Jamaica Handbook (3rd ed) (Paperback)

~ Karl Luntta (Author) "You'll find beaches aplenty along the island's coast, but, as in most places, some are better than others..." (more)
Key Phrases: inquiries about these hotels, jerk hut, anancy tales, West Indies, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Certainly there are beaches and dreadlocks aplenty in Karl Luntta's guide to Jamaica, but he takes it out of the realm of the ordinary with his informed and sensitive history; his inclusion of small coastal and mountain communities; and his in-depth exploration of reggae culture, background, and music. Luntta has a sense of humor and a fine eye for detail, and his lists of accommodations and eating choices are extensive. People normally buy a guide after they've chosen a destination, but this book might switch the usual order.

Product Description

A MOON TRAVEL HANDBOOK which covers Jamaica, with emphasis on off-the-beaten-track locations. Explores the small mountain communities of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the coastal settlements along Runaway Bay. Offers tips on travel and accommodation, with details of political situations and cultural information.

Product Details

• Paperback: 307 pages
• Publisher: Moon Travel Handbooks; 3rd edition (August 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566910706
• ISBN-13: 978-1566910705
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,431,910 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource, December 27, 1999

By	Jam Fan "Jam Fan" (Midwest USA) - See all my reviews

I'm getting ready to go to Jamaica for the fourth time and I (once again) read this book cover to cover and you can bet it'll be in my suitcase too. It's absolutely essential if you aren't planning to hide in an all-inclusive hotel (or even if you are and you plan to get out). The book is sort of geared towards the adventurous traveler, the one that wants to get into the culture and off the beaten path. Still, the coverage of major resort areas is very, very good.

Restaurants, places to stay in EVERY price range (wanna camp for $10 a night? Spend $400 a night in an all-inclusive?), fun things to do, what they cost, history - this book has it all and it has it in great depth. It has details on the waterfalls that aren't overflowing with tourists, where to get a Red Stripe in tiny towns on the south coast, what to bring, what not to bring, and most of all, what to expect. I enjoyed being able to talk with Jamaicans about politics and history with the knowledge base I got from this book.

Can't wait for the next edition, due this month...

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best For Those Who Want To Experience The "REAL" Jamaica, October 31, 2000

By	Debbie (Easton Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moon Handbooks: Jamaica (4th Ed.) (Paperback)

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!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An useful and valuable guide --- Recommended., March 21, 2001

By	Allan M. Gathercoal "fdoamerica" (Norcross, GA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Moon Handbooks: Jamaica (4th Ed.) (Paperback)

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