Best fall family vacation in Costa Rica

October and November means autumn school breaks, and Thanksgiving Week in the USA. It's time for your fall family vacation.

This year, be ahead of the learning curve and visit one of the world's largest "outdoor classrooms" in the sun and tropics of Costa Rica. Imagine discovering animals and plants that you have never seen before with your family... a terrific bonding experience and good school report material too! Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America, and a main reason the nation is a top international travel destination.

Time is precious, so don't waste it on endless searches of hotels and tours on the internet. Save time for your family by choosing a 2Costa Rica Travel family vacation package to Costa Rica. The top travel agency uses their 20+ years of experience to give you comprehensive information on the best hotels, tours, transportation, and safety and travel tips to Costa Rica. One notable itinerary is the Two Mountains Family Vacation Package.

The week-long vacation (8-days/7-nights) gives you and your family an adventure with two days each at the most popular mountain destinations in Costa Rica – Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Hotels are luxurious and family-friendly. Activities are endless – hiking in the Arenal Volcano National Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest reserves, suspension bridges, canopy ziplines, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, cave exploring, mountain biking, boat rides, and indigenous cultural tours, to name a few.

Don't worry, there's also Costa Rica beach time – three days at magnificent Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific Coast. The area is known for the Manuel Antonio National Park, white sand beaches, easy-to-see wildlife and plentiful adventure tours.

2Costa Rica Travel can tailor vacation itineraries to any budget and family size. They offer detailed itinerary planning and personalized in-country support service. Hop a flight to the San José international airport (SJO and get ready for paradise.

Article by Shannon Farley

Costa Rica teams go to World Rafting Championships in New Zealand

New Zealand is about as far from Costa Rica as you can get. That's where 21 Costa Rican men and women are headed at the beginning of November to compete in the World Rafting Championships.

Set for November 13-24 in Rotorua, New Zealand, the biennial World Rafting Championships (WRC) will draw 69 teams from 27 countries to compete in four divisions with men's and women's categories – Open, Masters, Junior (under 23) and Youth (under 19).

The WRC is the pinnacle event in the highly-competitive whitewater rafting world, governed by the International Rafting Federation. The first IRF World Rafting Championships were held in Costa Rica in 1998, and most recently again in 2011. Top international teams match their whitewater skills in four events – a short sprint, head-to-head between two teams, slalom and a downriver endurance race. 

Raft teams are composed of six members with a 7^th alternate.

Each of Costa Rica's teams has its own story. The women's team won a silver medal in slalom at the 2011 WRC; they are going for gold in November. The men's team is the current Costa Rica National Champion and is hoping to place in the top three at the WRC. The star-studded master's team is packed with rafting veterans who have 25 years of competition experience, including Rafael Gallo, who is owner of Rios Tropicales rafting company in Costa Rica and President and founding member of the IRF.

New Zealand will be the first WRC with a Master's competition for team members over age 40. "We have the longest history of any team in the world competing internationally," said Rafael Gallo. He and team captain, Victorino Urzola, participated in the first international rafting event with Project RAFT in Siberia in 1989, and team members have taken part in many subsequent world competitions.

 "It has been my dream to go to New Zealand," Gallo remarked. "We hope to get some medals. We're very good in slalom."

Slalom is the forte of the women's Costa Rica X-Pinner Team (sponsored by the X-Pinner sports clothing company). "The slalom is our event. Our trainer (Alejandro Contreras) competed in kayak in slalom and it is his specialty," explained team captain Lil Castro.

 "The slalom is a really technical competition, and maybe because we were river guides, we're good at slalom." Besides the silver medal at the 2011 WRC, the team has placed well in slalom at Pan-American Competitions, earning a gold medal in 2010 in Brazil.

For the men's Costa Rica Xtreme Team, the downriver is the event they hope to win. "We are river guides and know how to go down a river; we are experienced kayakers and that helps us," explained team member Walter Centeno.

 "There is much more competition in the men's events, and we train a lot in teamwork to perfect our coordination." Team members have competed in five World Rafting Championships and are six-time Costa Rica National Champions.

Costa Rica is one of the world's top destinations for whitewater rafting, and Turrialba – home of adventure tour operator Explornatura – is the "whitewater rafting capital" of Costa Rica. Explornatura specializes in Costa Rica rafting and adventure tours near Turrialba.

Article by Shannon Farley

Costa Rica accents sustainable businesses at PPP conference.

What makes a sustainable business "sustainable" and why should we care?

Here's a news flash for you – we all live on the same planet Earth. In many ways we humans, and all of the living and non-living things and elements that exist on our planet, are connected. The dust storms in Africa that cause cloudy, windy, dry weather in Central America; the earthquake in Asia that causes a nuclear reactor to leak radioactive material into the world's largest ocean, affecting the fish we're eating for dinner in America; the business decisions made in a powerful country's boardroom that affect working conditions in a poorer nation; slashing and burning rainforests so we can have more timber, or drill for oil, or simply farm for food, and unexpectedly the world's weather goes haywire … and on and on. These are just a few examples of our interconnectedness.

Operating a sustainable business means not only sustaining our own existence, but also ensuring that everything we involve and affect succeeds as well. This means not destroying the planet, or damaging people or society, in the pursuit of profit.

The United Nations defines sustainable development as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." At the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in New York in September, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon warned that "we cannot accept a rising tide that floats only some boats and leaves many to drown." Ban Ki-moon called on world business leaders to do even more along with the United Nations to promote sustainable development worldwide.

 "Nobody can benefit from catastrophic climate change or rampant unemployment and the social unrest that comes with it," Ban Ki-moon said. "Prosperous, stable societies and a healthy planet are the bedrock of political stability, economic growth and flourishing new markets."

In today's increasingly competitive landscape, more and more companies are realizing that being sustainable is more than an environmental gesture – it makes long-term economic sense for cost savings, consumer demand, resource limitations, and brand reputation and publicity, to name a few.

Sustainable businesses in Costa Rica and internationally will take center stage at the upcoming Planet, People & Peace Ecotourism Conference in San Jose, Costa Rica. Organized by the Costa Rica National Chamber of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism (CANAECO), the conference will convene national and international leaders to share strategies, practices and experiences to help make tourism and businesses sustainable.

The 4^th Planet, People & Peace (PPP or "P3") Ecotourism Conference will be held November 3-6 in San Jose at the National Auditorium at the Children's Museum, part of the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture. Speakers and guests from 14 countries will meet to exchange ideas on the future of sustainable tourism and how to operate businesses in an environmentally responsible way.

Costa Rica has played an important role globally over the past decade in ecotourism and sustainable business. Many businesses in Costa Rica are already successfully incorporating sustainable practices, and will be on display during the PPP Conference.

Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica

One of Costa Rica's outstanding examples of sustainable tourism is Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, an environmentally sensitive eco-lodge set on a 165-acre private preserve in the undeveloped Osa Peninsula/Golfo Dulce region of the country's South Pacific. The Playa Nicuesa Reserve borders the lush rainforest of the Piedras Blancas National Park, and fronts the pristine Pacific coastline of the Golfo Dulce.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge has received the highest rating for sustainability (Five Leaves) by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT). The lodge embraces conservation and harmony with the natural environment and caters to travelers interested in ecotourism, nature, adventure and sports. A member of the prestigious Enchanting Hotels of Costa Rica, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is affiliated with the Rainforest Alliance, the International Ecotourism Society, the Costa Rican National Chamber of Ecotourism, and Sustainable Travel International, among others.

Article by Shannon Farley

Best all-inclusive resort vacations in Costa Rica

All-inclusive resorts make vacation planning easy. Everything you need – place to stay, meals, activities, entertainment – is included in one price. You don't have to worry about the details, hidden extras or going over budget. Going to an all-inclusive resort is truly a no-worry vacation.

All-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica have been around for years, but the concept is booming. Major international hotel chains are now in the country, and almost all of Costa Rica's all-inclusive resorts are located at popular beach destinations. Whether you are looking for family-friendly or adults-only, Costa Rica offers many all-inclusive resort vacation choices.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica:

The Papagayo Gulf, in Costa Rica's northern Pacific Guanacaste region, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. Dazzling blue ocean, sun-kissed beaches, gently rolling coastal mountains creating secluded coves, bays and islands – all add up to tropical paradise. The setting is home to no less than four all-inclusive resorts.

Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa
Occidental Grand Papagayo Costa Rica (18+ years adults only) Occidental Allegro Papagayo Costa Rica
Hotel RIU Guanacaste

and Hotel RIU Palace Guanacaste at the Papagayo Gulf



The beautiful Playa Conchal (Shell Beach) in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, gets its name and its fame from its dazzling grainy white-sand beach composed of millions of crushed shells. With clear turquoise waters, it makes an impressive setting for swimming or snorkeling.

The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal
 



Playa Langosta, in Costa Rica's north Pacific Guanacaste region, is a gorgeous vacation destination next to the popular surf town of Tamarindo. Nearby is the Las Baulas National Marine Park, where you can see giant Leatherback sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs during nesting season. The Barceló Langosta Beach Resort was named by Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of the Best Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts of 2013.
Barceló Langosta Beach Resort, Guanacaste



On the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, the calm Nicoya Gulf waters of Tambor Beach are a popular destination for beach and water sports lovers.

Barceló Tambor Beach Hotel, Nicoya Peninsula



The port town of Puntarenas is one of the most centrally-located beach areas to Costa Rica's capital city of San Jose. The dark volcanic sand beach on the wide Pacific Nicoya Gulf is a fun and relaxing beach destination.

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Central Pacific-Costa Rica

Reserve your Costa Rica all-inclusive resort vacation with Costa Rica Special Deals, a professional online travel service. Costa Rica Special Deals will help you with where to go, reservations, transportation, and tips on what to do.

Article by Shannon Farley

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Costa Rica looks to improve access for disabled travelers.

Costa Rica – home of ecotourism and thrilling adventure tours – is not usually the first vacation destination people think of for travelers with disabilities. However, the country's tourism industry is working to change that image and make Costa Rica's famous attractions more accessible.

So far, reports are positive from tourists who have enjoyed accessible vacations in Costa Rica. Several of Costa Rica's national parks and tour attractions either have fully accessible designs or have added elements that are wheelchair-friendly and designed for people of all abilities.

Carara National Park opened the country's first "universal access" trail in the rainforest in May this year. The trail is made of permeable concrete and provides easy access for persons in wheelchairs and elderly visitors, with special ramps and wheelchair accessible bathrooms. There are information signs in Braille, along with wooden sculptures of animals, for visually impaired visitors to touch at nine stations along the 1.2 km (3/4 mile) loop trail; an audio guide also is available.

Poás Volcano National Park, in the Central Valley, is also completely accessible with paved walkways, ramps and information aids. You can freely go right to the volcano's immense 1.7-kilometer-wide crater and viewpoint. Irazú Volcano National Park is mostly accessible due to its relatively flat terrain by the main crater and concrete walkway leading from the parking area to the first crater viewpoint; there are plans for more improvements.

Since national parks are public places, and Costa Rica's Equal Opportunities Law for Persons with Disabilities requires disabled access in hotels and other public places, the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) is investigating how they can make more of Costa Rica's national parks accessible to people of all abilities. There are plans to improve Manuel Antonio National Park on the Central Pacific Coast, Tenorio Volcano National Park in Guanacaste, and Guayabo National Monument in Turrialba.

Some of the top Costa Rica tours that are wheelchair-friendly include Pacific Rainforest Aerial Tram near Jacó Beach, Monteverde Cloud Forest Train in Monteverde, Lankester Botanical Garden near Cartago, and Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure near Limon in the Caribbean region.

Getting around Costa Rica with disabilities is more difficult on your own than if you seek travel assistance from a reputable travel agency. Costa Rica travel expert Team CRT has experience helping disabled travelers with special needs requirements. They can arrange transportation, hotels, tours, etc. that are accessible to wheelchairs, disabled and elderly visitors. Team CRT organizes nature tours, beach vacations, adventure tours, family vacations, relaxation vacations, honeymoons and golf vacations.

Article by Shannon Farley

Most popular sport - football - unifies the world

You don't need a well-manicured grass pitch. You don't even need all 22 players, or fancy uniforms … or even shoes, for that matter. All you need is a ball and people willing to play.

The most popular sport in the world – football (known as soccer in the USA) – can be played anywhere by anyone. That's the simple beauty of a sport that traverses borders, has brought bitter enemies together, even stopped wars, and has been a unifying force across the planet.

"As a consequence of its simplicity and global popularity, a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have noted the suitability of football as a mechanism to help build peace and promote social development in post-conflict societies," wrote Joel Rookwood and Clive Palmer of Liverpool Hope University, UK, in a 2011 study entitled "Soccer & Society."

The United Nations Sport for Development and Peace Program takes the message further to include all sports: "Sport as a universal language can be a powerful tool to promote peace, tolerance and understanding by bringing people together across boundaries, cultures and religions."

Football has played an important role in mending rifts between nations. History has us remember the famous Christmas Day 1914 truce during World War I in Flanders, Belgium, when German and British troops put down their guns for a day to play football (England won). Famous Brazilian football star Pelé's 1969 trip to Nigeria with his soccer club, Santos, caused a three-day cease-fire in the Biafran War, reports the "Play Soccer Make Peace!" project, initiated by the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (WANGO).

Football has become a vital instrument for hundreds of socialdevelopment programs run by private and community-based organizations around the world. In the Middle East, two initiatives – Football 4 Peace and another by FIFA (The International Federation of Association Football) – are helping Israel and Palestine come together using football to promote peace. The Football for Peace organization, another NGO, stages goodwill international peace matches on different continents to promote cultural exchange and peace between boys and girls, men and women.

The race to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil will hit fever pitch over the next two months as teams fight for a place in the biggest single-event sporting competition in the world. Already on its world tour, the FIFA World Cup Trophy was on display in Costa Rica this past weekend, Sep 27-29. The world's most iconic symbol of football is flying around the globe, giving fans the chance to see it up close before the June 12 start to the World Cup.

FIFA and the World Cup Organizing Committee are using the World Cup 2014 to promote football as a means for social change. Thirty-two teams of boys and girls from grassroots organizations all over the planet will come to Rio de Janeiro during the last two weeks of the World Cup to celebrate their achievements and demonstrate the power of football for world peace in the Football for Hope Festival 2014. Additionally, FIFA will call attention to world social issues through their official environmental program, Football for the Planet, and their anti-discrimination initiative.

Besides advancing world peace and other social issues, major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, etc. drive tourism sky-high for the hosting country, and those countries lucky enough to be spotlighted with winning teams or athletes. Sports tourism is big business. According to FIFA, football generates $26 billion dollars annually, especially in Europe.

For Costa Rica, a promotional video about tourism to the country aired throughout Europe during the World Cup 2006 in Germany, creating a huge interest for travel. Now, seven years later, Costa Rica's travel statistics show more than 2 million tourists visit Costa Rica annually, spending about 2 billion dollars.

Football is one of Costa Rica's biggest passions. Costa Rica was the ninth country in the world to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, and has high hopes to do well in the world event. Currently ranked third in the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football), Costa Rica has played in three World Cups so far – 2006 in Germany, 2002 in Korea/Japan, and 1990 in Italy.

Travel to Costa Rica

For travel to Costa Rica, either on business or vacation, let Expediciones Tropicales take care of all of the details. Their online Costa Rica Guides, a Costa Rica travel directory, helps you with hotel reservations, Costa Rica tours, Costa Rica vacation packages, private transportation, rental cars, shuttle services, local flights and information on what to do, where to go and which places to see while you're in Costa Rica.

Article by Shannon Farley