Moon Handbooks Dominican Republic

by Gaylord Dold

Opinionated, insightful, and entertaining, Moon Handbooks are more than just travel guides-they're reference tools, ideal for independent travelLers who desire complete immersion in the culture of their destination. The only guidebooks to win Lowell Thomas Awards from the Society of American Travel Writers for six years in a row, Moon Handbooks deliver a wealth of practical advice, as well as in-depth coverage of each region's history, geography,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566913403
• ISBN13: 9781566913409
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Moon Travel
• Length: 380 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.5" x 7.4"

Customer Reviews

Gracias, Gaylord Dold!

Thank you for a great guidebook. I have traveled to the Dominican Republic a few times and am now planning another trip for next year, so I just bought the new version of this book. When I was in the Dominican before, this was the best guide I used--it's more than just basic information plugged into a guidebook format. It's kind of like reading a novel. I really liked his essay on "The Essence of the Dominican Republic" before the introduction--it gives you a real sense of what you will experience when you get there. Gaylord Dold obviously knows a great deal about the Dominican--he spends a lot of time on things like history and people, which is good if you have never been there and are interested in getting familiar with the culture instead of just traveling around. And he's really thorough with the practical stuff too and there are tons of choices of places to eat and sleep. I always use this book when deciding where to stay on my trips and have found the hotel info to be dependable. That said, I've used other books from the Moon series (Costa Rica, Ecuador) and I really like them. They're all really big on background info but also they give you a good variety of choices--not just backpacker stuff or places that are too expensive.

Great Book! Much more than a tourist guide, actually useful

I really enjoyed this book. It has lots of valuable cultural information and great research. While there are not snow capped mountains in the DR, it is a great book. Anyone looking at going to the DR to visit or live consider reading this book.

This is a superb guidebook.

I feel compelled to comment on this book, especially in light of the highly critical, and, I believe, unfair remarks by an earlier reviewer. Let me preface this review by saying that I do not know the author, nor do I have any connection with Moon Travel Handbooks. I too, spent months on a motorcycle travelling throughout the Dominican Republic, first during a year and a half as a Peace Corps Volunteer, and later as a writer-photographer (which resulted in my own photo-essay book about the DR). Still later I lived and worked in the country for another two and a half years, during which time I again travelled by car extensively thorughout the country. While a Peace Corps Volunteer, I even climbed Pico Duarte with a group of friends. Yes, the book does have some errors. Pico Duarte has probably rarely, if ever, been "snow-capped" (but it often has frost). And given the rampant inflation that has beset the country over the past 30 years, it would hardly be surprising if the prices the author quotes are sometimes wide of the mark. (To my knowledge, he never claims to have stayed in all the hotels and pensiones he mentions; and it would be surprising if the managers remembered everyone who stopped by to take a look at their establishments.) And former President Joaquin Balaguer was born in Navarrete, on the linea noroeste, not Samana. I also think the book is a little dogmatic in taking the anti-Balaguerista line; but this is a matter of personal opinion. What I think is beyond personal opinion is the fact that this book contains a huge amount of factual information about the Domincan Republic which is astonishing in its detail and insight. Over the past few months I have often had it on my bedside table, and will frequently simply open it at random and read about the country where I lived for nearly five years. Each time I read a segment, I am reminded of things about the country I saw and experienced while I lived there, often without knowing or understanding historical, geological, or sociological aspects which Mr. Dold's book presents on every page. In this reader's opinion, this book is a tour de force--a guidebook far beyond "where to eat, where to stay, and where are the best beaches." Indeed, I think this book is such a remarkable and thorough depiction of the Dominican Republic that I have recommended that it be provided to all incoming Peace Corps Volunteers. It would be an invaluable addition to any traveller's luggage.

A very comprehensive and personal guide book

I lived in the Dominican Republic for two years and traveled widely throughout the country. I wish I had this book while I was there. The book is filled with a tremendous amount of background information about the nation's history, geology, ecology and culture. I know of no other publication that is as comprehensive. The sections of the book devoted to specific cities and towns reflect a keen eye for each communities unique characteristics as seen by an American who enjoys foreign cultures and people. The author's writing ability is first rate whether he is describing a technical matter or expressing a personal opinion. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about the Dominican Republic; especially for those visiting or living in the country.