The King of Guidebooks? (Fodor's Gold Guides)

Member Name: kingseany

Product:	Fodor's Gold Guides
Date:	03/06/04 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Essential information, Good maps

Disadvantages: No pics, Not the best layout

Once described as the "King of guidebooks", Fodor's produce a huge range of full sized and pocket travel guides for the whole world. The series I am talking about here is the Gold Series, and the book I have concentrated on is The US & British Virgin Islands. Although I am looking at a specific book, as far sa I can tell, the format of guidebooks is similar for each country/city.

A softback book, not pocket sized, but none-the-less small enough to fit into your hand luggage, it contains about 150 pages. This is another guidebook range that has chosen not to include photographs, and although I love to look at them - it's not the end of the world for me. There are a few colour advertisements for a well-known credit card company in the center, and near the back - I assume this helped pay for the research and production of the guide.

The contents page is not too well laid out, and the use of orangy/yellow text for headings seems a bit odd to me. Basically the contents is broken down into island in this case, with a few other sections on maps, some information about the authors etc.

After a few good maps, you move onto the "hints & tips" section. Here you will find the usual sections on travel and transport, heakth, moey, what to pack and what not to pack, climate, when to go and so on. Most decent guidebooks provide similar information, and Fodor's in no better or worse than the rest in my honest opinion. The only comment I have here is that the use of the same colour text doesn't make finding information particularly quick.

We move on to the islands themselves, and each one is described in detail, some historical backrground information, along with plenty of good maps. Whilst mentioning maps, this guide came complete with a detachable Rand McNally US
; & British Virgin Islands map, which added to the value of the book.

Accommodation is described for each island, and a budget idication is used between $ - $$$$. A * indicates that it is a "Fodor's Choice", and noted for particular value, high standard and service. Hotels, guesthouses, villas and even private homes for rent are included. The descriptions make any of the places sound wonderful to stay at, describing the view, the facilities, even the breeze that may waft through your room.

Where to dine is equally well covered, again using the same $ - $$$$ indications, so it's easy to find something which fits your budget. The restaurant listings are broken down into different types - American, Asian, Italian, and of course Caribbean/Creole, amongst others. The best dishes to try are mentioned, and sometimes an indication of actual prices (although these may well not be accurate after time). Opening hours, and methods of payment accepted are also detailed, along with the all important location information.

Beaches are described, and detail the type of sand, calmness of the water, what kind of facilities may be available, snorkelling/diving rating etc.

Sporting facilities are well documented, including boating/sailing, fishing, golf, tennis, diving and the rest.

Although not of great importance to me, shopping is covered in some detail. Sections cover where best to buy handicrafts, food, books, electronics perfumes, jewelry, or whatever it is you may be looking for. Shops and markets are mentioned, good buys are highlighted, as well as where you'll find top-end luxury goods.

If you want to do more than simply lie around on a beach sipping cocktails, look through the sights section. Here you will find detailed the various churches, museums, gardens, and other attractions. A few paragr
aphs about each one, and including opening times where relevent is just about right, enough to know whether you should visit or not.

Once the day is over, turn to the Nightlife section. This points you in the direction of the best bars, clubs, and any shows which might be available. A basic idea of what to expect, plus opening times, and a price indication for the money concious are all included.

Towards the back of this book, are a couple of short stories, which really do build up a picture of Caribbean holidays, and make me long to be back again.

The purchase price is around £13.99, but shopping around, you can probably find it for less than a tenner. All in all, a good guide, containing essential information, good maps, although overall layout could be improved upon.

Take a look at www.fodors.com for more information.

Summary: