This time my family and I decided to visit the biggest peninsula of Costa Rica, the Nicoya Peninsula for the first time ever since we moved there. This is an area famous for its huge waves that attract a huge amount of surfers and tourists. As our accommodations we chose Florblanca. It is a beautiful beachfront hotel located in the colorful town of Santa Teresa.

I fell in love with this hotel. What’s great about it is that it’s very private, there are only 10 villas and a villa exclusive for honeymoons spread over 7 acres of land. This assures that if you take your family there they won’t bother anyone and if you are on your honeymoon you won’t be bothered.

When we visited this fabulous place we stayed there for a couple of nights but I wish I had more time. This place was wonderful and I didn’t want to leave. Since I love the beach and listening to the sound of the sea we asked for the closes room to the beach and luckily for me it was available. The room over all was beautiful with air conditioner and a wonderful tropical decoration. But the bathroom was something else. It was an open-air bathroom.

Before I decided to visit this hotel some Friends had told me some wonderful things about the food here so I couldn’t wait to try it. The food at FB was pricey, but top-notch. Lots of fresh seafood and the best sushi we’ve ever had. The bartenders are friendly and make some delicious drinks.

This place also offers a beautiful swimming pool, a spa and yoga classes.

But the hotel wasn’t the only great thing about our trip to the Nicoya Peninsula. We also went on a couple of fantastic tours. The first day we went on a super exciting canopy tour where we got the opportunity to see so much wildlife, it was great. The next day we went on a super relaxing and fun horseback ride. The horses were beautiful and the scenery was even better.

I had a great time here and would highly recommend the Nicoya Peninsula to any traveler that wants to visit Costa Rica.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, lives in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. Having first hand experience of all the places with her family, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

In this occasion I’m going to talk about my favorite hotel in the Tortuguero region of Costa Rica. The name of the place that stole my heart is The Turtle Beach Lodge. And it is a cute Caribbean style hotel. I was completely impressed when I first walked in to the hotel. The reason? The pictures I had seen from it in the internet weren’t false and fixed up, everything looked the same. The place was beautifully landscaped with a tropical garden and plenty of open spaces.

It is a cute Caribbean style hotel. I was completely impressed when I first walked in to the hotel. The reason?The pictures I had seen from it in the internet weren’t false, everything looked the same and even better. The place was beautifully landscaped with a tropical garden and plenty of open spaces. But let me tell you what this beautiful hotel is all about:

It consists on a series of free standing rancho-style casitas made out of wood that are sold in packages with tours and meals. I have to admit that this wasn’t exactly something I was thrilled about but I was so wrong. Me and my family had a great time doing the tours that our package offered. We even decided to go in some extra ones. But the most outstanding this about this hotel is that it is in the best location a hotel could be in.

We even decided to go in some extra ones. But the most outstanding this about this hotel is that it is in the best location a hotel could be in. To understand what I’m talking about picture yourself being in a hotel that is between the beach and the rain forest and really close to endangered sea turtles nesting sites. I still can’t believe it. This place is simply perfect for vacations, it doesn’t matter if you are coming with friends, with family. Even honeymooners are 100% welcome here because as I found out being there they have a special honeymoon room. I can only imagine what a honeymoon here would be like!

To sum it all there is to say about this place is that I absolutely love it, the rooms, the gardens the food and the staff are great. Specially the food, it was delicious and the portions were big. So don’t you dare to skip this place on your Costa Rican Vacation, I’m sure you will love it.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, lives in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. Having first hand experience of all the places with her family, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

This time I’m going to talk about my experience at Hacienda La Isla Lodge. To me it is a beautiful colonial-style hotel located in the middle of the rain forest of Sarapiqui, Costa Rica.

For me this hotel is perfect for everything as long as you love adventure, family vacations, traveling with friends and even honeymoons. The reason why I got to that conclusion is that I loved the gardens of the property and it is on a great location.

But what’s so great about its location? Well to start it is, as I said before, in the middle of the rain forest, a 10 minute drive will take you to the Braulio Carrillo National Park. It is also just 1.5 hours away prom Poas and Arenal Volcanoes. And last but not least it is also minutes away from the Sarapiqui River, a very popular destination for those looking for some white water rafting. It is literally a great place to make it a headquarters to depart to all your tours, I know I did.

La Isla Lodge is simply beautiful. It has a Spanish colonial-architecture and only fifteen rooms. I got the chance to see the rooms and they are all beautifully decorated. Each room in this hotel is unique. They are not standardized like in other hotels; each one has a unique decoration. Plus the names of them all have historic meanings.

The rest of the hacienda is a beautifully landscaped garden. I decided to go out for a walk to my surprise I was able enjoy the company of birds and some other animals of the area such as monkeys. Some other things the hotel offers are an open air restaurant area. It has a thatched palm roof and is surrounded by the garden. In it I enjoyed a menu filled with very high quality food. The dishes here were delicious, definitely above average. Oh, and there’s also a swimming pool.

Over all in really enjoyed my stay in this wonderful hacienda and would highly recommend it to anyone traveling in Costa Rica.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She has traveled here extensively. Now loves organizing vacations to this amazing part of the world, having first hand experience of all the places with her family. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

For couples who are going to have a honeymoon one of the most popular places to spend it is in Grand Cayman island. This Caribbean island is located close to Cuba and Jamaica. With its many wonderful sites and great beaches it has become an ideal place for any couple to have a romantic getaway.

For those coming to the Grand Cayman for the first time on a honeymoon getaway, they will surely be pleased with what they see. The place is as good as new after having been revamped. Hurricane Ivan which happened in 2004 destroyed most of the place, but it is now restored and fully functional again.

There is no doubt that one thing which draws couples to have a Grand Cayman honeymoon is its seven mile beach. This renowned strip is popular for the many different five star hotels and resorts that it houses. Aside from this couples going on a honeymoon are sure to find the best restaurants and attractions here as well.

Going for a honeymoon in this Caribbean island will also have you enjoying the many different water activities. For a little adventure you can go scuba diving and explore some of the most famous shipwrecks in history. Snorkeling will have you swimming with various tropical fish and marine life. There are also other water sports that can be enjoyed.

Money can often be a problem for any couple going on a honeymoon. It is common to want to have fun but still stick to your budget. To worry less about things like this you can take advantage of any of the different Grand Cayman all inclusive honeymoon packages around. This will help you enjoy everything you need while paying only a single fee.

Just because you are going to a tropical island for a honeymoon does not mean you have to spend all your time at the beach. Grand Cayman offers a lot of other places for couples to visit. A trip to Georgetown can take you back through time while a stroll in the botanic gardens can be serene. Shopping can also be done in the market places.

A Grand Cayman vacation cannot be complete without a bit of partying. Any couple can enjoy celebrating their honeymoon with the different parties and festivities around. Bars and clubs are also good places to check out for a little bit of fun and dancing.

Don’t forget that the official monetary unit in the island is the Cayman dollar. To fully enjoy Grand cayman trips couples need to make sure that they get their money changed to the right currency. This will allow you to dine, shop and enjoy all the island activities.

To enjoy your grand cayman honeymoon try learn more about the place. There are many different website you can visit.

When I lived in Costa Rica I loved to visit the Osa Peninsula, in the South Pacific region of this country. I highly recommend visiting this area of Costa Rica. There are many reasons for that, and some of them are: It hosts more than half of Costa Rica’s wildlife, its amazing beaches and it’s where the Corcovado National Park is located. Which by the way is the last remaining Pacific lowland rainforest of sustainable size in Central America. If you do come, here are three great hotel options for honeymoons, groups of friends and family vacations.

La Paloma Lodge:

La Paloma Lodge is a beautiful eco-lodge located in the top of a hill and overlooks the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica’s Drake Bay. This is in an isolated place of the northern tip of the Osa Peninsula. The resort is nested over 12 acres of land and the ranchos offer magnificent views of the ocean. It also offers 3 different lodging options: The standard rooms, the deluxe ranchos and the sunset ranchos. All of the ranchos are also open air.

Bosque del Cabo Lodge:

Bosque del Cabo is a beautiful lodge nestled in the middle of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. The hotel is a 750 acre forest reserve that offers spacious bungalows and houses. The bungalows are scattered around the rain-forest. This one offers 4 lodging options: the classic cabinas, deluxe cabinas, garden cabinas and the vista mar suite. Also all of the rooms in this beautiful lodge have beautiful ocean views and great garden views too.

Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge:

Casa Corcovado has a great location. It is a luxury jungle lodge over a 170 acre private reserve bordering Corcovado National Park. It offers 3 lodging options: The honeymoon suites, the junior suite and the deluxe bungalows. All of the bungalows are spread around a garden for maximum privacy.

Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

This time my family and I decided to visit the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo to be more exact. The reason we decided to go is because it is such a kid friendly, laid back place with white and black sanded beaches. It is also very close to Cahuita National Park.

The reason we decided to go is because it is such a kid friendly, laid back place with white and black sanded beaches. It is also very close to Cahuita National Park. We ended up staying in a small beachfront hotel called: Hotel Banana Azul.

Yes, this means it rains a lot in the area but it also means that there are tons of animals in the surroundings. I know this because I got to see some monkeys and beautiful birds in the top of the trees. Some other things that this hotel offers are: private bath in all the rooms, free wireless internet and an 8 people Jacuzzi and a swimming pool.

Some other things that this hotel offers are: private bath in all the rooms, free wireless internet and an 8 people Jacuzzi and a swimming pool.

My experience in this hotel was fantastic, the place is beautiful and a couple of meters away from the beautiful beach. As I said before all rooms are made out of wood but not only from the outside. The decoration is almost all made out of wood too. This for me made it a warm and homey place. This is also a kid friendly hotel with open areas where my 6 year old son had a great time exploring the surrounding gardens.

But we didn’t spend all our time in the hotel we also decided to go on a chocolate tour, which was great. I have to say that I’m not a big fan of chocolate but after seeing all the process before it actually becomes chocolate and experiencing those great smells I had to try it. After a relaxing walk on the beach I decided that I loved this place and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. Traveling with her family to all parts of Costa Rica and Guatemala, she now loves organizing vacations for people and offers first hand experience. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

If you enjoy travelling and visiting new places, I advocate a cruise. I have cruised the Mediterranean and the Baltic and my next cruise will be a Caribbean cruise. I am really looking forward to it. If you have never been on a cruise, start saving up now, because it is opulence like you have never imagined before.

Never having been on a Caribbean cruise before, I do not know how much the various Caribbean islands differ from one another, so I do not know how varied that cruise would be. However, I have cruised the Med and the Baltic and woken up to a different country every day and in both of those seas and every country is very different from its neighbours.

On our Baltic cruise we departed from Southampton and steamed to Gothenburg in Sweden. From there we went to Helsinki and Leningrad (in those days). On the way back, we called into Copenhagen and the Tivoli Gardens. None of those countries was in any way similar to another or even Britain.

Similarly, my Mediterranean cruise left from Minorca in north eastern Spain going east to Sardinia and then north along the southern coast of Europe. Italy, France and Spain. The second week of the cruise left Minorca again and went to Sicily and then south along the northern coast of Africa including Malta.

The luxury on a cruise is almost indescribable to someone who has never been on a cruise. There is no standard higher than five stars, but the cruises I have been on offered superior levels of luxury than any five star hotels I have stayed in anywhere in the world.

Food and shore excursions play a major part of cruising. The food is top notch with no mistake. Breakfast on a cruise liner is better than most Americans and most Europeans have for dinner. Whatever you want from prawns to steak, from exotic fruit to porridge. Lunch and dinner are even more lavish.

Shore excursions are well organized too. They include a ferry from the cruise liner to the shore and then a coach trip by a local firm to the location, which could be an historical site or a shopping mall. Most cruisers go on these trips, but some prefer to stay on board and take advantage of the reduced number of passengers and the free food.

I went on every shore excursion and thoroughly enjoyed each one. The excursions are usually pricey though, but you are part of a trapped audience, so what can you expect?

I thoroughly recommend a cruise holiday to any and every one. You should go at least once in your life, but do not leave it until late in your life because you will want to go again.

Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with St Croix Hotels. If you are interested in St Croix Vacation Rentals in the US Virgin Islands, please click through to our site.

a. Season Matters When Traveling to Costa Rica: Living in Costa Rica I figured a way to enjoy traveling without spending too much but most importantly without having to spend my vacations among the crowds. And this is my conclusion: Late April, May, and October offer good weather with lower rates. Also between June and September and someties even November you will get good rates but not a very nice weather. December to early April are the driest months and the peak of the tourist season, so you can expect higher prices, less rooms available and crowds.

b. Costa Rican Water: Most people traveling around Central America are very concerned about how clean the water really is. And I have to admit was one of them until I found out that unlike most Latin American countries Costa Rica has a fairly safe water supply.

Want some Proof? Here is the fact that it is the only country of the region where Heineken allows its beer to be brewed.

c. Money To Change or Not to Change! One of the most common questions I get from travelers is if they should change money before coming or not?

If you are going to change the money here are some recommendations:

1. Every country is different, but in Costa Rica don’t change money anywhere except BANKS. Not only will you get the best rates, but you’re chances of getting counterfeit money are zilch. Always bring a passport.

2. ATMs are plentiful, you’ll get the best rates however, you’ll pay the small ATM fee.

3. Very few places exchange travelers checks these days, and even fewer give good rates, plus they charge 1-2% on top of it.

Cash or Credit?

I won’t lie to you, cash is king in Costa Rica. Plus, whenever you go out, ask if for the cash (Efectivo) discount and chances are you ‘ll get 5-10% off. This can be done anywhere from tour operators, to hotels, to restaurants to pharmacies.

Some places will even charge you 8% for credit card usages. Plus if you go to a local market, local currency goes much further than the dollar. You stand out less and feel more comfortable.

d. Waiting Is the Hardest Part That’s right, if you’re coming to Costa Rica be prepared to wait! In this country this is a norm. Nothing is on time in Costa Rica. Just doesn’t happen. Sorry to break it to you, but it’s so true. So come with lots of patience and besides, what’s the rush?

e. Bring plenty of Ziploc bags: Nothing stays dry there. I recommend the “Big Bags” for clothes and shoes (bring at least two or three) and several quart-size bags. I tried to do laundry in the sink and air dry, but found it very difficult to dry most articles. Since most people do rafting, swimming, waterfalls, or just crossing over streams, you’ll need bags to separate your wet stuff from your semi-dry. I would also recommend bringing plenty of changes of clothes, especially if you’re an adventurous spirit.

f. Emergency Numbers: Luckily in Costa Rica the emergency number is 911 too. It is great because they speak English and are quite helpful. The problem though, is the fact that Costa Rica has one of the trickiest address and direction systems in Central America. So learn your address well!

Marina K. Villatoro, lives in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She has traveled all over these areas with her family and now she loves to organize vacations to Costa Rica and Guatemala. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

My husband and I decided that we wanted to go somewhere nice, and private where we could enjoy a family weekend away from work and the city. I had heard from some friends about a place with all those qualities in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica called Finca Chica. So we decided to give it a try.

I some friends had told me about a place with all those qualities in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. It is called Finca Chica. Since they recommended it so much we decided to give it a try.

The casitas are scattered around the property with enough separation to allow total privacy. Casa Pizote and La Casita Chica are cute one bedroom bungalows, perfect for couples. On the other hand there is Casa Lagarto with a maximum capacity of 5 people and La Casita del Ro with capacity for up to 6 people. Plus these casitas can also be rented by the week,

We booked one of their casitas and when we finally got there we found a beautiful wooden casita and the garden around that surrounded it was beautiful.

All we saw was how the jungle becomes a white-sanded beach. I guess this is the definition of nature lover’s paradise.

I was in Puerto Viejo here only for one night and that was enough to make love it, especially because my son had enough space to run around I a safety environment.

I trusted my friend’s advice and had one of the best weekend trips I have ever had. I would also recommend it for anyone looking for some relaxation in the middle of the Costa Rican Jungle.

So give it a try!

Marina K. Villatoro, lives in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She has traveled all over these areas with her family and now she loves to organize vacations to Costa Rica and Guatemala. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

My family, some friends and I thought that it was a good idea to visit another place in Costa Rica where we hadn’t been before. So we made our bags and headed towards Tamarindo in the Northern Pacific coast of the country.

So we made our bags and headed towards Tamarindo in the Northern Pacific coast of the country. We ended up staying in Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort. I was blown away with this place. This is what the hotel is like:

We stayed in the beachfront rooms and we couldnt have made a better decision. I had never been in a hotel like this. I literally woke up with a gorgeous view of the beach just meters away from me. I was completely blown away.

I have to confess that as a mom I was concerned about taking my 4 year old son to such a luxurious place but as my husband and I saw this hotel can give comfort and luxury but at the same time it is a place where kids can have fun without it being an issue for the hotel. It has so many open areas that my son and my friend’s son were able to run around without us having to worry about them.

Tamarindo is great in itself. Because it is not just known for having the best beaches of the country, called The Gold Coast but it is also a great place to get to know the Costa Rican wildlife in its estuaries. My advice to anyone would be come to Tamarindo beach; you will love this gorgeous place.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, lives in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. Having first hand experience of all the places with her family, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

Puerto Viejo is not one of the most popular areas of Costa Rica, but for me it should. The beach here is beautiful and it is one of the most tranquil places I’ve ever been to in this country.

When I visited this beautiful place in the Costa Rican Caribbean I stayed in Magic Moon. Let me tell you what it is about: This place offers a beach house and a bungalow just 50mt away from the beach. These private villas are perfect for families or couples that want a relaxed honeymoon. I love them because they are also super private because they are located 3km away from the nearest town. This means you will have the beach for yourself.

The bungalow is spacious and has 1 room, perfect for couples. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens so you will want to stay in the terrace for a very long time.

The house has 3 bedrooms and can comfortably accommodate a family. It is also surrounded by beautiful gardens but its best feature is the upstairs terrace that has amazing ocean views. Both of them offer internet, maid service and laundry service. I visited this place with my family and took the beach house and I loved it.

I got the chance to hang out in the hammock and relax while by 5 year old son ran around the garden. I also loved the fact that the house was very private in a secluded, safe and simply beautiful setting. Plus it is a short drive away from one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches and Cahuita National Park. I’m sure you will fall in love with this place.

It is a whole new world away from the rest of the world. Oh, and I almost forgot. It’s not just about a nice, private, pleasant stay. It is also about the wildlife and the mature that surrounds you in this property.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. Traveling with her family to all parts of Costa Rica and Guatemala, she now loves organizing vacations for people and offers first hand experience. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

This a selection of the top 3 tours available in Guatemala based in my personal experience. They are great for families, groups of friends and adventurous honeymooners. Here they are, Enjoy!

The Chichicastenango Tour:

In this tour you will be taken to Chichicastenango (Quiche, Guatemala) in a private shuttle. Once you are there, you will have the opportunity to see what daily life is for its native people.

Another great place the church, which from the inside is very different from the ones you see in Antigua Guatemala. This 400 year old church was built over and old Mayan temple, as a matter of fact the steps in front of it are part of the original temple.

As soon as you step foot in it you will notice that the decoration is very unique.

Pacaya Volcano Tour:

Can you imagine a delicious dinner with wine, cheese and delicious gourmet foods on top of an active volcano? It is possible in Guatemala’s Pacaya Volcano!

This volcano is just a short drive away from Antigua Guatemala. In this tour you can go up almost to the crater and stand a meter away from the constant lava flows. These constant flows are what keep this volcano from having a big eruption, making it a safe and exciting day trip.

The only way you can go up is with a guide. He will lead you along the safest and best paths. If you haven’t booked with any company (which would be preferred) you might get lucky and find one once you get there.

El Mirador Tour:

Recently I heard that someone had discovered a new Mayan city in the northern area of Peten’s cloud forest, Guatemala with the largest Mayan pyramids and temple complexes ever seen. It is located several kilometers north from Tikal. So I started researching.

All I can say is that this awesome tour is normally a six days camp (but it could be less) where you will explore the jungle in search for ancient buildings hidden by it while being surrounded by the most exotic fauna. But there is also the possibility to go on a one day tour in which you will be transported by helicopter.

The camp tour consists of a series of hikes where you will discover the highest and biggest Mayan temples you could ever imagine. The tour includes meals and a great bilingual guide that will tell you all you need to know about this great place and its wildlife.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She has traveled here extensively. Now loves organizing vacations to this amazing part of the world, having first hand experience of all the places with her family. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

One of the most popular attractions in Jamaica that you will find is the Bob Marley house. We have all heard about this infamous reggae singer, and many of us enjoy his music. Now people visiting Jamaica can actually take a tour of the house that he stayed in until his death. This is definitely something to look forward to for the music lovers.

No doubt that the main reasons people come to Jamaica for vacations is because of the great beaches that it has. One of the most popular beaches that people come to see is the James Bond Beach. Of course other than this, tourists can also enjoy other smaller beaches as well as water theme parks.

No trip to this popular Caribbean island can be complete without a taste of their popular dishes. Although Jerk is served in many places around the globe, you can get the real deal here. Aside from this famed dish you can also try out other cuisines from the different top rated restaurants with local and international chefs.

There’s no skipping going to one of the most popular attractions in Jamaica which is the Appleton Estate. This distillery which is a few hundred years old is the birthplace of the world famous rum. Get a peek at how it is made from scratch and of course, you can get a free taste too.

Architecture is something that you will find to be one of the main attractions in Jamaica. There are a number of Great Homes which can be found throughout the island. Whether you are looking for a home that will show you all the antique displays, one with gardens or something with dark stories to tell you will find it here.

Get a lesson in history while going through the streets of the Spanish Town in Kingston Jamaica. You can enjoy a whole range of activities like dining and shopping as well. Those who have a penchant for history will surely enjoy going through the ancient streets and structures.

Enjoying natural attractions in Jamaica comes without being said. Among the most popular stops for tourists are the Blue Mountains. Here you can get a cup of the world known Blue Mountain Coffee which is rich and not very bitter. You can also go bird watching and trekking through these beautiful peaks.

No trip can be complete without visiting one of the top attractions in Jamaica found in the area of the Black River. Here you will find the Bamboo Avenue where you can talk through natural tunnels and arches made from bamboo. Don’t forget that you can also explore the black river for an extra adventure.

There are numerous tourist attractions in jamaica that can be enjoyed. Make sure you find out about these places before your trip.

I had heard about the incredible beauty of Cano Negro and I was getting very curious about it. Some time later I went to La Fortuna in Arenal, Costa Rica, with my family and saw the advertisement from a tour company called Canoa Aventura. It is a great tour operator that offers exciting water activities in Costa Rica.

In the add they mentioned a tour in Cano Negro so I ran to the office. When I got there the girl that I talked to told me that there were two variations of it: a boat tour and a canoe tour.

The main difference between them is that on the boat tour, you sit on a boat and relax as you float down the river and the guide makes sure you see everything. The canoe tour gives you the opportunity to paddle your way down the river at your own rhythm with a guide that will show you everything there is to see. They both sounded great to me, that’s why I had hard time trying to decide which one to take.

After some thinking I decided to take the boat tour and I have to say that it couldn’t have been better.

One of the things I loved the most was that not only you get the opportunity to see many different species of animals, but will also learn from the guides, who are very well trained, and from the looks on their faces, you can tell how much they enjoy sharing their knowledge with you.

You wouldn’t believe the amount of birds and monkeys I saw during the boat ride. As you can see this tour is perfect for nature lovers.

As you can see this tour is perfect for nature lovers. So if you visit the Arenal area in your Costa Rican vacation I dare all of you to try this unforgettable trip, especially if you are a wildlife lover or an enthusiast photographer.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She has traveled here extensively. Now loves organizing vacations to this amazing part of the world, having first hand experience of all the places with her family. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

I have traveled to Arenal, Costa Rica many times and have stayed in many hotels of the area and I must admit liked them all. But there was something about this hotel that made me love it! The first thing that has to be said is that this hotel is located right in front of the ever active volcano called Arenal Volcano.

The first thing that has to be said is that this hotel is located right in front of the ever active volcano called Arenal Volcano. It gives great lava shows almost every night. So why not spend some time in the area at a safe distance of course.

As I implied before many hotels have been established in the area because of this natural attraction. But for my taste Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens is one of the best. I went there with my husband and 5 year old son and we all had a great time. It is a luxury resort with what I consider to be the best views of the Arenal Volcano in the area.

It’s also quite popular among honeymooners. How is a hotel with a small kid friendly policy a popular pace for honeymoons? Well the answer is quite obvious when you walk into the property.

To end this article I have to say that Arenal is a great place to visit, especially for adventure seekers. That is because of the amount of tours offered, such as canopy, hikes to the Arenal Volcano, hanging bridges, horseback rides and the list goes on.

To end this article I have to say that Arenal is a great place to visit, especially for adventure seekers. That is because of the amount of tours offered, such as canopy, hikes to the Arenal Volcano, hanging bridges, horseback rides and the list goes on. So if you ever decide to visit this Costa Rican area take my advice take a look at this hotel, you might want to stay in it.

Let me know how it went!

Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

I was once told by a Tica friend that there was a place in Costa Rica that could only be accessed is by boat and if you are lucky some days by car through a rocky dirt road. She said that there is a wonderful hotel right where the beach becomes a rain forest in that place.

The place I’m talking about is called Drake Bay in the Costa Rican Osa Peninsula. And the hotel is called Jinetes de osa.

Just as my friend said it is a place away from the civilization. I arrived by boat after a very long journey but it was worth the trouble. At first all I could see was a small cabin that melted with the vegetation but as I got closer I saw that it was the hotel and was bigger that looked from the distance. This hotel has only 9 rooms. This assures that the place will never be crowded. When I got there the hotel was hosting only 2 other families.

The place is very inviting wherever you look you will get amazing ocean views, beautiful forest views, you might even see some monkeys. At least I did! But what I was truly thrilled with was the fact that the next morning the howls oh howler monkeys woke me up.

Drake Bay is one of Costa Rican’s most isolated and tranquil places where any nature lover would feel at home.

Drake Bay is one of Costa Rican’s most isolated and tranquil places where any nature lover would feel at home. It is also close enough to the rest of the world and Corcovado National Park which is said to be the most biologically intense place on earth. Plus you can stay in this wonderful hotel. What else could a traveler want?

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. Traveling with her family to all parts of Costa Rica and Guatemala, she now loves organizing vacations for people and offers first hand experience. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

Looking for a destination place? Then you need to check out some of the places for the Caribbean honeymoon destinations. Each location has plenty to do and plenty to see. You might never know what you could find. We have found a few places that for years have been thee spots to consider when you are looking for a place to go on your honeymoon.

The top pick for many women is the Bahamas. Who would want to pass these up. The waters that you see there are the cleanest than you have ever seen. Put your feet in sandy beaches and walk hand in hand. From water sports to secluded beaches, this area has it all that you might be looking for in terms of where you want to go for your honeymoon, but if you have been to the Bahamas or you think that it’s over rated, then we have other areas that are part of the Caribbean that you might like to consider.

If you are looking for something more because maybe that doesn’t appeal to your taste, then here is something else you can try. Another one on the list of top places to vacation to celebrate the wedding that just took place is Jamaica. The culture here is very live. Here is where you can taste great food that you might not be used to. You can look at art that many have fallen in love with. You might even want to check out some of the beaches while you are there.

Yet another area that you might want to go is Puerto Rico. Many like this because it’s considered a part of the United States however it’s so different from the US. You don’t have to worry about switching currency or worrying about the language barrier. You will just feel separated, but yet right at home. For some people this is something that they want.

The last suggestion that we could give you on hot areas that people once they are married vacation at for their honeymoon is Puerto Rico. If you are looking for something that is in the US territory, then this is the place to go. It’s not too out of ones price range. Many will tell you that it’s one of the most affordable trips that you can take. For those of you who are looking for a culture that is most like your own that is more about territory than anything else, this is it for you.

Here are some of the top spots of the Caribbean. There are still more than that around. You just have to know what you are looking for. If you are looking for cost efficient then Puerto Rico is your best bet. Looking for art, then your best shot is Jamaica. That’s all that you have to figure out. So, have fun while you choose where to say I love you after those vows the two of you take.

Find the right caribbean honeymoon destinations for that fabulous time. Head online to caribbean honeymoon destinations that are out there. Set up the best honeymoon now.

A honeymoon can be the trip of a lifetime, but if you’re on a budget and trying not to spend too much money, the planning stage can be stressful. It is possible to save on your honeymoon and still not sacrifice the overall quality of your vacation experience. Being open to creative options can save you a lot of money while bringing a lot of excitement to your trip. Here is a list of the top 10 tips for planning affordable honeymoons:

1. Select a time of year to travel when the majority of tourists will be absent. By doing this, it is possible to cut the costs of the journey to certain locales by half. As an example, it is possible to visit a number of Caribbean locations inexpensively during the summer months.

2. As soon as you know where you want to go, get your air travel booking in as quickly as possible. If you wait to book your flight until 30 days or less of your planned departure date, most airlines are going to charge you a penalty. If at all possible, the best way to save money on airfare is to use a frequent flyer account and a credit card for that airline. The most recent trip my wife and I took was to Italy, and we used our frequent flyer miles to go. During the month, we will use our United Airline credit card to pay for things, and by the time we need to get away, we’ll have accumulated enough miles to go where we want to.

3. As is the case with flight tickets, it is important to book hotel rooms early also. Especially in the non-peak time frames, room costs may be subject to negotiation. Anyone looking to save money and who does not mind a change of pace may find staying at a bed and breakfast or booking an apartment rental to be great options.

4. Know the sightseeing attractions that you want to see and try to pick an area relatively central and accessible to the places and attractions you want to frequent. If you can arrange to stay at a hotel within walking distance of major sights, you can save a small fortune by avoiding taxi fares. This also enables you to maximize your time by not having to spend valuable minutes and hours traveling to various attractions.

5. Watch where the locals are eating, and go where they are going so you can be guaranteed quality. When you visit another country and only want American food, you will find you are going to have to pay more money for it, and you won’t be getting the experience of local cuisine.

6. Perhaps one of the most important rules of planning affordable honeymoons involves being aware of exchange rates with regard to different currencies; moreover, know where to get the best exchanges as well (ATMs often have great exchange rates). Merchants know these rates all too well and will offer you prices in local and US currency that will never be in your favor if you let them.

7. The best money to use when you are overseas is the credit card for several reasons: you won’t have to worry so much about pickpockets, you will usually receive a good exchange rate on things you buy, you will have to worry less about carrying local currency, and you will have a nice way to show everywhere you went.

8. Shopping, of course is one of the most fun things to do on any honeymoon, but knowing what to shop for is the key. Have a game plan as to the people you want to shop for and what items are best from the locale that you are visiting. This will cut down on useless, tacky gifts that will either collect dust or just end up being “re-gifted”.

9. Travel light. Regardless of where you go or how long you will be there, you never really need as much as you pack. Besides, odds are you will likely buy some clothing mementos on your trip as well. Often, you’ll find great deals on extraordinary hand-made clothing and crafts from the local vendors.

10. When traveling outside the U.S., the best way to travel is to use public transportation because it’s cost efficient and will most likely always be an experience. This could also be the best way for you to experience the culture the place you are visiting has to offer!

This list is intended to give honeymooners a great set of tips to use in order to save money, and I hope it has helped. It isn’t always easy to plan affordable honeymoons, but it can be an adventure in itself. What’s best is the more things you have in your control before you actually leave, the better time you will have to relax and enjoy your trip.

Check out my blog for more about affordable honeymoons. Find honeymoon stories and honeymoon reviews.

If you are interested in getting a great deal on vacations then look into St Lucia vacation packages. Vacation packages combine your travel, accommodation and other options all together in one price. The price you get when booking a package is much better then what you would get if you booked everything individually.

There are some great all inclusive packages that include air fare and staying at a resort where you get accommodations, all meals and many activities for one price. One such resort that offers vacation packages is Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa. This is particularly good for families as there are separate areas for families and adults.

The Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa offers a package deal so that you get round trip airfare with participating airlines and accommodation. This resort is popular for everyone as there are separate areas that are for children and others that are just for adults. No matter who is visiting there is something for everyone.

Many of the golf and spa packages will offer as much as 50% savings. You will get meals, transport between the hotel and airport, round trip airfare, service charges, beverages, activities, snacks and the tax all put together in one specific package. This makes planning and booking your vacation very easy.

Another very popular resort that offers packages is Sandals Halycon. This resort is right on the Halycon beach and is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. You have three different restaurant choices at the resort and the entire resort is completely Caribbean with traditional architecture. The resort also has a spa and golf course.

Another popular resort that mixes French and Caribbean styles is Bay Garden Resort near Reduit beach.

Get those st lucia vacation packages online today. Go to St Lucia vacation packages to find the right deals. Set up your reservations now for your next holiday.

The Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, area has so many great places to visit and so many things to see such as: amazing wildlife, flora and gorgeous beaches. In this area you will also find lovely places to stay in. So the first time I went there I had a bit of trouble deciding where to stay.

It made such a big impression on me that I had to write about it. It is a beautiful property that is part of the exclusive Tulemar Gardens in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica. It is Called Casa Panorama. This is a three level luxury villa with some of the best views in Tulemar.

This beautiful villa is surrounded by untouched rain forest form where you get the best of Manuel Antonio: amazing wildlife from monkeys to birds. It is situated on a white-sanded private beach and just minutes away from Manuel Antonio National Park.

It is situated on a white-sanded private beach and just minutes away from Manuel Antonio National Park. The villa is absolutely beautiful and the surroundings are amazing. Can you imagine a better option for family vacations? Or a better place for a private and romantic honeymoon?

Let me give you a small description of Casa Panorama:

I stayed in the first level which is a one bedroom suite with a private entrance, a gorgeous deck, a fully equipped kitchen, living room and deck.

But it doesn’t end here. The place is run y a wonderful manager, Diego! This guy is also on charge of another great villa in Tulemar Gardens called Villa Mot Mot. He will show you around and treat you the way he does all his clients, like royalty!

I guess that now you have an idea of why I loved this place so much.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, lives in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. Having first hand experience of all the places with her family, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!