magnumholmes

My wife and I are going over our possibilities for a trip in March and Costa Rica seems like a good possibility. We have looked over the itenerary for a completely escorted tour of C. R. by Caravan Tours.

Has anybody ever taken any tour anywhere through Caravan? If so, how was it? Any hidden costs?

How about CRavan tour of C. R.? (same questions)

thanks

schmerl

My sister and I were also looking at Costa Rica with Caravan tours. They seem to cover a lot of the country. I'd love to hear from someone who has gone with them.

Kinkazote

We will be doing an Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) as our 7th trip in a couple of weeks. You may hear from a few people who oppose escorted tours in principle or have heard from someone who took one and didn't like it. Others will point out that personal individual travel in Costa Rica is incredibly easy and safe. I strongly agree about the ease of planning and execution. We choose to do this one because it covers points that we have never covered before, and handles all the travel logistics so well. We don't mind the company of fellow travelers every now and then. I should point out that tours tend to be populated by older folks, and I can't imagine planning a family vacation including younger children using a tour.

There are likely to be additional costs, but they are not hidden. You may pay tips for driver and host, a few meals on your own, airport exit taxes, and optional tours to name a few.

rivet

I have not personally taken the Caravan tours but twice in Tortuguero, the tour groups have stayed overnight at the same lodge as us (Laguna Lodge) . Everyone that I spoke with was enjoying the tour - started in San Jose, then Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean, Tortuguero, and would carry on to Selva Verde, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. Yes, a busy trip , but a good overview of the country, and the various ecosystems.

Even though there seems like a lot of bus travel, there was lots of time for them to enjoy the pool, as well as take all the optional tours. There were various ages, family groups, couples etc, so an unpredictable and interesting mix of fellow travellers.

Costa Rica is an easy destination to travel on your own, but the Caravan tour seems like fairly good value.

KVR

We are currently in the planning stage of a trip with CR Referrals for next May. Is that the same company?

We are doing an escorted tour, but have set our own itenerary. They have been very prompt in responding to e-mails and the price for what we want to see and do looks good.

postmuffin

I took the Caravan Costa Rica tour in July 2010. It was the best trip I have ever taken. There are NO unexpected costs. All meals are included, all hotels are included, all entertainment is included, all travel (once you get there) is included. They met me at the airport and took me back, they handled my luggage. You couldn't ask for a better experience.

Dayenu

I saw Copper Canyons in Mexico with Caravan - loved it!

The hidden costs were $1 here and there for dancers, drink tips... not a big deal, really. Everything was included: all meals, lots of bottled water.

Bring some small $1 and $5 bills for tips and souvenirs.

qwovadis

Did it years ago some rooms no AC not of top quality Tauck better

But good for budget as long as u do not mind lots of structure

Early AM bus calls and tourist trappy group travel which I do.

Find it cheaper better to self guide Spirit.com nice options

Servicecerrentals.com cheap rental or map ache.com for me.

Winter travel best for less rain