You are in: Memorable CR | FAQ's

Q. What differentiates Memorable Costa Rica from other online operators?

A. Memorable Costa Rica is a Rockville, Maryland-based travel agency with regional offices in Miami, FL and an operations center in San Jose, Costa Rica. Our credentials and affiliations include membership in the International Airline Travel Agent Network (IATAN), Greater Washington Better Business Bureau and the Costa Rica Chamber of Tourism; and we are accredited by the Costa Rican Board of Tourism (ICT). We are fully insured and licensed, and registered both in the United States and Costa Rica.

Memorable Costa Rica has the support and expertise of a large operator, yet we are a boutique company dedicated to providing personalized service. We work with you from designing your ideal trip to providing ground support and post-trip assistance, to guarantee a memorable experience.

Q. Would I pay more by using Memorable Costa Rica than if make my reservations directly with the hotels and suppliers?

A. Absolutely not. We are so confident in our price guarantee that we will provide the websites of our suppliers to prove that we always obtain the lowest listed prices offered.

At times, you may find rates online that APPEAR to be lower than ours. However, it is important that you compare what is included in each rate and which services are provided. Hotels may publish low rates that do not include breakfast or other services, that, when added back into the rate, increase the price significantly.

Q. How do I know you are recommending the best resorts and services for me?

A. Our business is driven by referrals. More than 75% of our new clients come from recommendations given by travelers who visited the country using Memorable Costa Rica and returned to refer us to their family and friends. Because we value our client’s opinions, we believe in always exceeding their expectations and always recommending the best services for each individual.

Q. How should I move around the country?
It depends on your destination, expectations and comfort level.

There are four basic ways to get around Costa Rica:

Local flights: There is a very good network of local flights that use San Jose as the major hub. Schedules are convenient and the airlines boast excellent safety records. Flying gets you from region to region quickly and avoids long drives. You also get an aerial view of the country, which provides a different perspective. The two main drawbacks to flying are: (1) there is a 25lb weight limit per passenger, and (2) you are restricted to strict schedules.

Renting a car: Having your own car give you the ultimate freedom to move around at your leisure. You are not conscripted by schedules and you can stop or take detours at will. In addition, you will be able to drive to different restaurants, explore virgin beaches, and even take your own day tours. However, it is no secret that driving around Costa Rica can be an adventure in itself. Poor road signage and winding roads provide challenging driving conditions that are not for everyone.

Private transfers: Having a private driver (with or without a guide) releases you from the stress of driving and the fear of getting lost. Private drivers are professional, experienced and friendly, and can also give you some information on history, culture and traditions. This option makes the most sense budget-wise for groups of four or more guests, or for couples that put a premium on privacy and flexibility over price. One limitation is that when you reach your destination, if you wish to tour the region or explore towns nearby, you will require local cabs or tour operators.

Shared transfers: A well developed network of scheduled transfers provides an inexpensive and safe travel option between regions. Travel times are convenient, but are pre-set. You might face time delays while the car picks up and/or drops off other guests sharing the ride and going to other hotels in the same destination. Also, shared transfers have set departure times starting in the early morning hours.

Q. Is it safe to drink the water?

A. Water is safe to drink in all locations unless otherwise notified. Costa Rica has the highest rate of fresh water sources and flowing water per square mile in the world. The national water system is very safe, and in most areas, tap water is safe to drink. Many remote resorts rely on their own fresh springs rather than using the national potable water network. Still, bottled water is readily available throughout the country.

Q. What should I bring on my trip?

A. Following is the Memorable Costa Rica suggested general packing list:

• PASSPORT – Please make sure that it is valid for at least 6 months after arrival
• Plenty of underwear and socks
• Jeans
• Shorts
• Trousers
• Shirts (cotton or light synthetic)
• Several swim suits
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent (high % of DEET)
• Rain gear—poncho or raincoat
• Sneakers (Hiking shoes if you own them, but you don’t need to specially purchase)
• Rubber sandals with a backing/Tevas/old sneakers for rafting tours
• Casual shoes
• Sweatshirt / sweater / light jacket
• Hat
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Toiletries
• Day pack
• Dramamine (if you tend to get car or sea sick)

If you are planning to participate in your favorite activity (golfing, sports fishing, scuba diving, surfing, etc.), bringing your personal equipment can be quite an additional load. If you want to avoid the hassle of extra luggage, please be assured that high quality, top brand equipment can be rented while in Costa Rica.

If you forget anything at home, do not worry. Most locations have well stocked stores, supermarkets and drugstores. There are very few items that you may require on your trip that cannot be obtained in Costa Rica.

Q. Are there any health concerns that I should be aware of? Do I need to take any shots or pills?

A. Costa Rica boasts one of the highest health indicators in the Americas. In general, no special shots or pre-travel treatments are required, but it is wise to check the recommendations issued by the United States’ Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov).

Q. What are your trip cancellation and other policies?

A. Below, please find our terms and conditions:

Reservations, Payment and Cancellations:

Standard Booking Periods:
• 50% deposit is due at time of booking
• Balance is due in full 30 days prior to arrival
• In certain cases, depending on the hotel, service or activity, 100 % payment is required at time of booking

Holiday Booking Periods:
The holiday season in Costa Rica is marked by heavy bookings. In order to guarantee your holiday booking, we require the following:
50% deposit is due at time of booking
Balance is due in full 60 days prior to your arrival date

Payment Methods:
All payments must be made in U.S. dollars, and made payable to Adventure Travel LLC. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards. We also accept personal checks up to 21 days prior to departure. Payments must be received by the payment deadline.

Cancellations:

All cancellations must be in writing.

During high season, there will be no refunds if the cancellation is made 6 weeks before the scheduled “in” date. For cancellations made more than 6 weeks from scheduled arrival, supplier cancellation fees may apply.

During low season, there will be no refunds if the cancellation is made 4 weeks before the in date.

Changes within 30 days of departure are charged $50.00 per person. If the change results in a cancellation of previously confirmed services, then the following cancellation penalties will apply for those respective services. If cancellation is received in writing by Adventure Travel LLC at least 30 to 45 days prior to departure, a full refund will be made, minus a $75.00 administrative charge per person plus the applicable supplier cancellation fees. For cancellations received within 15 to 30 days of departure a 50% cancellation penalty will be imposed. No refunds will be made less than 15 days prior to reservation date.

Cancellation contacts:
Adventure Travel LLC
Fax Number: 301 560-4127
E-Mail: info@aventurastravel.com

Refunds:

Any claims for refunds must be made IN WRITING within 30 days of scheduled return. All negotiable vouchers must accompany the claim. No refunds will be made for features included in our itineraries that travelers chose not to take part in. No refunds will be made for missing transfers or sightseeing tours due to changes or delays in airline schedules. Adventure Travel LLC will not refund any money for changes in travel arrangements made by the traveler after the departure date. Any service issue affecting the quality of the guest's hotel stay must be addressed directly with the hotel's management at the time the issue arises since refunds cannot be given for such inconveniences.

Privacy Statement:
Adventure Travel LLC will not disclose any personal information to third parties. All information we receive from you will be used only to confirm your vacation package or itinerary and at times to inform you about our services.

Legal Limitations:
Adventure Travel LLC (its owners, associates, agents and employees) shall assume no responsibility nor liability, for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity to person or property in connection with any service provided or resulting directly from the following: weather and road conditions, breakdowns, strikes, war, riots, acts of God, detention annoyance, terrorism, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, and discrepancies or change in transit, car rentals, tours, or hotel services over which we have no control.

Adventure Travel LLC is acting as a third party agent--all travel documents issued by Adventure Travel LLC including all tickets, vouchers and coupons issued and all arrangements for transportation or conveyance or for hotel or lodging, car rental, touring or sightseeing services are subject to the terms and conditions of each supplier. By tendering payment to Adventure Travel LLC for any and all services, the participant(s) agrees to accept and be bound by the terms and conditions on this page.

Q. Should I purchase travel insurance?

A. In case of an emergency, we will honor each hotel and operator’s cancellation policies, and will try to negotiate the best possible outcome for you in case of a late cancellation. Nevertheless, travel insurance is always a great idea. Insurance gives you the peace of mind that your investment will be refunded in case you need to cancel or cut short your vacation for unexpected reasons.

Q. What is a typical day like during the rainy season? Is it a bad time to visit?

A. The rainy season officially starts May 1 and runs through the end of November. It coincides with the tropical hurricane season, which impacts weather patterns in Costa Rica significantly.

Rainfall is an integral part of the rainforest (thus the origin of the name). While weather and rain patterns tend to be more predictable on the Pacific Beaches, rain can happen at any time in the Rain and Cloud Forest Regions.

But rain is not necessarily a bad thing. It improves conditions for white water rafting, turns the landscape into lush green picture-perfect scenery, brings out the wildlife in the rainforest and even provides the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon nap. If rain is a concern, you should maximize your stay in the Pacific beaches during the May – November visit, while reducing the number of days in the rainforest. But rain should not be an excuse to delay or cancel your trip to Costa Rica.

Q. How many regions should I visit and how much time should I spend in each region?

A. When you research your trip to Costa Rica, you will find that this small country has many regions to explore and activities to enjoy. It is virtually impossible to visit every region in one visit. Careful planning is required, and the selected itinerary will depend on your expectations, your preferred activities and your budget.

We usually recommend minimizing the number of regions and maximizing the exposure to each part of the country. Fill out our travel planner and talk to our travel consultants to make sure that the trip designed is the ideal itinerary for your needs.

Q. Should I pre-book tours and spa treatments?

A. It is always a good idea to secure your reservations for popular tours and spa treatment hours. It will not cost you more to pre-reserve, and it will guarantee the your tour choice or time slot.