Some features of the guide include:
Bilingual format, with English and Spanish side-by-side in the same edition.
2,054 posadas, cabins, camps, and other unique alternatives to traditional hotels in every state in Venezuela, plus options for Los Roques, La Tortuga, and Los Aves in every price range and style.
As an idea of the growth in this sector and in my book, the first edition only had +/- 370 offers!
Specific information about recommended routes (for nicer views, shorter driving time, better roads, etc.), road conditions (if other than normal paved highways are involved), special events (during which dates you might want to plan your visit - or avoid the place if your desire is a peaceful escape rather than festival atmosphere), special requirements or restrictions (e.g., if advanced reservations or deposits are required, if pets or small children are not accepted, if towels or kitchen utensils are not provided...), details about permits or special requirements for some national parks (such as permits required for camping on the islands of Morrocoy National Park or, in the case of Canaima National Park, that Pemon guides must be used for ascents of Roraima, etc.), if credit cards are accepted (plus which ones and if surcharges are added), if taxes are included in the price (important, since there is a 14.5% sales tax plus 1% which goes to a special national fund for promotion and training for tourism), along with any other data that eliminates unpleasant surprises.
Prices verified within 3 months prior to publication, with the date indicated when they were obtained (always subject to change - but, at least giving one a reference for comparison).
Convenient organization with the options listed in the order (using Caracas as the arbitrary starting point, with the routes radiating to the west, south, and east from there) they are encountered on each route to facilitate making selections based on the estimated time of arrival and the choices available in a particular zone.
Inclusion of e-mail and web pages, for those who have them, along with telephone numbers, faxes, and cellular phones to provide the maximum possible means of communication.
21 maps indicating the locations of entries in the book.
16 pages with 53 full color photos of options available.
A new format has been used for the index, using key word as the guide (to facilitate locating places whose exact name is not known - for example, EL GABAN, Centro Turistico; EL DESCANSO, Habitaciones Familiares; CHURUATAS SAN TADEO, Campamento Ecológico; LA CASONA DE TABAY, La Posada Turistica), rather than listing exactly as the name appears in the text.
It is important to underscore that no one pays to be in the book, and no one can NOT be included (as a few people who received negative comments have unsuccessfully requested) since the idea is to provide the most objective and complete information possible about alternatives to traditional hotels available in Venezuela.
Personal visits, inspections, and research for all entries carried out exclusively by the author. |
