Travel to Central America

Lonely Planet Belize, Guatemala and Yucatan

Format: Paperback
Author: Conner Gorry
ReleaseDate: 15 November, 2004
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Rating:

Practical but a bit flawed
Like the best Lonely Planet books, this November 2004 edition is concise, readable, and puts vital travel information at your fingertips. This Lonely Planet travel guide is valuable but flawed. 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 Several reviewers have noted that this guide has much out-of-date information on Belize.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...
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!
This might have been a good guide a few years ago but I would not rely on it today!. I agree with the earlier reviewers this guide is way out of date, prices are not even close, and places that no longer exsist.

Related products:
click image or link for details on these Central America travel books.

	Lonely Planet Mexico
	Lonely Planet Panama
	Lonely Planet Central America on a Shoestring
	Lonely Planet Guatemala
	Lonely Planet Belize