Want the latest travel news, deals and more? Sign-up for my newsletter!
Please enter a valid email address in the "Enter Email" field.
Share:
See Why Costa Rica is Like No Place in the World
Costa Rica is like no place in the world. From almost every vantage point, rainforest vistas tumble into picture-perfect inlets and coves that punctuate the shoreline.
With activities including canopy zip-lining, kayaking through mangrove estuaries, catamaran cruises, rafting, horseback riding, sea kayaking, hiking, birding AND local wildlife featuring monkeys, tropical birds, iguanas and sloths, there is no place like Costa Rica.
Please contact me for more ideas and to book your travel to Costa Rica today!
Costa Rica - Popular locations and places to know
Costa Rica - Facts
1. Because Costa Rica is close to the equator, sunrise and sunset are at the same time every day. That's right 365 days a year!
2. It is the most bio-diverse country in the world with over 900,000 species of wildlife, 900 of them are birds. You're likely to catch a sighting in natural habitats, national parks, and volcanic areas.
3. Costa Rica's national anthem is played on every radio station daily at 7am.
4. It's the hummingbird capital of the world! There are over 50 species that call Costa Rica home.
5. Costa Rica is Spanish and translates to “rich coast.” Why? It's said that the country's founder, Christopher Columbus, believed the area was filled with precious metals.
Some of the top activities Costa Rica has to offer...
You want to visit Costa Rica! Awesome, we can help get you there. But one of the questions we’ll ask in helping you do so is what you’d like to see and do there. Relax? Explore nature? Seek adventure? All the above and more? Probably. There is just so much available, we’ll need to have a serious discussion on what your priorities are. To help we’ve put together a list of eight of the best activities to do during your visit. After reading let us know what’s on the top of yours!
8 Great Activities Costa Rica Has To Offer
1. Hiking – An activity that likely is top of mind when you think of Costa Rica and there certainly is no shortage of places to do so. Volcanoes, beaches, cloud forests – the choice is yours. Once that’s settled, think about the level of difficulty you’re comfortable with. These two things will help in the best recommendation. Additionally, it is suggested you consider guided hikes. Your expert leader will be able to provide general assistance and a trained eye to spot wildlife.
2. Surfing – Surfers from around the world frequent Costa Rica year-round because of its warm waters and waves. Choose your coast – Pacific or Caribbean, select your level of experience – beginner, intermediate, or advanced. We can even make some recommendations. If you’re in need of a lesson, they’re typically easy to find, even just by stepping foot on some beaches!
3. Snorkeling and Scuba – Wildlife sightings aren’t limited to land. There are 7,000+ marine species that can be found in Costa Rica’s surrounding waters. So, it is no surprise that it is on the top of the list for water activities. If you’re a snorkeler, think about if you’d like to do so by boat or shore. If a diver, we can help recommend dive sites. Just let us know your level of experience.
4. Whitewater Rafting – Costa Rica provides a stunning background for this adventure. There are a few areas that would be recommended if this is something you’d like to do. Beginner or advanced, let us know what intensity of rapids you’re comfortable with, and we can point you in the right direction. If the kiddos are up for the challenge, there are some options that are suitable for them too. It’s a great family activity!
5. Visit Waterfalls – Some of the most picturesque sights in Costa Rica can be found at its numerous waterfalls. After all, there’s something so magical about water cascading over a cliff to the pools below. There are plenty of options to choose from, just keep in mind a few things. Some falls will require a hike to access, entrance fees will vary, and some allow swimming while others do not. Also consider a guided tour if you won’t have access to a rental car during your stay.
6. Zip Lining – If you’ve Googled “excursions in Costa Rica” you’ve likely seen a picture of someone effortlessly flying over green canopy, rivers, and cliffs. It’s a very popular activity that can be found all over the country. You should expect a safety demo and a short hike. Then you’ll glide line by line, each getting a little longer than the one before. If you’re an adrenaline seeker this is a must do! If not, we wouldn’t recommend it. Do not invest money in something if you’re not 100% comfortable with.
7. Bird Watching – It isn’t unusual for people to travel to Costa Rica for this very reason. Some enthusiasts even build a whole itinerary around this activity. There is 900+ species and most often seen will likely be toucans, macaws, and hummingbirds. Because the country is so eco-diverse, make a couple of watching stops. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera!
8. Yoga – Yes, you read that right! Costa Rica is indeed a haven for yoga lovers. You could see or take a class quite literally anywhere – a resort, beach, volcano, or rainforest. If you’re a beginner, give it a try at least once. If you’re a wellness enthusiast and it’s your reason for travel, it belongs on your list. Think wellness retreat, group trip for your studio, location for instructor training or continuing education.
There you have it, some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer! Of course, there’s a ton more that isn’t listed, so if you have any questions let us know. If you’re ready to explore all that Costa Rica has to offer, please feel free to reach out!
23 Great Excursions & Tour Package Options For Costa Rica
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is the epicenter of cloud forest exploration and the pride and joy of ecotourism in Costa Rica. With over 400 unique bird species, Monteverde is an especially treasured destination for birding.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hike Transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for a hike through the high elevation forest with professional naturalist guides! Trek through the misty forests’ dense vegetation and majestic trees. You will see giant prehistoric tree ferns, trees covered with blooming bromeliads, and many of the species of birds that call Monteverde home. Keep an eye out for the shy Resplendent Quetzal bird!
Monteverde Sky Tram & Trek Zipline Tour The tour starts with the Sky Tram, a ride on the cableway up to the platform where the Trek zip line adventure begins. This is one of the most extensive canopy tours in the country, with 2 very long cables and 11 cross-sectional zip lines. After zipping through the treetops, you will have time to unwind and enjoy the panoramic views from 2 observation decks. **Height and weight restrictions apply. Inquire for details.
Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica Jacó and the surrounding Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is peppered with spectacular national parks and beaches, offering a breadth of coastal experiences and wildlife viewing opportunities. A mountainous shoreline with strips of sandy beaches overlooking a sparkling expanse of blue are characteristics of the Central Pacific coast. The region is home to the popular surf town of Jacó, Playa Herradura, Carara Biological Reserve, and the Tarcoles River.
Tortuga Island Catamaran Cruise Early this morning you will transfer by ground to Puntarenas. Enjoy a snack-type breakfast en route before boarding a catamaran for a cruise through the Gulf of Nicoya to Tortuga Island. Just 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas, Isla Tortuga is a sanctuary of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, home tropical birds, and flora typical of the Costa Rican Central Pacific area. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing under the shade of palm trees on this beautiful island. A tropical lunch will be served on the island.
Horseback Riding with Ocean Views & Waterfalls After your equipment and safety instructions, depart on your horseback journey to the waterfalls. Along the way you will see farms and get a closer look at nature as you ascend through the rainforest. You may be able to spot toucans, Scarlet Macaws, and White-faced capuchin monkeys. Upon arrival to the swimming area, your guide will set you up with fresh fruit and water, and you will have time to relax and enjoy the waterfalls.
Costa Rica’s south Caribbean coast Costa Rica’s south Caribbean coast is lined with perfectly imperfect beaches swaying palm trees. The clear, turquoise water welcomes swimmers, sunbathers, surfers, and snorkelers. This off the beaten path area managed to fly under the radar of Costa Rica’s tourism boom. It continues to remain a pristine beach and rainforest destination with a unique, Caribbean culture of its own.
Snorkel & Hike Cahuita National Park Cahuita National Park is a nature lover’s playground full of land and sea adventures. Start your adventure at the beach, climbing on board the boat for a ride out to the local coral reef. You will then have roughly 2 hours in two different parts of the national park to snorkel in the ocean, depending on the weather. After, fuel up with tropical fruit on the beach before heading out on a hike through the coastal rainforest. Since the park is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, chances are good that you’ll spot monkeys, tropical birds, sloths, iguanas, poisonous dart frogs, and other interesting creatures.
Jaguar Rescue Center, Bri Bri Chocolate Tour, & Waterfall Hike Start with an educational visit to the Jaguar Animal Rescue Center, which serves as a refuge and rehabilitation center for many local animals, including wild cats, monkeys, snakes, and sloths. Then, witness organic chocolate made from scratch by a member of the Bri Bri indigenous tribe— from plant to plate! The Bri Bri have a long history of chocolate production in the Puerto Viejo area. Finally, head about 30 minutes outside of town to a breathtaking Puerto Viejo Waterfall for a hike and refreshing swim.
Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting: Class III-IV You’ll depart your Puerto Viejo hotel early in the morning for a drive to the Rios Tropicales Operations Center. Here you will enjoy a Costa Rican breakfast before heading to the put-in on the banks of the Pacuare River. Here, your guides will give you rafting & safety instructions. Then, you’ll begin to paddle 14 miles deep into the heart of one the primary rainforest. As you master the river’s wild rapids, you’ll pass through densely vegetated rainforest gorges and pristine waterfalls. After this adrenalinepacked adventure, you’ll return to the operations center to change and have lunch. Return to your hotel late in the afternoon.
Costa Ballena The stretch of South Pacific Costa Rica coastline from Dominical to Ojochal, known as the Costa Ballena, is Costa Rica’s up-and-coming beach and rainforest destination. The South Pacific Coast is more remote than other areas of the country, sitting just north of the Osa Peninsula. Pristine rainforest, miles of ocean views, and solitude are some of the South Pacific’s most magnificent features.
Marino Ballena National Park Sea Kayak & Snorkel This tour begins at low tide as the waves shift to one side of the Whale's Tail, which is a good spot for snorkeling. Paddling to this point will take between 30 to 45 minutes. The snorkeling portion of the tour will take between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours and will give you the opportunity to see a variety of fish and coral species, such as Giant Conch, starfish, Parrotfish Snapper, Damsels, eels, Moorish Idol, Surgeons and various types of coral species. Catch a wave and ride back into shore on your kayak. Then, enter a small mangrove forest in Ballena Marine Park where it is possible to spot sea birds, toucans, and some small reptiles.
Whale & Dolphin Combo Tour (seasonal) Board a boat from Punta Uvita Beach and visit the famous Punta Uvita Whale’s Tail, Ballena Island, Tres Hermanas Islets, and Ventana Sea Caves. During the tour, you will search for Humpback Whales (seasonally) and two different species of resident dolphins. The boat will pass near the caverns of Ventanas Beach where you can observe wonderful rocky formations and the amazing caverns that were carved out by the ocean over thousands of years. **Tours during the dry season (January – Feb) include a short session of snorkeling on the reefs of the Marino Ballena National Park
Half-Day Sportfishing Put your sport fishing skills to the test on this half day tour. The waters off the Osa Peninsula on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica are rich in nutrients, and there is a great variety of fish such as mackerel, roosterfish, snapper, and tuna. The inshore fishing is done within a few miles off the shores of Bahia Ballena.
Manuel Antonio Located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio remains one of the country’s best beach and rainforest locations. Manuel Antonio National Park is the main attraction of the region, with monkeys, tropical birds, and iguanas comprising a large portion of the wildlife population. From almost every vantage point, rainforest vistas tumble into picture-perfect inlets and coves that punctuate the shoreline.
Damas Island Estuary Boat Tour Explore one of Costa Rica’s most unique environments from the comfort of a boat! As you glide through the Damas Island Mangrove Estuary, you might spot curious families of monkeys as they migrate across the mangrove ecosystem in search of food and adventure. You might also see tropical seabirds, turtles, a range of reptiles, and maybe even a caiman or two! You will wind through acres of pristine Costa Rican estuary as guides explain why the mangrove eco-structure so vital to Costa Rica and the world. This tour will end with a relaxing yet rewarding meal.
Damas Island Mangrove by Kayak Paddle gently through the inland waterways of the Damas Island Estuary, one of the most unique eco-systems on the planet. This important ecological area is where the salt waters of the ocean meet the fresh waters of tropical rivers, creating a periodically submerged forest of hanging roots. On the banks, you might spot local inhabitants, like the Sally light foot crab, boa constrictors, silky anteaters, monkeys, lizards, seabirds, and sometimes even crocodiles!
Coastal Sea Kayaking Paddle your way around the Manuel Antonio coastline on this active kayaking tour. Beginning at the port of Quepos, you will start your adventure by paddling south. From a vantage point only possible in kayaks, you’ll catch awe-inspiring glimpses of Manuel Antonio’s breathtaking cliffs as we follow along the coastline. Depending on the tide, you may stop off for a snack at a secluded beach. Then, paddle close to tropical rock formations, where shorebirds are known to nest. This fun half-day on the water is a great way to explore the area and get moving!
Rainmaker Reserve Hike Located about 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio, this private rainforest reserve is a great place to experience local wildlife, like birds, butterflies, frogs, and lizards. Explore the Rainmaker trails with your guide, who will teach you about the history and biodiversity of the reserve and its inhabitants. After this, you'll have a chance to navigate the canopy bridge system and experience the rainforest from an elevated perspective.
Nocturnal Jungle Walk This unique guided adventure is 2 hours to be a part of one of the most fascinating ecosystems in the country – the nocturnal tropical wet forest. Get in contact with many of the nocturnal inhabitants of the Wildlife Refuge, such as the kinkajou, the armadillo, or various snakes! With more than 30 identified snake species, you’ll learn about which are dangerous and about their natural history. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Tropical Aquatic Gardens, which is home to a variety of frog and toad species.
Local Flavors Cooking Class Learn how to prepare classic Costa Rican dishes on this local food adventure! First, you’ll head to a farmers’ market in nearby Quepos to find the best ingredients for your dishes. Then, visit a nearby ranch to meet the culinary team and search the organic garden for some final ingredients. Finally, begin preparing your Costa Rican staples, following local recipes. You’ll cover everything from tortillas to “picadillo” (minced meat and veggies with spices).
Get in touch with Anne King
Anne King
My love of travel started at a young age. Family road trips across the country and vacations in Hawaii is where it all began. After starting a family, we traveled frequently to the beach, Disney, and many places near and far. My husband and I also traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe.
In early 2023 I left my corporate accounting career, which allowed me to focus on my traveling clients and seeing more of the world for myself. My adventures included Thailand, Maui, Walt Disney World, Puerto Vallarta, Curacao, Jamaica, Vancouver, Alaska & Amsterdam.
2024 began in Australia, with continuing adventures in New Zealand and Cancun. More destinations are already in the calendar!
It thrills me to see the world and know personally how to recommend (or not) those destinations to my clients. I would love to help you plan your next adventure: honeymoon, romantic getaway, girls trip or family vacation. I can help narrow down options, make suggestions, plan the details, and be a resource while you are on your trip. All at no additional cost to you!
Fill in the Travel Request Form on the website, or email/text/call me, and lets start planning your next great adventure.
Back by popular demand! The ultimate guide to ensure a stress free, hassle free and fun vacation in Costa Rica! Our Costa Rica guide shows popular locations and places to know, packing list, best times of year to visit for certain activities, local customs and sayings, and so much more. Download our guide today!
Anne King
See Why Costa Rica is Like No Place in the World
Dallas Travel Agent Near Me
Share :
My love of travel started at a young age. Family road trips across the country and vacations in Hawaii is where it all began. After starting a family, we traveled frequently to the beach, Disney, and many places near and far. My husband and I also traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. In early 2023 I left my corporate accounting career, which allowed me to focus on my traveling clients and seeing more of the world for myself. My adventures included Thailand, Maui, Walt Disney World, Puerto Vallarta, Curacao, Jamaica, Vancouver, Alaska & Amsterdam. 2024 began i... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
Want the latest travel news, deals and more? Sign-up for my newsletter!
Please enter a valid email address in the "Enter Email" field.
Want to stay in the loop? Follow Anne King on all the socials!
Facebook Group
Join my group on Facebook! See latest deals and travel adventures. Join me as I travel around the world! I share great tips and tricks, videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out!
TikTok
Follow me on TikTok! Watch and share my videos on my personalized travel feed just for your vacation needs! See my latest videos highlighting deals and travel adventures. Join me as I travel around the world! I share new videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations!
LinkedIn - Vincent Vacations Travel Agency
Network with me - Please connect and follow me on LinkedIn! See my travel posts and join me as I travel around the world! I share new posts to highlight my travels and my travel adventures with Vincent Vacations!
We recently went to the UK and Anne King at Vincent Vacations was invaluable in arranging our trip. Our flights were great, the accommodations were comfortable and centrally located to all we planned to do. Our tours were exactly what we wanted. Our private transport from the airport to the hotel and the hotel back to the airport were on time and personable. We will definitely use Vincent Vacations for our next big trip. -Karen E.
Aruba Winter Getaway
Anne King at Vincent Vacations did an amazing job not only helping us select and plan our vacation but also providing support all the way until we returned home. Her expertise, attention to detail, and prompt responses made the entire process stress-free for us. I am incredibly grateful for her assistance when we encountered a delayed flight situation—thanks to her, we actually arrived home 30 minutes earlier than our original flight! I will definitely be recommending Anne’s services to friends and family in the future! -T. Damis
Eastern Caribbean Cruise with Princess
5-stars! Anne and Vincent Vacations are excellent and highly recommended! Anne helped my wife Tiffany, our friends, and me plan a wonderful Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard the Enchanted Princess! It was a unique and unforgettable adventure! Thank you, Anne! -Anthony H.
Anne King at Vincent Vacations helped me plan a trip of a lifetime. I narrowed my travel destination to two places then Anne suggested the Netherlands and I was all in. She helped plan a seamless vacation including flights, hotel, transportation, museums and tours. This trip definitely exceeded my expectations. I will definitely use her and Vincent Vacations again. -Maryann R.
As a travel advisor, I visit several resorts each year, and Secrets Vallarta Bay stands out for its blend of luxury, service, and location. Here are my top five favorite things about this adults-only, all-inclusive gem in Puerto Vallarta.
My Top 5 Favorite Things About Secrets Vallarta Bay
Stunning Oceanfront Location
Secrets Vallarta Bay is perched right on the beach, offering panoramic views of Banderas Bay. Waking up to the sound of waves and dining with the sunset as the backdrop are truly unforgettable. The resort’s design maximizes these views. Whether you are relaxing in your ocean view room, sitting by the pool, or dining at one of the oceanfront restaurants, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific.
The Adults-only Secrets Vallarta Bay shares the property with its sister resort, the family-friendly Dreams Vallarta Bay. The two resorts are split down the middle. Secrets guests can enjoy the dining and amenities offered at Dreams, which adds to the many options available. The family-friendly side did not disrupt our adults-only vacation at all! We could see the water slide and a few kiddos around the pool from our room balcony, but around the Secrets pool and beach, you would never know a family-friendly option was right next door. They do an excellent job of keeping the two distinct and separate.
Gourmet Dining Options
Food is a highlight here, with multiple à la carte restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to authentic Mexican cuisine. I enjoy quality and variety, and Secrets Vallarta Bay did not disappoint. Highlights of where we dined during our stay:
Restaurant
Cuisine
Highlights
Himitsu
Asian Cuisine
Asian inspired décor: spicy edamame and sushi. Teppenyaki dining is the only place you’ll need a reservation
Bordeaux
French
Elegant atmosphere: pear salad with spinach, blue cheese and fois gras foam; Poisson Blanc Meuniere with zucchini and asparagus risotto
Oceana
Gourmet Seafood
Beachfront with spectacular ocean views: spinach salad with hearts of palm, bacon and a balsamic vinaigrette, grilled octopus with guajillo marinade, olive oil and sweet potato chip
Gentlemen, be sure to pack a pair of long pants, as many restaurants have a dress code in the evening.
Exceptional Service
From the moment we arrived, the entire staff made us feel relaxed and welcome. From the front desk and bellman to the room attendants and restaurant team, everyone was professional, polite, and truly seemed to enjoy what they do every day. The pool attendants were readily available but never seemed to be “hovering”. And the concierge team is particularly attentive and can help with everything from special occasion celebrations to local excursions.
Relaxed Yet Sophisticated Atmosphere
This resort strikes the perfect balance between laid-back beach vibes and upscale elegance. The pools are serene, the common areas are stylish without being stuffy, and there’s always a quiet corner if you want to unwind. It’s ideal for couples seeking romance, but also great for friends traveling together.
We enjoyed bingo around the pool and watched sunrise yoga and a pool golf game from a distance. The activities staff were friendly and engaging, but never pushy.
Thoughtful Amenities
Little touches make a big difference here. Complimentary minibars are restocked daily. Floats, activities and games are available poolside. I found the onsite app user friendly, and responses to my requests were prompt and attentive. There’s even a nightly entertainment program, so you’re never short of things to do.
For those staying in one of the Preferred Club rooms, you will have access to private check-in and check-out, a private lounge that offers hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, exquisite desserts and premium liquors.
My Personal Takeaway
Secrets Vallarta Bay is a destination where luxury meets natural beauty and outstanding service. My recent visit left me with fond memories and a desire to return. It’s a perfect choice for adult travelers seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed getaway.
If you’ve ever been to Maui—or are planning your very first vacation to this beautiful Hawaiian island—you may have heard about the iconic Mama’s Fish House.
Located on the north shore of Maui in Paia, Hawaii, Mama’s Fish House is about 20 minutes from Kahului Airport and sits right at the beginning of the famous Road to Hana. If you're staying in Wailea, expect about a 45-minute drive. If you're based in Ka’anapali, plan for roughly an hour on the road.
Mama’s Fish House got its start in the 1960s, thanks to the Christenson family and their first trip to Maui. When they opened the restaurant at its current location in 1973, most dining options on the island were steakhouses. They wanted guests to know that they served primarily fish. Not only fish, but LOCAL fish. Soon after, a loyal following began, and now some 50 years later, the restaurant is not only iconic, but very popular, and in my opinion worth a visit.
Over the past 50 years, Mama’s has developed a loyal following and has become one of Maui’s most popular and iconic restaurants.
We visited Mama’s most recently in February 2025. We were lucky enough to snag a reservation at 2:20 p.m. about a week before our arrival. Typically, reservations fill up six months in advance, so be sure to book yours as soon
I recommend a reservation before the sun goes down. The area is so beautiful, you won’t want to miss seeing any of it. I also recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your reservation. Photo opportunities are endless, and you don’t want to feel rushed.
Something you need to know ahead of time. Mama’s Fish House is expensive. Dining anywhere in Hawaii is going to be a bit pricey, but you’ll need to find a little extra in your budget for a meal here. Our meal (two people) came to $300 including tip. We each enjoyed: A mocktail, appetizer, main dish, and we shared a dessert. We didn’t splurge on the most expensive items but didn’t hold back either.
Many people might gasp at the cost—and understandably so—but if you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a truly memorable and upscale Hawaiian dining experience, Mama’s is absolutely worth the splurge.
3 of My Favorite Things About Mama's Fish House
*The fish is incredibly fresh and delicious. The menu is printed daily and adjusted for the catches they received that day. They tell you exactly where the fish was caught. The chefs really know what they are doing. Everything is cooked to perfection and presented in impeccable fashion. My all-time favorite dish is the fish collar. Think of it like a seafood version of bone-in chicken wings. It varies depending on what they catch, and always delicious.
*The service is always impeccable. Starting with the valets, and all the way through dessert, everyone is always friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Our server even knew that paprika is a form of bell pepper when discussing food allergies!
*The setting is as Hawaiian as you can get. From the minute you step out of the car, it feels a bit like you’ve been transported back in time to a very special Aloha era. The beach, the building, the décor, and the historical memorabilia are all worth savoring. So, take your time and enjoy it all.
Is Mama’s Fish House worth it? Absolutely.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience that captures the heart and spirit of Maui—perfect for a special night out during your Hawaiian vacation.
If you have any other questions about Mama’s Fish House or traveling to Maui, I’d love to hear from you!
Feel free to reach out to me at www.vincentvacations.com/agents/anneking.
Why use a travel advisor when traveling during hurricane season?
I am currently sitting on my hotel room in Clearwater, Florida. We were supposed to be in Jamaica right now, but Hurricane Beryl is headed for a direct hit. So...we changed our plans. (The biggest red island in the picture is Jamaica--currently under a hurricane warning.)
But that's not the point of this post.
I have clients in Cancun right now. (See the pink line on the map, which is currently a hurricane watch for The Yucatan.) They arrived on Sunday and have been having a fabulous time as a family. They are supposed to leave for home on Friday...the same day Hurricane Beryl is supposed to hit the Cancun area.
My clients were wise and purchased travel insurance. If they do face cancellations or long delays, their additional expenses will be reimbursed. Knowing that is helping them to be proactive.
As the storm's path has been developing, I've been watching. This morning, while they are enjoying their vacation, I booked them new flights home on Saturday. They now have a guaranteed way home if things get dicey on Friday and their original flights get canceled. Flights are always the hardest part in situations like these. We will get them an extra night at the hotel when we know more.
If they are able to leave as scheduled, they will have flight credit to use on future travel. If they get stuck, they have flights home and won't have to wait in endlessly long lines at the Cancun airport.
All this done while they enjoy a snorkel trip as a family. They aren't scrambling trying to figure things out. I'm sure there is some stress regarding the unknown, but for now, they are OK.
This is what I do as your travel advisor. Even when I'm on vacation myself!
Lessons from this experience?
1. Hire a travel advisor to help you with your vacations!
2. Buy travel insurance--especially during Hurricane Season!