Lonely Planet Cuba: Travel Survival Kit

A new edition of "Lonely Planet Cuba" is now available - search for it on this site.

I found this book to be very useful on my trip to cuba. It was accurate and informative. The book is some what negative towards America, but the info about hotels, beaches, and food is very good. I highly recommend this book for someone traveling to cuba.

I found David Stanley's guide very useful to have on a recent first visit to Cuba. I did not, as an American, find it anti-American, and would say that those of my countrymen who do are much too thin-skinned. I think there is a need to update the guide soon, as prices are rising fast, and those given in the guide are rapidly getting out of date. Also, new hotels are appearing rapidly and this too has to be updated.

Americans are clearly too sensitive. How anyone can find this book biased is bizarre Buy the book, read it, go to Cuba and have a fantastic time. at least you won't be in America!

With a wealth of information and an easy-to-use format, Lonely Planet's guide to Cuba is probably the best on the market. Beginning with a comprehensive overview of the country, Lonely Planet gives information on the history, culture, religion and politics of the country in concise, yet detailed, synopses. The comprehensive Practical Information section is an in-depth guide to planning your trip, whether you prefer a package tour or to go it alone. You'll find information on Snowbird-style beach-only, all-inclusive packages, as well as information on city stays for the more urban among us. In contrast to many guides, Lonely Planet covers tour operators from a variety of countries, such as Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas so that individuals may match their taste to a specific package. If you want to go it alone, Lonely Planet provides excellent information and contacts for airlines, hotels, restaurants, how to get your own visa, and the like. This is a rarity among modern Cuba guides. There are sections dealing with gay and lesbian travellers, the disabled, and students which provide contacts for things such as work/study programs, and other not-so-typical types of tourism. The island is covered in considerable detail, which is a real boon to those wanting to explore more than one location. Further, the would-be tourist is guided through the difficulties of local transportation and dining when you're not part of a tour group. For those wanting to visit the island without a clear idea of what to do once there, Lonely Planet really shines. It provides a Top Ten Best & Worst places to visit, and a great overview of the island so that you'll be able to find/explore exactly what you want. On the downside, although the book is new, the text style is vintage Lonely Planet. It may overwhelm those who just want a week at the beach, and may frighten those not accustomed to international travel with its comprehensive detail of the ins and outs of coming and going to and within Cuba. The book caters to the more adventurous, but is still an invaluable tool for the more cautious, who, at least, will enjoy beachchair travel throughout this fascinating island.