Australia & South Pacific Books - Page 12

Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands (Country Guide)

Rowan McKinnon, Dean Starnes, Jean-Bernard Carillet

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 2.5 of 5

A Very Poor Guide! :-( 2 out of 5 stars.
26 of 26 people found this review helpful.

Once upon a time, Lonely Planet had a good guide to Papua New Guinea (371 pages), and an excellent one to the Solomon Islands (279 pages). For better or worse these fascinating countries don't exactly attract hordes of holidaymakers, so after leaving those books unupdated for many years, the publisher has now decided to dump them together in this new edition (272 pages).
The result is basically a new, much slimmer guide to Papua New Guinea, with fewer than 30 pages on the Solomons (where it only actually covers half the country even nominally).
Not only has much of the detail been thrown out, the quality of information has also gone downhill sharply! :-(
The authors have very obviously never visited even major tourist destinations of PNG described in the book - as confirmed by owners of accomodations included in it, who told me they had merely received phonecalls from the author who didn't even visit most of the Sepik Region or the Highlands, for example!
Much of the "updating" seems to have been done by surfing the web, and as a result the book abounds in recommendations for expensive, upmarket places and tour-operators that do have websites, while completely ignoring cheaper, budget guesthouses which have no info on the net. Even excellent, small locally owned places that were in previous editions of the PNG guide are conspiciously missing! And as for what the authors consider "budget": their itinerary recommended for budget travellers includes staying at a 150 USD/night resort!

This book is a real shame to Lonely Planet.
If you are planning on resort-hopping on a short holiday, it will be sufficient, but if you want to explore these two countries in depth without spending a fortune, you are far better off trying to find copies of the now out-of-print old editions, which still contain far more useful information than this new guide.
Check Amazon for reviews and availablity of the old Papua New Guinea guide and Solomon Islands one.

Another cheap little book that may well enrich your travels in either of the two countries is LP's Pidgin Phrasebook.
Those keen on getting way off the beaten track in PNG on foot will still find Bushwalking in Papua New Guinea invaluable!

Editorial Review:

Discover Papua New Guinea & the Solomon Islands

Drift with the current through Sandfly Passage, a hidden submarine valley teeming with fish and manta rays
Sway to the rhythm of kundu drums at the spectacular Goroka Show
Walk barefooted into a towering spirit house along the Sepik River

In This Guide:

The only guide to Papua New Guinea & the Solomon Islands
Special color tribute to WWII battleground the Kokoda Track, new diving chapter and expanded Solomon Islands coverage
Tips from authors who've travelled safely through the region for years

In the South Seas

Robert Louis Stevenson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

In the South Seas 5 out of 5 stars.
14 of 15 people found this review helpful.

In his book, In the South Seas, Stevenson gives an accurate and in depth look into the people and culture of the islands of the South Pacific. The book describes Stevenson's two year journey from the Marqueses Islands, to Tahiti, then Honolulu ,and finally Somoa. Stevenson uses the great adventures he experienced and his masterfully writing skills to paint a breath taking view of the islands and thier many beauties.

Indispensible to Readers of the Pacific 5 out of 5 stars.
13 of 13 people found this review helpful.

If you read only one "South Seas" book from the 1920s back, this should be the one. This Penguin issue corrects a number of inaccuracies from previous editions, including Stevenson's own error in their departure date (!) It is the classic travel and observation book of the Pacific. The early descriptions of the Marquesas are unmatched, as are the accounts of the several islands they visited in Kiribati (Gilbert Islands). The account of Tem Binoka will give you a real eye opening into an absolute ruler and his ways in the late 19th century. Reading this could start a life long interest in Pacific literature.

Editorial Review:

"In The South Seas" records Stevenson's travels with his wife Fanny and their family in the Marquesas, the Paumotus and the Gilbert Islands during 1888-9. Originally drafted in journal form while Stevenson travelled, it was then ambitiously rewritten to describe the islands and islanders as well as Stevenson's own personal experiences. "In The South Seas" was published posthumously in 1896. Its combination of personal anecdote and historical account, of autobiography and anthropology, of Stevenson and South Sea Islands, has a particular charm.

Frommer's Portable Big Island of Hawaii

Jeanette Foster

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Exploring the Big Island with Frommers 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I found the Frommers guide very helpful when on the Big Island. He is a bit opinionated, because a few places I found that Frommers didn't like, I liked. But overall, this pocket book was much more helpful in the exploring the Big Island for the first time. It is a must if it is your first time to go. Make sure to take time to read it, and not just on the airplane over. You may want to find a more detailed map once you get to the Big Island to navigate around, as Frommers did not have very detailed maps.

Editorial Review:

Frommer's Portable Guides offer all the detailed information and insider advice of a Frommer's Complete Guide--but in a concise, pocket-sized format.

Perfect for the short-term traveler who insists on value and doesn't want to wade through or carry a full-size guidebook, this series selects the very best choices in all price categories and takes you straight to the top sights. Get the latest on resorts, restaurants, sports, shopping, and nightlife in a nutshell in these lightweight, inexpensive guides.

Meticulously researched by an acclaimed local journalist, Frommer's Portable Big Island of Hawaii is a concise guide to the best of the state's namesake island. You'll rely on our top-notch coverage of the best beaches, golf courses, and adventure outings. Our candid and in-depth hotel reviews cover everything from luxury oceanfront resorts to family-friendly condos to B&Bs, and our dining coverage ensures that you'll enjoy a true taste of Hawaii.

Top 10 Sydney (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides)

DK Publishing

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Editorial Review:

Whether you're looking for the finest cuisine or the least expensive places to eat, the most luxurious hotels or the best deals on places to stay, Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides provide useful information by local experts to find the best of everything at each destination.

Rarotonga & the Cook Islands (Country Guide)

Oliver Berry

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Very useful but of less than average construction. 4 out of 5 stars.
17 of 17 people found this review helpful.

My fiance and i were fortunate enough to holiday in the Cooks for 2 weeks in January 07. In the lead up to our trip i purchased this guide and studied it carefully. All the sections were well written and comprehensive. The history and environment section made for interesting background reading and helped to get an idea of life back in the old days as well as the current situation.
The section dealing with Rarotonga and its capital Avarua, as a whole was useful and the information (sights, accomodation, where to eat/drink and shop, other amenities) for the most part (95%) accurate - even prices more or less. We did a daytrip to Aitutaki and that section was also quite good. There were also sections on all the other Southern & Northern group islands but i cannot comment as we did not go to any of these. Still made interesting reading though. The maps were also accurate and well detailed.
One thing i would disagree with is attemting to do the main cross island hike on your own. It is possible but there are no signposts, and the trail itself is quite difficult to find and follow in places, not to mention quite treacherous and hard going in the wet season. We went with Pa a local guide and it was a wise decision as many people have been injured or worse attempting this hike.
Other than this, my main gripe is with actual construction of this book. The plastic coating on the cover started to peel soon after purchase and the pages are starting to come loose from the spine. All this without any heavy duty wear and tear. I think Lonely Planet need to increase their quality control and improve the construction of their guides so that they do stand up to more rigorous use, after all that's what they are for.

Editorial Review:

Dreaming of a Polynesian paradise? Welcome to the Cook Islands: secluded beaches, cultural riches and the most spectacular scenery in the South Pacific. From bustling Rarotonga and beautiful ’Atiu to far-flung Pukapuka, let Lonely Planet help you find your own place in the sun.

Be Spoilt For Choice – includes coverage of all 15 islands

Don't Get Lost – unless you want to: 34 maps to point you in the right direction

Get Active – if that’s your thing: all the details on diving, snorkelling, trekking, windsurfing and cycling

Sleep Soundly – the very best resorts, hostels and everything in between

Before You Book – find out what our author thought of your resort – get the honest scoop

Are We There Yet?: A Journey Around Australia

Alison Lester

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

the varied landscape of Australia for children 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

A trip by a family with three children around Australia takes in wildlife, seacoasts, natural formations, and deserts, different inhabitants, tourist spots, and other points of interest. Most of these are pictured three or four per page. The youngest child, Billy, misses the family pets, and keeps asking when they are going to get home. The family is glad to be eventually home after the lengthy trip; but everyone appreciates what they have seen and learned about the large, diverse continent of Australia. For ages 4-8.

There is a world out there... 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a fantastic book for fostering a child's interest in the world outside their own community. It doesn't matter that the topic is a trip around Australia - it could just as easily be any part of the world. The point is that this is a family of five that goes out and has an adventure together. In doing this, they are spending time together and discovering more about the country they live in.

There is a lot of information about Australia in the story, taken from a kids-eye-level which engages preschoolers to primary age children.

Young Billy's chant 'Are we there yet' is not a yearning for home, rather it's every child's boredom with the seemingly endless driving on a 10,000km+ road trip around a continent. All children can identify with this!

This book is definitely a favourite in our house!

Editorial Review:

Join Grace and her family as they hit the road camping, experiencing, and meeting all the people and places that make up Australia.

Maui for Dummies

Cheryl Farr Leas

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

From golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and waterfalls to great golf, watersports, nightlife, and more, Maui is the ultimate island paradise. But with so much to do, where do you start? This fun and friendly guide covers everything you need to make sure all your tropical dreams come true, including:

• The best in outdoor sports, including Maui’s world-class golf courses
• A guide to understanding Maui’s climate so you know when to go
• Advice for planning a Hawaiian wedding
• A special section for exploring Haleakala National Park
• Maui’s best beaches and watersports
• Side trips to the islands of Molokai and Lanai

Like every For Dummies travel guide, Maui For Dummies includes:

• Down-to-earth trip-planning advice
• What you shouldn’t miss — and what you can skip
• The best restaurants and hotels for every budget
• Lots of detailed maps

Moon Living Abroad in New Zealand

Michelle Waitzman

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Avalon Travel Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 36 new & used starting at $11.54

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Michelle Waltzman fell in love with New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and various outdoor activities on a backpacking trip in 1998, and has since moved to the country, recently obtaining permanent resident status. Michelle provides insight and first-hand advice on all that living in New Zealand has to offer. She outlines all the information needed in a smart, organized, and straightforward manner, making planning the move abroad manageable. Moon Living Abroad in New Zealand makes the moving and transition process easy for businesspeople, students, teachers, retirees, and professionals.

Moon Living Abroad in New Zealand is packed with essential information and must-have details on setting up daily life including obtaining visas, arranging finances, gaining employment, choosing schools, and finding health care. This relocation guide also includes practical advice on how to rent or buy a home for a variety of needs and budgets, whether it’s an apartment in cosmopolitan Wellington or a home in historic Christchurch. All Moon Living Abroad Guides include color photos, black and white photos, black and white illustrations, and maps.

Moon Handbooks Micronesia

Neil Levy

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

From the mysterious ruins of Pohnpei to Saipan's historic beaches, the islands of Micronesia offer the traveler hundreds of intriguing destinations to explore. Looking for more than the standard itinerary? Explore the sunken Japanese fleet in Chuuk Lagoon or celebrate with the locals at the annual Arts Festival in Palau. Neil Levy, a renowned South Pacific travel expert, brings the islands and atolls of Micronesia within reach of travelers who, on any budget, are looking to experience the full bounty of these incredible islands. This guide covers all four Pacific archipelagos: Guam; the Republics of Palau, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, and Nauru; the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, including Saipan, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Completely updated and revised, the sixth edition of Moon Handbooks Micronesia, is packed with the most current information on sightseeing options, diving and recreation, accommodations, and restaurants, as well as custom maps, color photographs, fascinating sidebars, and a complete coverage of the area's culture, history, and social issues.

Tahiti & French Polynesia Guide: Open Road Publishing's Best-Selling Guide to Tahiti! (Open Road Travel Guides Tahiti and French Polynesia Guide)

Jan Prince

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Very up to date, but less info than previous editions 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Jan Prince really knows French Polynesia. She has lived and traveled there and it shows. Her descriptions of the resorts and restaurants is far beyond that which you find in most travel books; much more detailed and personal. However, I have the previous edition and felt it actually contained much more information (indeed it was a larger book). Still, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this for anyone thinking of traveling to French Polynesia. It's great for both planning your trip and using while there.

Editorial Review:

Open Road's best-selling travel guide is fully updated with new hotels, restaurants, cruises and activities. We've trimmed down where necessary but added all new maps, plus a beautiful new color photo insert section. Readers will find complete coverage of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Tetiaroa, Maupiti, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Tahaa, Tikehau, Manihi, and the Outer Islands. Find out which cruise option is best, where the great scuba diving is, whale and dolphin watching, where to go for the tastiest Tahitian feasts, unique places to stay, and much more!