Reviews (6)

Out dated material
I find nothing worse about a travel guide that is old before it is issued. I found almost every area of this book to be not just one or two years behind what the writer was saying about prices but even places that had been closed for more than two years before this book was sold. Maybe this writer should have done a little checking on his own, before letting it be published.
A Great Read as Well
Bill Friar is enjoyable to read. His books on Panama and the Canal have always appealed, because he is interested in the environment as well as the necessities of travel, hotel, restaurants.He brings the reader close to the sights, sounds and smells of a country, and off the usual beaten path.I recommend this book highly. Hal De Mun

Indispensable!
Just returned from 2 weeks in Panama with Mr. Friar's guidebook close at hand. We also had, by way of backup, a copy of the Lonely Planet guide. Without doubt the Moon Handbook is the superior guide and I would consider it indispensable for anyone traveling to Panama. Friar's writing style is highly readable and we found the research and his assessment of the opportunities to be spot on. From budget travel to luxury stays, Friar covers the gamut with humor and perceptive insight. The only caveat I would offer is that the prices quoted by the author are already out of date. We found lodging to be consistently $5 - 15 higher than the prices quoted in the book. This is the challenge of writing about a dynamic world using a static medium, and in no way is meant to be a negative comment about the book or author. The reality is that Panama has "been discovered," and prices are rising to reflect increasing demand. Still, we had a great time and the success of our trip was due in no small part to the guidance set down in Moon Handbooks Panama. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Central America    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Panama    5. Travel & holiday guides    6. Travel / Central America   

Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach.While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.Read more

Reviews (45)

Great book
I have a tour operator in Peru, [...] I meet the writer, Rob Rachowiecki, he is a great explorer and he was a tour leader in Peru andean areas.
Take the advice!
I found the LP Peru guide to be a useful tool on my recent trip to Lima, Cuzco and Machu Pichu.The country overview was insightful, the restaurant recommendations were tastey, and the advice about altitude sickness was ignored.Big mistake.I've never paid attention to LP's health warnings and never had a problem.If you're heading to Cuzco, you'd be well advised to listen to their experienced writers and bring the necessary medicine.

Good, but missing info
I used this guide for travelling with my family and was fairly useful, except for some good spots that were not considered.
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Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Peru    3. South America    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (1)

Add this book to your collection!
I just got the book and in short, was very impressed.The book fills in the gap in the taxonomic order not covered in the famous Birds of South America Vol. I & II by Ridgely and Tudor.The book is small and compact (5" X 7.5").The illustrations are great...a bit crowded on some pages (as can be expected with the size), but overall are visually appealing and birds are identifiable (unlike other Princeton Illustrated Checklists I've seen recently).The book is just that though, an illustrated checklist.Each bird is illustrated on one side with a corresponding paragraph describing the bird and habitat on the opposite side. Each species has a small range map next to the text block as well.
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Subjects:  1. Birds & Birdwatching - General    2. Nature    3. Nature/Ecology    4. South America    5. Biological Sciences    6. Birds & birdwatching    7. Birds and Natural History    8. Nature / Birds & Birdwatching   

Reviews (8)

The Surfer's Guide to Costa Rica by Mike Parise
Simpy a must have for anyone traveling to Costa Rica. Don't think too much about it, it would be foolish not to buy. It will definitly pay for itself many times over.

A board, towel and this book
are the only things you need for Costa Rica.I saw this on Cutback.com, bought it and it told me everything I needed to know.
Excellent book
this is a great book if you are going to costa rica, it has great detail and maps, nothing to detailed but it tells you what maps to buy, would reccomend ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Sports & Recreation / Water Sports    3. Travel / Central America    4. Central America    5. Costa Rica    6. Guidebooks    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Surfing    9. Travel    10. Water Sports   

Reviews (3)

Lonely Planet comes through again!
I purchased three Belize guide books, and this was by far the best! Fantastic Book - RIGHT ON THE MONEY
Bravo Lonely Planet!
Good for some, not for budget travel
How to rank this book depends upon what you are looking for. In my case, I've been using Lonely Planet guides for many years and am accustomed to their assistance for traveling on a real budget. This book was different in that it focused much more on the mid-range of travel, and was really lacking on the budget end. For example, it assumes that you will use a tour and tour guide to visit many archeological sites instead of pulling it off using public transportation and your feet. And the least expensive hotels are often not covered.
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Subjects:  1. Central America    2. Mexico    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Belize    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (1)

Great Guide book to South America
This is a great guide book for South America.I was looking at many of them, and thought this was the most useful for how to get around, different levels of accomodations in case you wanted high end, mid or budget...really gives you a good sense.I looked at Lonely Planet, which I normally like, but feel the South America book was lacking.I also looked at Footprint for Peru and Ecaudor...but those were hard to follow for the price ranges of hotels as they use a lettering system.I have used Frommers in the past and will continue to do so for future trips as it gives you a balanced approach and extra tips on where you may want to spend more money for the location or safety. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. South America    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / South America   

Reviews (23)

Highly Recommend "The Plain Truth about Living in Mexico"
As someone who has visited Mexico several times as I struggle with my study of Spanish, and who is thinking of moving there, I found this book to be far superior to the general run of guides on the expatriate life or retiring in Mexico. Some of the others of this genre just lack the ring of authenticity, or seemed to be aimed at people with a lot of bucks who are headed for a gated community or an expensive house in Cabo San Lucas. But the Bowers' book has that ring of authenticity and is squarely aimed at the (for lack of a better cliche) "average Joe" who is looking for a life that is different and/or better and needs down-to-earth practical advice on how an American can make this transition.
LOTS OF HELPFUL INFORMATION!
This book was packed with important information.We will take the Bower's advice and make several, short trips in order to pinpoint our new home.We want to live among the Mexican population and plan to brush up our rusty Spanish.I was glad to see that we possess the traits necessary to become "successful expatriates."
Too much ranting, too little information
There are quite a few books available on moving to Mexico.So far I've read 3 of them and this one was by far the least helpful.There are a few nuggests of information, but there are also pages and pages of the author's personal opinions about American TV commercials and teenagers owning cellphones.Not to mention all the details of the author's health problems.I didn't pay good money for this, nor do I appreciate the time wasted wading through it.Even the ranting about Ugly Americans, which I completely agree with, was repeated ad nauseum--there's no need to tell us over and over and over.If you want to know everything you possibly can about Mexico, then you might want to include this book on your list, but there are much better books out there. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aging - General    2. Aging - Retirement    3. Mexico    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Family & Relationships-Aging - Retirement    7. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    8. Travel / Mexico   

Reviews (4)

Awesome guide
Came across this book in June before my business trip to Ecuador and found it more helpful than Moon or Lonely Planet has ever been. While not the most professionally looking (pages inside are creme colord and the images are grainy) the information in the book is outstanding-- its a mix of popular tourist places and off-the beaten path things to see and do. It is also all up-to -date information (esp. the prices and location),which is good for Ecuador since places go under and new shops and restaurants open up all the time.
Good and usefull book.
What can I say... a good book simple as that and more than glad to have it in my collection of travel books. I was surprised by the accuracy of the content, address, phone and e-mail (if mail) information (I am one of the nerds that really checks... arggg). What can I say... going to Ecuador and/or the Galapagos (been there, done that) bring this book with you. It's handy if you are in a need of a guide (book). It's light to bring yet contains lot's of useful information for one of these day you don't know but need a hint from your `guide'..
So glad I found this book before I travelled and it was always at the top of my day-pack when I was there!
This book is an excellent resource for planning a trip to Ecuador and it is particularly helpful for Quito and the Galapagos. I think this book must be the best for selecting a Galapagos boat. There are so many boats to choose from and it is really helpful to have the information all in one place - it was so confusing trying to choose a boat because I found it hard to understand the difference between all the different classes of boat, but it is all explained clearly in the book. The information on hotels and restaurants in Quito seems to be very thorough too. I found some great places to eat by using this book.
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Subjects:  1. Reference - Guides (General)    2. South America    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign   

Editorial Review

Mexico is a heady sort of place; it inundates you with sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations. A dry text, no matter how informative, just doesn't do justice to Mexico's allure. DK's Eyewitness Travel Guide series, on the other hand, does. Sure, it provides the necessary data points. The "Travelers' Needs" section contains 168 recommended hotel options and another 168 restaurants--as well as a beautifully illustrated guide to the foods of Mexico. And there are pages of practical information on visas, health precautions, time zones, electricity, taxis, security, banking, communications, and the like.Read more

Reviews (7)

The best I've seen
I've been to Mexico twice, and I'm in love with it. I was planning a special short trip on Easter week this year, but because of personal reasons I couldn't go. In my frustration, I went to the book store and looked at every guide about Mexico, and to my surprise, this was the most complete. The rest were just text. I bought it inmediately, and while I read it I traveled without leaving home. The most importante feature is the abundance of pictures. Great Travel Guide, Beautiful Coffee Table Book!
. A work of art that fails to inspire
If you want the definitive picture guide ot the wonderful archaeological sights of Mexico, then this book is it.All the major cities are covered in spendid colour - as is Mexico city.The eidtors have done a wonderful job in bringing the highlights alive.When you open the pictures pages you will really want to see the real thing up close. Read more

Subjects:  1. Mexico    2. Travel    3. Travel - United States    4. Travel / Mexico   

Reviews (16)

Extremely Helpful
I just returned from a trip to Brazil, and though I know some Spanish, I had no previous exposure to Portuguese.This phrasebook proved invaluable in helping me bridge the gap, and contributed to me having an even better time, and blending in better with the locals.

Passable
Beware of serious pronunciation errors in this book.Although it was overall pretty useful, there were some glaring errors in areas where there likely shouldn't have been.Case in point, the phonetic pronunciation for tchau (goodbye) in the book is spelled out as "tee-show."At least in Bahia, it was pronounced by the locals just like the Italian "ciao."The word "vinte" (twenty) is spelled out "veeng-te" in the book, while again everyone we encountered in Bahia pronounced it "veen-chay."I don't know if these are regional differences in Brazilian Portuguese, but if so, they need to at least be addressed in the book.Take care when using the phrasebook to listen to the local speakers as well.

Best Brazilian Portuguese phrase book I've found!
I'm just a lonely writer wanna-be in the heart of the middle of nowhere, so what do I choose to write -- a period piece of Brazil.I can't even begin to praise this book enough.Not only do I get phrases and words, but there are all sorts of little historical and cultural details.
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Subjects:  1. Central America    2. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    3. General    4. Language    5. Miscellaneous    6. Multi-Language Phrasebooks    7. Portuguese    8. Spanish    9. Travel    10. Brazil    11. Brazilian Portuguese    12. Language self-study & phrasebooks    13. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (3)

Wondefull book.
I tested this book down in the wilderness of the Baja California peninsula and it worked out just fine. Very good information and photos.

Overall, a good book
Overall, "Baja California Plant Field Guide" is a good book forthe naturalist. However, its design may not help the begginer since itassumes that the readear has a well developed knowledge in plantmorphology. Introductions to Baja California and its bioregions are verygood but the section for plant identification may cause some trouble to thenaturalist that is trying to identify a new plant species (unless it is acommon one). If the book is re-edited it might be good to incorporate aformat similar to some bird guides and particularly, newer plant guides.

Excellent! A must for anyone serious about Baja flora.
Beautiful presentation for the novice and expert alike.Excellentphotography.Gives botanical names, Spanish and English of plants.Thefolklore(medicinal) of native plants is also very interesting.NormanRoberts is a true friend of Baja. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gardening/Plants    2. Nature / Flowers    3. Travel / Mexico    4. Baja California    5. Baja California (Mexico)    6. Guidebooks    7. Mexico    8. Nature    9. Travel    10. Wildflowers   

Reviews (4)

A wonderful introduction to the life of this fantastic place
My wife and I bought Jackson's book in preparation for a trip to the Galapagos.The book served us well; when we arrived at the islands we felt that we were almost on a first-name basis with all the fantastic creatures and plants that make the Galapagos such a fascinating place.The book is considerably more than just a field guide; it includes information on the islands' history, their environmental and ecological setting, and the conservation efforts being made to preserve this truly unique place.And, as the title indicates, the book provides a lot of natural history, not just a brief summary of bare facts about each animal or plant.Not only is it a fine guide, it is a most enjoyable read.

The Guide's bible on the Galapagos
Every naturalist guide in the Galapagos has this book. They also sell this book at the Charles Darwin Center in Santa Cruz, and it is a must read. It explains how the islands came about and what makes them so unique. I highly recommend this book!

The one book needed when travelling to the galapagos
I just recently returned from the Galapagos Islands, and the book thatguided me throughout my journey was this book by M.H. Jackson.Very easyto find the animal you are looking, and also helps to discover morecreatures to look for.Helped explain things further from what the guideshad said.Also helped me in answering many people's questions aboutdifferent creatures.A Great book! A must for all travelers to thegalapagos in search of unique wildlife. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americas (North Central South West Indies)    2. Ecology    3. Galapagos Islands    4. Guidebooks    5. History    6. History: World    7. Natural History    8. Nature    9. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS   

Reviews (11)

An Essential Background Into Samba
If you are interested in learning the true roots of Samba and Brazilian Carnaval(and not just the obligatory blurbs that you see in guidebooks), then this book is an absolute must for you to read. Alma Guillermoprieto does a superb job describing the rich religious, historical, and socioeconomic roots of Brazilian Carnaval and Samba - both of which have become famous around the world, yet remain remarkably poorly understood. A Social History of Black Brazil
Guillermoprieto is both a skilled writer and a serious scholar.That combination makes this erudite, and exceedingly detailed study of the black underclass in Brazilian society both readable and engaging.She employs an inductive approach, using the culture surrounding the Samba and Carnival in Rio as a base for exploring the status of blacks in Brazilian society and the many contradictions and ironies in light of their prevailing influence in all levels of Brazilian culture. samba
For an author whose first language is spanish, her skill in writing in english has to be commended -but she ain't Borges. Planning a research trip/adventure for a year in Rio, and then writting about her life there obviously demonstrates Guillermoprieto's ability to earn money by doing what she likes. Her style is journalistic and if you've never visited a third world country you can get a good idea from her observations of what living in one, as an average citizen, is like, eg. people accustomed to little prosperity evidently will go to great lengths for entertainment, and to achieve a feeling of importance. If you want to learn about samba, well- guillermoprieto is not omniscient. Conclusion: If you want to read something, you could do a lot worse than this book, but it's not a keeper. get it from the library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brazil    2. Carnival    3. Customs & Traditions    4. Latin America - South America    5. Rio de Janeiro    6. Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)    7. Samba (Dance)    8. Social conditions    9. Sociology    10. South America    11. Travel    12. Dance    13. Pageants, parades, festivals    14. Sociology, Social Studies    15. Travel / South America   

Reviews (1)

Great book, although more $$ recommendations
My husband and I just returned from a 16 day trip, and this book was definitely worth the money!! It is the most up to date Belize guidebook you can buy right now, and almost all of it's information was right on. We also bought the Belize Moon Guidebook, and comparing the two, I would say that Fodors is more upscale. Usually, it's assuming you're going to rent a car and hire guides for your trips (both of which cost $$$), and it does a better job of describing more expensive hotels and restaurants. This is great if you have the money, but we were on a budget, so this info was useless for us. The Moon book did a better job covering places and topics for a budget traveller (like what to do if you get a GI bug--something no one wants, but when it happens, you're glad it's covered in the book!). That said, Fodor's was still really helpful because it's the most up to date, so it's maps, attractions, restaurant, and lodging recommendationscould usually be relied on (Kudos for the Fodor's recommendation for Tradewinds in Plancencia--this tip alone made me glad I bought the book!).Overall, it's the perfect book if you are planning a more upscale trip, but it's still very helpful (4 star) if you're abudget traveller and I would defintely recommend purchasing it along with the Moon Belize book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Central America    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Belize    6. Guatemala    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Central America   

Reviews (8)

woodalls north american campground directory 2005
This is the first book we bought about anything related to camping and we brought it with us on our second trip. It was a life saver. We wanted to stop somewhere else on our way home and were able to find all the information we needed. The size of our space is important to us along with privacy and distance to local attractions. We found a lot of that information at each areas listing, along with a map of each state. Every camper needs a directory.

Woodalls
Excellent book, sometimes the woodalls ratings are quite my opinion but otherwise a great source.

Woodall's NA Campground Directory has got it all
The directory is great.You can find all the campgrounds in the area by looking up the city name.It tells you all the facilities available at the campground. You can find the phone number, web site information...anything that you need in order to make reservations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Mexico    3. North America    4. Parks & Campgrounds    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel - General    8. United States - General    9. Caravan & camp-site guides    10. Travel / United States / General   

Reviews (24)

10 stars!
Too bad it's not possible to give more than 5 stars to a book, because this is one of the best books ever written, fiction or non-fiction!
BY FAR .... THE BEST BOOK OF "REAL" MEXICO !!
I have read several different editions of this guide, and found all of them useful and eye-opening! Read this and there will be no surprises when you arrive. Interesting reading... not boring. All about the REAL Mexico and REAL people... the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (not too much ugly!). Reading this gave me the courage to try a Mexican trip with my daughter ten years ago.I've been back to Mexico nine times since.... and I LOVE IT !!!!There is something for everyone in Mexico.... and your photographs will be so colorful!! 99 % of the people you'll meet arefriendly.... welcoming...and courteous.Read the book... then be sure to go ---- you won't be sorry !!

Where ever you go - there you are
This book is not a tour guide but a survival guide. I have a 1972 edition. I lost my year book, my class ring and honor pin but I still have this book!!! This first edition has gotten me up and down Central America a few times. I'm bringing my 18 yr. old daughter to Mexico for the first time. She is in love with the 60's & 70's.This will be a cultural and historical book for her. She will be able to enter my world at her approximate age.
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Subjects:  1. Mexico    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (6)

An Excellent Handbook for Mexico
This is an excellent, detailed, and humourous nuts-and-bolts instruction manual for anyone in the USA or Canada planning to move to Mexico. Don't leave home without it!

Entertaining Read that's Packed with Info
Thinking about the move to Mexico, I saw this book recommended in more than a few places on the internet. What an awesome recommendation it was!
Laugh-out-loud funny!
I had to comment on Don's book for two reasons. First, his cantankerous style is laugh-out-loud funny and will end up making you feel better for having read his book. Secondly, Don was very kind in responding to an email I sent him, as a fellow expat, that was helpful in a time of great personal need. He is a star in my book and I want you to buy ten copies each of his for Christmas presents!
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Subjects:  1. Mexico    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. 1-55369-562-3,1553695623,Head for the Border,Head for the Border - the preparation handbook for relocating to Mexico,trafford publishing,Trafford,Don Adams,mexico,retirement,moving,relocating,travel,ajijic,guadalajara,puerto vallarta,mazatlan,colima,budge    5. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    6. Travel / Mexico   

Reviews (6)

Very nice guide
Very concise, but most recommendations are right on mark and everything that really matters is well covered.
Frommer's Buenos Aires
I actually liked this guide book best of all of them.We also purchased Lonely Planet and I thought it was awful!This one was the most complete and the most accurate.We found it extremely helpful.Also, the restaurant suggestions were right on!This is the guidebook to have!
Buenos Aires Helper
This book has a great deal of very helpful information on the sights to see.As the value of the Argentine peso has improved, the prices are somewhat higher but still excellent value.The least helpful part of the book was the dining section.We found a number of the restaurants were no longer there.However, for those that were still around, the reviews were very accurate. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. South America    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    5. Travel / South America   

Reviews (5)

Pretty Good
Not bad!I liked it better than his last book on Mexico.Only frustration was having the U.S. "invasion" of Afghanistan mentioned about 5 times throughout the book in a very melodramatic way, but other than that, a worthwhile read.

You Must Buy This Book
There are those of us, like me, who fancy themselves writers who are in reality HACKS. I write and sell books but am, by comparision to Tony Cohan, a HACK. Tony is a WRITER. I should be so lucky to be writing like him by the end of my lifetime.
Mexican Days: Journeys into the Heart of Mexico
For those of us who don't get to travel as much as we'd like, this book is perfect.Tony Cohan takes us into places in Mexico that I wouldn't have dreamed of visiting, but I would now! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cohan, Tony    2. Description and travel    3. Essays & Travelogues    4. Mexico    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel - General    8. Travel Guides    9. Travel / Essays & Travelogues   

Reviews (12)

better, more accurate info available on the Internet
I did a lot of research on our trip.We live in Honduras and are driving to the US over a three week period as we leave the area for good, so ordered the book.I was already very versed in the trip from countless stories on the Internet, and from exploring Central America over the last three years, so found the book simple, badly written, and not very helpful at all.I suggest that instead of spending your money on this book, you do research on the Internet and you will get much better information for free.

Read but not tested
We have not yet driven the Pan-American highway, but were given the Pritchard's book as a gift in preparation for an eventual trip; therefore, I can't comment on the traveler tips. I was, however, amused and distracted by the incredible number of typos on each page (coastal is consistently spelled "costel"). The book seems very basic and at times naive (toilet paper discussion). I had the feeling that my grandfather was explaining the ropes to me... That said, the book seems to have some helpful information and tries to be specific regarding border crossings, the roads, etc.

Outdated
We bought this book before our RV trip in 2003 which eventually resulted in our own book, "99 Days to Panama" (www.99DaystoPanama.com).We found the info mildly useful but not accurate, e.g. Hotel Guanacoste Travel Lodge in Liberia, Costa Rica, hardly has a "trailer park".We recently bought the 6th edition of "Christopher Howard's" version with a new cover but it is exactly the same as the 6th edition of Pritchards book we bought three years ago. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile travel    2. Canada    3. Central America    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. Guidebooks    6. Mexico    7. Pan American Highway System    8. South America    9. Travel    10. Travel - Foreign