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Summary: South Pacific Handbook Review
Review: The seventh and latest edition (January 2000) of David Stanley's "South Pacific Handbook" is now available. Still packed with everything that you could possibly need to know about the South Pacific, but were afraid to ask. Inside, you'll find information on islands that you've probably heard of such as Fiji, the Solomon Islands or Tahiti and some that you probably haven't. Have you ever thought of playing tropical cricket in the Tokelau Islands, or spelunking underground or underwater caverns on Niue island? Perhaps you might prefer island hopping in Tuvalu, or checking out some heads on Easter Island. New for this edition is the second home of the Pitcairn Islanders (of Mutiny on the Bounty fame) - Norfolk Island. Whatever your thing, if you like the sound of warm, tropical islands, beautidul beaches and azure blue seas sparsely populated with the world's friendliest people, then the South Pacific is for you. As guidebooks go, David Stanley's "South Pacific Handbook" is about as handy on the region as they get. It's not exactly pocket size or lightweight, but you'll never be short of information, or an opinion, on those far-flung Pacific destinations you've always dreamed of visiting. At the very least, it makes an excellent emergency pillow if you find yourself sleeping on deck, under starry Southern skies, on a schooner bound for Samoa. Garry Hawkins, Northampton. England. U.K.
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Summary: NOT to be missed
Review: This book is your bible to the South Pacific. If you have special (return)feelings about the South Pacific like we have, you must read this book. If you buy this book after your trip you will find out that every spot you have travelled to is described the way YOU would do it. Buy it before you travel and the South Pacific Handbook will guide you for the best holiday you have ever made. Thank you David Stanley! Arthur Zeeuw and Jane Toredjo
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Summary: South Pacific Handbook: Don't Leave Home Without It
Review: This guide is comprehensive, and suggests trip strategies for a wide range of travelers, from luxury-seeking honeymooners to budget-conscious adventure travelers. It helped us find appropriate lodgings, restaurants, and recreation opportunities at several of the Society Islands. We found it reliable and sensible in its recommendations.
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Summary: The authoritative resource on the South Pacific
Review: This is a big book... a really big book! It weighs in at over 1,000 pages and in my opinion, is the most comprehensive book on the South Pacific. It is definitely geared more toward the island hopper and/or complete South Pacific traveler, as there are individual books on the different islands available.
I'm not sure how this title relates to the Lonely Planet South Pacific (I'd consider these two as the leading authoritative sources), but I chose Moon over Lonely Planet because (1) there are 250+ more pages in Moon, and (2) this guide has been out from Moon for 8 editions, since 1979, compared to 2 editions for Lonely Planet. I haven't been let down by this book.
As expected, there are two substantially large chapters devoted to French Polynesia and Fiji. The 13 other islands are also covered in great detail (for example, about 80 pages dedicated to Vanuatu!)
Whereas I consider Lonely Planet guides to be more for the frugal traveler or backpacker, Moon covers a wide variety of accommodations, anywhere from $250 and night and up, down to your basic bungalow. This is helpful because let's face it, in some places I want to splurge for the overwater bungalow! I'd also comment that Moon is a great choice for the active traveler. There are tremendous sections on how to find kayaking, scuba, and surfing tours.
For most people, a guide on a single country or island is going to suffice. However, if you are planning or dreaming of a trip to multiple islands across the South Pacific, I'd take this guide as it has certainly been around the longest and is the most comprehensive choice out there.
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Summary: Take this book on your South Pacific adventure!
Review: This is by far the best South Pacific guide. Stanley has an engaging writing voice and it is clear that he feels very passionate about this special part of the world. You get the feeling that this book was actually written by a person, instead of by a committee (Lonely Planet). This book succeeds in being appropriate for a wide audience--from backpackers to honeymooners to yachties to scuba divers. Although the prices and some of the businesses are out-of-date (the book was published in 2000), it is still a great read, even if only for arm chair travellers.
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