 "Perfect for my trip" | 2007-06-08 |
| - Reviewed By User: ASLYY3DJGGHBX |
| I flew into Belize, took the bus up to Chetumal, Mexico on the border, then took the bus all the way down south into Guatemala (by boat). This book is ragged from me using it so much. Others borrowed it also. I wish it were a little more up to date. |
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 "Practical but a bit flawed" | 2006-06-28 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3OJFPKMCXKOM0 |
This Lonely Planet travel guide is valuable but flawed. Like the best Lonely Planet books, this November 2004 edition is concise, readable, and puts vital travel information at your fingertips. There's much information for budget travelers on local customs, possible hazards, changing currency, low-cost accommodations, transportation, getting to and from airports and bus terminals, etc. But this edition has a few weaknesses, which is not what you need when far from home. Several reviewers have noted that this guide has much out-of-date information on Belize. The book falls short in the maps department as well. A couple tiny maps could be added to show small towns near popular destinations to help travelers avoid getting off their bus at the wrong stop. The only map of Guatemala City doesn't show Zona 13 south of the airport where many hostels and cheap hotels are located. Also, the book warns about colder nights in the highlands but doesn't specify temperatures - a windbreaker was sufficient for a June visit.
Lonely Planet is usually a top-notch choice for backpackers and budget travelers, but this one falls a bit short in some areas.
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 "I Wouldn't Even Give it ONE Star..." | 2004-12-10 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2H1GYMUNJLD97 |
This book is more than disappointing...
I used to have a lot of respect for Lonely Planet, as they took pride in sharing information for the average traveler about places that were usually off the beaten path.
However, I did not realize that they have stopped actually visiting these destinations.
I live on Caye Caulker, Belize.
The NEW book, which is their first reprint in over 4 years...has not been updated. They mention a grocery store that has been closed since 1999. They mention a deli that has been closed since 2000. The do NOT mention one new business....besides one restaurant. It is obvious Lonely Planet did not send one writer to Caye Caulker, Belize.
If they didn't take time to visit Caye Caulker ONCE in over 4 years, I can only assume the rest of the book is absolute garbage as well.
For a real Travel Book for Belize, check out Rough Guide by Peter Eltringham. He actually sends scouts out to every location before he visits. He does this to ensure that every place has a fair shot...and that they write about a real experience, not one based on a hotel or restaurant putting on a show for a known writer. Peter's writers do not announce they are writers.
That is what a real travel book should be.
Lonely Planet needs to quit relying on their name to sell books. Their information is completely outdated, and not worth your money.
Wendy Casson
www.belizecayecaulker.net
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| "I agree Very out of date!" | 2004-06-25 |
| - Reviewed By tracy@weedmail.com |
| I agree with the earlier reviewers this guide is way out of date, prices are not even close, and places that no longer exsist. This might have been a good guide a few years ago but I would not rely on it today! |
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| "Informative but prices are off" | 2004-05-23 |
| - Reviewed By kabuka1 |
| Lonely Planet guides are my favorite because they are thorough, informative, give lots of good info for reasonably priced traveling, and identify tons of both customary and adventurous things to do and see. This holds true for this edition however, I found that the prices were significantly higher than the book stated, the water taxi times had changed, and a car rental company mentioned did not have service in Belize-not too accurate. |
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| "Incredibly out of date" | 2004-01-24 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1CMZSRQ8EJF46 |
| I'm normally a big fan of the lonely planet books - but this book was hopeless. Belize phone extensions changed 2 years ago, so every phone number is the entire book is incorrect. All the bus schedules and bus companies are out of date. Suggested accommodation costs are off by a factor of 30% or more. Whilst it is inevitable that some things will have changed since publication, the information in this book is so inaccurate it makes me wonder if the travel writers even visited many of the places they are writing about. I wish I had read the reviews before I bought this book. Take our advice, buy a different book. |
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