Costa Rica Family Experience - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation for family trips has been chosen to give the best location and facilities for your family. They may vary depending on the location and destination, but designed to give the most comfortable experience while travelling.You and your family will generally be sharing rooms on a twin or triple share basis. These rooms will be either adjoining or located at close proximity to each other.Families will be roomed together and not with other families everywhere we stay. If you have any special hotel requests at the time of booking, let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate them.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Hotels (8 nts).

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information.

• Are there Itinerary notes?

  1) This trip is designed for parents and children to enjoy together. You will be travelling as part of a group of families with other children. The itinerary has been designed with the needs of the whole family in mind. We have given this trip a minimum age for this trip to allow you to be sure that you have the right trip for you and your family. Minimum age of 6 years for this trip. Please see the activities for any specific minimum age requirements.2) Family adventures are designed for groups travelling with children between the ages of 6 and 17. Your group must have a child in order to book a Family tour, and anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  Costa Rica airport exit tax: $29USD

• Does the tour operator have an email newsletter I can subscribe to?

  Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from the tour operator, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the the tour operator Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our the tour operator Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. AIRPORT TRANSFERIf you have purchased an arrival through the tour operator or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. Included arrival transfers are provided from the nearest airport to your starting location. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERSthe tour operator Office San Jose, Costa RicaDuring Office hours (Weekdays 9am-5pm Local Time): +506 4001 8474After hours emergency number: +51 997 582 712If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

• Who will be leading the group?

  CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Kick back on Costa Rica's pristine beaches, visit a local family to learn to make tortillas, spot nature in a dense cloud forest, enjoy the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park, kayak and paddle-board in La Fortuna.

• How large will the group be?

  Max 20, avg 10

• How much spending money do I need for my trip?

  Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  Minimum age of 6 years for this trip.

• How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?

  Most women dress respectfully when in towns, shorts are uncommon

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Private vehicle, boat, walking

• What meals are included in this trip?

  8 breakfasts, 1 lunch

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC).Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. We do not recommend you bring travellers cheques, as it is very difficult to exchange them in Costa Rica.CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent). As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at the tour operator and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What the visas and entry requirements for my trip?

  All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here

• What's Included

  Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Tortilla Making and Local Lunch, La Fortuna Your Hands-On Moment: Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour), La Fortuna Your Hands-On Moment: Kayak Lake Arenal, La Fortuna Your Discover Moment: Monteverde. Arrival transfer. Kayaking and paddle-boarding in La Fortuna. Guided cloud forest night walk (Monteverde). Guided hike in Manuel Antonio NP. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• Will I get my own room?

  Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall Swim (20USD per person) - Whitewater Rafting (61-86USD per person) - Ecotermales Hot Springs (64USD per person) - Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping (125USD per person) - Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning - Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle Arenal - Hanging Bridges (75USD per person) - Arenal Horseback Riding (66-68USD per person) Monteverde - Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit (20USD per person) - Birdwatching - Birdwatching - Ziplining - Horseback Riding (66-68USD per person) - CASEM Coop Visit - Hanging Bridges Monteverde (56-60USD per person) - Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour (50USD per person) - Monteverde Coffee Plantation Tour (40USD per person) - El Trapiche Tour Monteverde (33USD per person) Manuel Antonio National Park - Kayaking (70USD per person) - Surfing (55-75USD per person) - Sailing - Swimming Quepos - Fishing Manuel Antonio - Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour - Whitewater Rafting Manuel Antonio (75-98USD per person)