4 comments about Frommer's Bahamas 2005 (Frommer's Complete).

1. The main points I loved about the book is the way the writers get behind the usual spots that everyone sees in the Bahamas; for example, Atlantis, Nassau, Abacos, and really gets down to describing what I feel is best about the Bahamas; that rural, breezy Caribbean feel, and the friendliness of the natives. Their covering of the fishing, diving, and boating possibilities in all the islands is complete, especially about Eleuthera, my favorite Bahamian Out Island.



2. Having shot for 2 weeks in the Bahamas for my "The Best Caribbean Beaches" DVD, this book was my field guide to producing this event. The list of rental car companies on the outer islands (There's like 1 or 2) and Ferry companies were critical to organizing my adventure. Good maps, and descriptions of Beaches, were of great help. I also recommend Fodor's to add additional info that is missing from this book. If you want to see and hear what the Best Caribbean beaches feel like, check our our DVD after reading these books.



3. I can only assume that the people who rated this book positively did so before they travelled to the Bahamas. Here is the short and skinny version of my comments: 50% of the information I tried in the book was incorrect. The restaurants had changed, key tourist spots were closed, and hotels they said were amazing were absolute crap. Some of the places that were no longer open, like the Bird Watching Nature Reserve, had been closed for two years. SOme of the people at the hotel laughed when I showed them parts of the book.
   The Bahamas have been hit by major tropical storms and hurricanes and have suffered due to this. Things close every month and if you want the latest and greatest information, call a hotel that you are considering staying at and get them to tell you what you can do if you stay there. This book was a waste of money.
   I will post the same rating for the Fodor's book, so do not think this is simply a negative for Frommers. I will say that Frommer's was the worse of the two, but Fodor's only get's 2 stars to Frommer's 1.



4. If you get the online version of this book, be sure to download it carefully because you only get to download it once. Also, some of the activities (one of the hotel/casinos and many stores in the International Bazar were closed) in Freeport were unavailable when I got there due to Wilma and other recent hurricanes, something the Frommer's guide did not warn me of in the 2005 edition (the 2006 edition was not available when I purchased the online 2005 edition here). Also they did not tell me about "Smilin Pat Tours" (at smilingpat.com), and she is one of the best tour guides in Freeport, we saw Freeport from a "native's" perspective.

No comments about The Traveller's Tree.

No comments about Rum and reggae: [what's hot and what's not in the Caribbean].

No comments about Bahamas in Pictures (Tourist Classics).

2 comments about Fodor's Caribbean 2002: The Guide for All Budgets, Updated Every Year, with Color Photos and Many Maps (Fodor's Gold Guides).

1. WARNING: If you are planning a trip to Cosumel or Playa Del Carmen-in the Caribbean, you will NOT find any information about these places in this book. Someone should sue Fodor's for calling the book: "Fodor's Caribbean", since it does not encompass the entire Caribbean! I am very disappointed and plan to return the book.



2. i'm writing this review specifically to contradict the previous review. this is a VERY well detailed regional guide, with a devoted chapter for every caribbean state and numerous recommendations in every price category. i actually used this during a caribbean trip this past summer and found its information quite helpful.

   if you are looking for information on cozumel or playa del carmen, or other caribbean-facing beach towns in mexico, buy a travel guide for mexico. the complaint from the other review is the equivalent of buying a travel guide to texas and then complaining that ciudad juarez was left out.

2 comments about Cuba: The Land and the People.

1. This book falls well short of its title's promise. The photographs give a fairly limited view of life in Cuba, and the accompanying captions (there is no additional text) add little to the reader's understanding of "the land and the people." The reason for this failure becomes apparent in the author's introduction, in which he acknowledges that he speaks little Spanish (and therefore was unable to communicate with most of the people he encountered), and the only experience he has with the country is the few trips he took to take his photographs.

   Moreover, many of the photographs are unremarkable -- they look more like typical snapshots any tourist might take, rather than
   the work of a professional photographer.

   This book is of little use to anyone seeking to develop a greater understanding of Cuban life and culture, and has little value as an "art" book. In all, a must miss.




2. This book delivers what it promises, a photographic record of the island without getting involved in political statements. Beautifully illustrated throughout, I found myself taking a visual trip of a land that I left a long time ago.

1 comments about Landmark Visitors Guide to Antigua & Barbuda (Antigua and Barbuda, 1st Ed).

1. My finace and I are planning our Weddingmoon in Antigua. This book is packed with useful infomation and facts about the island. It tells you everything from island customs, what local cusine to expect, what to pack, interest points, the best beaches and much more. I would recommend it to anyone traveling, or considering to travel to Antigua. It will definetly accompany us on our trip!

No comments about Recommended Family Resorts in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean: 100 Quality Resorts With Leisure Activities for Children and Adults (Recommended Family Inns).

No comments about Viaje a La Habana (Viajes).

No comments about The Magic of the Caribbean Islands (Large Picture Books).