Moon Belize

by Joshua Berman

Book Overview

Writer and former Belize resident Joshua Berman knows the best ways to experience Belize--from hiking the waterfall at Lubaantun to riding horseback to El Pilar. Berman offers a range of interesting activities for every traveler, such as visiting Monkey River, bird watching in the wetlands, and reserving a barstool at the Lazy Lizard at sunset--as well as unique trip ideas like Surf and Turf and Diving in Belize. Packed with information on dining,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1598808524
• ISBN13: 9781598808520
• Release Date: September 2011
• Publisher: Avalon Travel Publishing
• Length: 350 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 7.5"

Customer Reviews

A 'must' for any planning a trip to Belize sans tour group

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.

A Skinny, Droll, Top-of-the-Charts Guide to Belize

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!

Don't leave home without it!

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.

Best of the best guidebooks for Belize

I've lived and worked in Belize for approximately 6 months/year for the past 10 years. The Moon Handbooks Belize is the most accurate and up to date book on the market. Josh has spent months in Belize to insure it's accuracy...everything thing he writes is from first hand experience.

Essential reading for anyone contemplating a trip!

Inspired travel-writer Joshua Berman lays Belize out like a fine banquet table in this indispensable guidebook. Contemplating Belize as your next port of call? Get this book. I liked it in my armchair, and loved it in the bush. Joshua's wonderful photos and exposition set the standard for Moon, a terrific publisher, but his practical advice is what really justifies the purchase. I'd wanted to stay on a budget, treating myself right on the occasional night, and I found Joshua's advice to be gold. I ended enjoying the trip so much I bought his Moon Handbooks Nicaragua (Moon Handbooks). Not sure if I'll two-peat to Central America for my next trip, but it's amazing how an unfamiliar place can feel like home with the right guide. Highly recommended.