Moon Handbooks

For more than 30 years, Moon Handbooks have appealed to an eclectic group of travelers, from backpacking students to solo adventurers to families on vacation (and a budget). With expert writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic advice, and an essential dose of humor, Moon Handbooks ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience—and a few new stories to tell.

Moon Handbooks

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y Z All

Moon Puerto Vallarta

Eighth Edition
Bruce Whipperman and Robin Noelle

Seasoned travel writers Bruce Whipperman and Robin Noelle know the best way to experience Puerto Vallarta—from dining at new restaurants in De Santos and Xitomate to snorkeling in the Bay of Matanchén. Packed with expert advice on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Puerto Vallarta has options for a range of travel budgets. Including tips on the best beaches and where to shop for Huichol crafts, Moon Puerto Vallarta gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Rhode Island

Third Edition
Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall

New England husband-and-wife team Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall offer comprehensive coverage of Rhode Island, from isolated Block Island to urban Providence. Blanding and Hall provide unique trip ideas, including Eating Your Way Through the Ocean State, Nature Lovers' Tour, and 7-Day Best of Rhode Island. Whether you want to sail Narragansett Bay or visit Newport's International Tennis Hall of Fame, Moon Rhode Island gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Rio de Janeiro

Michael Sommers

Experienced traveler and Brazil resident Michael Sommers covers the best of Rio de Janeiro—from exploring the lavish architecture of Centro and Lapa to relaxing on the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon. Sommers includes unique trip ideas for a variety of travelers, including Historic Rio, Romantic Rio, and Rio on the Cheap (With Charm). With expert advice on where to stay, what to see, and where to find the best Brazilian cuisine, Moon Rio de Janeiro gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Corresponding Author QA: 

Moon San Diego

Second Edition
Ericka Chickowski

Seasoned writer and outdoor enthusiast Ericka Chickowski offers an insider’s view of San Diego, from surfing at San Onofre State Beach to exploring the expansive San Diego Zoo. Ericka includes great trip ideas such as On a Mission, a tour of the city’s historical sights, and Surf and Turf, which covers recreational opportunities in and out of the water. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon San Diego has lots of options for a range of travel budgets.. With advice on where to grab a cocktail in the Gaslamp Quarter and hike in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Moon San Diego gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

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Moon San Juan Islands

Fourth Edition
Don Pitcher

Writer and photographer Don Pitcher introduces travelers to the best of the San Juan Islands, from their luxurious inns and upscale restaurants to their evergreen forests and rocky shorelines. Pitcher is the essential tour guide to this popular getaway destination, providing itineraries such as Romantic San Juans, Camping with the Kids, and Exploring the Outer Islands. Complete with details on activities including whale-watching, kayaking, sailing, hiking, and diving, Moon San Juan Islands gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon San Juan, Vieques & Culebra

Suzanne Van Atten

Travel journalist Suzanne Van Atten covers the best of San Juan, Vieques, and Culebra—from the historic charm of Old San Juan to the electric-blue waters of Mosquito Bay. Van Atten also includes creative suggested itineraries for travelers of all kinds, including families, couples looking for a romantic getaway, and sports enthusiasts in search of recreation ideas. With expert advice on exploring the Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, sampling local cuisine at the Luquillo kiosks, and lounging on the uncrowded white sand beaches of Culebra, Moon San Juan, Vieques, & Culebra gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and the Bajío

Julie Doherty Meade

Professional writer and longtime Mexico resident Julie Doherty offers up the inside scoop on the Bajío, from where to sip a margarita in San Miguel to how to best explore Guanajuato on foot. Doherty also provides original trip itinerary ideas, including The Best of the Bajío, Art Lover's Tour, and Desert Chill. Complete with tips on the best museums, historic sights, shopping, and food in the region, Moon San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato & the Bajío gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Santa Barbara & the Central Coast

Michael Cervin

Restaurant critic and travel writer Michael Cervin introduces you to the best of Santa Barbara and California's Central Coast, from Santa Barbara's stunning Spanish architecture to Ventura's treasure-filled thrift shops. A longtime resident of the Central Coast, Cervin has plenty of unique trip strategies to offer, including Going Green: Eco Winery Tours and Pedaling the Coast. Complete with inside information on golfing in Ojai, riding the waves at some of Santa Barbara's famous surf spots, and where to sample Santa Maria's famous tri-tip barbecue, Moon Santa Barbara & the Central Coast gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Santa Fe, Taos & Albuquerque

Third Edition
Zora O'Neill

New Mexico native Zora O’Neill shares her appreciation for the Land of Enchantment, from exploring Acoma Pueblo—a 12th-century Native American settlement built upon a 367-foot mesa—to hitting the slopes at Taos Ski Valley. O’Neill offers a variety of trip strategies, such as Weekend Getaways, American Indian Heritage, and Not Just Hot Tamales—a guide to sampling the tastiest examples of the region's distinctive cuisine. Full of tips on hiking aspen-covered mountainsides, wandering among crumbling Franciscan churches, and checking out the area's thriving art scene, Moon Santa Fe, Taos, & Albuquerque gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Sarasota & Naples

Jason Ferguson

Travel writer Jason Ferguson gives an inside look at Sarasota, Naples, Sanibel Island, and the Everglades, from the calming waters of Sarasota Bay to the teeming wildlife of the Everglades. Ferguson offers his expert advice on how to make the most out of a trip to the southern parts of Florida's Gulf Coast, providing one-of-a-kind trip strategies—including Art & Architecture and Swamps & Solitude—for travelers of all interests and budgets. With tips on viewing the Naples Museum of Art's impressive collections, hiking in the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, and kayaking through the Glades, Moon Sarasota & Naples gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Scotland

Luke Waterson

Journalist Luke Waterson spent his summers in Scotland as a child and offers an insider’s perspective on the region, from pub-crawling in Glasgow to climbing Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak. Waterson provides ideas for great trips, such as a Weeklong Highland Fling and a Coves, Caves, and Beaches tour. Including expert advice on sampling whisky in Speyside distilleries, exploring ancient stone circles, and golfing at the world-renowned courses of St. Andrews, Moon Scotland gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Corresponding Author QA: 

Moon Seoul

Jonathan Hopfner

Journalist Jonathan Hopfner gives travelers the benefit of his firsthand experience as a Seoul resident, providing unique insight into the many sides of this bustling city. Hopfner outlines entertaining travel strategies for exploring Seoul, including A Walk Through History, Nature in the City Limits, and Seoul with Children. From where to find the best-tasting and most affordable Korean barbecue to which areas are best for shopping and people-watching, Moon Seoul gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

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Moon South Carolina

Fifth Edition
Jim Morekis

Writer, editor, and past South Carolina resident, Jim Morekis covers the best of the Palmetto State—from the shores of Myrtle Beach to the undeniable charm of Charleston. Morekis includes fun and unique trip ideas for a variety of travelers, including Carolina for Kids, Historical Highlights, and Top Ten Golf Courses in this helpful guide. Whether you’re looking for an extended vacation or a weekend getaway, Moon South Carolina gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

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Moon Southern California

Fourth Edition
Liz Hamill Scott

Writer and native Californian Liz Hamill Scott covers the best that the Southern California has to offer, from road trips through the vast deserts to the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills. Scott offers many unique trip strategies, such as PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) Road Trip, and provides insight on all the must-see sights. Including expert advice on exploring Los Angeles, San Diego, and the rest of the southern half of the state, Moon Southern California gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Spain

Candy Lee LaBalle

Resident of Madrid and freelance travel writer, Candy Lee Laballe, offers an insider’s view of Spain from kite-surfing in Tarifa and architecture-gazing in Barcelona to sipping sangria in Cordoba. Candy is the perfect tour guide providing unique trip ideas like the Art & Architecture Tour, the La Costa Verde Tour, and The Best Way to Explore Spain in 21-Days.

Moon St. Louis

Brooke S. Foster

As a St. Louis resident, Brooke S. Foster knows the best ways to experience the Gateway City, from must-see sights like the Gateway Arch and the City Museum to great Northern Italian cuisine on the Hill. Foster provides travelers with unique trip strategies to help organize their visit, such as Blues, Barbecue, and Beer: A Legendary St. Louis Weekend; and From the Butterfly House to the Gigantic Slide: St. Louis with Kids. Including experienced advice on checking out the Victorian-era mansions in Lafayette Square, exploring the revived nightlife of downtown St. Louis, and seeing live music at the Blue Note in nearby Columbia, Moon St. Louis gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Tahiti

Seventh Edition
David Stanley

South Pacific expert David Stanley knows the best way to vacation in Tahiti, from browsing the Papeete market to snorkeling off the island of Moorea. David also includes unique trip ideas like The Best of French Polynesia and Underwater in the Tuamotu Islands. Complete with details on taking lagoon tours and jeep safaris, lounging in Polynesian spas, and partaking in lavish seafood buffets, Moon Tahiti gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Corresponding Author QA: 

Moon Tahoe

Fifth Edition
Ann Marie Brown

California outdoors expert Ann Marie Brown provides you with the essential details needed to discover all of the can't-miss sights, attractions, and restaurants in and around Tahoe. Ski Squaw Valley's renowned slopes, hibernate in a cozy South Shore cabin, dine in Tahoe City, or hike the Tahoe Rim Trail—Brown will help you maximize your time with her insider's tips no matter which of Tahoe's offerings you choose to take advantage of. Including creative trip ideas for a variety of travelers, such as Summertime Family Fun and Adrenaline Junkie, Moon Tahoe gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Taj Mahal, Delhi & Jaipur

Margot Bigg

With its shimmering white marble domes and perfect symmetry, the Taj Mahal is among the most stunning marvels on the planet. A stroll through its lush grounds transports you back to a time when bejeweled royalty feasted on rich delicacies and terraced fountains flowed with rose water.

Expert traveler Margot Bigg tells you everything you need to know to make this trip possible in Moon Taj Mahal, Delhi & Jaipur:

• How to get there, how long it will take, and where to stop along the way—including information on excursions into Rajasthan, the Himalayas, and nearby wildlife preserves

• How to choose the best guide and means of transportation, whether it’s train, car, or bus

• Where to find authentic cultural experiences, from elephant processions to spiritual retreats

Moon Tampa and St. Petersburg

Laura Reiley

Writer and Tampa resident Laura Reiley offers her unique perspective on Tampa and St. Petersburg, from exploring the Salvador Dali Museum to enjoying the quirky Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Reiley includes trip strategies for a variety of travelers, such as a Nature Lovers Tour and Tampa Sports, covering the Yankees spring training. Including expert advice on the Museum of Science and Industry, Busch Gardens, and nightlife in historic Ybor City, Moon Tampa & St. Petersburg gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Tennessee

Sixth Edition
Margaret Littman

Nashville resident Margaret Littman gives readers an insider's look at the Volunteer State, from the civil war battlefields of Middle Tennessee to Knoxville's World's Fair Park. To help travelers plan their trip, Littman provides unique trip itinerary suggestions, including Downtown and the Delta, Into the Heartland, and From Bluegrass to the Blues. Complete with tips on where to go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, making the most of the amazing music scenes in Nashville and Memphis, and which of the state's festivals are worth attending, Moon Tennessee gives travelers to tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Texas

Seventh Edition
Andy Rhodes

As a longtime Austin resident and writer for the Texas Historical Commission, Andy Rhodes knows the best ways to experience the Lone Star State. In keeping with the everything is bigger in Texas” motif the state is famous for, Rhodes covers a colossal amount of sights and activities, including catching up-and-coming indie bands at Austin’s South by Southwest music festival and exploring the rugged landscape of Big Bend National Park. Rhodes also offers unique trip strategies that help travelers plan trips according to their interests, such as Texas Food—an exploration of Southern cooking and Tex-Mex—and Overlooked Natural Wonders. With detailed information on everything from surfing and fishing the Gulf Coast to checking out museums in Dallas, Moon Texas gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Corresponding Author QA: 

Moon Thailand

Fifth Edition
Suzanne Nam

Journalist and Bangkok resident Suzanne Nam shares the many ways to experience Thailand, from diving in the clear azure waters off the Andaman coast to exploring 13th-century Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai. Nam offers one-of-a-kind trip strategies—including Touring the Temples and Five Stars at Two-Star Prices—for travelers of all interests and budgets. Complete with expert advice on shopping at Bangkok’s vibrant street markets, island-hopping around Koh Samui, and visiting the country's striking national parks, Moon Thailand gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Trips of a Lifetime

Moon Trips of a Lifetime is a sampler of four dream vacation destinations. Excerpted from Moon’s Handbooks series, this inspirational ebook offers information on vacation spots that include Angkor Wat, Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Galápagos Islands, and the Taj Mahal. Rather than providing in-depth coverage on just one location, this is a fun-to-browse guide that offers a brief overview of each destination—along with essential trip planning strategies and ideas for itineraries. With tips for planning the perfect “trip of a lifetime” and a foreword by the editor in chief of Afar magazine, Moon Trips of a Lifetime gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Tucson

Tim Hull

Freelancer and Tucson resident Tim Hull shares his advice on the best Tucson has to offer—from the Tucson Mountains and Rincon Valley to Adobe architecture and desert dude ranches. Hull provides unique trip ideas for a variety of travelers, including Tucson With Kids, The Old Pueblo on a Budget, and Outdoor Tucson: Hiking from the Desert to the Mountains. With expert advice on where to sleep, sightsee, and savor the best Southwestern cooking, Moon Tucson gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Utah

Ninth Edition
W. C. McRae and Judy Jewell

Seasoned travel writers W. C. McRae and Judy Jewell share the best ways to experience all that the Beehive State has to offer, from sprawling, urban Salt Lake City to serene, mystical Arches National Park. The authors include great trip strategies that utilize Utah’s amazing outdoor attractions and unique history, such as Standing High: The Best Vistas and The Old West Tour. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, this handbook has lots of options for a range of travel budgets. Including expert advice on the state’s best brewpubs, first-rate ski and snowboard resorts, and amazing national parks, Moon Utah gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Vancouver and Victoria

Fifth Edition
Andrew Hempstead

Canada resident and experienced outdoorsman Andrew Hempstead offers an insider’s perspective on dining at the best restaurants and cafés in Vancouver and spotting gray whales and orcas near Victoria. Andrew offers unique trip ideas that cover the best of this remarkable region, including the Vancouver and Victoria Highlights Tour and Nature Lover's Tour. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, this has lots of options for a range of travel budgets. With guidance on exploring Stanley Park, visiting the Royal British Columbia Museum, and skiing and snowboarding at Whistler, Moon Vancouver and Victoria gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Vermont

Third Edition
Michael Blanding & Alexandra Hall

Authors and New England residents Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall know the best of the Green Mountain State, from sampling artisan cheddar at the Grafton Village Cheese Company to skiing at Killington Mountain Resort. Blanding and Hall include unique trip strategies, such as Vermont Villages and History and Literature Tour. Packed with information on sights like Lake Champlain and the eccentric boutiques of Woodstock, Moon Vermont gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Moon Vieques and Culebra

Suzanne Van Atten

Vieques and Culebra are known as the Spanish Virgin Islands and are described as “how Puerto Rico used to be.” This Moon mini-guide offers suggestions on how to plan the perfect getaway, including excursions to Mosquito Bay, where you can swim in bioluminescent waters, and tours of El Fortín Conde de Mirasol, a Spanish colonial fort. Complete with descriptions of the islands’ spectacular beaches, details on many world-class diving and snorkeling sites , and information on can’t miss sights, attractions, restaurants, and local hotspots, Moon Vieques & Culebra is the perfect guide for an uncommon trip.

Moon Virgin Islands

Fifth Edition
Susanna Henighan Potter

As a resident of the Virgin Islands, Susanna Henighan Potter has firsthand knowledge of everything this paradise has to offer—from St. Croix to St. Thomas and Tortola. Potter guides readers to the best hikes in St. John's Virgin Islands National Park, the best snorkeling spots in Cruz Bay, and the best carnivals and festivals on Virgin Gorda. Equipped with unique trip strategies, including Beach Lover’s Tour and Wildlife and Wilderness, Moon Virgin Islands gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.