Comments on: Fodor’s U.S. & British Virgin Islands, 22nd Edition

By: A. Swanson

A. Swanson — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:07:11 +0000

I got this on sort of a lark. I’d been watching some House Hunters International episodes and saw one on the US Virgin Islands, and then this book popped up. I’d never read a travel book before and was very surprised how much I liked it.

First, I’ve traveled quite a bit for my job. I’ve been to twenty or so countries and never had advanced knowledge of what to expect in any of them. True, most of the time I went from airport (or train station) to hotel to server room and back, so I didn’t really need too much info on the country I was visiting, but still, it would have been nice.

Containing great heaps of info on sites, costs, how-to’s and other need-to-know items, this book could prove indispensable in planning and then taking your trip. Just the information on customs and passport needs and differences between the BVI and the USVI could save you a lot of worry and time. Even the info on where smoking is allowed (or not allowed) might make a non-smokers dinner plans easier.

Before I go to Europe next year, and I’ve been there a bunch, I’ll be getting one of these for each country we plan to visit.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: GW

GW — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:20:40 +0000

The guide was very positive (a bit too positive) about every destination and didn’t necessarily offer a constructive view. If you have a limited amount of time and budget and don’t specifically know where you want to go in the Caribbean this guide won’t help you narrow it down quickly. I offer the National Geographic website “Island Destinations Rated: Caribbean” as a much better introduction to the islands not written by the local tourism development head that can quickly give you some of the pro’s and con’s.

Besides this I used this book to try and plan a trip to the Virgin Islands, specifically St. John – however while many things were adequate I felt the book fell short. At a mere 35 pages on St. John (less if you take away full sized pictures) this guide was far too brief for my tastes and I found myself going to the internet to research more. I think if you printed all of this out on your own with 8X11 paper you would get about 10 sheets. If you plan on staying on St. John for a week (not an altogether unexpected plan) you would definitely want more than that right? More detailed driving maps, hiking maps, better beach reviews & pictures, more food recommendations including menu highlights and more detailed points of interest. Fodor’s targets the upscale tourist and tends to highlight very touristy areas and businesses – the same things you would get from a tourist brochure for free.

Rating: 3 / 5

By: G. K. Libbey

G. K. Libbey — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:33:55 +0000

Fodor’s 22nd Edition about the US & British Virgin Islands is a beautiful & portable travel guide for these beautiful islands. They will be useful for the traveler who may just be spending a day in port on a cruise ship or for those planning a longer stay. The guide book contains marvelous photographs and a comprehensive well- organized layout and index. Even if you cannot afford to travel to these beautiful Caribbean islands, the armchair traveler will be able to enjoy reading about the highlights of these little bits of paradise. Fodor’s U.S. & British Virgin Islands, 22nd Edition (Full-Color Gold Guides)
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Dennis A. Amith (kndy)

Dennis A. Amith (kndy) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:41:42 +0000

Are you planning to go on vacation or take a trip to the Caribbean? Searching online may be simple but sometimes information can get a little sketchy and it helps if you have destination experts to give you the inside tips about the areas that you are visiting or were thinking of visiting.

Since 1949, Fodor's guides have been giving travelers the best, honest guidance to travelers. In fact, the publication has gone as far back when Hungarian Eugene Fodor has been traveling the world and felt he should start his own publication because the other guidebooks out there were so boring and were outdated.

With over 440 guides published of 330 destinations, needless to say that if you are going to the Caribbean, Fodor's "U.S. & British Virgin Islands" is the one and only guide that I recommend. The guide goes into destinations and breaks them apart for those who are interested in visiting the beach, diving and snorkeling, knowing the history of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where to sleep in style, etc.

Want the most expensive food? What to know how much you should tip? Fodor answers "Frequently Asked Questions" in their guide. But what if you are traveling to a certain part of the Carribean? No problem. The guide book gives you the information you need to know the best choice for hotels, restaurants, places to visit for those who plan to visit St. Thomas, St. John, Tortola, Virgin Gorda and even other British Virgin Islands such as Jost Van Dyke, Guana Island, Marina Cay, Anegada, Peter Island, Necker Island and Cooper Island.

And it helps that the people writing the guidebook live in the area. Carl M. Bareuther lives in St. Thomas and Lynda Lohr lives in St. John. So, this is not someone who lives in a big metropolitan city basing their book off what they read off the Internet.

There are maps for destinations, information if you need to rent a car, how to get around, essentials, where to eat, need to go to the post office, night life to shopping areas. This is one book that you definitely want to use when planning your trip and to bring with you to the U.S. British Virgin Islands.

Definitely recommended! Rating: 5 / 5

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:36:53 +0000

Having never been to the Caribbean, I figured a travel guide is in order. Now that I have one, I can say that there is more information than I can take. Information overload. But it's necessary for future vacations.

From planning the trip to geography, Fodor's U.S. & British Virgin Islands guide provides all the details necessary. Ferry routes, plane tickets, what to be wary of, it's all included.

Beautiful photos and explanations of local flair, customs, and a breakdown of each island makes this guide invaluable. There is literally no stone unturned. It's like the Virgin Island for dummies, even giving a FAQ for travelers who may ask stupid questions over and over again.

Highly recommended. Rating: 5 / 5