Liz Picurro, Author at Shared Adventures

A Costa Rican Honeymoon

January 4, 2022 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Ellen and Mike normally pack a lot into their busy city-break trips. So for their November honeymoon they wanted to make sure to go somewhere relaxing. They wanted warm weather, delicious food, and the opportunity to take it easy and really enjoy each other’s company. We knew just the perfect place — Costa Rica. With a private casita at the Amor Arenal and a suite at the El Mangroove resort! And they had a perfectly relaxing time. Here are their thoughts on what it’s like to take a Costa Rican honeymoon right now.

Amor Arenal

We were picked up at the Liberia airport by Central American Tours (CAT) for our transfer by Francisco. He was really kind and acted not only as a driver but a tour guide. The drive to the Arenal area was really long (2.5 hours), so we were grateful to have some context of what we were seeing throughout the drive. He also stopped to let us get lunch on the way. We got up at 3:30 AM EST that morning, so we were running on fumes! Everyone we encountered from CAT was like this, and we were so grateful to have kind, trusted, and professional drivers from this company.

We arrived at the Amor Arenal hotel and checked into our casita. We really have nothing but good things to say about this hotel. It was a real gem for honeymooners like us! Since we stayed in this area for so long, it was also really nice to have a larger space to relax. Our casita had an outdoor space with seating and a jacuzzi, and it was totally private. We also loved how small the property was.

That, paired with the privacy aspect of all the rooms, really made you feel like you were the only people there, and the service really matched that sentiment.

Tours

Our tours in this area were great too. Our favorite was the Coffee Tour. We found this one the most interesting and interactive. It was also pretty short, so we were able to do that in the morning and go to the wet bar in the afternoon!

Our second favorite was the River Float, we saw a lot of wildlife on the tour and the format of the excursion (drifting down a river in a raft) was unique. The only con about this tour was that it was pretty far away. I know we had issues with this tour and rescheduled it many times, but the original format closer to our hotel would have been perfect!

The third tour we did of the Hike/Boat Tour/Hot Springs was our least favorite, but still enjoyable. We saw a sloth on the tour which was awesome, but it was with a bigger group. Also, given that we had a jacuzzi at our casita we didn’t necessarily need to have a similar experience at the hot springs. Still glad we did it, though!

The best food we had on the trip was in the La Fortuna downtown area for dinner. We ate at Don Rufino and Snapper’s House. Both were really excellent and well priced for the quality they served. We also enjoyed getting off the resort and seeing something new on our own!

El Mangroove

We left the Arenal area for Guanacaste with another great CAT driver (Manny). Again, he let us stop and do some errands since we didn’t have a lot of opportunities to do that in Arenal. We arrived at El Mangroove and checked into our room.

We had a beautiful suite with water views and I am so glad we did that vs. booking a standard room. We had a large outside area with seating, a hammock, and a plunge pool (it was not heated though so we did not spend a ton of time using it).

I am also glad we did not book any excursions here. It was nice to relax and do nothing! We had a few very leisurely days where we had drinks, ate, swam, and napped! This hotel did feel very “American” to us, which was truly fine. But I think we had a more authentic Costa Rican experience in Arenal.

We talked about going off the resort for dinner, but never ended up finding the energy! There were two restaurants at the resort, one was more of a beach bar (we had lunch here) and the other was more upscale and this is where we had dinner a few nights. We were really impressed with the service and offerings at both restaurants.

Final Thoughts

We purchased the at-home proctored COVID tests, and I am so happy we did! As soon as we could test, we did so in our room and we were both negative. We were really diligent throughout the trip and wore masks anytime we were with others, even though we both have the vaccine. (Mike even got the booster prior to departure). I will also say that all the Costa Ricans we encountered wore masks, despite the low infection rate, and a high percentage of the population who had received the vaccine. Maybe this is due to the touristy areas we were in, but it was very reassuring for us.

Manny was our transfer back to the airport.

We were happy to go home, but also couldn’t believe it was over! The trip was the perfect amount of time and we wouldn’t have changed a thing!

There were so many times on the trip where we said “Thank god for Ann!” or “This was a great recommendation from Ann!” You helped us book amazing hotels, tours, and transfers that I could have never done on my own. I also truly do not think I could have managed all the COVID materials, research, and documentation without you. You gave me a detailed list and breakdown of everything pre-departure, and I was still kind of overwhelmed, lol! I am so happy we had you book this trip for us and we SO look forward to doing it again!

Ellen

How far in advance should I start planning my trip?

December 14, 2021 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

When to Start Planning Your Vacation Pin — *Pin it for later!*

It’s (almost) never too late or too early to plan your ideal vacation, but there are some guidelines that help. In general, the farther in advance you contact us to start the trip planning process, the more time we have to craft the perfect adventure for you. Planning ahead means you’ll also have a better chance of securing your first choice in terms of your accommodations and experiences. But sometimes you don’t have as much lead time as you’d like, or it’s the kind of trip that doesn’t really lend itself to planning a year or two in advance. So what is the sweet spot? How far in advance should you reach out to a travel advisor? It depends on the type and timing of your trip! Find your trip type below to discover the best planning window.

*Don’t forget! These are the ideal planning times. If you read this blog post and think “Oh no! I’m already too late!” please don’t worry. We’ve planned trips over a year in advance and we’ve planned last-minute adventures. If you have a trip in mind- let us know! These are guidelines rather than hard and fast rules.

TYPES OF TRIPS

Honeymoons

6-8 Months

Honeymoons are all about sharing an adventure, two people in love creating memories that will last a lifetime. Soaking up the sun in paradise, trying all the best restaurants in the city, or enjoying the romance of a couples-only resort. Your honeymoon must be uniquely tailored to you! Because it’s such a special occasion we want to make sure we can book everything your heart desires from luxury suites to private tours.

– Planning a Summer honeymoon? Reach out in December or January.

-Thinking of a winter wonderland honeymoon skiing through the mountains? Reach out in April, May, or June

-If you’re planning a holiday honeymoon (Thanksgiving or Christmas or New Year) check out the “Holiday Adventure” section at the end of this post.

Off-Season Trips

4-6 Months

Off-season travel generally refers to the “shoulder seasons” of Spring and Fall. These seasons have a lot of benefits to travel which include cheaper prices, more availability, and fewer crowds. This means a shorter trip planning process! Consider sipping a wee dram of whisky by a cozy pub fire in Scotland or going ice skating by the beach in Sydney! Shoulder season travel is all about embracing the magic of the unexpected.

Pro-Tip: Remember the specific destination or activity could have a different “off-season”. For example, Southeast Asia’s rainy season is June- September.

[Photo Credit: @following_liz via Shared Adventures Travel]

Summer/ High Season Travel

8-10 Months

The high season in most places is synonymous with Summer. Students are out of school, the weather is beautiful and everyone can take some time off to enjoy the sunshine. The beautiful weather creates an alluring call to the sun and the sea.

Unfortunately, it’s calling to everyone else too. Hotels, tours, and restaurants tend to book up fast in this season. Particularly if you dream of staying in a boutique European hotel with only 40 rooms. Keep in mind that there are a few extremely seasonal destinations. Places like the Greek Islands and Amalfi Coast book up even more quickly!

-If you’re heading to a destination in the Northern Hemisphere start planning between October – December. Just when you’re remembering the warm sunshine and wistfully wishing it would return.

-If you’re heading to the Southern Hemisphere, the summer season falls between December-February. Which coincides with the holiday season! For December travel see the section below. If you’re planning to escape the cold in February reach out to us between April-June.

Cruise Ships

12-24 Months

a large cruise ship wth a colorful design on the side in Alaska

A balcony looking out over the open ocean, a spot on the most sought-after shore excursion already secured, and dinner at a specialty restaurant waiting for you. Planning for a cruise as far as a year or two in advance can give you the best options! Cruises tend to release their itineraries 18 – 24 months before sailing and offer special perks for those who book early. With the best shore excursions and most popular itineraries (like Alaska) selling quickly, it pays to plan ahead!

[Photo Credit: Clare via Shared Adventures Travel read about her Alaskan Cruise here!]

Group & Family Travel

9-13 Months

With so many different schedules to balance, the earlier you start planning group trips the better. Large multi-family rentals, beach houses, and bigger suites are often the first to sell out because of their limited availability. You can relish each other’s company in a world away from the busy day-to-day. Discover the excitement of an all-inclusive or the luxury of a private villa!

Think of your family vacation as adding another member to the family – it takes about 9 months to be fully realized. This is also a great time frame for amusement parks like Disney.

-For a stellar Summer family vacation, start trip planning in September

-Planning to enjoy the new life and freshness of Spring? Try to start preparing in July.

-For a group trip in the crisp Autumn air, consider your plans from the depths of winter in January.

–NOTE: for a special group trip like a destination wedding, you’ll want to secure your dates/rates at least a year in advance and give your invitees plenty of time to plan and save.

Specialty Excursions

12-15 months

the northern lights and stary sky over a glass igloo

See the northern lights dance above you from your stunning glass igloo. Watch the greatest migration event in the world from a hot air balloon. Let the intriguing flavors of a fresh, local white truffle dance on your tongue at the Truffle Festival in Italy. If your adventure is entirely based on a particular activity or event, you should start planning at least a year in advance.

Many adventures have limited space or precious nature to protect. Destinations like The Giraffe Manor in Kenya, Machu Picchu treks in Peru, and the Faroe Islands put limits on the number of visitors each year to prevent over-tourism. These unique and awe-inspiring bucket list adventures are achievable. As long as you book early.

[Photo Credit: Christopher Chapman via Flicker under CC 2.0]

Holiday Travel

12-15 months

Planning on traveling during the holidays? Anything from November to New Years is going to be a very popular travel period. Of course, you can still have an epic adventure with your first choice of rooms and activities! Just remember this is generally the busiest travel season of the year, and plan accordingly. If you have your heart set on visiting the amazing Christmas markets of Copenhagen or taking your kids to Walt Disney World for Christmas– try to plan a year or more in advance!

-If you have a December 2022 adventure in mind- reach out now!

-For December 2023, start the planning process between August-November 2022.

What’s the Custom Vacation Planning Experience?

November 30, 2021 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

So what exactly do we mean by “custom vacation planning”? And how is that different from (better than) just doing some online research and booking your own trip on a DIY site like Expedia?

Rather than just tell you what custom planning is all about, we thought it would be more interesting to show you. We’ll use Ann’s recent trip to the United Kingdom as a concrete example. Here’s her description of the planning process (and the trip). Please reach out if you’d like us to put together this kind of personalized adventure for you!

It was our first post-COVID return to Europe (first trip across the pond in two years). So my husband and I wanted to avoid crowded cities as much as possible and focus on scenic countryside instead. We thought that driving ourselves would keep us in a relatively safe “bubble”. Plus it would give us the flexibility to create a totally personalized itinerary. We would not have to work around available train routes or schedules. And we would be free to cover lots of ground in the allotted time – which is how we generally travel.

We knew we wanted to see England and Wales. But the question was which part(s) of each country would make the most sense. We’ve been to London several times but had not seen much outside the city. We’ve never driven on the left side of the road and had not dealt with the new COVID rules for Europe. So this felt like a trip that would benefit from working with one of my suppliers that’s based in the UK, to provide some extra hand-holding and local knowledge. It was also a good opportunity to experience the trip-planning process like a client. Since I was communicating with the on-location supplier the same way that I do after I sit down with a client to plan their trip.

STEP ONE: YOUR WISH LIST

When first meeting with a client, we like to go over your wish list. What are the things you’ve drawn inspiration from? Are there specific sites you absolutely want to see? What are your priorities when choosing a hotel? In that first meeting, we’ll discuss all the little details that are most important for your custom vacation.

the back of the HMS Victory in Portsmouth UK

Our wish list was pretty detailed. My husband is a history buff, and wanted to see the HMS Victory (in Portsmouth) as well as Cliveden House (outside London). I am in love with the Netflix series “Broadchurch”, which took place on the breathtaking Dorset coast, and I wanted to visit some of the filming locations. We like coastal scenery, charming little villages, easy-to-moderate hikes, and historic castles. We knew we wanted to end the trip with a couple of nights in London. Preferably with 4- and 5-star hotels, but we don’t mind a charming inn or two along the way in the smaller villages. And the food is very important to us, so we wanted help finding some great restaurants (and pubs) along our route.

STEP TWO: A PROPOSED ITINERARY

After discussing your wish list, we’ll work with our suppliers all over the world. We’ll put together a suggested itinerary and send it to you. We offer guidance for each stage of your trip. From what to see and do each day, how to get around, and where to stay! And, of course, we help you navigate all those ever-changing pandemic-related travel regulations!

an old stone arch with a road running through it in Conwy Wales

I told my colleague in the UK that I needed his guidance on how much driving was reasonable each day (I wanted him to rein me in if he thought I was being too ambitious) and I wanted him to help make the COVID testing as easy as possible so that we didn’t waste precious vacation time trying to find places to get tested.

He came back with a 10-day itinerary that needed only very minor adjustments to feel completely perfect. We made some small tweaks and swapped out a couple of hotels for ones that looked more interesting to me.

STEP 3: FINE-TUNING

After you approve your itinerary and hotel choices, we can expand on the small details. We offer an optional concierge service. Where we provide restaurant suggestions and reservations and even research very specific local sites and attractions.

an atmospheric english bar with backlit shelves and small table lamps at Langley hotel in UK

I asked Liz to do her concierge magic and put together restaurant/pub/sightseeing suggestions for each place we were staying. We used her pre-vetted list to make dinner reservations for every day of the trip, and it was SO much easier than starting from scratch. I only had to read reviews and look at menus for a handful of restaurants in each city/town, and it saved me hours of research time.

THE FINAL PRODUCT – THE TRIP!

If you’ve stuck with me this far and want to hear about the trip itself, here’s what we did:

England

The front of Langely hotel in Buckinghamshire UK

We flew into London and spent the first two nights at The Langley, in Buckinghamshire. It’s a gorgeous luxury hotel in the countryside and I loved literally everything about it. The room was spacious, the staff was friendly and helpful, the included breakfasts were amazing, the parklike grounds were perfect for stretching our legs after the long flight, and I only regret that we didn’t get a chance to use the extensive spa facilities.

We took scenic walks, sipped cocktails in the cozy bar, and popped our mandated COVID self-tests in the mail. Then picked up our rental car and spent a day at Cliveden House, Windsor Castle, and Eton.

a stone statue lying down with stainedglass windows behind at Salisbury Cathedral

From there we drove to Portsmouth Dockyard to tour the Victory. My husband could easily have spent the entire day here, as the museums and exhibits were extensive. But we needed to get to Salisbury that afternoon. I’m really glad we didn’t miss our admission time for the Salisbury Cathedral, as this was a highlight for me. The architecture, the history, and seeing the Magna Carta!

A smiling Ann on the sandy beach of the Dorset Coastline UK

The next day we explored the Dorset coast and I got my “Broadchurch” fix — including Durdle Door, Bridport, and West Bay – and then continued on to Taunton to spend the night at the Castle Hotel.

Wales

Our first stop was Cardiff, which we loved (my husband could easily have spent another day or two here). We stayed at the Hilton Cardiff which overlooks Cardiff Castle. A perfect location for exploring the castle and the huge park next door. There were many nearby pedestrian areas with arcades full of shops and restaurants to enjoy. We also had a fabulous meal of fresh seafood and clever cocktails at Le Monde. It’s the first time I’ve seen a fishmonger counter inside a restaurant. We really enjoyed choosing our own fresh catch and letting them know how we wanted it prepared!

From Cardiff we poked our way along the Pembrokeshire Coast, stopping in charming Tenby and St Davids (the smallest city in the UK). We spent that night in the coastal town of Aberaeron which, despite its size, offered one of the best hotels/restaurants of the trip. The adorable Harbourmaster Hotel would be worth the drive from anywhere in Wales, and we had a memorable dinner and breakfast right there at the hotel.

a man taking a photo on a tripod under an umbrella amoung green grassy hills with a lake in the distance in Snowdonia National Park Wales

On our final day in Wales we drove through the mountains in Snowdonia National Park, before heading back to the coast to see Llandudno and Conwy. I’m almost glad that it was drizzling that day, because it really enhanced the beauty of the national park, with its waterfalls and lush green valleys. We toured Conwy Castle, marveling at how much remained from its Medieval walls and battlements, and we spent the night at the Castle Hotel Conwy.

London & Final Thoughts

We returned the car in Manchester the next morning and took the train from there to London. Our home base for the final two nights was the Chesterfield Mayfair. They even upgraded us to a lovely junior suite.

Our stay in London was short and sweet. We revisited some favorites (the Tower of London, Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey). Managed some early Christmas shopping at Harrods and enjoyed a fascinating Rock-and-Roll themed walking tour. Unsurprisingly we also had some amazing meals. Our last dinner was the best one of the whole trip! We had a multi-course chefs’ tasting menu at Coya Peruvian restaurant in Mayfair.

Overall, I would say this UK adventure was a smashing success. We saw everything that we wanted to see, without any overly-long days of driving, and we survived driving on the wrong side of the road through countless roundabouts and single-car-width rural lanes. We stayed in some beautiful hotels, ate some memorable meals, and quickly forgot any that were just “okay”.

The testing logistics were quite simple, and we appreciated the insider tips that we received! We had a UK company deliver our self-tests to our first hotel so that they were waiting for us when we arrived. And we brought our own monitored self-tests so that we could do those in our London hotel room before we flew home to the US.

My husband and I both felt “heard”. There were elements of the trip that were specifically designed for each of us. And, best of all, I did not have to spend hours figuring out the timing and the routes, pre-ordering all the admission tickets, re-confirming hotels, researching restaurants, etc.

That is what custom travel is all about!

5 Destinations to Embrace Fall Weather

November 23, 2021 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

5 Cozy Destinations to Embrace Autum Weather Pin — *Pin it for Later!*

Although it happens every year, the rainy, foggy, windy, cool autumn weather seems to sneak up on us. Often our first reaction is to escape, to try to find warmer climates, and enjoy a fall vacation on a sunny beach (or seek out that perfect fall foliage.) But there’s something to be said for embracing the weather instead, and enjoying the changing of the seasons. Instead of running away from this supposed “bad weather”, run right into it. Your trip can’t be “ruined” by fall weather if you’re planning for it all along! These destinations would be perfect at this time of year:

For Mystical Scenery, Hearty food and lots of Museums/Castles

When you choose to embrace the autumn weather, misty mountains and enchanted forests will immediately make you grateful for your decision. Combine that with foods designed to warm you up, and interesting (warm, dry) indoor spaces for when you need a break, and you’ll have the perfect autumn vacation.

a rainbow across the rainy green hills of Snowdonia Wales

UK & Ireland

While there are several differences between these countries that you’ll have to factor into your choice, their proximity to each other means similar weather patterns. And both offer roaring pub fires, rich food, and harvest festivals. You can enjoy misty mornings, grey clouds, and crisp afternoons. Their forests and stunning lochs are undeniably enhanced by the weather. And there’s something mystical and magical about these ancient places when they’re shrouded in fog. Cities like London and Cardiff boast interesting museums, great restaurants, and covered open-air shopping. These Isles are romantic places outside and in, regardless of the weather.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures Travel]

Germany

From the Black Forest and Bavarian Alps in the South to the incredible culture of Berlin, Germany really shines in rainy autumn weather. The country boasts deeply hued and vibrant fall foliage and red ivy that covers the towns and cities. You’ll have that fairytale fall vibe everywhere you go! And there are tons of museums, perfect for the moments when you’re ready to warm up. The stunning castles of the south look even more magical with fall colors and misty mornings. And it’s is all paired with heavy meats, sauces, and potatoes which add extra comfort on the colder rainy days. Every aspect of a German adventure — from the food to the beer to the scenery — is only enhanced by autumn weather.

[Photo Credit: Julia Solonina via Unsplash]

For a positive mindset and the great outdoors

Some destinations are known for embracing the ups and downs; they don’t let a little rain stop them! Going to places that have a perennially positive view of the weather will help you be just as happy to enjoy the elements. Bundle up, pack some waterproof shoes, a good warm jacket, and get out there with the locals!

the colorful houses on the waterfront of Bergen Norway

Scandinavia

Whether you’re in the highest rings of the arctic circle or the southern capitals of Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki, Scandinavia is built for this weather. The culture embraces it and you can’t help but join in the positive mindset. Autumn is the best time to see the Northern Lights, some fall colors, and calm misty mornings. You’ll find candles in the windows, delicious coffee culture, lots of cakes, and harvest festivals. Scandinavia knows how to deal with cold rains and you’ll find plenty to enjoy in all weather!

[Photo Credit: Michael Fousert via Unsplash]

a beach and mountainous forrest in the Pacific Northewest with dramatic clouds in the sky

Pacific Northwest

Looking to stay a bit closer to home? The PNW is known for its rain, so the cities are built to embrace it. In places like Seattle, you’ll find rain-activated artwork and locals taking pride in the wet climate. Oregon boasts incredible beaches that are perfect for intimate walks through the mist and heading to a craft brewery afterward to warm up. Throughout the PNW, enjoy hiking through the leaf-coated forest trails while the soft patter of rain dripping from the trees surrounds you. The fall colors are abundant and the ability to revel in the rain is persuasive.

[Photo Credit: Dave Herring via Unsplash]

For something a little bit different

Avoiding the crowds and seeing a place from a new perspective is a brilliant reason to visit a destination in the off-season. You’ll get to experience festivals and activities that are only available in the autumn as well as appreciate the enhanced beauty from a more local view.

Japan

While most people think of heading to Japan in cherry blossom season, there’s a lot to enjoy about Japan in Autumn. Depending on where you go, you can find amazing ski destinations or beautiful fall colors. Outside the cities, the forests burst with vibrant colors. It’s little wonder that leaf-peeping has been practiced here for centuries. Inside the cities, you can enjoy the bright colors in the tranquil gardens as the beauty of the Japanese landscape and architecture becomes more apparent. Plus, the hot springs are more enjoyable in the cooler temperature. Consider visiting the Kochia (summer cypress) fields which turn a bright crimson red in October. You might even catch some of the winter cherry blossoms in bloom! In any case, Japan is a perfect place to embrace those cooler temperatures.

[Photo Credit: Alejandro Barba via Unsplash]