I am planning a family trip to Belize in December. I just bought Moon Belize because it is new and I have never used a Moon guidebook before. I found the maps to be very good. However, I was very disappointed to find no information on Flores. Also, the information on money is too sparse. For example, is it worth to use credit cards because of the wide practice of adding a surcharge, are travelers checks widely accepted (local restaurants, gas stations), and are the ATMs mostly working nowadays? In particular, for an expected expenditure of $5000, how much should be relied on credit cards, travelers checks, cash? Also, for travelers checks, $100 or $20? And what and how do I save on departure tax when going to Tikal? Also, what is the advice when restaurants and buses close on Sundays and holidays (I had to revise my plans drastically due to lack of reliable transportation on Dec 25, 26 … and I am still looking for restaurants that will be open around Belmopan on those days)? Lastly, what is expected when crossing the border by car to Tikal and how to handle the shakedowns on the Guatemalan side?

Joshua responds:

Dear David,

Thanks for all the questions. I’m glad you like the maps in Moon Belize — we say “maps to guidebooks are like butter to poundcake.” Sorry about the lack of info on Flores, but because it’s in Guatemala, I had to draw a border somewhere for a book on Belize. I include Tikal only because of its popularity as a day trip from Belize. Believe me, I wish I could keep pushing into Guatemala, but Belize is enough to keep track of as it is.

Because of ATMs and computer based payment systems, I consider traveler’s checks pretty much obsolete these days, unless they make you feel more secure. I’ve found ATMs perfectly reliable throughout the tourist areas of Belize. Is the credit card surcharge worth it? I guess that’s up to you and depends how much you spend. How much cash are you comfortable traveling with? Do you use the safes in hotel rooms? Do you carry a money belt? I usually travel with a couple hundred dollars tucked away in various parts of my luggage and body for emergencies, and take Belizean dollars out of ATMs when I need to.

I don’t think they offer discounts on the departure tax. You’ll have to pay whatever they ask.

Most Chinese places stay open on holidays, but it’s hard to say anything definite about other restaurants. You can prepare by shopping beforehand and keeping a flexible schedule that allows for sudden change of transport/eating plans.

I’ve never had any problem going to Guatemala — and I’ve done the trip by hitchhiking, buses, and taxi. I doubt you have anything to worry about — just use common sense.

Thanks very much for writing — I hope you have a great trip.

Hello! There is a opening with Moon to write their guide to Atlanta, Georgia. As an Atlanta native, age 51, and published journalist I figure I’m as qualified as anyone.

Would you mind my asking what do you think most influenced their decision to hire you to write your guide? (For instance, previous clips, familiarity with the area, your cover letter, etc.?) Also, what was your compensation? Or, if you can’t say, did you receive a professional hourly rate by the time it was all over? And was it worth it?

Thanks for letting me know. And by they way, I’m very interested in your Belize guide now, having been to Guatemala but now wanting to try a different country but with a similar flavor.

This sounds like a great book. I’m always on the lookout for new travel guides and what not.