Through 15 chapters, Mr. Frank gives us Brazil, the Netherlands Antilles (the "ABC" islands — Aruba, Curacao and the Dutch islands), the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas and St. Croix), Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, Martinique and Guadeloupe, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico. Wherever in the Americas you want to wander, Ben Frank has probably been there and his book offers advice on what to see, what to do, where to stay, and what to eat.

Although reading through this over 550-page tome completely may take a bit of time, one may begin with Ben`s introduction and the chapter of the country that the reader is planning to visit.

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Now that several kosher cruises have been introduced for Jewish travelers, Steven B. Stern`s Guide To The Cruise Vacation will become one of most useful volumes for those exploring this travel mode. Stern provides complete descriptions of every major cruise ship and port of call worldwide.

Whatever kosher tours may be available, whether for Pesach or some other time of year, all of the ships are included in Stern`s guide. He describes the various kinds of staterooms, services and facilities aboard ship, activities for families, singles, and children. The Guide provides ratings and specific advice for each ship of every cruise line`s fleet, as well as advice about what to pack (and what not to pack), and the most interesting things to see and do in many ports of call. Sample menus, although not provided for the kosher tours, give an idea of the style of cuisine that may be available.

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With the Pesach holiday coming very quickly and summer just around the corner, the two new guides: Weekend Getaways In Pennsylvania, 2nd Edition, by Bill Simpson, and Weekend Getaways Around Washington, D.C. by Robert Shosteck should both be very handy for families planning day trips, weekends or even longer.

In his introduction, Mr. Simpson provides some very good advice — a weekend getaway doesn`t actually have to be on a weekend. By definition, a weekend trip is usually on a Saturday and Sunday, but hotels and motels most often charge less on weekdays, and museums and attractions are never as crowded during the week as they are on weekends.

Pennsylvania is replete with beautiful, warm and inviting small towns and gorgeous countryside and back roads. Chances are that the kids may be going to a summer camp in the state. You can turn that camp visit into your own mini-vacation.

When we think of a visit to Washington, D.C., we think first of the White House, the Capitol, Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution, but for those taking a slightly longer trip — the surrounding areas, including Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware are replete with history and interest as well. Mr. Shosteck has set out to help us explore the entire Delaware Valley basin area from North Carolina through Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with many specific recommendations of historic sites, tourist attractions, and small museums.

For more information about these and other Pelican guides, check their website: www.pelicanpub.com or email: promo@pelicanpub.com

By: Thejewishpress