Cuba Eyewitness Travel Guides

Posted In: Cuba

Daysi Brancaccio says...

DK produces the most arguably beautiful travel books currently available.The maps, graphics, architectural renderings, photographs and overall layout are beyond reproach and most appealing and informative.Why not five stars?I'm not sure where the blame lies, be it with the writers or editors, but this guide is deeply flawed in its biased content.Though not openly sympathetic to the island's communist government, it is nevertheless more than obvious that the person(s) responsible, are more than a little enamored with that country's socio-political ideology. In describing pre-revolutionary Cuba, the guide takes a cynical stance, perpetuating the myth that Cuba was nothing more than an American subsidized den of iniquity, populated by gangsters, prostitutes, gamblers and grown ineffective with rampant corruption and illiteracy.Though all these things were certainly true, the book fails to provide a balanced perspective of that period in the country's history and that's where its inherent failure lies.The Cuban revolution, though tragic, horrible and seemingly endless, is a part of World history in general and Cuban history in particular, and, therefore, should not be ignored, but by the same token it need not be given such idolatry treatment in a travel guide, which, in my opinion, should be an unbiased reference tool, meant to educate the traveler on a country, its history and people in a clear, concise and informative manner, free of personal prejudices and/or beliefs. This guide is filled with non-stop descriptions of revolutionary monuments, sites, people, and history.That in and of itself would be fine if weren't done so with such obvious appreciation for all that it represents.In describing Che, the author writes"Though Che suffered from asthma, he had an iron will, loved books as well as sports, and had a great spirit of sacrifice, he could appreciate beauty and was a perfectionist but had a sense of humour.He was a man of action who also found time to meditate on reality and write." One would think the author was describing Robin Williams and not one of the 20th century's most controversial figures. Though he certainly may have been all the things described in the book, it doesn't give a complete and accurate portrayal of the man.That was one example, but the book is plagued with socialist fawning that ultimately proves to be an ineffectual tool.Though the author is free to appreciate, love, praise, support, condemn, ridicule whatever he/she may choose, be it political, religious, artistic, etc. or a combination thereof, it should not be done through a travel guide. It's a genuine shame because, otherwise, from an aesthetic perspective, there's just nothing out there that even comes close.

Posted on December 29, 2010

Elna Winesberry says...

This guide book (2007) is a really good planning tool for a trip to Cuba. It has lots of photos and great schematic drawings of important buildings and plazas.



If you are taking a tour package where you are not having to choose accomodation yourself or deal with transport logistics, I would probably take it with me. However, for the traveller who is making all their own decisions and reservations, I would take either Lonely Planet (new edition Fall 09) or the Moon Handbook (06). using the DK just for planning then leaving it at home. DK has minimalhotel recommendations - just the chain hotels, and sketchy restaurant selections. The Moon Handbook has really extensive background information on Cuba, but weighs almost twice as much as Lonely Planet.

Posted on December 29, 2010

Kym Schwanke says...

I acquired this book right before my recent trip to Cuba and concur with the other reviewers:This book is terrific.Bellows tells it like it is.I read long sections of it out loud to my fellow travelers when we didn't have a Cuban hitchhiker in our rental car (another great way to find out more about the country, especially if you speak Spanish) and we all learned a great deal.I hope this book will encourage more Americans to dare to flout the ridiculous restrictions on travel to Cuba.As Bellows affirms, it is a wonderful country, warts and all - and the Cubans are very welcoming.Read this book before going and it will dispel your worries about the repercussions of "trading with the enemy."

Posted on December 29, 2010

Curtis Minotti says...

I use the DK travel books for a project I do with my Spanish students.

Posted on December 30, 2010

Candie Tooley says...

If you're an American traveling to Cuba, this is the book to read from the beginning to the Appendix. The question and answer format makes it easy to follow along and tends to predict the next question on your mind.



Although it has a complete appendix, I did not reference it once throughout the trip. It also does not cover history, or give you great trip planning advice. I'd bank on Lonely Planet for that information.



Throughout my trip there were several moments where the expectations the book had set were precisely met. For example:



* The book prepares you to expect a strong reliance on queues in Cuba. I was not surprised to see the men in yellow suits managing the lines at bus stops.

* Jinitera/o were exactly as prevalent as the author describes. I set the expectation to be hustled in all the major cities and therefore did not feel surprised.

* Hitchhiking is very predominant in Cuba and the author hits the nail again right on the head. In my travels I used my rental car to give several Cubans rides. It was a safe a very pleasant experience. One I would have perhaps forgone had I not been prepared from the information in this book.



Those are just a few examples, but time and time again, the situations described in the book came to fruition exactly as described.



If it's your first trip to Cuba, it is totally worth a thorough read. Use other books as travel references while you're there.



Also if you are an American, the customs/immigration process was a cinch.

Posted on January 1, 2011

Hwa Ardizzone says...

My busband and I are hoping to participte in a sailing regatta to Cuba and this book was recommended. It is very helpful to us for planning for our brief stay in Havana.

Posted on January 2, 2011

Dennis Schmeiser says...

This is agreat book if you've visted Cuba or not. The photos of historical sites are great. The historical references are varied and truthful, based on my study of Cuba. I first got this book on loan from a library; after reading it, I knew I needed my own personal copy.



This would be invaluable, if you're going to visit Cuba.

Posted on January 2, 2011

Fernanda Kexel says...

I have been traveling back and forth to Cuba since 1974 - that's more than 35 years now.I thought I knew a lot about Cuba - that is until I read Julia Sweig's book. So readable and understandable. For anyone who has never visited Cuba or for those who have made such a trip, reading this book will not only increase your knowledge of Cuba but an understanding of why and how things happened.Without hesitation, this is a must read.

Posted on January 5, 2011

Ammie Kriegh says...

I enjoyed reading this book and using it as a background to an international relations grad paper. Thank you Julia Sweig! It is an accessible history that puts Cuba into historic context, and not merely in terms of Cuban-US relations. Another words, it's not jusst about where Uncle Sam fits into the equation. The story ends as Raul Castro takes over and Fidel fades into the background. Sweig's Cuban history and reality is well-written, well organized and explained. I enjoyed it and would have read it even if I didn't have to!

Posted on January 5, 2011

Desirae Brayman says...

I'm delighted to have bought this guide before my trip to Cuba. It is nicely illustrated and presents substantial historical and cultural information as well as the necessary where-to-stay and what-to-see.



Jane Newhagen

author of

Sand Dollar: a tale of old Key West

Posted on January 6, 2011