www.CostaRicaTicas.com

We are planning a trip back to Costa in Feb. 07. Will include San Jose then Jaco for Fishing then back to San Jose. Would like to get with a travel agent to make sure everything runs smooth. I guess I could book it myself, but since it will be for around 8 people, I thought the travel agency route might be easier.

I saw one on the front page but I was hoping someone might give me some feedback or suggestions before contacting an agency.

Thanks

In my opinion, it's a waste of money to pay somebody to do a little work. You can easily book a larger van (see link below) and book your fishing boat and get a CRT discount (see link below).

https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8340
or another option: http://www.vacationcity.com/costa-rica/private-shuttle/

https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1529

Travel agents were a great deal in the days before the internet and when hotels and airlines paid them substantial commissions. They carried a lot of clout, if they were a major producer for that company, and could get rooms and seats when none were available. They did all the research and legwork and you paid nothing for that service. If something went wrong they worked to get the problem resolved in your favor.

Now that the internet has become part of almost everyones daily routine and the hotels and airlines no longer pay large, if any, commission the travel agent has to charge you fees for doing the leg work that you can do yourself. Many times airlines will have special internet deals that you can not get from even the airlines reservation people and not from travel agents.

Personally I would not use an agency but everyone has to decide for themselves their own comfort level in doing it themselves.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Alex,
As Orange & ID have stated, it really is not necessary to pay a travel agency. Furthermore, any agency that you talk to will probably try to book you an "Eco-Friendly" type of trip to CR. And, unless you've got juevos the size of canteloupes, you can't tell your agent the "actual" species of fish that you're going after.

As a VIP Member, with several months before your trip, you've got plenty of time. And you've got access to all the information you need..... right on this site. Here, you can find names, places, hotels, phone numbers, etc....along with plenty of reviews. And this information has all been posted by like-minded members. You won't find this kind of info at any travel agency. Trust me on that!!! Plus, as a VIP member, you are entitled to numerous discounts that you might not yet be aware of.

In addition, February is SuperBowl month. If you plan your trip towards the beginning of that month, there'll be lots of CRT members in town. What better way to pop your CR cherry!??!??! Besides that, you might not want to make too many "pre-arranged" plans before your trip. Chances are good, that as soon as you arrive in the gulch, your original plans will go to sh*t anyways!

IMHO, don't sweat it. You (and your 8 wingmen) will have a great time. Take your time, and read as much as possible on this site. And when you've finished, read some more. It would be in your best interest to brush up on your español, and tell your friends the same thing. It is not absolutely necessary, but if you do speak some español, it will only help enhance your CR experience(s).

Over the next several months, if you use the "search" function, and ask the members about questions that you can't find answers to, you and your friends will have a great trip. If I can help, feel free to PM me anytime.
Just one word of caution. Let your friends know that the loud, disrespectful, brash "Ugly American" disposition does not go over well in CR. And make sure you read up on some of the threads that address safety and security in CR. You're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy!


Oh, and one more thing....
Don't try to bite off more than you can chew on your 1st trip. In other words, don't try to keep pace with horn-dog-sex-machines like GR, RN, Xman, Muff (and a few others who'll go un-mentioned). These guys are freaks of nature. Ya gotta learn to walk, before you can run! One thing's for sure. You'll never forget your 1st trip to "the other side".
Have fun,
Mucho Gusto

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!