Yes, I think Glover is off and running! And I can't believe Gem is back already. hipvirgochick and tully, you guys are next, right? But not in that order. . ??

I leave on Friday (4/27)! I can't believe it's almost here. I spent today shopping for some shorts, got some bug spray, I still need sunscreen...and I have no idea what else! I borrowed some binoculars and headlight/flashights from my parents! I've never packed for a trip like this!

This afternoon I'm going to do search of the packing tip posts and print them out. I still haven't decided if we're going to try to store luggage at the Marriott before we go to BDC (we are staying at the San Jose Marriott the night before we fly home, so we can drop some stuff off there, but I wonder if that would just complicate things more? But that 25lb weight limit for the Sansa flight to get to BDC seems so limiting right now!

Then I have to figure out the money issue....how much, cash, travellers checks, atm....you all know! Bosque takes travellers checks and personal checks, but not credit cards? I have to read over my paperwork...

I need to get my driving directions all figured out....From San Jose to Arenal, from Arenal to Peace Lodge and then Peace Lodge to return the rental car to fly on Sansa.

I'm so excited though!

I don't think I would be looking forward to this trip quite so much had I not found this board and all the great information, reviews, advice and regular posters though I may have a few posts this week!

Bosque WILL take credit cards, but prefer not to. We paid with a personal check. Hated not getting the travel points on our credit card as it was a large sum, but understand why it works better for them. I think you can pay with a credit card if you let them know well ahead of time (like a day or two before).

Have a great trip, shell, can't wait to hear your view upon returning! Try to relax a little along the way!

And pura vida!

The biggest reason many places don't like to take credit cards is because of the bank charge. I have seen it around 6% most of the time down there. Some of the lodges hate to add that to your charges on top of the 16% for taxes and then many of the banks are charging fees to convert the money so they can bill you.

This thirty-something Seattle couple departs a week from today for our first trip to Costa Rica.

Like kids in school, we have been counting the days down on our fridge for sometime. I'm not sure if this itinerary matches with any of you, but here it goes:

May 1: Arenal/La Fortuna
Day 2: Arenal
Day 3: Drive to the Central Highlands
Day 4: Turubari Tropical Park
Day 5: Manuel Antonio
Day 6: MA
Day 7: MA
Day 8: MA
Day 9: San Jose
Day 10: Fly back to Seattle

We have several tours picked out along the way (Cano Negro, Eco Theramles, et al). Actually, we've used Netta at www.costaricapackage.com for our arrangements.

The tour we have chosen is Heart of Costa Rica: www.costaricapackage.com/hcrp/package01.html

It would be great to grab a beer with any regulars here (or any last minute advice you wish to share would be greatly appreciated, too).

Pura Vida!

peteandem - I;m assuming you'll be staying Orquideas Inn? I'll miss ya by a week (be there the 17th). And what a great place to grab a beer and sit at the bar! Hope you have a great time, maybe some of the others here will match up with your travels.

peteandem,
Glad you are using Heart of Costa Rica. It is an excellent package, good value. Neta is a friend of ours, in fact I'm hoping to go visit her in Canada in the fall. She's a very nice person and more interested in you having the perfect trip than in her profit margin (believe me this is true!).

You'll have a great time, and it's right around the corner! Please tell us all about it when you get back. You'll have a great time at Orquideas Inn. Great bunch of folks there!

May I pat myself on the back? I just packed and weighed.....25 pounds! I thought for sure it would be some like 35 or more. So happy and relieved to have that done, whew! Somewhere under 100 hours and waiting unpatiently

tully - so you are down to counting down hours now, eh? me next, me next! awe, scratch that. peteanem up are up next. tomorrow in fact! and shelld was 3 days ago...did she say goodbye?!?!? LOL

have a great time peteanem!

tully,

Good for you on the weight! And lucky you to be so organized. DH and I are still trying to locate some of the things we want to take. But he gives his last final on Wednesday which leaves us a week to get our act together.

Hope to run into you at Orchideas.

Fran

Dear Fran and Tully,
Have a wonderful adventure!!!
Very Best,
Gem

Tully, you go girl! Way to go on the weight! When you take that first sip of "aguila, por favor", remember your Fodorite friends slaving away at home! Have a fabulous time--you deserve it!

Everyone thanks for all the help! Fran maybe we'll luck out and meet up, who knows?! Have a great trip and to everyone else that is leaving soon.

tully,

Buen viaje.

Lucky you, leaving tomorrow. Still almost a week for us. Have a wonderful time!

Fran

Gotta bring this back to the top folks

After months of planning, my countdown is on...9 more busy days! I'm soooooo ready!

I'm really looking forward to checking out all the recommendations I've gotten here on Fodors, as well as finding some new things to pass along.

My daughter will be keeping a journal in lieu of school work, so I will be sure to post back some thoughts of a 10 year old as well as my own

Anyone else leaving soon?

I'll be interested in hearing your daughter's "angle" on things!

Fran, guess you've left by now. . .if not, buen viaje yourself! Everyone's shipping out one at a time!

Have a wonderful trip, Hipvirgochick!
I would love to hear what your daughter's favorites are. It would be fun to meet up and get the girls together on our next trip!

gem -- For sure. Let's keep in touch! You'll have to let me know your next travel dates

Excellent!!

Our dates are so far away... April 2008
but believe it or not I am working away on it already.

I have been thinking that the horseback riding at BdC is something that we will do when we are there next time. It really sounds fun. Please let us know if you try it.

Only eight days until you go!!

Very Best,
Gem

Gem -- Well, by then...maybe we'll be able to GTG in April too! Are you going Spring break? That would be fun...sounds like you have other fam's with kiddo's coming too

We'll definitely be doing the horseback. Both of us love to ride