These days Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel and Bookpleasures is pleased to have as a guest Erin Van Rheenen, expert on travel to Costa Rica and the author of Living Abroad in Costa Rica.

Fantastic day Erin and thank you for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.

Norm:

Please tell our readers one thing about yourself and your knowledge pertaining to Costa Rica.

Erin:

I’ve been travelling since I can recall, beginning at the age of three, when my parents moved us from Portland, Oregon, to Lagos, Nigeria. That living abroad stint lasted two years, and given that then I’ve lived in many areas, like Ireland, Mexico, New York (a foreign capitol in its own right), Guatemala, Ecuador, and most not too long ago, Costa Rica. I’ve traveled all through the Americas and Europe, and have a running list of areas I still want to take a look at.

I’m also the author of Living Abroad in Costa Rica, a guide for men and women who are considering of moving to that nation. The initial edition came out in Winter 2004, and offers readers candid and complete information on genuine estate, immigration, the business enterprise climate, private and public schools, expat social life, and Costa Rican history and culture. I describe in detail the various components of the country, attempting to give folks an concept of what it would be like to live there.

I’ve been interviewed on CNN and on numerous radio programs, have produced a lot of bookstore appearances, and run a side company helping individuals program their escape to Costa Rica. I feel that obtaining lived in numerous various nations offers me a broader perspective–I can far better appreciate what is exclusive to Costa Rica, like its political and financial stability, and the fact that nearly 25% of its territory is set aside in nature reserves and national parks.

More complete data (like my Top Ten Favourite Places in Costa Rica) can be identified on my net web site, Living Abroad In Costa Rica.

Norm:

Exactly where is Costa Rica and how uncomplicated is it to travel from the United States, Canada or Europe to this country?

Erin:

Costa Rica is appropriate in the middle of the Americas, at the northern finish of the narrow isthmus that connects North and South America. Of the seven nations that make up Central America, Costa Rica is the second smallest (El Salvador is the smallest). Regardless of its diminutive size (it really is about the size of West Virginia), Costa Rica has two attractive coastlines (the Pacific and the Atlantic, also referred to as the Caribbean), lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and wonderful adventure travel options like rafting, hiking, and surfing.

It really is simple to get to Costa Rica from North America. It is a three-hour flight from Miami, five hours from New York City, seven hours from Los Angeles, and eight and a half hours from Toronto. You don’t want to apply for a visa–a valid passport is enough. When you arrive in Costa Rica they automatically stamp your passport with a visa excellent for 90 days.

Norm:

Would you think about Costa Rica a great decision for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon destination? Why?

Erin:

I can not picture a superior spot for romance. Costa Rica is protected and comfortable but nevertheless wonderfully exotic. You cannot beat it for all-natural beauty, wonderful weather, and that laid-back vibe that makes almost everything a lot far more enjoyable.

The tourist infrastructure is created adequate that you’ll be capable to realize your each and every whim. Want to get married barefoot on a white sand beach at dusk, torches lighting your way to the altar? Not a issue. I’ve heard of couples marrying at the base of thundering waterfalls, the spray so drenching the wedding celebration that everyone wound up in their underwear. Or costa rica where to live tying the knot in a jungle lodge, close to the rim of an active volcano, or hundreds of feet above the treetops, clipped into zip lines on 1 of the ever-well-liked canopy tours. I even heard of a single couple who married in matching toucan outfits. With those beaks, it should have been hard for the groom to kiss the bride.

There are countless hotels, resorts, and tour firms that give wedding packages. You can arrange factors oneself, but it is nice to have somebody else take care of the particulars.