Trip Coach: October 24, 2006

Margate, FL: When can I get the cheapest airfare next year (2007) to San Jose, Costa Rica and what is the price?

Rob Hodel: Unlike last year there are no super cheap deals on the horizon so I would book in advance. Out of south Florida Lacsa or taca tend to have the best fares, so does Martinair and America. CostaRicaAirfare.com allows you to try many dates whenever you want.

_______________________

Melville, NY: We are on a cruise ship that docks at Puntarenas on Feb.6 for the day (8 AM to 6 PM). Our ages are from 60 to 75. We would be interested in a Canopy Tour (or is it a zip line tour?). Do you know of any companies offering such tours near Puntarenas that would also include transfers from, and then to the ship? Where would the nearest Canopy area be located?

Rob Hodel: Great Question. The answer is the Original Canopy Tour in San Mateo. (http://www.centralamerica.com/cr/tours/canopy.htm).

 _______________________

San Jose, CA: What's the best way to get to Dominical? Is there a cell phone in the US that will work in Costa Rica?

Rob Hodel: Driving from San Jose I would go via Cerro de la Muerte and San Isidro. I suggest going in the early morning since it can fog over and NEVER at night. There are no domestic flights to Dominical. Cell phones tend to work only around the main cities and are very expensive. There are many internet cafes that have VOIP phones and most grocery stores cell phone cards. If you insist then your cell carrier may have a plan in place.

_______________________

Newbury, OH: We'd like to rent a house in Costa Rica for a month in May, 2007. Suggestions?

Rob Hodel: Try Hotel Sugar Beach, StayinCostaRica.com or in Manuel Antonio there are several more options. It tens to be a pricey affair.

 _______________________