Hi just wondering if anyone has been on the costa rica tour, and could tell me anything about it. What is it like there? Is it worth the price. I would really like to see that part of the world but I am really unsure about it. There are so many to choose from. If anyo e could give be a few hints it would be greatly appreciated thank you

Hi, Caroline

I see nobody has yet replied to your query re CR, so I’ll have a go! I should say that though I had planned to travel with JY, those holidays were cancelled and those of us who had booked were transferred to a very similar Travelsphere version, so that’s what I’ll be commenting upon.

I loved the country, the people, the wildlife. Many people on the tour were facing up to fears of one kind or another (me? Snakes! Others? Anything from spiders to heights, with the Hanging Bridges testing one lady quite severely). But we all triumphed and that's always a great feeling. Our local guide was excellent and so knowledgeable. There was a lot of trekking through the rainforests and for the most part the accommodation (pretty much the same as JY are using) was very good.

I loved being awoken in the morning by howler monkeys and coming across iguanas sunning themselves outside my room – and pretty much everywhere, really. An evening spent luxuriating in the thermal springs of the Arenal Volcano will long be a happy memory, as will a day spent on the unspoilt beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park, with capuchin monkeys in the trees overhead waiting to try and steal our lunches!

That’s not to say the holiday was without problems, but they were really just bad luck (the French air traffic controllers strike leading to an unexpected overnight in Madrid followed by a detour via Panama for some and Mexico City for others; a further missed connection at Panama; the early departure of the tour manager due to a family emergency). This was also my first time flying with Iberia and I'd have to say I'm not a fan.

In short (!), if you want to experience a holiday with a difference, in a beautiful country filled with friendly people and fascinating wildlife, I’d recommend you give it a go before it disappears from the brochures (even Travelsphere were having to consolidate their bookings, I discovered)

Best wishes with whatever holiday you finally decide upon,

Lynne