The focus is on shopping, hotels, dining and sightseeing, with a good measure of entertaining sidetrips to round out the picture.
All profiles feature detailed reviews based on firsthand experience.
The author then goes on to look at Caracas, El Littoral, Maragarita Island, Puerto La Cruz, Cuman , M rida and Canaima, to name but a few of the hotspots. For each, he lists places to stay and eat, all rated with the unique Alive rating system. Sunup to Sundown sections tell of the best beaches, where to find duty-free bargains, sightseeing trips, historical walks, offshore excursions and other activities, while the After Dark sections feature jazz bars, nightclubs, piano bars, discos, cabarets, theater shows and cinemas. Maps and a full index.