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Hilton Hotels Launch “Authentically Local” Vacation Experience

Hilton Hotels Launch “Authentically Local” Vacation Experience

Feb 11, 2012

(MIAMI, Fla., February 2012) – In an effort to meet travelers’ growing desire for authentic vacation experiences, a selection of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America today announced the “Authentically Local” package – an exciting new program that introduces travelers to

Copa Airlines Announces Service to Four New Destinations

Copa Airlines Announces Service to Four New Destinations

Jan 30, 2012

(PANAMA CITY, Jan. 25, 2012) – Copa Airlines, subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A., announced that it will begin non-stop service in June 2012 from Panama to four new destinations: Recife, Brazil; Liberia, (Guanacaste), Costa Rica; Las Vegas, Nevada and the island of Curacao. Passengers who depart or connect to these new flights through Copa’s Hub of

Trafalgar Expands Family Experiences with New Itineraries

Trafalgar Expands Family Experiences with New Itineraries

Oct 11, 2011

(Anaheim, October 2011) – With family travel in high demand, Trafalgar has introduced four exciting new itineraries in the 2012 Family Experiences brochure. Now adding up to 18 itineraries, the Family Experiences guided vacations are activity-packed and designed specifically to meet family travel needs.   The four new itineraries invite guests to explore

New Latin American Vacations in 2012

New Latin American Vacations in 2012

Sep 2, 2011

Brendan Vacations, the Ireland Specialist, is also a leader in providing unique and memorable guided vacations to Latin America. Brendan is now pleased to announce their 2012-13 South & Central America 2012-13 Brochure highlighting the region’s vibrant culture and vast natural and historical treasures. Brendan knows it’s all about you, the

Paradisus Playa Conchal

Paradisus Playa Conchal

Jun 6, 2011

If you’ve been to one all-inclusive resort, you’ve been to them all. Short of offering some regional cuisine at the buffet restaurant, most all-inclusives lack the personality and charm of their respective countries. Paradisus Playa Conchal on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is no exception. While the property is spectacular, the rooms luxurious and the service

Tabacon Hot Springs, Costa Rica

Tabacon Hot Springs, Costa Rica

May 31, 2011

I’m watching a young girl who seems to believe she’s posing for Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue. Draping herself over the black rocks in a small, churning waterfall, she arches her back and purses her lips. Steam rises from the warm water and condenses on the tropical flower tucked behind her ear. As her mom snaps her photo, a Jesus Christ Lizard darts

Costa Rican Cuisine

Costa Rican Cuisine

May 27, 2011

I am travelling from La Fortuna in the north, mid-western part of Costa Rica, to Playa Conchal, on the pacific coast. It is a four hour drive and I am starving. “We will stop at Aromatico,” my shuttle driver says as if reading my mind. He stops at an unassuming soda (the name for inexpensive restaurants) in the center of a small town. My salad is composed

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

May 23, 2011

In one day, toucans perched on my shoulders, renegade frogs postured on my head and hummingbirds literally ate from the palm of my hand. I hiked through a lush Costa Rican cloud forest and felt the spray of 10-story high waterfalls crashing into crystal-clear lagoons below. It’s just another typical day here at Peace Lodge’s adjoining property, La Paz

La Fortuna’s Central Park

La Fortuna’s Central Park

May 22, 2011

My husband and I had passed through La Fortuna’s central park area several times travelling to various excursions. While I was excited for each adventure, every time we passed through, I was a little more tempted to scream “Stop the van!”, jump out and spend the day exploring. Through the van’s window I’d see laughing couples sharing ice cream on park

Finding Peace in Costa Rica’s Cloud Forest

Finding Peace in Costa Rica’s Cloud Forest

May 20, 2011

My driver is navigating a winding, dangerously narrow dirt road. Not a problem, save the fact that one false move and the van will careen off the road and over the side of a cliff. The white-knuckled ride proves worth it though, when I arrive at the isolated Peace Lodge in Costa Rica’s cloud forest. While I’ve never been one for themed rooms, the inn’s

Ziplining Arenal

Ziplining Arenal

May 16, 2011

Whether I’d zipline in Costa Rica was never a question; I’d done it before and had heard that Sky Trek’s ziplines feature breathtaking views of Lake Arenal, the Arenal Volcano and untouched Costa Rican jungle canopies. Despite my fear of heights, I didn’t second-guess my decision to take the arduously long SkyTram journey to the top of the Arenal

White Water Rafting on the Sarapiqui River

White Water Rafting on the Sarapiqui River

May 13, 2011

Moises, my rafting guide, is drilling me. “When I say ‘back paddle’, what do you do?” Sitting in the raft, still docked on the side of the river I move my oar in reverse as he’d taught me to do. “Very good. Vamanos. We’re ready.” On this stretch of the Sarapiqui River my husband and I, along with guides Moises, Martin and Victor, will be tackling

Gallo Pinto in Costa Rica

Gallo Pinto in Costa Rica

May 9, 2011

“The right way to make Gallo Pinto,” Roberto the cab driver informs me in flawless English, “is with yesterday’s beans and rice.” He pauses, then adds “And you must add Salsa Lizano.” In the short time I’ve been in Costa Rica, I’ve grown obsessed with Gallo Pinto, the traditional Costa Rican breakfast food, and am learning to duplicate it at

The Best of Costa Rica: Resorts Offer Jungle & Beach Packages

The Best of Costa Rica: Resorts Offer Jungle & Beach Packages

Apr 7, 2011

ARENAL, COSTA RICA April 7, 2011— Two of Costa Rica’s finest boutique lodges have teamed up to offer guests a six-night “No Worries Beach & Jungle Escape” package.  Travelers will enjoy three nights each at Lost Iguana Resort & Spa, overlooking Arenal Volcano, and Villa Alegre Bed & Breakfast on the Beach in Tamarindo.  Starting at $1,590

Daylight Savings Travel Deals

Daylight Savings Travel Deals

Mar 10, 2011

**All of the below offers are valid for reservations booked between 12:00am and 11:59pm on DAYLIGHT SAVINGS DAY – Sunday, March 13, 2011 ONLY. KURA HULANDA SPA & CASINO (CURACAO): Book two nights at Kura Hulanda in a Deluxe Room or Suite on Daylight Savings Day, March 13, 2011, and receive two extra nights for free. Rates from: $335 USD per