So you're not going with Ivan?
This was the question I got time and time again when I told friends I'd signed up to travel to Costa Rica alone through the group travel organization Under 30 Experiences.
While I love to travel with Ivan, my fiancée, and do so often, this year it's been tough for us to align our schedules. Ivan is a first year doctor and works constantly -- including many nights and most weekends.
So I decided to go alone, and it was an amazing decision.
First, I want to offer a rave review of the group travel company Under 30 Experiences -- an organization developing trips for people 35 and under who are adventurous, outdoorsy, and like to get a feel for the local vibe.
From the first minute to the last Under 30 organized a spectacular, jam-packed trip that left me feeling like I was back at summer camp and made enjoying Costa Rica even more of a breeze than it would have been.
On top of that, I met sixteen new soul sisters and brothers on my trip who were all there alone for various reasons. Divorces, promotions, break ups, graduations, birthdays and more -- everyone had a reason to celebrate or refresh and no friends available with the time, money or will to travel.
So we ended up in Costa Rica together -- a breathtaking country full of greenery, bath water temp beaches, and Pura Vida vibes that invests its money in sustainability and education instead of keeping a standing army.
We ate fresh pescado, downed mojitos, danced Salsa, and work up early for activities like Yoga, surfing, zipling, kayaking, horseback riding and more.
We spent our days hiking through the rainforest spotting monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, frogs, and lizards, and our nights playing games like Heads Up and Never Have I Ever or going to local rodeos to watch the Ticos and Ticas dance Bachata.
We caught jaw dropping sunrises and sunsets and laid on our backs in the grass to stargaze at night. We read books curled up in hammocks while the rain fell, took a tour of a completely sustainable eco ranch -- Rancho Margot -- and ate fresh farm to table meals.
We slowed down to smell flowers, follow trails of leaf cutter ants, spot humming birds and Tucans, climb trees and feed horses.
We jumped off the top of a Catamaran and snorkeled as dolphins swam by mere yards away. We did Yoga and meditated to the sounds of the birds.
We wiped out repeatedly and were humbled while surfing for the first time in big waves alongside Pros.
And every day we shared our experiences, beliefs, worries, passions and stories in that intimate way you only can with friends you meet on vacation.
To say the trip was fabulous, the food was delicious, the companionship rich, and the country awe-inspiring is an understatement.
If you are thinking of going to Costa Rica or traveling alone do not hesitate to book with Under 30 Experiences. As I write this a week later my heart is still full, my body tanned and strong, and my soul in a richer place for having done so. A special shout out to our guides Adrian and Delphine who helped make the experience so incredible.
Here's some information about the stops we made during our trip:
Stopped at Rio Tarcoles to look for Crocodiles and caught sunset at Playa Hermosa. Stayed at Villas Myamosa
Manuel Antonio National Park; Playa Espadilla and lunch @ El Sol
Explored a Hidden Beach (Playa La Macha) in Quepos & took surf lessons with Blue Horizon @ Espadilla beach. Got delicious lunch and coffee at Cafe Milagro
Rancho Margot (horseback riding, farm tour, Yoga, night hike/stargazing)
Kayaked Lake Arenal
Sky Trek Ziplining
Arenal National Park & Arenal Volcano
Ecotermales Hot Springs
Out @ Lava Lounge in Fortuna
Ate at a local Soda (find all the best ones to eat the most delicious home cooked food!)