Moon Belize (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: great plaza, visitor center, caste war, Belize City, San Ignacio, San Pedro (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Still closely remembering my own experiences in Belize, I can definitely attest to the fact that this book is a very complete and useful guide to all that the small country of Belize has to offer. Berman considers activities covering a variety of interests, budgets and ages, which makes the Moon Handbooks Belize a great companion for almost any traveler. You will find in-depth information about nature reserves, national parks, ecotourism, wildlife sanctuaries, and community tourism, as well as Mayan archeological sites, diving, snorkeling, nightlife, and entertainment....The book is well organized using tabs which allow the reader to quickly locate any of the seven regions described in the book. As all Moon Handbooks, the Belize guide also has a useful section with practical information located at the end of the book. The "Background" section provides information about the history and culture of Belize and its people, and the "Essentials" section offers useful information about practical travel matters. -- TAzine, July 2008

Product Description

Former Belize resident Joshua Berman knows the best way to experience Belize, from hiking the waterfall at Lubaantun and riding horseback to El Pilar to diving reefs at dawn. Berman includes unique trip ideas like Surf and Turf and Diving in Belize. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Belize has lots of options for a range of travel budgets. Every Moon guidebook includes recommendations for must-see sights and many area, regional, and city-centered maps. Complete with details on visiting Monkey River, bird-watching in the wetlands, and reserving a barstool to watch the sun set at the Lazy Lizard, Moon Belize gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience. With expert writers, first-rate strategic advice, and an essential dose of humor, Moon guidebooks are the cure for the common trip.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 340 pages
• Publisher: Avalon Travel Publishing; 7th edition (September 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566917778
• ISBN-13: 978-1566917773
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #570,496 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 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)

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.

3 of 3 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

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Skinny, Droll, Top-of-the-Charts Guide to Belize, May 13, 2009

By	Joan H. Fry - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Josh Berman, who calls himself a "Jewish Hillbilly," has delivered a truly useful travel guide in his MOON HANDBOOKS: BELIZE. His sense of humor is unobtrusively on display on nearly every page. (For laugh-out-loud funny, check his translations from Kriol. Yes, that's how it's spelled. Look in the index.) His relaxed style make this book a joy to read.

The book itself, as my title indicates, doesn't weigh much. You can fit it in your backpack or purse without dislocating your shoulder. Other guidebooks try to cover everything in depth and, as a result, gives the reader no clear idea of why he or she ought to visit the country in the first place.

Josh covers Belize district by district. In addition to providing general information about each district's major towns, he also includes sidebars that provide a reader with quick, accurate, and often very funny verbal snapshots. Under the heading Belize District, for example, he discusses the town of Crooked Tree, its wildlife sanctuary and nearby Maya ruins. He ends his account with info about how to get to Crooked Tree, and where to stay and eat once you've arrived. And on p. 62, there's a fascinating sidebar about Crooked Tree's annual Cashew Festival. Who knew!

As someone who once lived in Belize and has gone back several times to visit, I put Josh's book to good use on my last trip when I ventured inland to Belmopan and braved the expats on Ambergris Caye. I found it to be a helpful and funny travel companion. If you're Belize-bound, buy this book!