Reviews (8)

Buy This Book
If you are visiting Cuba in the near future, BUY THIS BOOK. If you think you might tour Cuba,BUY THIS BOOK. If you don't plan to visit Cuba but enjoy reading travel narratives by those who have traveled to exotic places, BUY THIS BOOK.I have just returned from a two week bicycle trip with two friends and can report from experience that Bicycling Cuba is spot-on about everything.The Smiths have many years experience leading bike tours for a large bicycle touring company, so their guide book and route directions are presented as cyclists need and use them.Their routes cover the entire country, and the routes we follwed along the South Coast out of Santiago were accurate to a fault. Everything the Smiths wrote about the terrain, historical sites, social mores, laws,lodgings, and Cuban culture and society proved enormously helpful because everything is written clearly and, most importantly for cyclists, accurately. Anyone planning to tour Cuba by car, train, or bus will also find the book useful. I can't think of anything the Smiths left out, except maybe Fidel's personal telephone number!Europeans and other nationals should not pass up this book because it's in English.Even though written in English they will find the book invaluable.Now that I have been home for a couple of weeks I find myself picking the book up and reading about the places I have been and enjoying them all over again. Bicycling Cuba is about as close to Plato's Ideal Travel Guide as we are likely to see.Congratulations to the Smiths, and if you are thinking about a trip to Cuba, buy Bicycling Cuba.I'll bet you go.

Cycling in Cuba made Easy and Enjoyable
Having never done any cycle touring, speaking very little Spanish and being a middle aged women travelling alone, I thought a few tips and hints and route advice would make my trip a little easier. I found it all and more in "Bicycling Cuba" by Wally and Barbara Smith. Their advice on what to take, where to go, where to stay, and gems to see was unsurpassed. Averyuseful guide
Bicycling Cuba turned out to be invaluable during our three-week trip to the western part of Cuba. The authors really know what they are writing about. Some of the most interesting and rewarding routes suggested in the book were not on the best maps available. The authors' way of describing the routes kilometer by kilometer was of great help because very often roads were unmarked. At the intersections we had no problems in choosing the right road. The book also contains a lot of other useful information, for example, on accomodation.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bicycle touring    2. Bicycle trails    3. Caribbean & West Indies    4. Cuba    5. Cycling - General    6. Guidebooks    7. South America    8. Special Interest - Adventure    9. Travel    10. Travel - Foreign    11. Cycling    12. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (1)

Packing List: 1) Passport 2) Credit Cards 3) LONELY PLANET
Whew-w-w. This is a great entry in a great series of travel books. Thick (thick!) with useful information. The consistent format, the amount of information, the compact physical size of this book make it a must carry reference guide for the Caribbean traveler! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Caribbean Area    3. Europe - Eastern    4. Guidebooks    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Caribbean islands    8. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. General    3. Inspirational    4. Inspirational - Gifts    5. Pictorials    6. Travel    7. Individual photographers    8. Photographs: collections    9. Trinidad & Tobago   

Reviews (37)

Bittersweet memories
This book brought a torrent of bittersweet memories. Like Lynette I'm of Chinese descent, but born in Cuba. It's very rarely that one bumps into a very original travel account like hers. Least of all, not that many have had the opportunity to see the side of Cuba never shown to ordinary tourists. What I really appreciate is her non-biased approach as she shows the daily hardships ordinary people encounter to survive, without rambling on what's already known about living conditions there under Castro. She brings to life the resilience of the people there rather candidly. This is important - the character of the people, not the ugly politics. Lynette, when is your next bike trip back to Cuba? Please let me know I have several suggestions.

Don't Miss This Insightful Down-To-Earth Look At the Real Cuba!
The Handsomest Man In Cuba by Linette Chiang is a wonderful book not to be missed, whether you are a hard core bicyclist, casual traveler, or just interested in the world around you.
The Other Perspective of Cuba
There is nothing like learning about a country than cycling through its cities, villages and hamlets and living and eating with the locals.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography / Women    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies    5. Travel / Essays & Travelogues    6. Travelers    7. Bicycle touring    8. Biography & Autobiography    9. Caribbean & West Indies    10. Cuba    11. Cycling    12. Essays & Travelogues    13. Social life and customs    14. Travel    15. Women    16. Women travelers   

Reviews (1)

Passionate about St. John
One beautiful story after another......how nice it is to feel like you are sitting in someone's living room in St. John while they share stories of life in St.John from their perspective or from their friends'.Every page makes you want to go back to this incredible place in paradise.Gerald Singer has written many wonderful books on St.John but this compilation is by far his best......must reading for those of us who know St. John.....must reading for those of us who would like to know St. John......light and easy......just like their winds.... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Literary Collections / Caribbean & Latin American    2. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies   

Features

• Folded Map

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Maps & Road Atlases    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Mexico    6. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies    7. Travel / road maps & atlases    8. Trinidad & Tobago   

Reviews (8)

Great Overview
This book is great for anyone who hasn't been to Las Vegas in awhile.It gives you good insight into the new hotels and attractions.The book also gives you a low down on the best places to go to eat, people watch and party !

outdated
It was a good book with a great list of top 10 things but the problem is that the times and stuff in the book are way outdated. Don't use this book to go by the times that the hotels do their performaces.It does help to rate places well but I was pretty disappointed in the information. I would suggest you get the 2006 guide to vegas because it is a lot more helpful.

Very useful
I am planning to go to Las Vegas and so I bought this book. This is really useful. I especially like the photos and they make me more looking forward to my trip. Of course, since this is a pocket book, you cannot expect too much detail from it. However, this is more than enough for me who is going for a 5- to 6-day trip. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Guidebooks    3. Las Vegas (Nev.)    4. Travel    5. Travel - General    6. United States - Pacific - Las Vegas    7. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Description and travel    3. Falkland Islands    4. Guidebooks    5. South America    6. Travel    7. Travel - Foreign    8. Falklands    9. Travel & holiday guides    10. Travel / South America   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Guidebooks    3. Puerto Rico    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies   

Reviews (5)

A Nature Tour of Puerto Rico
This is a strong guide for active, nature-loving travellers but also includes information on Internet cafes, bicycle rentals, and the bus system in San Juan.We especially appreciated the list of unusual accommodations.Our favorite was Casa Cubuy on the south side of El Yunque.We had a lovely and memorable stay at this guest house thanks to a friendly host, interesting guests, and stunning views of the rain forest.Other accommodations we enjoyed included Hotel Belgica in Ponce and Villa Cofresi, an affordable resort in Rincon.The book also includes detailed information on the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan, live music spots, and the Arecibo Observatory.The volume shortchanges the striking Rio Camuy Cave Park and lists Old San Juan attractions in a confusing order, but it has interesting extras, such as the blurb about the curious Boiling Nuclear Superheater in Rincon and an explanation of a local pirate, Roberto Cofresi.The concise road maps helped us navigate smaller highways while the hiking maps for the Guanica Forest Reserve and El Yunque helped us guestimate the time needed for an adequate visit.We were especially glad we didn't miss the Bahia Fosforescente (Phosphorescent Bay). The tabs along the edge of the book (south coast, etc.), made for particularly quick reference.

Not really a new edition
We were fairly disappointed with this book. True, although the information was a bit old (and some incorrect), it was satisfactory. But we had used Adventure Guide to Puerto Rico by Harry S. Pariser and this was supposed to be a new edition. However, much of the information that made the other book so enjoyable was missing. We did discover that Harry S. Pariser has a new guidebook, Explore Puerto Rico. We got this guide in time for our trip and used it as well. It was much more compact and had new information in it. It has much better maps and has more information than the previous editions. We found it to be the best guide!

Thorough and descriptive
A down-to-earth guide. Information-packed, offering comprehensive and interesting facts about every aspect of the island.Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Puerto Rico    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (9)

Better than Birnbaums
Don't bother buying both. This one is much more useful and easy to use. I agree with the comments above. Start your cruise early by buying this guide and really get the most for your money!I feel like it is stretching the experience and giving me a head start by familiarizing me with what to expect.
Taking a Disney Cruise?This is the only book you need!
Once again, Jennifer Watson and Dave Marx have done an outstanding job with the new edition of the Passporter Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line!This volume is comprehensive, informative and easy-to-use.The authors are genuine Disneyphiles and their affection for all things Disney is evident in every page of this book.However, they are not blind to its (few) flaws and are careful to let readers know aspects of their trips did not meet their standards.This book is very carefully researched, right down to which meals and restaurants are the best, which cabins are quietest, which cabins have "secret" portholes and which on-shore excursions are best value for the money.Readers will really appreciate their insider tips on how to get the most from their Disney cruise.And the information in the book is regularly updated on the authors' website.I have been vacationing at Disney for decades and Passporter has been my vacation guide ever since they started publishing it.You're going to be spending thousands of dollars on your Disney cruise...spend a few dollars more and you'll be investing in a book that will really help you get the most out of your vacation.Passporter is outstanding and worth every cent!

Don't plan your cruise without this guide!
As first-time cruisers, we had much to learn.This guide explains everything, answered all of my questions and provided a wonderful overview of the cruise.This book is a must if you're taking the Disney cruise! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Reference - Cruise Guides    3. Travel    4. Travel - General    5. United States - South Atlantic - Florida   

Reviews (12)

Escape Into History
Part escapist adventure and part historical journey to the Caribbean, Seasoned by Salt tells the tale of a couple who took a year off from their careers to sail the Caribbean. It's a well written yarn, and Mashaw does an excellent job of blending the history of the islands into the contemporary account of his voyage in a way that puts current events into historical perspective. A great added bonus are Anne MacClintock's Passage Notes. She provides a more personal view of the journey, and an occasional counter-point to Mashaw's narrative. - Joe

Nice sailing adventure
The old adage, cruising is fixing your boat in exotic places, certainly applies here.The book is very well written, and the interplay of hearing two sides (husband and wife) about the same events adds depth.After reading the book, I think that flying to Grenada, chartering a boat for a month (ooh the hated charterer) and exploring that area was the highlight of their journey, would be better than all the time and discomfort they experiences getting from Connecticut to the Carribean.
an engagingintelligent sailing story
I have just finished the wonderfully wriltten book, Seasoned by Salt, by Jerry Mashaw and Anne McClintock.The flowing narrative will make you feel as though you are right in the cockpit with them, immersed in all the experiences that crossing on the open seas offers up.Though it is not a tutorial on cruising, this book is a must read for anyone who is contemplating sailing to the Caribbean.It is full of valuable information on what one could expect from bule water and island sailing.Sprinkled with humor, it is a fast read.But what was unexpeded was the depth of research done by Jerry Mashaw into the social economic and political history of the coastal towns along the Eastern Seaboard and islands they explored.The extent of his research is rarely found in books of travel.But Mr. Meshaw seems careful not to bog down this book of adventure with too much intellectualizing.Lastly, I found Seasoned by Salt an inspiring love story of two intelligent people finding new levels of understanding that will certainly carry them though many future voyages.I only hope they will put them to paper so we can share in their adventures once again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Caribbean & West Indies    3. Caribbean Area    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. MacClintock, Anne U    6. MacClintock, Anne U.    7. Mashaw, Jerry L    8. Mashaw, Jerry L.    9. Palaemon (Sailboat)    10. Sailing - General    11. Sailing - Narratives    12. Seafaring life    13. Sports    14. Sports & Recreation    15. Travel    16. Boating    17. Caribbean islands    18. Travel writing   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Cayman Islands    5. Travel & holiday guides    6. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies    7. Description and travel    8. Guidebooks    9. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest   

Reviews (3)

Good for dreaming
I received this book the day after I had to postpone my planned ninth trip to Bermuda. Ouch! Even though I've been to Bermuda several times, my last trip was a few years ago. This book brought me up to date on what has changed (fortunately, not much) and new things to see and do. I like Lonely Planet's approach to guide books. They don't focus on just the fancy, popular "tourist trap" types of places but also include slightly off-beat attractions, restaurants, etc., that other guidebooks tend to ignore.

A great achievement for a small place...
The major obstacle which hinders the performance of Lonely Planet and other guidebooks is that they often try and cover a very wide country or region, such as "Lonely Planet China" or "Lonely Planet USA", not to mention things like "Lonely Planet Africa on a shoestring". This often means that, in over 800 pages of a bulky book, only few are really relevant to what the reader is looking for. Indeed, the reader can be lost among lots of information, data, etc., which she or he has no interest in: if I find myself in Nairobi and am looking for a restaurant, do I really need to find myself browsing information about the visa procedures for Cameroon or the hotels of Sierra Leone ? Luckily, Bermuda is a much smaller place, and this has enabled the author and editors to truly produce a well-focused, condensed and overall excellent guidebook. The information for the visitor is complete and accurate, up-to-date, and indeed extremely useful (even in a place which does not present particular cultural or social obstacles for the average visitor): while Bermuda may still be possible to get to know on one's own, the aid of this little guidebook will be paramount. Its sections on hotels, restaurants, entertainment, are excellent. Coverage of things to see and do, sports and other activities, is down-to-the-point and very full. The sections on history and culture are also of great value, excellently written, easy-to-read in a captivating and pleasant prose, making this truly enjoyable and worthy reading for everyone. It is indeed a book one should surely pack before setting off to Bermuda.

Worth its weight in sunken treasure
I spent two weeks in Bermuda, and was very glad I brought this book along with me.I doubt very much that there are many interesting corners of the country that have been overlooked by the authors of this guide--some ofwhich I never would have thought to investigate had this book not alertedme to their existence.I especially appreciated all the historical andcultural details, and found that it was an invaluable tool in keeping costsdown in a country where just about everything is VERY pricey.This bookhas since been re-used by other members of my family on their own trips toBermuda, and has paid for itself several times over. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. HotelsInnsetc.    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Bermuda    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Barbados    5. Dominica    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Reference - Cruise Guides    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies   

Subjects:  1. Boats and boating    2. Caribbean & West Indies    3. Dominican Republic    4. Guidebooks    5. Reference - Cruise Guides    6. Reference - Guides (General)    7. Travel - Foreign    8. Turks and Caicos Islands   

Reviews (1)

Moderate Detail
This map provides a moderate level of detail for several islands. If you want a higher level of detail, including "back roads", you'll need to buy a map that includes just one island. I couldn't find a one-island map of St. Croix on Amazon, but I expect that one will be available locally. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Atlases - General    2. General    3. Maps    4. Reference   

Reviews (1)

Beautifully written concise book!
I really love this book..it is really well written and incredibly informative.I would love to read anything Lawson Wood decided to write next!Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Sports    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies   

Reviews (3)

Bad
This map is another bad map of the island.I bought several before I spent the summer there, and I threw this one away.It must be over 10 years old.I bought one from a local gas station on the island which was cheaper, and much, much better.

Outdated, Outdated, Outdated
This map has just not kept up with the times!There are errors throughout - you just can't trust it.The only map really sold on the island is from Metrodata and its updated every year.I wouldn't trust any other road maps of Puerto Rico.

MapEasy To Use
This map is easy to use.It folds and unfolds easy and isn't difficult to manipulate like paper maps.The level of detail on this map is a lot better that the level of detail provided on maps provided by Puerto Rico hotels and Car Rental agencies.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Maps    3. Maps & Road Atlases    4. Travel - United States    5. United States - General    6. Maps, charts & atlases    7. Mexico    8. Puerto Rico