Best Haiti Travel Guides of 2026

"Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder is a thought-provoking, inspiring book about Dr. Paul Farmer's quest to cure infectious diseases and bring modern medicine to those who need it. Kidder's account takes the reader on a journey from Harvard to Haiti, Peru, Cuba, and Russia, as Farmer advocates for global health and the philosophy that "the only real nation is humanity." The book is a masterpiece that will leave readers questioning their own lives and political views. It is a true-to-life fairy tale that inspires one to believe in happy endings. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in medical professional biographies and global health issues."

National Geographic's 5,000 Ideas series introduces its latest travel guide, 100 Cities, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do, which takes readers on a journey through 100 cities worldwide. With expert tips and practical planning advice for each location, travelers can discover hidden gems in bustling Mumbai, stand on the edge of the world in Ushuaia, or go on an urban safari in Nairobi. Written by experienced editor, writer, and photographer Joe Yogerst, this inspirational keepsake is perfect for any globetrotter, from history buffs to beach bums.

The Black Jacobins is a powerful and dramatic account of the Haitian Revolution, led by Toussaint L'Ouverture, which resulted in the first independent nation in the Caribbean. C.L.R. James tells the story of the revolt and events leading up to it, highlighting the brutality of slavery in the French colony of San Domingo. This book is a seminal text about the history of slavery and abolition, and it remains provocative and empowering. Overall, The Black Jacobins is a must-read for those interested in the liberation movements of the Third World and the Caribbean.

This book is a definitive collection of Joan Didion's five iconic books from the 1960s and 1970s, including Run River, Slouching Towards Bethlehem, Play It As It Lays, A Book of Common Prayer, and The White Album. Didion's gifts for narrative and dialogue, and her intimate but detached authorial persona, have won her legions of readers and admirers. Her genius for finding exactly the right language and tone to capture America's broken twilight landscape at a moment of headlong conflict and change is evident throughout these books. This compilation is a defining one, and readers will find almost any page of this invaluable book offering paramount lessons in the power of Didion's voice.

Tell My Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica by Zora Neale Hurston is a captivating firsthand account of the mysteries of Voodoo. Based on the author's personal experiences during her visits to Haiti and Jamaica in the 1930s, this travelogue provides a vividly authentic picture of ceremonies, customs, and superstitions. The book is an invaluable resource and remarkable guide to Voodoo practices, rituals, and beliefs. Hurston's writing style is strikingly dramatic, yet simple and unrestrained. Overall, Tell My Horse is an intense and interesting book that is richly packed with strange information.

Haiti A to Z is a beautifully illustrated bilingual alphabet book for preschool kids, introducing them to Haitian culture and heritage through Creole and English words. The author, M.J. Fievre, uses catchy rhymes and playful characters to help children learn letter recognition and develop a multilingual vocabulary. The glossary at the end of the book reinforces the understanding of the words and their definitions. Overall, this book is an excellent preschool learning aid that provides a unique and fun bilingual experience for kids of any background.

The Haitian Creole Phrasebook by Jowel C. Laguerre, Ph.D. and Ccile Accilien, Ph.D. is an essential resource for anyone travelling to Haiti. With over 8 million Haitian Creole speakers, this book is a must-have for communication. The book covers basic topics such as directions, instructions, and information, as well as specialized vocabulary such as medical and engineering terminology. In addition, McGraw-Hill will donate a percentage of sales to the Haitian rebuilding effort. The mini-dictionary and 30-minute audio download make this book an easy-to-use resource. Overall, this is a unique and valuable guide for anyone visiting Haiti.

The Lonely Planet Dominican Republic Travel Guide is an essential companion for those seeking to explore the country's hidden treasures and popular attractions. The guide is packed with insider tips to help travelers save time and money, and provides honest reviews for all budgets, highlighting the best eateries, sleeping arrangements, and sightseeing spots. The book covers everything from the cobblestone streets of Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial to the stunning Bahia de Las Aguilas, making it perfect for both those looking to explore top sights and those wanting to take roads less traveled. Overall, this comprehensive guide is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to the Dominican Republic.

The book "Dinner Ideas for the Haitian Cook: Easy Traditional Haitian Recipes" offers a collection of simple and authentic Haitian recipes that combine French, African, and Spanish influences. It includes a glossary of Haitian food names and full-color images of the finished dishes. The step-by-step instructions make it easy for anyone to prepare the popular Haitian dishes like spicy Pikilz, tender Griot, and soul-warming Soup Joumou. The author, Samuel Valme, is a Haitian native who moved to the United States in the early 70s and is widely recognized as an expert on leadership. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those who want to experience the unique flavors of Haitian cuisine and a great gift for food enthusiasts.

The 20th anniversary edition of Edwidge Danticat's Breath, Eyes, Memory is a haunting and powerful novel that explores the enduring strength of Haitian women. The story follows twelve-year-old Sophie Caco as she leaves her impoverished village in Haiti to reunite with her mother in New York. There, Sophie uncovers dark family secrets and a legacy of shame that can only be healed by returning to Haiti. Danticat's elegant prose and vibrant imagery create a vivid portrayal of Haiti's political violence and supernatural landscape. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in cultural heritage fiction.