Travel to Virgin Islands

Explore the Virgin Islands (Sixth Edition)

Format: Paperback
Author: Harry S. Pariser
ReleaseDate: November, 2004
Publisher: Manatee Press
Rating:

Better than Lonely Planet
Lately, however, I've become somewhat jaded by its formulaic coverage and superficial approach. I do quite a bit of traveling and often buy a Lonely Planet guide as a basic reference. I'm also skeptical about how they go about choosing which accomodations and restaurants to include in their books.

Pariser's book at first glance looks remarkably like a Lonely Planet guide--the same format and much the same information. However, Pariser puts more of himself into it and the book clearly is a labor of love. Pariser's guide compares to Lonely Planet like a family restaurant to McDonalds. .

Guide To Island Paradise
Thomas, St.
Travel through St. John, St. Croix and the British Virgin Islands without waiting to board the plane! If you've already visited this region of earthly paradise you are sure to find an abundance of ideas for shopping, local attractions, beaches, historical sites and fascinating fun facts to add to your next island experience. There's even a getting married section for readers who may be dreaming of a beach wedding. This guide not only explains sea life, animal life, plant life and coral reefs it also warns of underwater hazards and cures, offers tips for environmental, undersea and boating conduct and provides island do's and don'ts. Explore the Virgin Islands takes readers beyond the standard travel guide information and encourages them to become adventurous island explorers. I only wish I had read about the "herbivorous" iguana on St. Thomas before seeing the approximately four foot long creature scaling down a tree in front of me at Coki Beach! Review by JoAnna Carey, Author of Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life.

Very good guide book
It has the flavor of a Lonely Planet book, without such a complete "backpacker" emphasis. I think this is an excellent guidebook. I find it enjoyable to just read. It's very well written, without trying so hard to be cute or flashy. (I recently bought a pile of guidebooks for Florida and they were all a waste of money except the Michelin Green Guide! Leave it to Michelin. )

I find that this book has a wealth of practical and interesting information. Every question I have come up with regarding planning our trip, I have quickly and easily been able to come up with an answer to. It's full of good maps and photos. He tells you when a spot has been overrun by tourists or if the surf is dangerous there. He tells you when to be especially careful about being ripped off as a tourist. There are lots of interesting bits about the local flora and fauna and historical sidebars. It has an extensive index, a bibliography organized by subject, and a glossary of creole words and other island-specific expressions. It was updated last year, so I expect the information to be very accurate. He gives lots of specific restaurants, hotels, etc. , with phone numbers and addresses and recommends some. He doesn't give reviews of the businesses generally; but often gives the flavor of the clientele or some other indication of what to expect (prices, etc. ) I imagine it would be pretty hard to slam some business in a place this small and still be able to do this kind of work.

This is not a backpacker's guide -- aimed exclusively at the cheapest way to do things. It's a general guide, with all kinds of information. He does tell you how to do it cheap (and tells you where that will be a pain in the rear. ) Here's a quote that explains it:

"It's not pratical to take a bus [from the airport] because the schedule has been cut way back and the bus does not come to the terminal. If you have strong legs and little luggage [backpackers . . . ] you may go out to the main road and wait for the VITRAN (around $1, exact change) . . . Be sure to ask if it is a, 'dollar bus. ' Otherwise, they may try to charge you more. "

To me, this delivers exactly what I want to know about the bus system: cut back schedule, doesn't stop at the terminal (!!), long walk to pick it up, precise cost, exact change, how not to get ripped off. Bullseye in my estimation.

I find this guide to be nicely complete, easy to use, and enjoyable to read. Very hard to find this combination of qualities in a guidebook. I haven't yet visited the VI; but I feel well equipped now. I have traveled extensively (years) in Asia, Africa, and Europe, mostly by bicycle. I have seen umpteen guide books (including many "Let's Go" books: virtually useless except for listing cheap transport and cheap accomodations. I remember what "Let's Go Europe" said about the magnificent city of Orleans, "Good place to do your laundry. " [!!!! Did they visit the place??]. )

This is a good guidebook.

Related products:
click image or link for details on these Virgin Islands travel books.

	Insight Map Us & British Virgin Islands: Fleximap Plus Travel Information (Insight Fleximaps)
	Diving & Snorkeling U.S. Virgin Islands (Lonely Planet Diving and Snorkeling Us Virgin Islands)
	Top 10 Virgin Islands, US and British (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
	St. John On Foot And By Car
	Fodor's U.S. and British Virgin Islands 2006 (Fodor's Gold Guides)