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How Do I Choose a Costa Rica Tour Operator
By William Cook
So, you’ve finally worked up the nerve to purchase
a Costa Rica vacation package over the Internet. You’ve
searched the web diligently looking for just the right
itinerary and hotels. Along the way you’ve encountered
a large variety of companies offering everything from
white water rafting and sport fishing to yoga in the
treetops! How do you sort through all the available
options and choose an established company that is both
safe and reliable? With this plethora of options available
it’s no wonder that some people would rather head
to their backyard and watch the grass grow.
A typical problem regarding the Internet is the vast
amount of information available. The potential for consumers
to be misled by inaccurate or deceptive information
is therefore greater. In order to assist would-be travelers
in identifying important elements found on a reliable
tour operator’s website, I have put together the
following guidelines:
• General company information
Go to the company’s ‘About Us’ link
to find details on ownership, possible partners and
sponsors, physical location and address, as well as
the company’s history, philosophy and goals. Any
tour operator worth its salt should provide a link to
this information.
• Properly licensed by the Costa Rican Institute
of Tourism
A reputable Costa Rican tour operator will by necessity
possess a valid license issued by the Costa Rican Institute
of Tourism.
• Contact names and numbers
Is contact information, such as names, email addresses
and phone numbers, provided on the site? If not, think
twice or even three times before booking a tour with
these guys.
• Copyright text and photos
Many “here today, gone tomorrow” outfits
will more likely than not copy their text and pictures
from other sources, as they do not possess the human
resources to create their own content. A company with
an in-house team of writers and designers, paying overhead
and employee insurance, is much more likely to be serious
about what it does, than a one-man operation with a
computer in his living room.
• Website privacy statement
If a privacy statement exists, read the statement.
How is the information collected? Does the site ensure
that any personal information will be held confidentially?
• Cancellation policies
A clearly defined cancellation policy is a good indicator
that you are dealing with an established company.
• Professional and consistent web design
Although this is by no means always true, most serious
companies will tend to have a website that is both professional
and consistent in its design. Look for ease of use and
a clearly defined navigation scheme.
• A guest comments page
Is there a mechanism in place where visitors may provide
feedback to site owners?
• Lots of detailed and well researched information
Check the quality of information given, such as how
up to date and comprehensive it is, the authority of
people providing the information and no exaggerated
or misleading claims. A good command of the English
language, including grammar and style, is a good indicator
that a company cares about its visitors and is willing
to go the extra mile to do things right.
While not possessing all of the above does not necessarily
mean you’re dealing with a rotten apple, a site
that’s missing more than two or three of these
elements should signal a red flag. Remember, what a
website does not say is just as important as what it
does say; you have to learn to read between the lines.
Use the above guidelines and a little common sense to
assure yourself that you are dealing with a real “brick
and mortar “ operation, and not just a virtual
“company” with a P.O. Box and some travel
broker looking for his next commission.
William Cook is editor and writer for Info Costa Rica,
an online portal that features a wide variety of Costa
Rica Travel
and living information.
For Costa Rica travel advice and information, please
visit www.infocostarica.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Cook
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Do-I-Choose-a-Costa-Rica-Tour-Operator&id=315379
Whitewater Thrills in Costa Rica
By Richard Chapo
If you have never been to Costa Rica, you are missing
out. It is an amazing country where you can grab your
kayak and explore to your hearts desire.
Kayaking is not restricted to spots in the United States.
There are many places in the world that offer excellent
kayaking areas, including many of the countries on the
continent of South America/Latin America. As much of
Latin America is coastal, it offers an excellent, warm
weather place to try sea kayaking. Kayaking in Costa
Rica can be a perfect way to enjoy the diverse culture
and scenery of this Latin country.
Kayaking originated in North America and Greenland,
where Inuit and Aleut hunters developed these lightweight
portable boats in order to go fishing and hunting in
the colder regions of the world. Kayaks, with their
covered canoe styling and splash skirt that keeps water
off of the paddler in the cockpit, offer a great alternative
to traditional ways of boating around the world. The
fact that a kayak is essentially made as a single person
mode of transportation (although some kayaks are built
for two or three) makes it a great way to experience
a water area in a solitary way, or in a group with a
tour.
One of the best resources for kayaking in Costa Rica
is the company known as Rios Tropicales. This company
has been in existence for over 20 years, and offers
travelers a great way to experience both the river kayaking
and sea kayaking available in Costa Rica. Rios Tropicales
also offers what they call an “Eco-Adventure Playground”
on the banks of the Pacuare River – where you
can explore both the river areas in a kayak, as well
as a jungle area for hiking and even zip lines that
cross the river.
Rios Tropicales cautions that you should bring your
own gear, because although they do rent kayaks to tourists
who wish to experience the kayaking here, they do not
have gear such as life jackets and other necessities
available. Most of the kayaking in Costa Rica in this
particular area is rated a level III or level IV on
the International Scale of River Difficulty, meaning
that river kayaking here should not be attempted by
boaters who do not know how to handle heavy rapids,
and open canoe paddling will not be possible.
Of course, sea kayaking is also available from Rios
Tropicales, in Costa Rica – this country has over
800 miles of total shoreline for boaters to enjoy. Whether
you choose to go on the open sea or on the many rivers
in this tropical paradise, one thing is sure: you're
going to love kayaking in Costa Rica.
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of paddle
sports journals for preserving your experiences in the
outdoors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Chapo | 
