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• Travel and Leisure

August 19, 2021

Afro-Latina Opens Travel Agency Focusing on Black Costa Rica

Good news for folks traveling to Costa Rica—there’s officially a Black and woman-owned travel agency in the area and it’s founded by a native. 

Sadie Jordan launched Soul Life Travel to fill a need for representation, particularly in the Caribbean coast of Limón. 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Soul Life Travel (@soullifetravel)

“There was a void in the travel industry,” Jordan told Travel Noire.

“I am Afro Latina,” she continued. “My mother is considered mestiza and my dad is African American. Growing up in the states, I was surrounded by a lot of Dominicans and Puerto Ricans, and I felt my family was the only Afro-Costa Rican one you would meet. People knew about so many places in Latin America, but many people didn’t know about the Afro-Latino culture in Costa Rica.”

Jordan said there’s a lot people don’t know about Afro Costa Rican culture. She hopes people will learn by doing the research and planning trips for them. Her goal is to bring people together for culture, wellness, and adventure in the often overlooked Caribbean coast, which is “near and dear” to her heart. 

“I created Soul Life Travel to show Black and brown people our cultures. A lot of things connect us, whether it be our cuisine or how our mama’s throw down in the kitchen, and so many experiences,” she said.

Soul Life Travel offers a number of tours, including “A Taste of Costa Rica,” “A Week In Costa Rica,” “Afro Costa Rica in the Caribbean.”

Jordan’s travel agency focuses on the Puerto Viejo region in Costa Rica, so people can spend their dollars supporting Black-owned businesses. 

“We want people to have a holistic view of the country and not go on the traditional travel circuit. It is paramount for us to showcase the Caribbean coast because, historically, it’s been out of the travel and tourism circuit. We want to make sure that a lot of our dollars are going back to that area so locals can reinvest in their own companies.” 

• Sadie Jordan

Minnesota travel agent under fire again for canceled trips, customers stranded

Troubles trail minnesota travel agent.

A Minnesota travel agent left about 71 travelers stranded with no accommodations in Costa Rica. On top of that, some travelers set to go to Aruba had their trip canceled two weeks before departure, finding out later they were never booked at their hotel. In March, the same travel agent left some Minnesotans stranded in Florida after cruise booking issues. FOX 9's Karen Scullin has the latest.

(FOX 9) - The stories about Minnesota travel agent Monica Faulkner just keep piling up.

First, a group of cruise passengers say they were left stranded at the dock in March after she apparently didn’t book the trip for them, even though they had paid.

Now, there is chaos in Costa Rica after her travel group lands in the country with no place to stay, and an Aruba group of travelers just found out their Mother’s Day trip was suddenly canceled.

This past Saturday, Minnesota travel agent Monica Faulkner took a group of about 71 travelers to Costa Rica.

READ MORE: Twin Cities travelers left behind in Miami on overbooked cruise

Even though the group paid in full, the travel agent apparently hadn’t put their money down on accommodations. At some point, Faulkner had called a liaison in Costa Rica at the last minute to find property owners who would take her group to various condos, Airbnb's and other places.

A Costa Rica property owner told FOX 9 the whole thing was so odd, but she figured the hotel must have been overbooked, so she was happy to help. But she noticed Faulkner was kind of avoiding the group she brought with her.

"She [Faulkner] was like ‘don’t say anything to these people,'" Costa Rica property owner Jennifer Little said.

Then Faulkner signed a lease with Little and handed over her passport as collateral with a promise to pay for two nights in two days, which would be on Monday. They set up a meeting spot, but Faulkner didn’t show up.

"We heard she might have been abducted, then we heard she was at the hospital, then we heard all this stuff," Little said.

Little even went to the luxury condo she had booked for her and her family and knocked on the door. Faulkner wasn’t there, and she had the door slammed in her face, she said.

On Wednesday, the property owners were told to meet Faulkner again for payment when Little said Faulkner demanded her passport back. Little and her husband refused, but Faulkner grabbed it anyway.

Little recorded video of Monica on the phone, supposedly trying to send her the money owed.

"PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, none of that was going through," Little said. "Then other people she owes money, $3,051 – they sent her an invoice on PayPal, and that’s when she started acting like she was going to pass out."

Meanwhile, the travelers who were put into the last-minute accommodation were kicked out because Faulkner had not paid the property owners. Some of them flew home, while others paid extra to stay.

But it wasn’t just Costa Rica. FOX 9 was told by other travelers set to vacation in Aruba that their trip was suddenly canceled two weeks before they were set to leave.

After receiving no confirmation or room numbers from Faulkner, the travelers called the hotel they had reservations at to find out more, and found out they were never booked. The travelers allegedly paid Faulkner at least $2,500 each for a room.

"I gave him [the hotel] the name of everybody in my party, and they said no one has a room under their name. I’m like that’s crazy because we gave this lady a total of $5,600," said Antionette Steele.

On Sunday, Faulkner called some of the Aruba traveling party saying the trip was canceled, while others just stopped getting communications altogether. Another woman who was set to go on the Aruba trip, Renee Pepper, said Faulkner’s number was going straight to voicemail, and she wasn’t responding to Facebook messages.

Little received all but $125 returned, she believes, because she had her sign a lease.

Others in Costa Rica were more trusting and are currently out well over $10,000. They tried to file court papers to stop Faulkner from leaving the country, but she reportedly left on Thursday.

No one on the Aruba trip has yet to receive any money back.

Minnesotans stranded after cruise booking mishap

Dozens of Twin Cities cruise passengers were left stranded in Florida after cruise ship booking issues with a travel agent and Carnival Cruises. FOX 9's Karen Scullin has the story.

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Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit in 2024? Travel Crime Advice

One of the most common questions we get asked is, “Is Costa Rica safe to visit?” The short answer is, “usually”.

We started this website to give you all the most genuine information about Costa Rica travel and we take that responsibility very seriously. 

However, one thing I didn’t consider when we started this site is how responsible I would end up feeling for your safety while you are in Costa Rica. I genuinely want you to have the best trip here possible and that means that you should feel secure while traveling.

Crime in Costa Rica is an ever-evolving issue. In general, this is a very safe country. The most common crime is petty theft. Violent crimes targeting tourists such as armed robberies, sexual assault, or homicide are very very unusual. In general, you will likely meet wonderful people and have the vacation of a lifetime. 

However, because we feel responsible, here are all our tips about safety in Costa Rica. Please read through them and please contact us if you have any safety questions.

Our Perspective on Crime in Costa Rica

Thomas and I agree that in general, we feel secure in Costa Rica. 

We, fortunately, have never had any crimes committed against us in our several years of living here. 

That being said, we also use extreme caution and I sometimes feel it is exhausting to maintain our level of security. 

Although nothing has happened to us, that doesn’t mean that we haven’t heard of crimes being committed against friends. This has always been theft in various forms.

We have had friends leave things out visible in their car and their car has been broken into, a friend got robbed walking alone at night, a friend had their house broken into, and another friend was robbed in their driveway. 

Keep in mind that these incidents have been over about 8 years of living here. This is not an everyday occurrence.

But, yes, crime happens and it can be very scary. 

However, even if you are extremely cautious sometimes you just never know. We had a crime committed against us once in Europe in a very safe neighborhood. So, unfortunately, bad things can happen anywhere.

As of now, we still feel 100% secure in recommending that you visit Costa Rica.  It is a beautiful country and in general, the threat against tourists is low. 

If at any point we feel that the security level in this country is too unstable, we will update this to reflect that. 

​How the Costa Rican Government Protects Tourists

Tourism is the biggest industry in Costa Rica. With that in mind, the government works hard to make this the safest destination for tourists as possible. 

In recent years there has been an increase in homicides. This is largely due to drug trafficking and gangs. I have read a lot of articles about it in the news recently. It seems that the government is taking action to alleviate the situation. Although, it is hard to say exactly what is being done. 

Crime rates against tourists have remained somewhat steady. However, the president of Costa Rica along with the Ministry of Public Security (MSP) are making it their mission to lower these rates.

One way they are doing that is by identifying crime hot spots. They are now working to increase police presence in these areas. 

Sometimes I wonder if this is just talk to keep tourists coming here and feeling safe, but I really don’t think it is. 

I have noticed an increase in police presence in some areas and I have even been stopped by a police officer on the beach to tell me that there had been a few robberies there recently and to keep an eye on my stuff. 

How to Protect Yourself in Costa Rica

Here are all the safety tips I suggest doing to protect yourself while traveling in this foreign country. 

Pre-Trip Preparation

Here is what you need to do before you even leave home. 

Register With STEP

If you’re a United States citizen,  enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .

This program allows the US government to notify you regarding potential security threats in the area you are visiting, get in contact with you regarding  natural disasters , and give family and friends a way to contact you in the case of emergencies.

If you are from another country. see if your government offers a similar program. 

Check Embassy Warnings:

The US government has a whole  page dedicated to the safety in Costa Rica . 

Make sure to check it our before you travel so you can be aware of any areas to avoid or current crime situations.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance  has multiple benefits. Not only will it help you out in case you get hurt, but it is also great if one of your belongings is stolen. 

Get your travel insurance quote from Heymondo here .

Give Travel Plan to Trusted Person

Inform a trusted person of your travel plans and keep them updated. I like to write out a document with all hotel info, any preplanned activities, flight info etc. for my mom.

I then update her on my license plate number if I have rented a car once I arrive in a destination.

I usually also try to check in once a day and just send her a quick message of my plans.

That way, if I go missing, somebody has a record of my intended movements. 

Travel Tip : If you are an iPhone user you can turn on “share your location” with a trusted family member or friend. That way, someone always knows exactly where you/ your phone is.

Rent Your Car Directly from a Company

Third party sites often have car rental deals that seem too good to be true…they are. These rates don’t include any added taxes, fees, or mandatory rental insurance. Check out our  guide to rental scams for more info .

We work exclusively with our favorite local rental company, Adobe Rent-a-Car.  You can get a 10% discount plus other great perks here.

Make a Photocopy of Your Passport

I suggest making one or two copies of your passport to bring with you while traveling.

Then, while in Costa Rica you can leave your passport in your hotel safe and only carry the paper copies with you. 

Get an eSIM Card

It is a good idea to always be able to stay connected and have a working cell phone.

We suggest getting an  eSIM card from Airalo  for this.

However, you can  check out our guide to SIM cards in Costa Rica  for all the different ways to stay connected. 

Purchase Security Products

This is not absolutely necessary, but there are a few products I really like for keeping me and my stuff safe while traveling. 

• Doorstop : Put this under your door at a hotel. When someone tries to open the door the alarm will sound.
• Money belt : Helpful for walking around towns so that your money, cards, etc are hidden. This one is also RFID blocking so nobody can scan your cards.
• Safety Alarm :  Carry on your keys. Presd the button to activate the alarm if you are attached.
• Headlamp : It gets dark very early here. If you plan to walk around at night it is a good idea to have a headlamp.

Monetary Theft

Here are some of the ways you can protect yourself from being scammed or robbed while in Costa Rica. 

Pay with Credit Card Instead of Debit Card

Credit cards make it easier to refute fraudulent charges than debit cards. I suggest checking your credit card account after any transactions to make sure that the amount is correct. 

Travel Tip: I t is a good idea to get a credit card that is made for travel so you will not pay a percentage on every transaction.

Keep Money in Several Locations

Don’t put all your money in your pocket or purse. It’s best not to carry much money at all, but if you have to, divide it up.

I put some in my shoe, some in my bra, and some in each of my pockets.

That way if I am robbed they hopefully won’t find all of the money and I can just give them my wallet and move on.

If you need more info on whether you should carry money or use credit cards in Costa Rica, we have a full post on  currency and paying .

Only Change Currency at Banks

The currency exchange places at the airport will give you a very bad exchange rate. Don’t use them!

Also, there are often people exchanging currency on the Nicragua or Panama border. Don’t use them either.

Instead, you will get the best exchange rate directly at a bank. 

Check All Receipts

After any payment, check the receipt to make sure the amount adds up correctly. Often in Costa Rica store employees need to manually enter the total on a credit card machine.

It is so easy to accidentally (or purposely) add an extra “0” and overcharge a customer.

We’ve had it happen to us. Luckily, the employee noticed it when he charged us several hundred dollars instead of about $50 for gas.

He was so embarrassed and pointed out his mistake to us and fixed it.

So, just double-check. 

Personal Safety and Awareness

Here are all the things you should do to protect yourself.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When you are traveling it’s easy to get distracted by all the beautiful new sights, but you need to also be aware of the people around you.

Look around often and avoid standing in large crowds.

If you feel uncomfortable in a situation or place, just leave.

If you take money out of the bank pay attention to who is around and watching you.

Dress Like You Belong

We get it, you are on vacation and probably want to wear all your nice warm weather clothing.

However, in Costa Rica it is best to blend in.

Leave the nice jewelry or flashy items at home and dress in a relaxed way.

Don’t Walk Around Alone at Night

Unfortunately, it  gets dark by 6pm  in Costa Rica year round. 

As I mentioned above, it is a good idea to have a headlamp if you plan to walk around after dark.

Also, it is best to never go out alone.

Trust Your Instincts

If you feel hesitant about a person or a location, trust yourself. Your gut instinct is usually right. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t Leave Your Stuff Unattended

If you plan to go to the beach it is never a good idea to leave your personal belongings unattended while you are in the ocean or taking a walk. 

​Keep Stuff Secure at Restaurants

A lot of restaurants in Costa Rica are open air. This means it is easy for anyone from outside to walk by your table and swipe something.

Don’t leave your cell phone, wallet, keys, etc just sitting on the table.

Also, don’t just put your purse or backpack on the back of your chair. I always put mine on the floor between my legs with one strap under my leg so it can not be taken. 

Know Your Hotel Location

If you get lost, your phone dies etc. it is good to know the place you are staying in your mother tongue and in Spanish.

In Costa Rica this is difficult because there are no addresses. It’s strange but true.

Instead, make sure you know the name of your hotel and any landmarks that are located nearby the place you are staying.

Keep Personal Info Private

People in Costa Rica generally really enjoy talking to tourists and they are usually extremely nice and welcoming.

However, to stay safe in Costa Rica you should still be cautious. Don’t reveal too much.

If you are a  solo traveler , NEVER tell anyone that you are by yourself. I always just say I’m with my husband and he is on his way to meet me.

I also never say which hotel I am staying in.

Lock Everything

When going out make sure you lock your car, hotel room etc.

Also, don’t leave anything of value in your rental car. It is not unheard of for windows to be smashed and things stolen.

When driving, lock your doors and use the AC instead of rolling down your windows.

We have heard stories of people getting robbed while waiting at traffic lights.

Because of this I always keep my purse on the floor between my feet while in the car.

Don’t Leave Your Drink Unattended

If I feel a bit sketched out by a place I always order bottled beer and keep my finger over the opening when I’m not drinking it.

Tell Someone Where You’ll Be 

In order to stay safe in Costa Rica, you should always tell someone where you’ll be when going out.

Even when traveling alone just send someone from home a quick message telling them where you are going that day.

Keep Your Room Secure

Try to get a room  not  on the first floor of a hotel (they are the most likely to be broken into).

I always put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on my door even when I’m not there, so it looks like someone is in the room.

Transportation Safety

Here is how you can protect yourself from transportation-related crimes.

Be Wary of Rental Car Issues

We have heard recently about  a travel scam  in which people are slashing tires at traffic lights and then conveniently pulling up when you pull off to the side of the road.

They will then rob you.

If you can, always drive to a gas station or another populated place before fixing your tire.

Check out our  guide to driving in Costa Rica  for more info.

Only Use Registered Taxis

Make sure to only use official taxis while in Costa Rica so that you do not get scammed out of a lot of money.

You can tell an official taxi because it will be red (or orange if coming from the airport) with a yellow triangle on the drivers and passenger side door (or green triangle from the airport). 

We wrote a complete  guide to using taxis and Uber here in Costa Rica . I suggest reading that to help you stay safe in taxis.

Be Cautious in Public Transportation

If you opt to take a public bus it is best to keep an eye on any belongings you put on the shelf above your seat.

Always make sure you keep your passport and valuables physically on you.

We have heard about people having their bags stolen while they were sleeping on public buses. 

Walk Facing the Traffic

If you walk facing traffic, motorcyclists will not be able to drive up behind you and grab your bag.

Walking facing traffic also means you will see any cars coming and are much less likely to get hit (and people drive like maniacs here sometimes).

Don’t leave Your Rental Car in a Remote Place

Sometimes cars are broken into when left in remote places.

At most public places there will be a guard watching cars. You can (usually) trust them to keep a good eye on your car.

However, we still strongly suggest that you never leave anything of value in your car and definitely don’t leave anything of value visible.

What to Do if a Crime Happens in Costa Rica

If someone robs you, let them. It’s better to have to cancel your credit cards and lose some money than to fight back and get attacked. It’s just not worth it.

If something happens to you and you need to call the local authorities just dial 9-1-1. There should be at least one person at the police station who speaks a little bit of English.

Also, it is best to contact your embassy as soon as possible. They can assist you in whatever you need as a citizen. Contacting the embassy is also important because it can help future travelers. Most embassies will then update their safety pages accordingly.

If you are a United States citizen the US embassy is located in the Pavas / Rohrmoser neighborhood of San José. The phone number is (506) 2519-2000.

Dangerous Areas

Here are some areas that are sometimes considered unsafe. In general, the larger cities such as San Jose, Alajuela, Puntarenas, and Limon tend to have a higher crime rate. 

San Jose  is the capital city of Costa Rica. This is where we live and I feel mostly safe here during the day.

However, you need to stick to exploring the downtown area or reputable neighborhoods.

If you plan to stay downtown I suggest Barrio Escalante or the area near the stadium at La Sabana Park.

Petty theft during the day is very widespread here. It is a good idea to have a secure backpack and hide stuff in a money belt.

In downtown  Alajuela , you should use increased caution.

However, above the city in the beautiful rural areas you should feel very safe.

Tamarindo  is a popular destination for families, surfers, and backpackers. It is a larger town, so mostly due to its size there tends to be more crime.

Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa  is one of our favorite places in the country. It is a beautiful remote Pacific Coast surfing town.

However, because it is so remote it seems to be a hot spot for criminals to hide out in.

This doesn’t just mean Costa Rican criminals. I also mean shady people from around the world who have committed crimes tend to hide in this area.

For example, I just watched  this episode of 48 Hours  recently about a woman from the US who murdered another woman and was hiding out in Santa Teresa. 

Anyway, during the day you should be completely fine here, but use more caution at night. This especially applies to walking alone or if you plan to enjoy the nightlife scene. 

Panama Border on Osa Peninsula

This area is mostly safe for tourists. However, this is where a lot of drugs pass through from Panama into Costa Rica. So, use caution if in very remote areas.

Other Safety Concerns

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Costa Rica, but sometimes I feel like this country is slowly trying to kill me in a million ways.

From poisonous animals, earthquakes, erupting volcanoes, weird illnesses, a crazy high UV index, etc.

So, crime is not the only thing you need to think about in regards to safety here. A few other tips to stay secure from just this crazy tropical country as a whole are…

• Always Stay on Marked Trails : This will help keep you away from some potential wildlife threats like snakes. 
• Don’t Swim in Weird Bodies of Water : This should go without saying, but it is easy to get weird rashes and skin issues from unclean water. Check out our  guide to safety from environmental issues  for more info.
• Only Drink Bottled Water : In most towns, it is fine to  drink the tap water  here. However, because you are not used to the water it is best not to risk your vacation. Just buy bottled water so you don’t end up with stomach illnesses. I like to bring my refillable water bottle from home and buy several-gallon jugs while traveling. 
• Avoid Street Food : It is a good idea to be cautious of food safety so that you don’t get sick while visiting. The best way to do that is by only eating at reputable restaurants or cooking your own food. 
• Trust Your Instincts During Activities : If participating in day tour or activities with reputable companies you can generally expect a high standard of safety. However, if something feels unsafe to you, trust yourself. It is best not to risk your security. 
• Be Cautious of Flooding During the Rainy Season:  It is not unusual for there to be flash floods or road flooding.
• Be Aware of Natural Disasters : There are five active volcanoes in Costa Rica. That doesn’t mean that they are all actively erupting, but some are actually active at the moment. Earthquakes occur pretty much every day. Again, that doesn’t mean that you will actually feel them. Usually they are so minor that you won’t even notice. For more info,  check out our natural disaster guide . 
• Wear Bug Spray : The mosquitos here are generally not a problem during the day, but once the sun goes down they come out in full force.  Mosquitos here  can carry dengue, zika, and more. So, always load up on bug spray to avoid mosquito bites.
• Wear SPF 50+ Sunblock : One of your biggest concerns here needs to be the sun. Costa Rica is not THAT far from the equator.  The UV index is really high . Bad sunburns are often the number one medical issue that travelers face when visiting. 
• Be Aware of Entry Requirements : Check out our  guide on entry requirements  to stay up to date on things like Yellow Fever vaccine requirements, how long you can stay in the country, etc.

It’s Not All Bad

I know this post is a lot of doom and gloom. But, in reality, Costa Rica is an amazing travel destination filled with friendly people. In general, Costa Ricans are welcoming, kind, and peaceful. 

When we first moved here after living in Europe for four years we were so caught off guard. Several people that we had never met before went out of their way to help us find a place to live, help us buy furniture, gave us things, helped us adjust to the lifestyle etc. 

We turned down a lot of help because we felt like we would then owe them something. 

It took us a while to realize that no, people here are just very kind-hearted. The country operates a lot based on helping out your friends, family, and neighbors when you can with the mindset that someday they might need help and you can step in. 

Also, a lot of people work in tourism. They want to make sure that tourists feel welcome here.

Conclusion: Safety in Costa Rica

In conclusion, there are several things that can happen while traveling in Costa Rica, but with common sense and some caution, you should find that Costa Rica is a safe place.

Overall this is a peaceful country filled with beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and kind people. 

Alerts about everything for Black and brown people

The Perfect Costa Rica Itinerary for 7 Days – Travel Noire

Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and abundance of wildlife make it a nature lover’s dream vacation spot. There truly is nothing like the scenery this country has to offer. The waterfalls hidden within the trees are an almost picturesque sight to see that is even better in person. Those who love exploring will thrive there. There are also many animal refuges and national parks to visit, allowing travelers to see all kinds of animals from macaws to sloths. 

If you’re unsure of where to begin, here is a 7 to 10-day Costa Rica itinerary that allows you to experience the top highlights like Arenal Volcano, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Manuel Antonio National Park. With endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, water activities, and relaxing under swaying palms, this trip has something for everyone.

When To Visit Costa Rica

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during its dry season, the country’s “summer” from December to April. This may sound peculiar at first, as many are used to this time of the year as winter. However, Costa Rica is located near the equator, which makes for a dryer season during this time. Rainfall is minimal during these months and allows for the clearest views and most comfortable weather for exploring Costa Rica’s varied ecosystems.

Transportation in Costa Rica

Renting a 4×4 vehicle will give you some flexibility in driving between destinations in Costa Rica. The country’s road system is well-developed, but some remote national parks and rainforests are only accessible via gravel or dirt roads. However, this is not a necessity. Travelers for Costa Rica Guide wrote that renting these vehicles can be excessive and hard to use without practice. Not having a vehicle for travel will do you fine on a trip but if it works better for you to have one, consider cheaper vehicles that can do just as good of a job. For travelers on a budget, public buses reliably connect all major stops and tourist hubs at an affordable local rate.

Where To Stay in Costa Rica

Base yourself in popular tourist towns like La Fortuna and Tamarindo to have plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops, and nightlife options right at your doorstep. The Avocado Treehouse Villa in La Fortuna offers a unique, above-ground living space for under $100 a night. Or book at the beachfront Occidental Tamarindo for an all-exclusive stay . Hostels scattered around the national parks offer budget-conscious travelers a chance to stay immersed in nature.

Day 1 – Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Spend your first day hiking the trails through Arenal Volcano National Park, which allows safe vantage points to admire the imposing volcano and scattered lava rocks. Later, soak sore muscles in the mineral-rich volcanic hot springs nearby. End the day sampling delectable local cuisine in the charming town of La Fortuna.

Day 2 – Monteverde Cloud Forest

You will want a full day to explore the magical Monteverde Cloud Forest. It takes about three to four hours to walk through the forest, but you may easily end up spending much more time there. Walk along suspended bridges and zig-zagging walkways placed right in the jungle canopy to spot exotic birds, playful monkeys, and colorful frogs. The area is also home to adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining over the treetops. Make sure to wear rain-resistant clothing and shoes when visiting Monteverde Cloud Forest. 

Day 3 – Transfer to Manuel Antonio

After two days of adventure, enjoy a relaxed transfer day making the drive to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coastline. Check into your beachside accommodation with time to unwind on the sand and swim in the idyllic blue waters. Let this also be your reminder to pack sunscreen and apply it regularly no matter what the weather is like when outside. Costa Rica’s proximity to the equator makes its sunlight extremely harmful to unprotected skin. 

Day 4 – Manuel Antonio National Park

Within Manuel Antonio National Park, meander down trails leading through lush rainforest dotted with placid lagoons, eventually emerging onto breathtaking white-sand beaches. Book a boat tour or kayak among the mangroves for a chance to spot monkeys, sloths, dolphins, and more.

Day 5 – Free Day in Manuel Antonio

Spend a second free day in Manuel Antonio however you choose – perhaps go surfing on the beginner waves, indulge in a relaxing spa day, or simply lounge poolside at your hotel with a drink in hand. This is also the perfect opportunity to do some shopping at the malls in Manuel Antonio or go out and order seafood from a local restaurant. The possibilities are endless.

Day 6 – Travel to Tamarindo

Scenic lookouts line the drive as you make your way further down the Pacific coast to the lively surf town of Tamarindo. Spend the evening strolling the main strip, sampling fresh seafood, and finding a spot to take in the epic sunsets. This is the picture-perfect chance to get family photos or beautiful pictures of whoever you are traveling with. 

Days 7-9 – Beach Time in Tamarindo

After sunrise beach yoga sessions, spend your days lounging on the stunning shoreline around Tamarindo – tanning, swimming, surfing or maybe saddling up for a horseback ride. The sunsets continue to dazzle each evening. Try snorkeling or a watersport for an exciting activity one day or simply spend the rest of your time floating leisurely in the ocean. 

Day 10 – Departure

On your drive back to the airport, make any last-minute stops that you missed earlier – pick up artisanal coffee, chocolate, or craft souvenirs. Leave feeling refreshed and reconnected with nature.

Packing Essentials

Bring binoculars, hiking boots, swimwear, rain gear, high SPF sunscreen, and an adventurous spirit. A couple of days extra worth of clothes is also a safe bet if you have room. With wildlife, beaches, and friendly culture, Costa Rica offers natural beauty and memorable experiences. With these items and itinerary, you will be ready for adventure and the trip of a lifetime in Costa Rica. 

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The Best Destinations for Sustainable Travel

By Nicole Kliest

When it comes to sustainability, travel can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, exploring the world helps to cultivate empathy towards new cultures and can lead to radical change. On the other, the potential emissions from hopping on a plane and touring around a destination is at odds with a cleaner planet. This is why there’s no silver bullet solution to making travel more sustainable —it’s nuanced.

“When talking about a sustainable destination, different factors come into play,” explains Roi Ariel, the general manager at The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an organization that sets global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. “The management teams at destinations considered sustainable understand that ‘sustainability’ is a journey that is never complete.” Therefore, a dynamic approach is surely the way forward, with considerations stretching from sustainable management and socioeconomic implications to cultural and environmental impacts.

“I think what makes a hotel obviously sustainable from a guest perspective is conscious communication regarding all their initiatives to make their operations more sustainable,” says Few & Far co-founder Sarah Dusek, adding that “if a hotel isn’t talking about their initiatives, chances are they don’t have any.” There are baseline considerations that should already be put in place, such as minimizing (or eliminating) single-use plastics and the implementation of eco-friendly products such as soaps and cleaning products. “Conscious connection with sourcing of food is something I also expect to see,” Dusek says, noting the more local the better. Energy efficiencies and waste management strategies are also paramount, she notes, and often incorporate alternate, innovative sources such as solar power.

More broadly speaking, we can look to entire regions as sustainable travel destinations that prioritize conscientious tourism simply by checking for accreditations, like the GSTC certification. “Türkiye for example, has taken a big step towards sustainability as a destination,” Ariel says, noting that the country has developed the first mandatory national program for accommodations based on the GSTC criteria. “From 2023 through 2030, all accommodations in Türkiye must be certified through a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.”

Keeping these complexities in mind, scroll below to explore eight unique sustainable travel destinations destinations this year, from biodiverse Costa Rica to the remote arctic shorelines of Norway.

Bawah Reserve , Indonesia

By Lorena Meouchi

By Elise Taylor

Six islands, 13 beaches, three lagoons, and 100 hectares of lush forest comprise the remote Anambas Islands situated in the South China Sea. Bawah is the first island in Indonesia to be powered by a renewable microgrid and is also certified as a five-star resort under the Singing Blue WWF program. Guests who journey to the otherworldly reserve can witness the property’s 18 floating solar platforms (enough to service most of the island’s energy needs) and can dine at the restaurants with produce that comes from their own permaculture vegetable and herb gardens. 98 percent of Bawah Reserve’s employees come from Indonesia and each month, their so-called ‘ECOmmittee’ strategizes on initiatives ranging from turtle conservation to beach clean-ups.

Rwanda , Africa

For the ultimate bucket list adventure that slots in well with sustainability-focused travel, gorilla trekking in Rwanda ranks high on the list. The country is already well-regarded for its commitment to conservation and responsible tourism, and Dusek’s Few & Far itinerary supports rural communities in the Masai Mara in Kenya as well as rural female empowerment through female tracking, guiding, and porter teams. While on the trip, guests will also be introduced to the Mara Conservancy Canine Anti-Poaching Unit to learn about how their trip supports the company’s mission.

Peninsula Papagayo , Costa Rica

Costa Rica has long been a leader in sustainable tourism, having set goals to be the first carbon neutral country in the world and producing nearly 93 percent of its electricity from renewable resources. Peninsula Papagayo is located in the northwestern province of Guanacaste and is home to one of the largest dry tropical forests in Central America. The 1,400-acre resort community is hyper-focused on sustainability, with a committee structure made up of six different entities. While initiatives range—from opening a child care clinic to conservation of archaeological sites—their home gardens project ( huertas caseras ) is especially of note; it empowers local families to grow vegetables and legumes on their own land using drip irrigation (a necessity due to the uniquely dry climate), also supplying produce for the restaurants at properties like the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica .

Lyngen Alps , Norway

Finally check the northern lights off your list this year with a visit to the Lyngen Alps, a breathtaking destination beloved for its rugged mountain peaks and pristine wilderness. The region concentrates its sustainability efforts on employment, nature conservation, and local culture, while encouraging visitors to choose accommodation that funnels back into these initiatives. The Aurora Lodge (exclusive to luxury tour operator Black Tomato) is nestled in the heart of the Norwegian wilderness overlooking the Norwegian Sea on over 200,000 square meters of private, protected land. All native trees including birch, pine, and fir have been preserved, providing shelter for local elks and enriching the lodge’s natural surroundings.

Lake Lucerne , Switzerland

For a spa getaway that replenishes both you and the planet, head for Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort in Switzerland. This tranquil property on Lake Lucerne received the Green Globe certification, the ‘Swisstainable’ classification Level 3 from Switzerland Tourism, and was recognized as one of The Leading Hotels of the World’s Sustainability Leaders. Their primary efforts are focused on environmental protection, historic preservation, and social responsibility. (For example: the resort uses a unique energy system that uses deep, cold lake water to cool and heat the entire property.) Guests can partake in immersive experiences celebrating sustainability efforts like regenerative dining tasting menus and harvesting honey from the resident beehives.

Bhutan made headlines when it announced its ‘ High Value, Low Volume’ tourism strategy, which centers on attracting mindful, responsible visitors. (They’ve also introduced a Sustainable Development Fee for those entering.) If a country that’s over 70 percent covered by forest sounds up your alley, head for this Buddhist kingdom in the striking Himalayas on a curated journey with GeoEx . The itinerary includes breakfast with monks, wandering around monasteries, hiking through hidden valleys, and wellness treatments like a Bhutanese herbal body scrub at the Six Senses Lodge .

Tetiaroa , French Polynesia

There’s nowhere in the world quite like French Polynesia , with its turquoise-tinted waters and lush mountainous landscapes rivaled only by rich cultural traditions and local culinary scene. Set your sights on The Brando , a luxury resort anchored by Marlon Brando’s original vision for sustainable tourism to French Polynesia. It was the first resort in the world to obtain LEED Platinum certification and a few on-property initiatives include airstrip solar panels for energy and hot water heating, wastewater irrigation, and a Sea Water Air Conditioning program. While vacationing here, go on a naturalist-led tropical safar i or take a bird tour to spot local breeds like boobies, terns, and egrets.

San Pedro de Atacama , Antofagasta, Chile

Tucked away in the high northern deserts of Chile lies Tierra Atacama , a luxury escape that’s widely considered a South American leader in renewable energy and sustainability. This picturesque region is beloved for its distinct landscapes, from sand dunes and hot springs to canyons and geysers. The property’s initiatives embrace these natural surroundings through solar power, on-site water sourcing, and community engagement. It was one of the first hotels on the continent to produce solar-powered electricity and is capable of supplying 100 percent of its water needs.

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