Lounging in the pool, staring out into the darkening tropical jungle, I contemplated my difficult choices. A drink before dinner, or stay in the pool? Decisions, decisions. On a small group tour, that was about the toughest one I had to make.
I consider myself an independent traveler. From my first trip as an adult, backpacking across Asia and Australia, to current jaunts with my family, I like to do it myself. But a recent trip to Costa Rica reminded me of the pleasures and advantages of small group tours.
I was in Costa Rica for business, so was traveling alone. I had an open weekend, but only the weekend – I had to be back in San Jose on Monday morning. I decided to maximize my time by signing up for a tour to Tortuguero National Park. And I, super independent traveler, had a fantastic time.
Latin America is the land of departure taxes. Many countries charge departure taxes, and all too often these can only be paid in cash, at the airport, at departure. This can come as an unwelcome surprise to travelers who (like me) may arrive at the airport with no money left in their pockets. Peru is [...]
You announce you are going to Latin America by yourself, and your mother promptly faints. After you revive her, she begins issuing dire warnings of all the terrible things that will happen to a woman traveling along in South America. Take a deep breath. The world has changed. Solo women travelers are no longer bizarre [...]
Machu Picchu ruins are set to reopen on April 1st, 2010! The highly-anticipated reopening ceremonies are said to involve both high Peruvian government officials, and celebrities like Susan Sarandon. Just as importantly, Peru Rail has restored train services to Aguas Calientes (or Machu Picchu Town) starting March 29. Things are not, however, 100% normal. [...]
The Peruvian government has set April 1 as the target date for reopening the famed citadel of Machu Picchu, Peruvian Trade and Tourism Minister Martin Perez announced today. “The citadel is intact and we expect to receive visitors starting April 1,” Perez said. The ruins were cut off when roads and railways were severely damaged [...]
