Uncruise review of Costa Rica and Panama: Why small ship cruising is great for families

Every so often, we are lucky enough to experience a trip that sets our bar higher for family travel excellence. Before we embarked on our Uncruise adventure through Costa Rica and Panama, the bar was already pretty darn high...we had experienced small ship sailing previously with Alaskan Dream Cruises and frankly, didn't think it could be topped. While there were a few differences, Uncruise met … [Read more...]

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Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park (or Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio), is about a three hour drive from San Jose, Costa Rica, an hour from Playa Jaco, and only a short distance from a number of the coastal towns that serve it. We arrived via the Pacific Ocean, on our Uncruise ship, the Safari Voyager, but once in the park, the same tips apply to cruise passengers and other visitors. Manuel Antonio … [Read more...]

Ecotourism activities in Costa Rica: Nature parks and lodging

The Republic of Costa Rica is a rough and tropical rain forested Central American country, with a population of around 4.5 million. The country is popular for nature travel destination among the tourist because of its rich flora and fauna, beaches and volcanoes. Costa Rica has the highest population of plants and animals species on earth. There are around 26 nature parks, 8 biological … [Read more...]

Adventures for Kids in Costa Rican National Parks

Costa Rica has a landscape brimming with opportunities for active adventure. National parks provide safe and pristine environments for rambunctious children to explore. If your youngsters have exhibited interest in climbing, jumping, gliding, or bouncing, make sure to fit some of these activities into your Costa Rica itinerary. You can usually find a tour that offers some combination of the … [Read more...]

Educational Travel: Sending your child on a teen service trip

Remember that post from a few months back, where I discussed our preparation for our teen Nate's teen service trip with Adventures Cross Country? We're back with a full trip report! If you're considering sending your teen on a service trip next summer, read on! Spoiler alert: he loved it! Last July, Nate embarked on Adventures Cross Country's Costa Rica Classic trip, which comprised of 14 days … [Read more...]

Sending your kid on a teen service trip

This July, my 15-year-old son, Nate, will take his first trip out of the country without me. He'll be flying solo to San Jose, Costa Rica, where he'll meet up with a small group of like-minded teens and adult leaders to embark upon a two week teen service trip with Adventures Cross Country. During the trip, Nate will be reporting for Pit Stops for Kids, taking video and recording his … [Read more...]