Lonely Planet Cuba (1997 ed.) [Paperback]

David Stanley (Author)

Book Description

Series: 1997 ed. | Publication Date: January 1997

This guidebook for independent travellers to Cuba provides detailed information, from off-the-beaten track destinations to luxury resorts and everything in between. Comprehensive historical and political background information is also included.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com 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 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.

Break out of the package-tour bind with this important guide for independent travelers to Cuba. Lonely Planet includes in-depth coverage of Havana (from fortresses to nightlife); extensive background on history, politics and music; plus advice on finding the ocean adventure that's right for you. The guide includes information for U.S. travelers. --Kathryn True

Product Details

• Paperback: 396 pages
• Publisher: Lonely Planet (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0864424035
• ISBN-13: 978-0864424037
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,123,878 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David Stanley is the author of Moon Handbooks South Pacific, Moon Fiji, and Moon Tahiti, published by Avalon Travel Publishing of Berkeley, California. Over the years he has visited 179 of the 193 United Nations member countries. If you'd like to get in touch, use the "Contact Us" button on Stanley's website SouthPacific DOT org.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Worst Lonely Planet book ever, November 23, 1999

By 

David (BC, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lonely Planet Cuba (1997 ed.) (Paperback)

I am normally a big fan of Lonely Planet, but this book is the ultimate in political correctness. It is a mouthpiece for the government (which would be fine if it also gave alternative points of view.) It's full of American bashing and yet does not point out the problems the Europeans/Canadians are now creating for the island in terms of prostitution and worshipping material goods.

The book is focused more on Tourists rather than independent travel...great if you want to know about swimming pools and colour TV's in Hotels. Yet, it provides virtually nothing with regard to casa particulars (staying with Cuban families for cheap) and paladares (eating in Cuban homes). Both of which can save travellers lots of money and give them the experience of talking to real Cubans first hand. The book emphasises eating and staying in places in which the Cuban government can charge monopoly prices.

I found the Cuba Handbook to be much more comprehensive.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars this book is Ok only, too much politics and propaganda, February 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lonely Planet Cuba (1997 ed.) (Paperback)

The book is very unorganized and often contains contradicting information. I found it heavily geared to Canadians and much to political for a travel book. It read and sounded like official communist propaganda...badmouthing Cuban exliles in the USA and repeating Cuban economic and social facts of dubious truth. Often, timetables and other basics were given but they were generaly not authentic. They seem to be Official info but with little regard for the obvious or reality on the ground. It read like a political satire laced with travel info. It was as if somebody was trying to convince me to sway my opinions and not to evaluate the Island and its people on my own, It is almost patronizing in scope. I will recomend the Moon Handbook to anyone that goes. I was able to to see a copy of the Moon book three times in cuba and found it a saving grace. it was practical and real. Buy The MOON handbook and learn of the real cuba . I found that The Lonley Planet book is not very usefull in cuba.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a very useful book., November 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lonely Planet Cuba (1997 ed.) (Paperback)

I found this book to be very useful on my trip to cuba. It was accurate and informative. The book is some what negative towards America, but the info about hotels, beaches, and food is very good. I highly recommend this book for someone traveling to cuba.