Customer Reviews

Cuba Information Manual: The Definitive Guide to Legal and Illegal Travel to Cuba

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This comprehensive guide is long overdue. Initially, Michael Bellows demystifies the "how to" process as he explains every step in getting to and leaving Cuba - with and without government sanction. Then he describes accommodations, dining and in-country travel options and distinguishes between the currencies, as well as imparting everything else a visitor would like to know. I foresee many copies of Cuba Information Manual dirty and dog-eared as they make the trip repeatedly. In addition to being an indispensible guide book I believe Bellows book will also stand over time as his paean to the Cuban people, rendering it a "why to" book as well.

This book is indispensable for anyone who doesn't realize how difficult or how easy it is to get to Cuba, as a U.S. citizen. Here at the Center for Cuban Studies, we spend hours answering questions such as "How can I go to Cuba?" "What makes me eligible to go legally?" "What will happen to me if I travel without a Treasury Department license?" "How do I apply for a general license?" (the worst, since you don't, try explaining THAT!) "Am I eligible for a specific license?" "Can I take a camera? Can I take pictures? Will the police arrest me for x,y,z,?" "Can I wear a,b,c?" "What's the money?" The questions don't stop. From now on, we will just say, BUY THIS BOOK! IT WILL ANSWER ALMOST EVERY QUESTION YOU HAVE! Sandra Levinson, [...]

In reading the "Cuba Information Manual, The Definitive Guide to Legal and Illegal Travel to Cuba", I found it most interesting and a highly organized, easy to understand read. This book contains subjects of interest from what you should bring on your trip, what you should do and not do once there, and some local humor and customs, in addition to what the locals can and cannot do as well. The "Cuba Information Manual" can be classified as a book for tourists AND a book for readers. Mike Bellows, the author, did an excellent job of bringing to-the-point facts, information, and humor with keen expertise.

If you're an American traveling to Cuba, this is the book to read from the beginning to the Appendix. The question and answer format makes it easy to follow along and tends to predict the next question on your mind.

Although it has a complete appendix, I did not reference it once throughout the trip. It also does not cover history, or give you great trip planning advice. I'd bank on Lonely Planet for that information.

Throughout my trip there were several moments where the expectations the book had set were precisely met. For example:

* The book prepares you to expect a strong reliance on queues in Cuba. I was not surprised to see the men in yellow suits managing the lines at bus stops.
* Jinitera/o were exactly as prevalent as the author describes. I set the expectation to be hustled in all the major cities and therefore did not feel surprised.
* Hitchhiking is very predominant in Cuba and the author hits the nail again right on the head. In my travels I used my rental car to give several Cubans rides. It was a safe a very pleasant experience. One I would have perhaps forgone had I not been prepared from the information in this book.

Those are just a few examples, but time and time again, the situations described in the book came to fruition exactly as described.

If it's your first trip to Cuba, it is totally worth a thorough read. Use other books as travel references while you're there.

Also if you are an American, the customs/immigration process was a cinch.

Besides the really beautiful photography in the book, it was exactly what I needed for travel in Cuba. It has all the little details of things you really need to know when traveling there. I had so many questions and this book answered ALL of them- even the most random things like being a vegetarian and where to eat. I feel truly prepared for trip and will carry it as my bible while there. It has emergency info and even what not to talk about with people that would cause offense. This book is WELL WORTH having if you need to know ANYTHING about Cuba. Thank you Michael Bellows for this incredibly great, easy to read book.

One of the most concise travel manuals I have ever come across period! Not only does Michael Bellows offer the most complete information available on travel to Cuba hands down, he also gives a sincere and insightful account of the state of affairs in Cuba in a completely unbiased way. A must for people traveling to Cuba but also for people who would like to know anything at all about Cuba and its incredible people.

My busband and I are hoping to participte in a sailing regatta to Cuba and this book was recommended. It is very helpful to us for planning for our brief stay in Havana.

The best thing about this book is that the author tells it completely straight. His love for the country, and his respect for the people, show clearly. His argument against the trade embargo is spot-on. But he's not an apologist for the regime; he doesn't try to soft-pedal the fact that life under communism is fraught with troubles large and small. This doesn't take the place of a conventional guide such as Lonely Planet, which will have more specific listings. I haven't been to Cuba yet, but when I go I'll definitely take this book.

I am a Cuban-American who was born in Cuba in 1960. My family escaped the island in 1963 and I have nevered returned to my native land. I'm getting ready to visit on a humanitarian mission this Spring and had a gazillion questions ( if you are Cuban-American vs. American born) the rules change as to how one enters the country, paperwork, etc... This book is fantastic and does it better than any other out there. It's more of a Cuban survival guide--- the best parts are when the author explains what to discuss or NOT to discuss with the people of Cuba, what to bring ( or not)and basically how to stay out of trouble. Remember this is a communist country and the same USA rules do not apply here. I bought an author signed brand new copy this October while traveling to key west for $20 and noticed it was on Amazon for $326! Wow I wish all of my money had that great of a return.

I acquired this book right before my recent trip to Cuba and concur with the other reviewers: This book is terrific. Bellows tells it like it is. I read long sections of it out loud to my fellow travelers when we didn't have a Cuban hitchhiker in our rental car (another great way to find out more about the country, especially if you speak Spanish) and we all learned a great deal. I hope this book will encourage more Americans to dare to flout the ridiculous restrictions on travel to Cuba. As Bellows affirms, it is a wonderful country, warts and all - and the Cubans are very welcoming. Read this book before going and it will dispel your worries about the repercussions of "trading with the enemy."