Question 1

Do I need to bring money with me?

Accepted Answer

Our trip's are designed to be all-inclusive which means, technically you do not need to bring any extra money with you. That being said, if you would like to purchase souvenirs or purchase additional snacks or personal items, then you should bring spending money. On average guests typically bring $100-$150 extra depending on their interest in shopping.

Question 2

What form of payments are accepted?

Accepted Answer

The majority of the places will accept your standard credit cards or the US dollar, however, more remote shops may only take the local currency of colones. If you would like to have the local currency with you, it is suggested to exchange money prior to leaving for the trip.

Question 3

What are the accommodations like?

Accepted Answer

The majority of this trip is spent in more unconventional accommodations. Those include homestays and remote lodges. During one or more of the nights on this trip, we are staying with local families. While there homes are beautiful, spacious and clean, they are not your standard hotel rooms and will not have many of the same luxories as what we are used to. This may include: no/limited electricity, cold/room temp showers and shared living areas. While these lack these items, they are the most authentic living experiences available and support the local economy opposed to a large hotel chain.   
 
All of these locations are environmentally friendly and use fans and the natural breezes to stay cool, there is no air conditioning.

Question 4

How are the room configurations set up?

Accepted Answer

All of the rooms will be in the same area to ensure we are always nearby. All rooms are based on double occupancy and students may be asked to share a bed with a fellow classmate of the same gender. For our adult groups, there is no required seperation of guys/girls unless requested.

Question 5

How many trip leaders will be on the trip?

Accepted Answer

There will be one trip director and guide from Beyond the Map. We also work closely with a number of local guides throughout the trip as well.

Question 6

How do flights work?

Accepted Answer

We will book the flights for the students. The airline will depend on the lowest available price at the time of booking, however, common airlines include JetBlue, Spirit and Southwest. Flights details will be shared with the students. A BTM guide will meet the group at the airport in Costa Rica unless otherwise requested. Students will be required to use the same flight to ensure the same arrival/departure times.

Question 7

How long have you been traveling to Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

We have been traveling to Costa Rica for over 10 years. We also partner with local guides that are from Costa Rica. We have guided students groups all over the world and also in the United States.

Question 8

How difficult are the activities on the trip?

Accepted Answer

The trip is designed to be challenging yet enjoyable for the students. The activities are meant to provide growth and learning opportunities. Some activities are very easy and consist of walking at most, while others require both mental and physical strength. We have taken travelers of all abilitiy and fitness levels to Costa Rica and each one of them were able to complete and enjoy the activities. We always say, anyone can do it as long as they have an open mind and adventurous spirit!

Question 9

What are the physical requirements of the trip?

Accepted Answer

You must be able to swim for certain activities. We always accommodate for various levels of fitness, however, it helps if you are able to walk/run at least one mile without stopping.

Question 10

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

We provide a packing list for each trip which you should find on your personal webpage. In general, packing should be light as the student will be toting around their bags through the airport and throughout the trip. If you need more details about a specific item on the packing list, we recommend contacting us at info@beyondthemap.org or waiting until the in person gathering the month before the trip.

Question 11

Do I need an adaptor for my electronic devices?

Accepted Answer

Nope. The plugs are the same there as they are here in the US.

Question 12

Do I need a passport?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each traveler is required to have a passport. VISA's are not required. 
 
**Passport must be valid for 6 months after the travel date**

Question 13

How are Costa Rican medical services?

Accepted Answer

Costa Rica is internationally recognized for its top-notch medical services, both public and private, thanks to its wealth of skilled surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities. For minor aches and pains, visit a local pharmacy. All pharmacies are required to have a licensed pharmacist on staff, and they can diagnose certain ailments and prescribe medication on the spot.

Question 14

Do I need any vaccines?

Accepted Answer

There are no mandatory vaccines, but the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, etc.), as well as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid.

Question 15

Will each student have travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each student is provided with their own personal travelers insurance that covers expenses such as trip interuption, medical services, lost luggage, etc. More information will be provided to each student about the coverage of their travel insurance.

Question 16

What will the weather be like in March?

Accepted Answer

We will be traveling throughout various landscapes in the country. Because of that, weather can vary depending on the location. In general, the temperatures in March will vary between mid-80's and low 90's. This is the heart of the dry season and the warmest time of year. Expect warm and dry conditions. That being said, it is still the rainforest with varying elevations. Please check the weather at least a week before the trip for current conditions. We will also notify the group of current weather conditions just before the trip.

Question 17

What will the food be like?

Accepted Answer

Costa Rican cuisine is mostly mild and savory. Spicy food is uncommon, and traditional dishes go heavy on the Latin American favorites of rice, beans and local produce. Many meals are homemade with ingredients from the local gardens and are often vegetarian but at times also contain meats.

Question 18

Are you able to accommodate special dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Because meals are planned in advance, we ask that you give us 30 days notice of any food allergies or restrictions.

Question 19

Will my student be able to contact home?

Accepted Answer

There will be some nights where the accommodations will have wifi and then some nights where we will not. If the cell phone has an international plan, then there will be more opportunities for contact. That being said, we encourage students to disconnect from electronic devices on this trip to enhance their experience. The Beyond the Map guide will be updating the private Facebook page each day so that family members at home can stay informed.

Question 20

Do students have free time?

Accepted Answer

Generally the days are filled with activities. There are some occassions where the students will have some free time in the evenings while we are at our accommodations for the night.

Question 21

How are payments made?

Accepted Answer

Payments will be handled by FIT. Please contact Cat Nanney at cnanney@fit.edu

Costa Rica FAQs: