Moon Belize (Moon Handbooks) [Paperback]

Joshua Berman (Author)

Book Description

Series: Moon Handbooks | Publication Date: August 11, 2009

Writer and past Belize resident Joshua Berman knows the best ways to experience Belize—from hiking the waterfall at Lubaantun to riding horseback to El Pilar. Complete with details on visiting Monkey River, bird watching in the wetlands, and reserving a barstool at the Lazy Lizard at sunset, Berman offers a range of exciting activities for every traveler—with unique trip ideas like Surf and Turf and Diving in Belize. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Belize gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Moon Handbooks has recently published a new Belize guide by former resident Joshua Berman. The 347-page paperback provides all the detailed information that makes Moon handbooks among the best in the business. In addition to such basics as sights, activities, restaurants and accommodations, the book offers interesting sidebars, bits of historical information and good details for those planning a trip to this small country just south of Mexico. The book has 43 detailed maps, a 24-page color section, sample itineraries and suggestions on viewing nearby Mayan ruins, diving sites, bird watching and ranches. --The Salt Lake Tribune, September 15, 2009

The newest edition of Moon Belize really is a gem. With over 40 maps, a colorful front section of suggested itineraries, readable and informative guide, and amazingly detailed background information, Berman produced a true traveler's notebook. --Gadling, November 11, 2009

About the Author

Joshua Berman writes an online travelogue called the "Muy Tranquilo Traveler," which he began during his Peace Corps service, and which he continues to update from the road. In addition to Moon Handbooks Nicaragua, Joshua is co-author of Moon Living Abroad Nicaragua and contributed text and photos to the fourth edition of Moon Handbooks Honduras. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Avalon Travel Publishing; Eighth Edition edition (August 11, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598802100
• ISBN-13: 978-1598802108
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #601,882 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joshua Berman is an award-winning guidebook author whose travel writing and photography have appeared in The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, The Boston Globe, Yoga Journal, Outside Traveler, 5280, Transitions Abroad, Worldview, and Hooked on the Outdoors. Joshua is a freelance writer specializing in Travel/Adventure, Wilderness Education, and Spanish language education, especially in Belize, Nicaragua, and Colorado.

Joshua's website is: http://joshuaberman.net

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars More like a fan book than a travel book, February 6, 2009

By 

Dinornis (New England, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moon Belize (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback)

I have used Moon guides in the past and have found the editorial approach, quality of writing, and level of content to be excellent (the Cuba guide is a particular gem!) The Belize guide is sadly not in this category. It reads more in the tone of a Chamber of Commerce report- everything is great, fascinating, the best, delicious, and comfortable. Anyone who has travelled anywhere outside of a luxury resort knows that simply isn't true, and it isn't true for Belize either.

The Moon guide also does not appear to be geared toward budget travellers, leaving out important information like how to get to and from the airport while avoiding the $25 tourist charge. The shortchanging of budget information is a particular problem in a country that is substantially more expensive than its neighbor Guatemala.

The guide also leaves out the city of Flores, Guatemala, but includes Tikal. Getting to and from Tikal (except on an expensive guided tour) almost always involves travel through Flores, and competing guides (like Rough Guide) include it, making them more useful than this guide.

The guide has a lot of detail- but if you are a budget traveler, you won't be able to afford much of it. This guide is really geared more to the well-heeled tourist who is driving around Belize either in a rental car or on a guided tour. Moon could, and should, do much better.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for anyone contemplating a trip!, October 29, 2007

By 

Brendan Ross - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Moon Belize (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback)

Inspired travel-writer Joshua Berman lays Belize out like a fine banquet table in this indispensable guidebook. Contemplating Belize as your next port of call? Get this book. I liked it in my armchair, and loved it in the bush. Joshua's wonderful photos and exposition set the standard for Moon, a terrific publisher, but his practical advice is what really justifies the purchase. I'd wanted to stay on a budget, treating myself right on the occasional night, and I found Joshua's advice to be gold. I ended enjoying the trip so much I bought his Moon Handbooks Nicaragua (Moon Handbooks). Not sure if I'll two-peat to Central America for my next trip, but it's amazing how an unfamiliar place can feel like home with the right guide. Highly recommended.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the best guidebooks for Belize, April 30, 2008

By 

Caryn "Dr. C" (Fredericksburg, VA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Moon Belize (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback)

I've lived and worked in Belize for approximately 6 months/year for the past 10 years. The Moon Handbooks Belize is the most accurate and up to date book on the market. Josh has spent months in Belize to insure it's accuracy...everything thing he writes is from first hand experience.