My wife and I are leaving early Saturday morning for a well deserved 10 day vacation to Costa Rica. This is kind of a tour type vacation where you travel around the country, staying in different hotels every two nights. Cold and snow predicted here for the weekend, it's around 85 degs. there this time of year. Can't wait!!

Will visit some national parks, the volcano, some museums, rainforest hike, cloud forest hike, wildlife reserve, boat excursion to Tortugeuro Park, cruise on the Rio Frio, volcanic hot springs and visit the coffee plantation, time for some beaches, etc.

Late afternoon and evenings are free time to do whatever we want. If anyone is familiar with the counrty, is there any "do not miss" things to see that aren't on my list?

Sounds like the right time to go. Is this a package deal? Booked thru?
Wife and I are looking for something different and we want to have both freetime and structured tours.

ss

Originally posted by Buzzworth:
Is this a package deal? Booked thru?


It is a package deal. I'm not thrilled with the structured "tours" with other people, but my wife wanted to see the country and this is definately the way to do it. 10 days, all tours etc. included, 3 meals a day, very nice hotels (I checked them out on line) trip insurance and airfare, came out to about $3,400 ($1,700 each) I think that's a pretty good deal for an all inclusive type ten day tour vacation. We booked it through www.caravantours.com (http://www.caravantours.com) They have many tours to places other than Costa Rica.

Like I said, I'm not sure about being moved around the country like a bunch of cattle on a tour bus, but it is a good way to see the highlights of the country at a reasonable price. And they say you will be back at your hotel by 3-4 in the afternoon to do what you want till the next morning. Plus it will be really WARM!!!!

Just looking for some input, if there's anyone out there who's ever been to the counrty.

Steve, for a 10 day stay, that's a pretty damn good price. Costa Rica is expensive. I was seriously considering going about 6yrs ago. Hell, I remember seeing "hotel rooms" that were non-air conditioned grass huts that were elevated above the water on pier-like structures...and they were like, $250 per night. But keep in mind, this was a "novel", rustic kinda way to supposedly stay there. Anyway, I ended up deciding against going, largely based on what I perceived as a lack of overall "modern amenities" for my personal tastes (and knew my wife would hate it).

In any event, it is a gorgeous place and I'm sure you'll have fun. Let us know how you like it when you get back.:thumbsup:

I heard something on our local news recently about credit card fraud. Their recommendation was to not use your credit card but get a cash card for use on the trip only. They also recommended using a pre-paid phone card if you need to call home. Apparently there are several places down that that farm credit card numbers for identity thieves. Perhaps your travel agent can tell you more. I'm just repeating what I remember.

I heard something on our local news recently about credit card fraud. Their recommendation was to not use your credit card but get a cash card for use on the trip only. They also recommended using a pre-paid phone card if you need to call home.

This ^ is simply something that is recommended for travel to any foreign country, as a safeguard. There can also be issues with charges when using your CC at foreign ATMs. My wife and I are currently waiting for a very small forced settlement from CC companies for charges incurred while overseas. (it was either opting for a quick $25 each or trying to produce receipts from several years back. I chose the quick settlement :))

I had planned on bringing some cash and just using the CC. But now I have some doubts on the CC. Never used a "cash" card, does it look just like a CC? Sounds good, but I wonder how I could get one in my name by this Friday?? Also, a CC will convert the exchange rate, will the cash card do the same?

I had planned on bringing some cash and just using the CC. But now I have some doubts on the CC. Never used a "cash" card, does it look just like a CC? Sounds good, but I wonder how I could get one in my name by this Friday?? Also, a CC will convert the exchange rate, will the cash card do the same?

just go to your bank and they will have it for you right away. It is just like a gift card....much safer.
I want to hear about this venture.

ss

Thanks Buzz, I go to the bank and check it out.

Also, a CC will convert the exchange rate, will the cash card do the same?


Doesn't CR use US Dollars ?

Been there but when I was single. Hasda hell of a time.
Here a few things woth mentioning JACO beach tamarindo, not much in San Jose, if you are in good shape do white water. The pacaure river look up a company RIO Tropicales,
Fishing was fun but not sure what is in season now.
The currency is colones. Get it only from Banks. It is a very safe country. The red meat is not corn fed like in the US so dont bother its tough as hell. If its not its being shipped form texas so if you have to have a steak make sure its a US import.

Steve,
My next door neighbor is going to Costa Rica next week too. Would really be a coincedence if its the same tour ! I will try to find out.

I spent a week there last year about this time. The weather was great. I stayed in a resort on the pacific side. All the people were very nice, I had no problems at all. I wish I had ore time to see more of the country. I would go back every year if I could afford it.

My wife and I went then about 4 years ago and had a great time. Flew into san Jose and then jumped on a flight to Quepos and stayed at the La Mansion inn. Then upto Monteverde and stayed at the El Establo Hotel. Then to Tamarindo and stayed at the Ville Alegra. Spent 10 days enjoying life along the beach up into the rain forest through the jungles eating dinner at restaurants where the monkeys kept you company. Had a great trip and met some great people. Lot of retirees down along the coast. Cost ran me about $10K and worth everybit. Have fun!

So, it's my first day back at work after the vacation, the ten days just flew by, and now Costa Rica is just a great memory.....

We had a fantastic time, the country is BEAUTIFUL and the native people were real friendly. We saw so much in the ten days, I can't begin to tell it all here. Rainforest, canal tour, jungle, volcanos, beaches, banana plantation, coffee plantation, zip line tour through the jungle, monkeys, tucans, sloths, snakes, museums, forts, etc etc. 80-85 degs everyday.

Again, it was only $1,100 per person for ten days, plus airfare. Caravan tours did a great job...no shortcuts. 3 great meals were included everyday at 4 star hotels. I'm not sure how they gave us all they did on approx. $100 a day per person. If you want to see the country, this is the way to do it. A little more structured than I would have liked, but I wouldn't have seen all the things I saw, if I was driving around myself.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country, if anyone has considered going there, I would highly recommend it! :thumbsup:

I have been back at work for a little over 3 hours....why does it seem like I never left???:confused: