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.
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 [...]
Pilsener, Club, Cuzcqueño, Pilsen… blah, blah, blah. Chances are if you’ve been to Ecuador and/or Peru and you have a deeper appreciation for fermented beverages you probably understand my sentiments. Not that I hold anything against these “goes down like water, drink 10 or 15 and still stand” beers, but they do leave something to [...]
As of Monday, Nov. 17th, the international departure tax from Quito will increase from USD $40.30 to USD $44.30. This fee must be paid in cash, in either US dollars or Euros. All international travelers must pay the departure fee, so be sure to save some cash for the airport. For domestic flights (including the [...]
