Who wouldn’t love a guide book series called Rum & Reggae?
Even if you’re not a big fan of either, the title alone reads “fun”. And that’s exactly what I thought when I received a copy of Rum & Reggae’s Puerto Rico: Including Culebra & Vieques, from the publisher.
The book is broken down into sections for each of these three islands (Culebra & Vieques are part of PR, by the way) and in the introduction it freely admits to being a guide with an opinion.
“We like to say that the Rum & Reggae series is written for people who want more out of a vacation than the standard tourist fare. Our reader is sophisticated and independent. We will tell you what’s fantastic and what’s not, from the point of view of someone who loathes the tourist label and the other bland and tired travel books… we filter out all the crap.”
That’s my kind of guide!
Beyond the usual info on climate, passport and visa information, what to pack and getting there, the authors include recipes for Caribbean Cocktails before diving into the opinionated details of travel to the region.
The hotels recommended aren’t necessarily for the budget-minded so this isn’t a guide for backpackers, but it does include in depth reviews of offbeat accommodations such as the Gallery Inn, which boasts “the ambiance of a small museum”. Restaurant listing and reviews provide an overview of best places to nosh.
Though English is spoken throughout these islands, Rum & Reggae’s Puerto Rico includes a Spanish dictionary. There’s also information for gay and lesbian travelers that should help you navigate safely through this region.
All in all, this guide got me seriously thinking about all the fun I could have in the Caribbean. As the rains creep in here in the Pacific Northwest, I’ll be ready for a beach pretty darn soon.
And, worth noting is the fact that this series includes guides for Brazil, Costa Rica, Hawaii and the Caribbean.
Happy Travels!
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