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By Marina K. Villatoro, April 22, 2010

Traveling to Central America isn’t like traveling to the rest of the world, there are some things to keep in mind to make the trip as enjoyable as possible.

The truth is that there are some things about the places we are going to visit that we need to know but that we don’t know. That’s why I thought it would be a good idea if I gave you some pointers for your Central American trip:

Children Need Paperwork

If only one parent is planning to go to a Central American country and is taking a child with him. The first thing you should do is to get a notarized letter from the other parent granting permission for the child to leave the country and travel. In the Central American airports they won’t let you get into the country without that letter, and if they do, they won’t let you leave until it’s you get one.

Be Vigilant

I’m not saying that you have to become a human radar, just being a little more careful than normal will do. Pickpockets are usually around busy public areas where careless tourists congregate. The problem is that most of them look like regular people, so make sure that all of your possessions are kept away safely somewhere under your clothing.

Bedbugs Are Everywhere!

Central America is filled with forests and wildlife. Wherever you look there are mountains, rivers and volcanoes and most of the towns are placed very close to these. So when checking into your hotel room, do a pest inspection before unpacking your luggage. Bedbugs can be lurking, even in the cleanest and most respected hotels. They can make an overnight stay a miserable, itchy experience.

A Great Way to Hide Valuables

I recently heard about product that gives you a great way to hide valuables, so I had to try it and it is great, they are called Passport security socks. They come in different sizes and heights, from ankle socks to over-the-calf styles. What is so great about them is that they have a zipped pocket that can hold cash, passport, keys, and other small valuables.

Marina K. Villatoro, lives in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She has traveled all over these areas with her family and now she loves to organize vacations to Costa Rica and Guatemala. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

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By Marina K. Villatoro, April 19, 2010

In this occasion I wrote about Costa Rica’s best hotels for families, groups of friends and honeymoons. I guarantee they will make your Costa Rican vacation a success.

1. Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens

This luxury villa offers a honeymoon suite and a two bedroom luxury vacation home with amazing ocean views. It is super close to the Manuel Antonio National Park and beach. Casa Panorama North can also be found in Tulemar Gardens, in Manuel Antonio.

2. Casa Panorama South

Casa Panorama South is a luxury 3 floor villa with amazing ocean views. It is also part of the exclusive Tulemar Gardens Community in Manuel Antonio. You will find it just minutes away from Manuel Antonio National Park and the beach. The first floor is a private one bedroom suite with private entrance and the second and third floors are beautiful two bedroom suite.

3. Villa Mot Mot

Villa Mot Mot is a two floor luxury villa, since both floors have independent entrances you can rent just one of them or the whole villa. It is located in the exclusive Tulemar Gardens, Manuel Antonio too, minutes away from the beach and the Manuel Antonio National Park.

4. Casa Bella Rita

Casa Bella Rita is an intimate boutique hotel in San Jose. The place is run by Steve and Rita, the owners and breakfast is made to order, there is no menu or buffet. This bed and breakfast offers 6 beautifully decorated rooms and can be found very close to the international airport.

5. Casa Panorama North

Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens offers 24 luxurious, private casitas scattered along beautiful gardens, each with amazing views of the Arenal Volcano which gives great lava shows almost every night. This is one of the best hotels in the Arenal area.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. Traveling with her family to all parts of Costa Rica and Guatemala, she now loves organizing vacations for people and offers first hand experience. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!