A former newspaper editor in New Orleans, Lan Sluder is the author of more than 20 books on travel, retirement and other subjects. Among his specialties are the country of Belize and the Western North Carolina mountains. His other recent books include Fodor's Belize, Amazing Asheville, Lan Sluder's Guide to Belize, Play Bridge Today, Frommer's Best Beach Vacations, Asheville Relocation, Retirement and Visitor Guide, Best Hotels and Restaurants in Belize and Easy Belize. He also has contributed articles to many magazines and newspapers and other media around the world, including TravelChannel.com, Chicago Tribune, Where to Retire, Globe & Mail, New York Times, Miami Herald and Caribbean Travel & Life. Lan Sluder is the owner of a Rolls-Royce 1991 Silver Spur II long-wheelbase saloon with armored doors originally owned by a gemstone billionaire who was an ambassador to the United Nations from several African countries. The author lives on a mountain farm near Asheville with his wife, Sheila M. Lambert, an attorney and potter who contributed a number of photographs to this book. They have two adult children.