With the healthcare bill and healthcare reform at the top of people’s minds these days, I’d like to mention a few things about medical tourism. Over a million Americans partake in medical vacations every year, and thousands are drawn to Costa Rica’s modern hospitals and private clinics which have Board Certified surgeons, many professionally trained in North America or Europe. They offer patients a variety of cosmetic surgery procedures using the latest technology, at affordable prices. This, I believe, is really going to boon to the tourism of many countries. I have had specific experience in Costa Rica and can attest that the system they have in place is pretty impressive.

There are several levels of hospital care in Costa Rica, but I have had experience with the private hospitals here. I have spoken to several people and they are of the opinion that the public hospitals also have great doctors, staff and care, but with any system, you will have good and bad.

If you are just traveling and need emergency medical care, the hospitals are excellent. For example, my daughter fell off the side of the pool and cut the back of her head. We rushed to the emergency room and waited only 5 minutes before the head of Pediatrics came out to examine her. She received 4 stitches (my poor baby!) and we were out of the hospital in only half an hour! We waited at McDonalds in the drive through longer than we waited in the waiting room!

The pricing is also a huge draw. For example, a face lift in Costa Rica costs around $3, 000 while the same procedure in the States costs anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000. International hospitals are staffed with fully certified bilingual surgeons that cater to foreigners seeking superior medical care. Additionally, the Costa Rica Board of Plastic Surgery offers prospective clients a list of certified and credentialed physicians who are members of the association.

So, while I absolutely love the U.S. for so many things, I think they can learn a lot from foreign countries such as Costa Rica when it comes to medical care.

In keeping with the Costa Rica travel, I thought I’d write a little more about one of my favorite places in Costa Rica. I know when people think about Costa Rica, they immediately think “beach.” This country has so much more to offer – one of which is the volcanoes and hot springs.

This past weekend, I was able to take a little getaway from the everyday and visit Arenal Volcano. This is an active volcano in Costa Rica, offering great nighttime views of lava, smoke and hot rocks spewing out of the cone of the volcano.

Another great feature around the volcanoes, however, are the numerous hot springs. There are some places where you can pull your car off to the side of the road, take a little hike down and voila…you can take a quick dip in a hot river. It has been said that this area was inhabited by farmers who would graze their cattle around the volcano. Beautiful areas, really – lush green fields, rich soil – perfect for animals and farms. But, the water in the rivers suddenly turned hot. Thinking that something horrible was happening, the farmers sold their land and made some money. The new landowners made some great investments and changed the area into a tourist destination.

There are several thermal parks – some man-made and some natural in the surrounding areas. I’ve tried a few, but my favorite by far is Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort. Tabacón offers 12 natural thermal spring pools and lagoons, waterfalls, exotic gardens and trails.  The hot water is very therapeutic and you feel as though you’re getting a massage at the same time if you sit beneath one of the hot waterfalls. Take a dip in a cool pool and you feel refreshed again. The surrounding rain forest makes you feel as though you are worlds away from everything, but there is a small town only a few miles away for great meals and shopping.

Tabacón does everything right. From the little shampoos and soaps in your room, to the fresh fruits they add as a complement to your stay. Everything is top notch. You can also arrange tours to the volcano and surrounding canopy to really experience the area.

Next week…La Fortuna…

Looking for a trip to take you away from the everyday? Have you thought about Costa Rica?

GoRapids.com just gave a trip away last year and has had a few visitors to the vacation villa – and it was said that all had a great time. But what did they do with their time while in this beautiful country?

For those inexperienced travelers, driving can be a little bit of a challenge. There are no road signs to direct you. (I know, it seems crazy, right?) But, with a map and figuring out your landmarks, you can get by with very few u-turns. You can make several day trips from one home base. This makes it very easy so you don’t have to keep packing up every day and moving to a new location.

Poas Volcano – This is a great drive through a cloud forest and seeing many wonderful road side stands along the way. One of my favorite places to visit is the LaPaz Waterfall Gardens. With five waterfalls, butterfly gardens, hummingbirds, and more, you can get your share of nature in some really great surroundings.

For a canopy and zip line adventure, take a drive to Turu Ba Ri Nature and Adventure Park. 8 cables and gorgeous views equals one excellent adventure! You can also buy packages for horseback riding, aerial train tours, tarzan swings along with the zip line. We took the family and got a great package deal for ziplining, aerial car, horseback ride and a buffet lunch! Only an hour and 15 minutes outside of the city – an easy day trip to make.

For a little more adventure, take a drive to Arenal Volcano. This is an active volcano and if you’re lucky, you can see hot rocks shooting out of the top along with some steam. The local place to go and watch this happening is close to a stream – and gets pretty packed at night. You will want get there a little early – and take a blanket and little picnic dinner to really enjoy the evening. Or afterwards, take a drive into La Fortuna and have a great meal at one of the local restaurants. You will want to look for “comida tipica” or typical food. Great deals on arroz con pollo, gallo pinto and other Costa Rican dishes. Oh, don’t forget to try the fried plantains. So not good for you, but oh so sweet and delicious!

So much to do, so little time…how about I follow up on this trip next week?

Can we do good while we travel? Yes we can! Travelers today can have a unique experience and transform themselves in the service of others. Let’s do some traveling and make a difference.

Here are 4 ways to travel, help others and see the world:

1) Cross-Cultural Solutions: “For those who want something different, something akin to a mini-stint with the Peace Corps, there is Cross-Cultural Solutions.” This company operates 250 sustainable community initiatives in 12 countries – perfect for families with children eight and older. You give one to 12 weeks and pay a tax deductible fee to volunteer in these countries. In the end, you get children who understand the value of giving. Check out www.crossculturalsolutions.org

2) The Peace Corps: Today’s Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and essential areas such as information technology and business development, and committing more than 1,000 new Volunteers as a part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Peace Corps Volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities. You give 27 months and receive: a modest living allowance, health benefits, student loan deferment while serving and $6,000 upon completion. See more information at: www.peacecorps.gov

3) Earthwatch Expeditions: Connects the eco-conscious with130 research projects in 40 countries. No formal training is required to work with leading environmental researchers. You give 5 days to 3 weeks and a tax-deductible fee per person. You get the inspration to lead a greener life. More information at: www.earthwatch.org/expedition

4) Habitat for Humanity: Thousands of volunteers have built 300,000 houses – sheltering 1.5 million people worldwide. Quite a difference in the world has been made by volunteering 6 months to one year of your time. Volunteers are provided with limited cost-of-living stipends and the opportunity to build the world! More info at: www.habitat.org

Safe travels!

Hello again my dear readers –

I was thinking about another travel destination when I came across an article about travel insurance. PLEASE check into insurance before you travel. I have some friends who traveled with their older grandmother. She appeared much younger than she was and very physically fit (really just a wonderful person!) but she had a bit of an accident while horseback riding. She had to spend some time in the hospital (traumatic for her family) but I think she had an okay time! She needed to take a private flight back to the U.S. because she was unable to flight on a commercial airline. She did not have the proper travel insurance for this, but she was lucky to have a lot of people working with her and savings in the bank.

There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling. To demonstrate the importance of purchasing travel insurance, and emergency travel services, here are 10 common examples of what could go wrong.

1. It’s 10 p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?
2. Your bag was lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?
3. Your first visit to Europe, and your passport and wallet are stolen. Where do you turn for emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?
4. You’re involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help arrange and pay for a medical evacuation?
5. If your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your trip, what happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?
6. You arrive in Jamaica and your luggage doesn’t. If it’s lost, who will help you find it? If it’s delayed, who will pay for your necessities? If it’s stolen, who will pay to replace it?
7. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who will help get you to your destination?
8. You’re walking down a street in Rio and twist your ankle. Who can help you find an English-speaking physician?
9. Three weeks before your scheduled arrival, a terrorist incident occurs in the city to which you are planning to visit. Who will pay if you want to cancel your trip?
10. You are at a beach resort in North Carolina, and you are forced to evacuate due to an approaching hurricane. Who will help you evacuate and who will reimburse your lost vacation investment?

But why worry? Please check with your travel agent or Travel Guard Insurance to see what you need for your trip. When traveling with older people or even children, make sure you have insurance that will cover a private flight to get you to a hospital. Although, I have to say some of the hospitals out of country are really good!

I was traveling with my newborn son and husband on a cruise. We had to get proper immunizations, etc. but my son could not. We made sure we purchased insurance that could fly us from the ship to the land and zip right back to the U.S. if necessary. All this was well worth the money for the peace of mind. And, should anything ever happen, you are covered.

And to end the story, my friends’ grandmother recovered from her accident. She received some great medical care and received a checkup that alerted her to some other health issues. So, check into insurance for your travel the next time you decide to take a trip.

Safe Travels!

Hello again my dear reader. I know it is cold and snowy, and you are probably sick of throwing on scarves, hats, gloves…and other fashionable goodies. That is why you need to think “Bahamas.”

Now the question isn’t “Why the Bahamas?” Sparking blue water, perfect temperatures year-round and thousands of miles of beach answer that. The questions is “Which Bahamas?” What do you want to do on your dream vacation?

With more than 700 cays, islets and islands, your choices range from urban and sophisticated to solitary and unspoiled. Every part of the Bahamas offers something different and all you have to do is choose!

If you prefer the city life – with some island mixed in – Nassau is perfect for you. The is the capital of the Bahamas on New Providence Island. You’ll find great underwater adventures at Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas. You’ll get to choose from diving, snorkeling, and underwater SUBs (Underwater motorcycles!). For those who prefer life above the water, take a tour in one of the fastest sailboats around. Stepping on board one of these multi-million dollar racing machines was previously reserved for multi-billionaires and the yachting elite, but now you can jump aboard and learn what it takes to make them slice through the crystal blue water off Paradise Island. At 76’ long, with masts 115’ high, these yachts are massive and incredibly stable, making them an ideal platform on which to experience sailing for the first time. Check with your travel agent to confirm availability!

A something-for-everyone destination is the Grand Bahama Island. You can discover the national parks by kayak – operated by Grand Bahama Nature Tours. Snorkel the reef, hike through limestone caves and discover many of the 18 species of birds that the island has to offer.

Andros is the wildest and largest link in the Bahamas chain. It contains vast expanses of untamed forests and mangroves. Tourists visit here mostly to dive the world’s third largest barrier reef. They also come to fish for bonefish – a quick-to-bite-your-bait fish, they are renowned fighters, testing your upper body strength while you attempt to reel them in. Check out Rodney Miller, better known as the “Andros Angler”– he  is one of the most experienced guides on the island and personally oversees all operations at Knoll’s Landing.

There is so much to do and see in the Bahamas. Whatever you choose, or if you need help, ask Vacations Your Way for some guidance in planning your trip.

Safe Travels!

Every year, my college friends and I always discuss a get-away weekend – fun, relaxation, a few activities (i.e. shopping!) and just some time to eat and talk. This year I’d love to head back to one of my favorite places…The Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona.

Surrounded by the majestic red rock formations of Boynton Canyon in Sedona, Enchantment Resort combines luxury with rugged grandeur inspired by Native American culture. They offer a special Girlfriends Getaway Package that includes:

• 2 nights at Enchantment Resort
• One breakfast entrée or breakfast buffet each morning, per person at Yavapai Restaurant, Mii amo Café or Room Service
• One 60-minute private group session once during stay, choose from yoga, tarot card reading, tennis clinic, or red rock hiking tour
• One 60-minute spa service per person, once during stay
• Welcome bottle of wine and cheese and fruit plate
• Daily use of Mii amo spa, tennis courts, and mountain bikes

The Mii amo Spa offered an extended number of spa treatments including facials, massage therapy, spiritual healing treatments, health and nutrition consultation, aquatic bodywork, and psychic massage.

They even have some add-ons, that I thought were spectacular! Just contact the concierge, and they can arrange for an incredible helicopter ride through the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge, and Sedona. They also offer a railroad excursion on a mining railway that dates back to 1911. Or, journey to the Grand Canyon from Williams, AZ on a steam locomotive. We took the locomotive for a sunset ride – drinks and scenery were hard to beat!

For a more detailed trip itinerary, please call your local travel agent and plan a trip of a lifetime.

Safe Travels!

Forget the tour bus – try seeing Tuscany on two wheels! Pedal through the countryside by day, stopping to sample the local cuisine, including wine and gelato; then stroll through the beautiful little towns in the evening and have some of the best pasta around!

You can easily arrange a tour like this by contacting your local travel agent. They can set up an itinerary for biking and hiking excursions in Italy. A 6-day trip can include wine tasting, a cooking demonstration with a local chef, and even an olive oil tasting.

After an intense day on the road, stay at a lovely villa like the boutique Fattoria Degli Usignoli, located in San Donato, Fronzano, in the Reggello district of Italy. This amazing structure was originally built by the monks of Vallombrosa around the 14th century.

For additional information, call your travel agent, or check out a few sites like:

Fattoria Degli Usignoli

We Bike Tuscany

Pure Adventures

Safe Travels!

Head into the Wild: Alaska

Alaska is home to Mount McKinley and over 100,000 glaciers. This is one of those places I have always wanted to visit. Living in Wisconsin, of course you get enough of the cold, but the scenery and wildlife in Alaska is more than worth the trip.

There are a few different ways to tour Alaska:

1. By Rail: Check out Alaska Railroad (http://alaskarailroad.com/) for 126 miles of of incredible views. Book Adventure Class Service and you’ll get to appreciate the views through glass dome ceilings.
2. By Sea: If you want a close-up adventure, sign up for an excursion with the Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking Company (http://sunnycove.com/) for day tours or overnight trips. The waters abound with marine life. Sea otters casually watch you as they feed on sea urchins and mollusks; adolescent seals follow you curiously as you kayak in silence; pods of orcas glide through the waters as they search for salmon…it’s all here waiting for you.
3. By Motorcoach: You will see some of Alaska’s most scenic highways while riding the Alaska Park Connection (http://alaskacoach.com/). The Parks Highway north of Anchorage travels the fertile Matanuska-Susitna valley, up through Denali State Park which offers some of the best views of Mt. McKinley, and across the Alaska Range into Denali National Park. South of Anchorage, the Seward Highway runs alongside the Turnagain Arm, and over two scenic mountain passes down to the picturesque seaside town of Seward. This route well deserves its designation as Alaska’s only National Scenic Byway.
4. By Helicopter: For a one-of-kind experience, splurge on a helicopter hiking experience with Era Helicopters (http://eraflightseeing.com/content/index_eng.html). Fasten your seatbelts and prepared to be awed! There is no better experience than seeing the Alaskan landscape from the air.

For a more detailed trip itinerary, please call your local travel agent and plan a trip of a lifetime.

Safe Travels!