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Different people want different travel experiences, of course; the diversity of options is part of what makes vacation time so universally appealing. Using a holiday to get out of one's comfort zone can also help to both appreciate our lives and the lives of others in the world as well. This is why, last Christmas, my family packed up our bags and we spent our Christmas holiday outside of their comfort zone, doing service work in Costa Rica.
Have you ever been to Costa Rica? Costa Rica is a popular country for Central American travel, especially for people who havne't traveled outside of the United States much in their lives. The cultural commitment to environmentally friendly, sustainable lifestyles means that the country is in great, green shape compared to some of its southern
neighbors.
We took a volunteer vacation in Costa Rica over the winter holiday, and it was one of the best experiences we’ve enjoyed as a family group so far. My children and I participated in a rainforest reforestation activity right near the Finca Luna Nueva Lodge, an ecolodge we stayed in fora few nights of our trip.
We also spent a couple of days in a small rural village near the shadow of the Arenal Volcano, where we got to know a couple of local families and did a little learning and service work. The Ticas, as Costa Ricans refer to themselves, were warm, welcoming, and genuinely great people. Despite the language barrier, my kids played soccer (futbol) with young children and a few teens; everyone had fun.
My older daughter, who has been a little timid all her life, found the bravery within her and tried zip lining in a Costa Rica rainforest with the rest of us. In fact, if any in my family group could be said to have had an even more enriching volunteer vacation in Costa Rica than the rest of us, it would have to be this daughter. The night we volunteered at a sea turtle conservation and hatchery project in Costa Rica, she found a baby sea turtle, just hatched, and she brought it to the beach herself. That was an experience she’ll never forget. I was so proud of her. I’ll never forget that experience, either.
Sure, it’s one thing to stay at fabulous luxury resorts in Costa Rica, and soak up the sun. However, for an authentic, richer travel experience there, I wholeheartedly recommend a volunteer vacation in Costa Rica.
<a href="http://thevacationgals.com">The Vacation Gals</a>
