Jamaica Handbook

I can't say this is the best guide to Jamaica, but it is generally reliable (although the National Museum of Archaeology no longer exists in Port Royal) and more than adequate for most travelers. In fact, it may be suitable particularly for the typical tourist, because it doesn't tell you a lot more than you want to know. It doesn't venture far beyond the usual tourist destinations, but most visitors to Jamaica are probably not into playing anthropologist off the beaten track. I like the type and layout of the book, which make it easy to find things, easy to skim, and easy on the eyes too. But, while it hasn't got as much use as my other guidebooks to Jamaica, the spine is already splitting.

Five things which should be found in any recommended travel guide: 1) An introduction to the country or region that is as engaging as it is informative; 2) An excellent section that covers the travel information that you need prior to heading out (visa, passport, health, etc.) 3) The CORE of the guide; accommodations, restaurants, and sights to see, offer you a bias descriptions. A bias that is based on the writer's judgment and a set of criteria that they use to determine excellence. Thereby, you can make an informed decision with confidence. The writer's feedback must be based on their actual visit and/or experiences. Also, this information needs to be current; so that the name, address, phone & fax numbers are still in use. And, finally, in today's cyberspace world, email and web site addresses should be also included. 4) Maps. Many Maps. Usable, readable maps. 5) Finally, tidbits, charts, graphs, side bar topics and fun to read caveats. A guide with these qualities earns a "highly recommended" rating - five stars.Though comprehensive, the introduction (climate, flora/fauna, land, history, economy and government) is slow to engage and only picks up interest in the last portion: people and religion. I was especially absorbed by Luntta's section "Buccaneers and Pirates." The most engaging introduction I have yet read is found in "Jamaica," by Harry Pariser (see review). Karl Luntta's travel information section is very good. Every aspect that you need, and a lot more is covered. Jamaica Handbook excels where it counts, the core section. Every hotel and restaurant that I checked out conformed to Luntta's evaluations with only a few minor exceptions that will happen to any guide because of the passage of time. You can fully trust his recommendations regarding what to see and experience. But the guide does not give you email and web site addresses for any of the hotels. If you are an information junkie, like me, you will read all of his great side bar pieces (Montego Bay Hustle, The Roots of Love, The Story of Rum, etc.). The Jamaica Handbook is chronically anemic regarding maps. Avalon Travel Publishing needs to rethink what a little extra ink and paper used for maps can do for a "guide," get it . . . as in showing the way, as in Maps.As for the rest this guide has the best booklist out, but as all others, the booklist fails to list notable books on pirates and buccaneers. Also, Jamaica Handbook, as well as most other guides, sadly does not mention any commendable movies/videos (a must see: "The Harder They Come"). Everything considered, this is an useful and valuable guide to have and you won't be disappointed in Karl Luntta's choices for hotels, restaurants or sights. Recommended

My brother and I took Karl Lunta's book with us to Jamaica in 1996.Because of his maps and local knowledge we rented a car and toured the island from Negril to the breathtaking San San beach and the Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio on our own.We stopped along the road at local stores and eateries enabling us to meet the Jamaican people. For the traveler that isn't afraid to leave their resort "compound" Karl Lunta's book will be their "Bible". Our trip was a huge success because of our adventurous spirits and his book!!I highly recommend it!!!

I'm getting ready to go to Jamaica for the fourth time and I (once again) read this book cover to cover and you can bet it'll be in my suitcase too. It's absolutely essential if you aren't planning to hide in an all-inclusive hotel (or even if you are and you plan to get out). The book is sort of geared towards the adventurous traveler, the one that wants to get into the culture and off the beaten path. Still, the coverage of major resort areas is very, very good.Restaurants, places to stay in EVERY price range (wanna camp for $10 a night? Spend $400 a night in an all-inclusive?), fun things to do, what they cost, history - this book has it all and it has it in great depth. It has details on the waterfalls that aren't overflowing with tourists, where to get a Red Stripe in tiny towns on the south coast, what to bring, what not to bring, and most of all, what to expect. I enjoyed being able to talk with Jamaicans about politics and history with the knowledge base I got from this book. Can't wait for the next edition, due this month...

100