2013 Costa Rica Adventure

[tufbuf]

Thanks for your review! This trip has changed drastically since we did it 5 + years ago! I like that they added Torteguero and the sail looks like a great addition too!

I believe the sunset sail was done on their own, not with ABD.

 

[Gonecruisin]

I believe the sunset sail was done on their own, not with ABD.

Yes we booked the sail through the last hotel on our own for our post day stay. I recommend it. The couple who ran it were friendly and funny and professional. They also do scuba tours I guess?

Thanks for all the support everyone. I've decided my next adventure is going to be a cruise of Lake Michigan - it's a slow boat and an older crowd but DH wants to do it and since he had no interest in the Costa Rica trip, I'll be an angel and take him on this. Look for a trip report of Lake Michigan cruise coming this summer on a cruise site near you

 

[carpenta]

Yes we booked the sail through the last hotel on our own for our post day stay. I recommend it. The couple who ran it were friendly and funny and professional. They also do scuba tours I guess?

Thanks for all the support everyone. I've decided my next adventure is going to be a cruise of Lake Michigan - it's a slow boat and an older crowd but DH wants to do it and since he had no interest in the Costa Rica trip, I'll be an angel and take him on this. Look for a trip report of Lake Michigan cruise coming this summer on a cruise site near you

We will be waiting. Thanks.

 

[tufbuf]

Hey, Gonecruisin!! We received a notice regarding to changes in our upcoming CR trip. They are replacing the hiking, horseback riding and sugar cane plantation tour to an off-shore excursion. We will get on a catamaran look for exciting sea life, and then drop anchor and swim, snorkel or walk on the beach. Lunch will be served as well

What do you think of the change?

 

[emesmom]

That sounds like a good change! With the heat and humidity in CR, being on the water will be more enjoyable than the other activities. Enjoy!!

 

[tufbuf]

That sounds like a good change! With the heat and humidity in CR, being on the water will be more enjoyable than the other activities. Enjoy!!

That's good to know! Thanks!

 

[Bobo912]

Gonecruisin, have you received your photo CD yet? It's been about 2 months for us now. I haven't called ABD again to find out the status, since I'll probably be calling them in a couple of days anyway. The longer the delay, the more worried I get.

 

[Gonecruisin]

No La Chica mentioned it the other day, too. I actually forgot about it. I wonder what's up? Budget cuts? I'm pretty sure I remember Fico and Geraldine mentioning it and telling us to expect it in about 3-4 weeks --- It's overdue.

 

[ShelleeBell]

Looking for advice. Considering taking my four boys, ages 14 to 10 on a ABD vacation in '14. Any thoughts on where? Thinking Costa Rica but open to suggestions.

 

[deckes]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the ABD trips for those ages. My daughter was 12 and son 9 when we went on the South Africa trip. They were 14 and 11 on China. Will be 15 and 12 on Southeast Asia next month. They had a blast on both and made so many friends from all over the country. The guides are amazing with planning activities for all ages and there always seems to be a nice mix of ages when we have gone. The worse part is the flights. If they (and you) can handle the long flight, once you get there you honestly don't have to worry about a thing traveling with ABD.

 

[Gonecruisin]

I think The Costa Rica Adventure is a good choice for boys because it's active - ziplining, horseback riding, rafting - not to mention the rainforests and animals. The pace might wear them out and the extensive bus riding might make them bored. The boys on our trip had those IPad & GameBoy thingys which were a God send imo. Plan on skipping some things like touring villages so you can relax and make use of the fabulous hotel pools - you'll be glad you did.
And let us know what you decide! We want to hear all about your trip!

 

[familygoboston]

Looking for advice. Considering taking my four boys, ages 14 to 10 on a ABD vacation in '14. Any thoughts on where? Thinking Costa Rica but open to suggestions.

I agree with those who say that the AGs have a great way of making kids at all ages feel like they are having a ball! That said, I'd agree that CR would be a great adventure for boys...the activities are very adventurous! I found the Galapagos popular with kids who loved animals, but the culture was a little "slow" for some of the boys and on the islands one has to be mindful of where you are on the trail and following the guides; some of the boys found that challenging wanting to just go bushwhacking forward on their own.
I think some of the US trips sound like a lot of activity too, Europe with its culture maybe less so- though if you want a history and culture trip, ABD I s your best bet

Of course we are all " generalizing " here- some boys could spend hours on culture, some girls get itchy if not going 24/7; only you know your particular kids!

 

[dizneekrazee]

I visited CR about a year & a half ago (without kids or ABD). Even before leaving CR, we were already planning a return trip with the kids. It is an amazing country. I would highly recommend it for boys of your kids age. (I have 3 boys myself).

 

[Bobo912]

No La Chica mentioned it the other day, too. I actually forgot about it. I wonder what's up? Budget cuts? I'm pretty sure I remember Fico and Geraldine mentioning it and telling us to expect it in about 3-4 weeks --- It's overdue.

I've been out of town and didn't see your post. I received my photo CD on the 5/21. This was by far the longest it's ever taken for any of our ABDs. Apparently there was some delay, although I never found out exactly what it was, but I know it affected more than just our trip. I hope you've gotten your photos by now.

 

[Gonecruisin]

Nope. Still waiting.

 

[Bobo912]

Nope. Still waiting.

Might be a good idea to call ABD. Your trip was the week before ours, so you should have gotten your photos by now.

 

[tchrrx]

We booked Costa Rica for July 2014 while we were on the Fantasy this week. We received a 5% discount for booking onboard.

 

[tufbuf]

Did anyone who went on this ABD bring local currency or is USD fine? Thanks.

 

[Bobo912]

Did anyone who went on this ABD bring local currency or is USD fine? Thanks.

I got a small amount of local currency from an ATM in San Jose on the first day of the trip, but I didn't really need it. US currency worked just as well.

 

[tufbuf]

I got a small amount of local currency from an ATM in San Jose on the first day of the trip, but I didn't really need it. US currency worked just as well.

Thanks!!