Customer Reviews

Moon Handbooks: Jamaica (4th Ed.)

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

 

 

My brother and I took Karl Lunta's book with us to Jamaica in 1996.Because of his maps and local knowledge we rented a car and toured the island from Negril to the breathtaking San San beach and the Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio on our own.We stopped along the road at local stores and eateries enabling us to meet the Jamaican people. For the traveler that isn't afraid to leave their resort "compound" Karl Lunta's book will be their "Bible". Our trip was a huge success because of our adventurous spirits and his book!!I highly recommend it!!!

Five things which should be found in any recommended travel guide: 1) An introduction to the country or region that is as engaging as it is informative; 2) An excellent section that covers the travel information that you need prior to heading out (visa, passport, health, etc.) 3) The CORE of the guide; accommodations, restaurants, and sights to see, offer you a bias descriptions. A bias that is based on the writer's judgment and a set of criteria that they use to determine excellence. Thereby, you can make an informed decision with confidence. The writer's feedback must be based on their actual visit and/or experiences. Also, this information needs to be current; so that the name, address, phone & fax numbers are still in use. And, finally, in today's cyberspace world, email and web site addresses should be also included. 4) Maps. Many Maps. Usable, readable maps. 5) Finally, tidbits, charts, graphs, side bar topics and fun to read caveats. A guide with these qualities earns a "highly recommended" rating - five stars.

Though comprehensive, the introduction (climate, flora/fauna, land, history, economy and government) is slow to engage and only picks up interest in the last portion: people and religion. I was especially absorbed by Luntta's section "Buccaneers and Pirates." The most engaging introduction I have yet read is found in "Jamaica," by Harry Pariser (see review). Karl Luntta's travel information section is very good. Every aspect that you need, and a lot more is covered.

Jamaica Handbook excels where it counts, the core section. Every hotel and restaurant that I checked out conformed to Luntta's evaluations with only a few minor exceptions that will happen to any guide because of the passage of time. You can fully trust his recommendations regarding what to see and experience.

But the guide does not give you email and web site addresses for any of the hotels. If you are an information junkie, like me, you will read all of his great side bar pieces (Montego Bay Hustle, The Roots of Love, The Story of Rum, etc.).

The Jamaica Handbook is chronically anemic regarding maps. Avalon Travel Publishing needs to rethink what a little extra ink and paper used for maps can do for a "guide," get it . . . as in showing the way, as in Maps.

As for the rest this guide has the best booklist out, but as all others, the booklist fails to list notable books on pirates and buccaneers. Also, Jamaica Handbook, as well as most other guides, sadly does not mention any commendable movies/videos (a must see: "The Harder They Come"). Everything considered, this is an useful and valuable guide to have and you won't be disappointed in Karl Luntta's choices for hotels, restaurants or sights. Recommended