Reviews (28)

1 part sour; 2 parts sweet
This was a fine effort from Ms. Vanderhoof.I wasn't sure about it- this book takes some time to "ripen" at least for me. She doesn't spend any time on how they were able to take two years off and I guess that ok but I kept wondering about it.When they actually get to the Caribbean the whole book really blooms.The love that these two feel for the areas they live in becomes infectious.The recipes are interesting but where would this Michigan resident find the ingredients?When the author is writing about the people she meets, Mr. Butter, the Minister of Rum, Dingis and family, those are the most WONDERFUL passages in the book.This was not a perfect book but it is an interesting book and I'm so glad I read it.

Wonderful Escape
I love the Caribbean and this was a wonderful trip through the Islands.I loved all the recipes too.

It certainly made me want to sail the Caribbean!
This book really did make me want to forget life in the boring, cold U.S. and sail around the Caribbean! I read it during the summer, however, I think it would have been better to read in the winter...a nice escape from reality. Although the recipes are a little much (I doubt I could find 3/4 of the ingredients in the states, at least, not where I live), Mrs. Vanderhoof does a great jobs with her characters...I especially enjoyed reading about the rum guy!
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Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Essays & Travelogues    3. Regional & Ethnic - Caribbean & West Indian    4. Travel    5. Travel - General    6. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies   

Subjects:  1. Bahamas    2. Caribbean & West Indies    3. Guidebooks    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Turks and Caicos Islands    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel   

Reviews (4)

Useful Book on a Pleasant Country
First a disclaimer, I lived in Panama, went to high school and college in the old Canal Zone.I have nothing but pleasant memories. In part because I left before Noriega came to power. His dictatorship was a horrible period for both countries.This well-written, up to date book points out what so many Zonians knew for generations: Panama is a lovely place to live.It has beaches, hot steamy rain forests, cool valley's, historical sites and even very chilly coffee producing mountains. Its two large major cities at both ends of the canal are very cosmopolitan. They are modern, have good medical facilities, etc.A tourist mecca for sure.
Disappointed
Before I moved to Panama I read all of the books on the subject. Despite having some good info. this book really turned me off.
Choose Panama, I liked it!
My wife and I are going to retire in Altos del Maria, Panama in the next few years.I bought this book to add to the library and see what the author had to say.It is a great first book or an add-on to a collection.With nearly four years of research and visits to Panama, I found few things I would disagree with and a few new items which I didn't know.The hotel and resturants section is nice although guessing prices is a moving target.At times, the author seems to become a cheerleader and promoter, but, that may be because the subject is truly exciting.I would recommend this purchase to anyone for pre-visit/dreaming of retirement fare.Pay attention to the social and cultural sections; they are right on.And, IN CAPITAL LETTERS, take his advice on getting a lawyer for any official business regarding property purchase or obtaining a Visa. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Caribbean & West Indies    3. Consumer Finance    4. Personal Finance    5. Personal Finance - Retirement Planning    6. Caribbean islands    7. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY   

Reviews (1)

An exceptionally useful and beautiful work of art!
This is an absolutely fascinating book on the Caribbean - the content, the writing and the photography are all superb.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Caribbean & West Indies    3. General    4. History - General    5. Travel - Foreign    6. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (7)

Great Additional Resource
Good information on Puerto Rico and Spanish Virgins.A lot of local knowledge info. Complements other guides to have on board for this area by Street and Nancy & Simon Scott,as he states in this publication.

Editor desperately needed!
Book should be titled "Why I Love the Dominican Republic and Why You Should Spend a Lot of Cruising Time There... and BTW Here's How to Get There." Edit his opinions and D.R. material to something reasonable, and you'd wind up with a good and useful book about 20 pages long.

DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT
If you are planning to cruise the Bahamas and Virgins - Van Sant is as important as your GPS.Don't leave home without it.Then, USE IT.Follow his advice - to the letter.The "Gentleman Cruiser" knows of what he speaks.He's been there-done it-and has the t-shirt (or knowledge - if you will).Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Sailing - Navigation    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Travel   

Editorial Review

Jamaica is a small but complex island. Famous for her beaches and music, there is an abundance of stretches of white sandbedecked by palm trees and lapped by turquoise waters. Reggae, Jamaica's other celebrated quality, is alive and happening. It is necessary to have a good guideto find your way to the Blue Mountains and Back River, check out the wildlife, and understand the island's culture--as well as to navigate your way through Kingston to the best reggae haunts, drinking holes, and Jamaican food stands. Read more

Reviews (6)

Helped build the excitement!
We ordered this book about 2 months before our trip to Jamaica, our first trip out of the USA.This book both helped us feel prepared and helped build our excitement.Knowledge aleviated any fears we were having about being fish out of water.This book is a must have for any "first-timer".

excellent guidebook
I just returned from Jamaica.I took 3 guidebooks with me, Rough Guide, Lonely Planet and Frommers.Rough Guide blew the others out of the water, and according to the locals was the only decent guide.Lonely Planet was so poor on Jamaica, that we surmised the writer probably got hung up smoking ganja in Montego Bay and never made it to the other cities, using promotional brochures and faxed promotional blurbs to write the text.Meanwhile, Rough Guide presented a picture that fit with what the locals knew and recommended.We had a great trip, virtually skipping Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, and seeing a number of towns including Port Antonio, Treasure Beach and Runaway Bay.Rough Guide had excellent food, accommodation, and siteseeing recommendations throughout.

Everything you need to know
I have been to Jamaica many times since 1972, doing research as an anthropologist, which includes reading everything I can about its people and culture as well as traveling about and living in various communities. I picked up this book shortly before my most recent trip, hoping to get some hints on places to stay as it's been awhile since I've been back. I read it thoroughly as I traveled extensively around the island for 18 days.And I'm quite impressed.It is an extremely informative and accurate guide to the history, culture, things to see and do, places to eat and stay.The hotel reviews are brief but to the point.The advice is sound.The maps are very helpful.The only criticism I can make is that in at least two cases I found the directions to be wrong.I am most impressed with the fact that the book can really get you out of the tourist areas and into the real Jamaica.It is a great guide for those who want to EXPLORE the island and come to know it well.This takes time, a car, and money, though.Finally, I'd like to add that the book is just the right size, easy to carry, and has a very sturdy cover and binding, so it'll survive more than one trip.I suppose the greatest compliment is that a Jamaican friend wanted me to give it to her after she discovered it had information on her own town that she didn't know. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Jamaica    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies   

Reviews (4)

The Best Stories in the World
I recommend this book to all people, especially the Puerto Ricans, because it talks about our roots, our culture and our different ethnic origins.After you read this book you will understand our Spanish people more, know about our needs and be more understandable of Puerto Rican people.
Reviews from California : Repasos de California
I found this book to be very helpful in two important ways: widening myperspective of Latin culture, and bettering my Spanish readingcomprehension. The 18 stories are each short enough to keep the readerinterested in the story, but filled with enough vocabulary to keep him orher constantly learning. Plus, the reader that is a little shaky can usethe opposite page in English as a crutch, and there is also an index ofvocabulary in the back of the book if one would prefer that approach. Iwould recommend this book to anyone who wants to further their vocabulary,while at the same time broaden their cultural perspective.

Puerto Rico's Tales & Legends in One Book
As a compilation of 18 legends, true-life experiences, and mysteries, "Stories from Puerto Rico," provides that reader with a widearray of stories all relating to the island's folklore and supernaturaloccurrences. The book's bilingual text, allowing both English andSpanish-language readers to enjoy these tales and accounts. Thechronological order of these stories also is beneficial to classify whichlegends/accounts are recent and which are from the Spanish-colonial era.The tales in this book goes as follows:Read more

Subjects:  1. Bilingual books    2. Essays & Travelogues    3. Fiction - General    4. Legends    5. Puerto Rico    6. Readers    7. Short Stories (Anthologies)    8. Spanish language    9. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction    10. Travel    11. Language readers    12. Spanish    13. Travel / Essays & Travelogues   

Reviews (1)

A good reference
We have used another title in the series and found it very useful.The photos show not only the areas in question but also the approaches.We use this guide in conjunction with charts because nothing says it easier than a picture!Highly recommended but remember to use charts also. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. General    3. Travel    4. Travel - General   

Reviews (6)

DON'T HESITATE!
This was not my first time using a Frommer's travel guide for the purpose of having the best time possible in an unknown place.I purchased the book a day before my Aruba trip, read it on the plane and actually kept it in our rental car for consistant reference.As far as I'm concerned - these travel books tell it like it is, good or bad. I can't imagine anyone giving this book less than 5 stars!Buy it!

A must!
We found Frommer's and Fodor's travel books to possess the best of information on Aruba. My husband Alan stated he didn't feel like a novice coming into this lovely tropical paradise thanks to these guides.
Great Reference Book
I purchased this book and have used it on two vacations to Aruba. I refered to it several times while I was there. Maps are very helpful, as are the restaurant reviews! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Travel & holiday guides    6. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies    7. Windward Islands   

Reviews (3)

Stephen P's First Guide
I have been cruising the Bahamas for over 30 years. For all these long times there was just one cruising guide available. And it was quite limited in scope. The along came Stephen Pavlidis. He has singlehandedly upgraded the quality and safetyof Bahamas cruising . His Exumas Cruising Guide is the most complete information you can get for that area. I wouldn't think of cruising the Exumas without it. Stephen Crow, K4CPX

Don't leave home without it
I have cruised the Exumas four winters on my Jeanneau 41.I wouldn't think of doing it without Steven's wonderful book.He includes, for example, many chartlets not to be found in any other guide.Hence, I wasable to find anchorages not well known (and which had, as a result, morelobster!). Essential and Comprehensive
I found the book to be the Bible for getting in and around the Exuma Cays.More importantly, the book nicely deals with the history, geography, flora and fauna of the cays.There is no way that a person should consider sailing, motoring or paddling into the Exumas without this book in hand. Too bad it was not printed on waterproof paper and bound with stainless steel staples. If your headedfor the Exumas be sure to read and bring a copy along.It might also help to secure it in a large zip lock plastic bag. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bahamas    2. Boating - General    3. Boats and boating    4. Caribbean & West Indies    5. Exuma    6. Exuma (Bahamas)    7. Guidebooks    8. History    9. Nautical charts    10. Travel    11. Travel - Foreign    12. Boating    13. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Scuba & Snorkeling    3. Special Interest - Adventure    4. Swimming And Diving    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel Guides    8. Caribbean islands    9. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (18)

Excited to visit!!!
I recently purchased this book because my fiance and I are planning on going to St. John for our honeymoon. We have spent many hours together reading this handy guide, which is informational as well as being filled with anecdotes, facts about plants and wildlife, and historical tales of pirates, slave rebellions and local life. We are both so excited after reading this book that we can't wait to arrive on St. John and start exploring!!!

Splendid book!
I came across this book while surfing the internet looking for somewhere different that we could go for our family vacation. I found the website written by the authors which is worth checking out if you want to find out more indepth information on the book and the place. It's: www.islandways.com.
A worthwhile purchase!!!!
My friends and I all went down to the Virgin Islands over spring break. We were staying on St. Thomas, but got tired of shopping and decided that we wanted to do some exploring. We were directed to take a ferry over to St. John where I found this book in a local shop. We rented a jeep and followed the North Shore route where we visited Annaberg and stopped at Trunk Bay for a swim. What a wonderful little book! It really helped us to learn about how special an island St. John is, and made us feel more like explorers of a tropical paradise rather than some tourists that are shuttled back and forth. I only wish that we had been able to stay longer and visit more of the sites listed in this guidebook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Saint John    3. Saint John (V.I.)    4. Tours    5. Travel    6. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies    7. Virgin Islands of the United S    8. Virgin Islands of the United States    9. Walking    10. Caribbean & West Indies   

Reviews (7)

Colorful Helpful Maps and Photos with useful information
The insight guide to Puerto Rico is typical of the insight guides in that it provides full color photos of attractions, people and area maps. They cover most topics about the destination.
The guide I recommend for my travel course to P.R.
I was a professor at the Univ. of Puerto Rico during the 1980s, and return occasionally for scientific work. I also teach a Tropical Biology course every other year that includes spring break in Puerto Rico. I've read about eight guides to Puerto Rico and nearby islands, and I think this is the best in terms of accurately reviewing history, culture, and some of the biology and geology. The photographs are extraordinary, and really capture the island in all its facets. This Guide also gives the best information about each town's history and points of interest. It probably devotes the least space to casinos and cruise ship information, but I see that as a strength. I want my students to develop some understanding of the history and culture of Puerto Rico, even though it's a biology class, and I have found the first couple chapters of the Insight Guide do a better job than any of the drier academic sources out there. If you want to buy a guide to Puerto Rico for your own enrichment, this is the one to get.

Pictorial Tour of the Island of Enchantment
Known for their numerous photographs, researched facts, and great coverage of historical and cultural items, the "Insight Guides" series has covered almost every nation on earth with wonderfully. Their "Insight Guide to Puerto Rico" was especially much more fascinating to me since they covered a lot of things and places I did not know about my homeland.Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides   

Reviews (3)

As the title says:"Magnifico!"
Having travelled to Puerto Rico dozens of times over the past twenty years (and I lived there for a time as well), I have to say this is absolutely the most impressive and complete "coffee-table" book on theisland that I have ever seen. It is large-format, filled with superb colorphotographs (including a lot of aerials and a fascinating "then andnow" chapter of archival pictures side-by-side with the same scene asit is today). And the text doesn't insult your intelligence -- it's aconcise overview of Puerto Rico's history. An added plus is the Spanishtranslation (done by a Puerto Rican translator) at the back of the book --too many books about Puerto Rico ignore the island's linguistic heritage!I've given several copies to friends who love the island. The jacket blurbsays the author was once a Peace Corps Volunteer, and it shows ... this isa real in-depth portrait, not just "post-cardy" superficialcoverage.

Magnificent Arm Chair Travel
For anyone familiar or unfamiliar with Puerto Rico, this superb pictorial and eloquently written portrait of this country, its culture, its people and its history, will bring the reader palpably close to the very pulse ofthe island.Page after page of breathtaking photography and descriptivenarrative succeed in transporting you to the the subject matter at hand. Both visually and verbally, this book lifts you right off each page as itgives you a soaring birdseye view of one of the Caribbean's most beautifulisland destinations.The overall impact of this book on one's senses canonly be exceeded by actually being there.Otherwise, be prepared for someunsurpassable armchair travel.

The ultimate guide to Puerto Rico.
This stunner provides you with two books rolled into one, a beautiful and timeless collection of more than 100 lush photographs as well as an easy-to-read history of Puerto Rico.It is apparent from the obvious careand attention to detail that went into this book that the author is bothdedicated to his craft and enamored of the people and island that he isprofiling.The book depicts the great diversity of Puerto Rico -- from thehustle and bustle of its urban centers (including the grand architecturalheritage) to the most desolate and pristine parts of the island, shown bothin close-up and from the air.The stars of the book are the peoplethemselves, who act as guides to the island and invite you to visit themfor the first time or simply to return again as old friends. A highlyrecommended work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Photography / Photo Essays    2. Travel    3. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies    4. Caribbean & West Indies    5. Description and travel    6. Photo Essays    7. Photography    8. Pictorial works    9. Puerto Rico    10. Travel - Foreign   

Editorial Review

The thought of Cuba conjures images and associations with Castro politics and contraband cigars, but a visit reveals more: vibrant hummingbirds, corral-colored flamingos, a profusion of insect life, and miles of sugarcane. The Read more

Reviews (25)

Comprehensive, but...
This is an excellent thoroughly researched, detailed book as stated in other reviews.
The Definitive Cuban Guidebook!
Chris Baker knows Cuba intimately.This guidebook is hands down better than the others (in fact, forget Lonely Planet on Cuba - trust me).It contains a brief history of culture and politics (the two entwined in this country) as well as in-depth coverage of the sites you want to see.
It helped me put into words what eyes were witnessing!
I've never gone on an overseas adventure without a guide book, and usually they are good for a few phone numbers and museum hours, but mostly end up being dead weight in your pack. This book on Cuba was like a lifeline during my adventure in Fidel's homeland. Anyone who has been to this pearl of the caribbean know's the social, political and economical ocean that is the Cuba of today is 100,000 leagues deep, and as a foreigner you feel as though you are caught, tumbling, in a wave not knowing which way is up. This book helps to make sense of Cubas past, while helping you to understand the nuances that hint to its uncertain future. A true pleasure to explore, with my Moon's book in hand! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Cuba    6. North America    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (7)

Good Start
Great information that is helping plan a schedule for our trip to the BVI.

The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands:A Complete Guide for Yachtsmen, Divers and Watersports Enthusiasts
I purchased this book prior to a sailing trip through the British Virgin Islands.My family has bareboat chartered in other locations before, but was our first trip to the BVI.This guide was outstanding - gave thorough information about anchoring, mooring and also activities and amenities to enjoy on the various islands.I would highly recommend purchasing this book prior to boating in the Virgin Islands.There is so much to do - we plan to go back next year - we couldn't get to all of the great places this year on a 9 day trip.

An easy guide for some the worlds easiest sailing waters
The spiral binder is a simple solution to using the book aboard. While it is true that you'll get a lot of ads it's a fair trade off since you'll only pay about half of what other cruising guides cost and it will show you the services you're likely to use. I find the technical aspects of this guide (anchoring, mooring, customs, etc.) to be clear and accurate. I've used some well respected guides for other areas that were not so. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel    3. Sailing    4. Travel & holiday guides    5. Virgin Islands    6. Water sports & recreations   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Special Interest - General    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Caribbean islands    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies   

Reviews (1)

A Valuable Tool For Travelers
"A Traveler's Guide To Caribbean History" should accompany every visitor to the islands and waters of the West Indies. Don and Dene Dachner have produced an essential guide for all who are interested in understanding the history of their Caribbean destinations.Following an overview of the history of the entire region, the Dachners provide informative capsule reviews of the history of each Caribbean destination from Amerindian times through the colonial period - be it Spanish, British, French, Dutch or American - to the present day. The book includes maps, photographs and such useful information as local tourist contacts.The Dachners' "A Traveler's Guide To Caribbean History" should be in every Caribbean traveler's bag and every Caribbean cruise ship's library and gift shop. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Caribbean & West Indies - General    3. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Caribbean Area    7. Guidebooks    8. History   

Reviews (2)

Delectable
If these delectable guides' plentiful pix don't get you drooling to explore, you need to get your salivary glands checked. The text is also noteworthy

One of the best
One of the best travel book series, with attention to detail, plus numerous color photographs and fine maps. Lots of instructions regarding practical travel matters. (Travel BooksRead more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Cayman Islands    3. Guidebooks    4. Reference - General    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel & holiday guides