too "low class" and instead focuses on the small number of luxury resorts he considers worthy of his "high class" tastes.
   
   This guy is a joke and his lousy book isn't even worth the mere 6 cents (plus $3.99 shipping and handling) that I paid for it. Avoid!

No comments about Acapulco to San Juan.

No comments about Caribbean Island Hopping.

No comments about A Border of Blue: Along the Gulf of Mexico the Keys to the Yucatan.

No comments about Ordnance Survey World Maps.

No comments about Scuba Caribbean.

No comments about Caribbean Diver's Guide.

5 comments about Hidden Tahiti (1996).

1. As a two time, three island visitor to the islands of Tahiti, I did not find this book helpful because it lacks prices and it focuses on upscale lodging/food. On both trips, I've found David Stanley's TAHITI (by Moon Pub.) to be the BEST guide, providing you purchase the most recent edition, as Tahiti's hotels change with the seasons. David Stanley's guides are full of detailed maps, reviews of hikes, beaches, accomodations (from hostels to resorts), food... His advice has never steered us wrong! We owe some great travel experiences to his guide book; TAHITI by D. Stanley is the only one that you will need.



2. We bought 3 books and always seemed to rely on this one. Mr Kay gives great info on restaurants and hidden lodgings, which are the 2 most important topics for us. We actually stayed in one place that he labeled "hidden" and he was right! We could not find the entrance and when we did they were not open to the public, but they decided to let us stay and we were the only guests for a week. No other guide book listed this hidden lodging. Mr. Kay has a more personal approach and gives great descriptions, which the other guide books lack. And as far as not giving exact prices, it's useless to do so as these things change so much anyway. All you need to know is this: you stay in a big hotel where all the other tourists stay you will pay big money for not so much, if you venture out to where the real people live, you pay less and get better service, food, and memories.



3. I chose this book sight unseen because it included the Marquesas which weren't mentioned in the descriptions of most other guides. I cruised the islands on the Tahitian Princess. For each island stop this book was accurate. I followed several tips that maximized the onshore experience.
   
   Most of the islands in French Polynesia are not heavily developed or populated. If you are thinking about a land based vacation I recommend this book because the description of each island and its facilities should give you a feeling of whether you will enjoy your vacation.



4. My husband and I travelled to Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea and Bora Bora. This book was fantastic! I usually only use Lonely Planet tour books when we travel - but I have to say this book was 5 times better than the Lonely Planet Tahiti book! Every island we went to this book directed us to little travelled - non touristy places and we feel we really got to know the islands! I highly reccommend it!



5. Excellent book to have with you as you tour the islands of the South Seas.

1 comments about Berlitz Canary Islands (Serial).

1. This book makes me want to travel to the Canary Islands after cancelling one trip for lack of interest, and even venture off Tenerife to try a couple of the other islands. This is a winner. From Accomodations to Youth Hostels (there aren't any at present) and point by point, this is the book to buy. Each island is detailed for you to decide if it's worth a separate trip. Where to go - what to do - eating out - travel tips - and Berlitz"s language aids.