I wanted to visit Costa Rica before winter came to Chicago.  The thought of lush greenery, incredible flora and warm sunshine was my thought to help get through the gray and cold of the Midwest winter.  And, so far, it has worked!  

I traveled our Costa Rica Experience program and must say that it was just as incredible in person as the photos clients have sent back for years.  

It's a destination close enough to most of us living in the US that the flight connections aren't a problem and the time change is minimal so jet lag isn't a problem.  That became really important the day after arrival when hiking up the mountain to view the Arenal area from the hanging bridges or even the following day to zipline (see video below) through Monteverde Rainforest.  

The hotels on the program are exceptional.  Several of them are destinations onto themselves and I really do recommend spending more time in each area to take advantage of  the wonderful amenities (including spa facilities) offered at most of them.  And the food was delicious at each one.
 

Hurricane Tomas, which devastated the Caribbean, became Tropical Storm Tomas in Costa Rica.  It created mudslides and wrecked several villages, also washing out the road leading to Manual Antonio National Park which was to be my last stop.  The itinerary was changed while I was there to substitute the Guanacaste region.  The weather there is considerably different and the beach was a lovely diversion from the mountains. 

The proud people of Costa Rica are welcoming and hospitable in each area I traveled.  While not all speak English, it's not a problem to get a point across.  Of course, it definitely helps to have a driver/guide!  I was lucky to have an exceptional person guiding me who has traveled with our clients in the past.  

This is a wonderful destination, a great getaway, and a memory to carry for a long time after.