Insight Guide Belize Insight Guides

Posted In: Belize

Floria Fought says...

Any independent traveler seeking to custom plan a trip to Belize will find MOON BELIZE the perfect starting point. Packed with maps, tips, and the firsthand experience of author Joshua Berman, it provides an outstanding survey of activities, restaurants, accommodations and more and is a 'must' for any planning a trip to Belize sans tour group.

Posted on June 15, 2011

Steve Angiolillo says...

I've never written a review on any book I've purchased, but after returning from Belize using this book, I feel compelled to let others know about our experience.I choose this book due to being the most recent publishing date, even thought I am much more familiar with the other more widely known travel publishers.This book was fine for planning in advance, although I relied on tripadvisor for more reviews.Once we were in the country, we found how much of the info in the book was either totally wrong or entirely misleading.This book is better for folks that prefer to get tour guides or book planned excursions rather than to explore on your own. Had it not been for our great jungle resort hosts, we would have been in a world of trouble.Info about banks, restaurants, sights and sight prices were all big issues.In fact at some of the sights, if the locals saw this guide book they said harsh words about the authors and how the book was written since tourists (like us) show up expecting one price or experience and that isn't the case. This was especially true in the jungle (San Ignacio) and surrounding areas.The info about Ambergris Caye was still missing critical info, but it wasn't as much of an issue as in the jungle.Do your own homework before you leave home and take extra info about the things you want to see and do in Belize, rather than relying on this book.

Posted on June 16, 2011

Tawny Siskind says...

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!

Posted on June 18, 2011

Libby Blades says...

Once again the Insight Guides have done a superb job. After two trips to this marvelous Central American country I can only say that the guide has fully done it justice. If you can read this guide and not go there, you're a stronger man than I am.

Posted on June 19, 2011

Nellie Blank says...

We just returned from two weeks in Belize.We had no plans and a sketchy outline of our tour destinations.Reading about each part of the country gave us a framework and turned us on to some unique things that we otherwise would have missed.Upon arrival in each part of the country or on a particular island or Caye, we were able to identify accommodations meeting our budget, find delicious and entertaining dining spots, and made our way through the transportation system to get to wonderful activities!



Our trip-without a plan-included jungle tours, Mayan ruins, Rastafarrian islands, "off the grid" destinations, and deluxe accommodations on the island of San Pedro!14 different modes of transportation were experienced and we were able to mix and mingle with the locals instead of directing our trip towards tourist stops along the way.



On the final leg of our journey, there was an older version of the Lonely Planet book in our hotel room next to the Bible!Someone else thought it was a valuable resource as well and left it behind, dog-earred with notes in the margin!



Whatever our next destination is...we will definitely pick up the Lonely Planet guide before we go!

Posted on June 19, 2011

Krystle Michioka says...

We have used Moon and Lonely Planet, but for Belize, Moon was definitely a better guide. The organization and style efficiently puts details where they're easy to find, while allowing for small bits of color to be added by the author highlighting the stuff that makes Belize special. Those little tidbits made the difference - allowing us to quickly decipher which activities, lodging, and food was really worth it and what was more typical touristy fare. It was refreshing to enjoy some of the slightly off-the-main-trail places that were highlighted in this book. Travel logistics details were as accurate as they could be given the transportation systems, and the author is clear in which cases schedules are reliable and where operations are less than regular. Every recommendation for food or lodging that we experienced was right on, from the Morningstar Guest House and the cake guy on Caye Caulker, to the perfectly relaxing atmosphere and serene setting at Cohone Palms near San Ignacio. On the days when you want to just cruise, this guide will let you treat it like a crutch. On the days when you're ready to find something really memorable and do whatever it is that makes you happy, this book will point you in a safe and rewarding direction.Best of all, it's high quality writing, so reading the book has been a pleasure before, during, and after the trip.

Posted on June 20, 2011

Pilar Dellamonica says...

We do a good bit of traveling, and I was excited to get the newest edition of the Moon Belize in the mailbox about a month before we left for both Belize and Guatemala. We used this and the Lonely Planet, and I was more impressed with the Lonely Planet Belize version.



This book was well-written but hard to follow at times and the prices were way off (this is also due to Belize inflation). We didn't find the places the author mentioned as wonderful as he did, but we did use it to compare with the Lonely Planet and see what matched up.



Overall, okay. Not the best Moon.

Posted on June 20, 2011

Merrilee Schuring says...

This is one of the best travel books I have ever used.It emphasizes things to do and see, also history and culture about the area.It uses informative maps and photos of Belize that I found very helpful.

Posted on June 25, 2011

Sharee Barach says...

This is the best travel guide I've ever read.Lots of beautiful color photos, detailed maps and useful information.



I recommend it without reservation.

Posted on June 27, 2011

Ouida Kennerson says...

This guide is the worst e-guide I have ever seen.There are no page numbers.The index doesn't give locations where you can find the topic and index titles ARE NOT interactive.How are you supposed to find the items listed?The Rough guide is much better.You can follow along the road you are traveling--much like the AAA triptychs plus many of the accommodations and points of interest are interactive.Rough is best.

Posted on June 30, 2011