In the well over 80 comments we have had so far the question of whether to do your own travel planning and arranging or use professional help is one of the most frequent themes. This does not come as a surprise.  If the shared belief of the participants in this blog is that Vacation Time is [...]

In last weeks post I promised to tell you about one of Yolanda and my biking vacations to illustrate the role tolerance plays in vacation planning.  Ever since I’ve been nervous about boring you with a personal anecdote. Then I a saw Nicholas Kristorf’s column in the January 6 New York Times in which he tells [...]

In travel, as in life, tolerance for things going wrong or tolerance for worrying about things going wrong are closely connected with your goals. If things going wrong or things you are worrying about going wrong will sabotage you from achieving your high priority goals you are much more likely to let [...]

I have been thinking a lot about this trip, but beyond a reminder in my calendar to select the participants in June, I have been coming up with more questions than answers. For a start thanks and kudos to Jennifer Fletcher for coming up with a great name. Time of Your Life. On the other [...]

In last week’s post and comments we looked at this topic from the point of view of the traveler.  I thought you might find it interesting to look at it from the other side of the fence. One of our lodges, Tortuga Lodge has no road access.  Guests often arrive by boat and leave in light [...]

We get a great many requests to arrange tours and activities from people who have already booked a week at the beach. Responding to these has been a challenge because the amount of work involved to learn enough about the guests to give them personalized advice is more than we can charge them for if all [...]

The Amazing Race is the only television show that I dislike.  The reason that I do not dislike any other shows is that I have not watched any other shows enough to dislike them.  But I only had to watch the first half of one episode to amazing race to dislike it intensely. For those of [...]

I [...]

This Saturday’s Charlotte Observer ran a story about a family of four who reserved and paid for a week’s vacation on Orbitz. The cost including airfare from the U.S. was almost $7,000. It was not until they arrived at Hotel Medditeraneus in Potrero that they found out it was closed. The family spent their vacation, which [...]

A recurring theme in my life, and in this blog, has been that the greatest value of travel is gaining new perspectives. It happened again this September 11, when Ed Defrietas of the Five Borough Bike Club took Yolanda and me along with 7 other bicylers on a ride to Bayonne, New Jersey to see  the [...]

Hi Michael, This is a great idea, I rarely make a significant purchase without looking at customer reviews on line, the insight gained by reading about the experiences of others is extremely valuable in my decision making process. Our Costa Rica vacation was the most relaxing vacation my family of four has ever experienced. Costa Rica Expeditions took the stress we took the vacation. If you made a recommendation I would trust it with out a doubt. I look forward to reading the wealth of knowledge to come from your blog and will gladly spread the word to my friends.

Michael, I think this is a great idea. I have never been to much of a blogger but love to travel and enjoy sharing my travel experiences with others. We took our first trip as a family to Costa Rica in 2004. We used Costa Rica expeditions to arrange the trip. They made the whole experience from start to finish easy. When we arrived in San Jose there was someone from Costa Rica expeditions there to met us and take us to our hotel. Everytime we moved to a new location we were met my a rep to help us. Our first night we spend at Xandari Resort a coffee plantation. From there we went to Bosque Del Cabo for a few days. That was an amazing resort full of wild life. We really felt the full range of being in the rainforest on one of our first hikes when we heard a puma cry. It stopped us dead in our tracks. It was a surreal moment realizing we were in a place like no other. Than there was mornings, waking to the sounds of the howler monkeys, going for coffee and watching the forest wake up. We saw so many different animals. We kayak at sunset in the Guelfo Dulce. We surfed at Pan Dulce. Than from there we went to Corcovado Logde Tent Camp. When the car dropped us off at the end of the road we had a 2 mile walk to camp. My kids thought we were entering some kind of reality show like survier. Tent camp was an amazing. We ended our trip in Tamarindo. Since this trip we have been back twice more and look forward to going again. There is so much to tell about each of the places we went to and we love to share more. I will be happy to participate in this blog.

AFRICA--Wow, I can see we are going to need to break down into smaller groups in order to stay on top of this! I like the idea of keywords identifying various areas of travel. I was thrilled to see that John mentioned Mark Nolting and The Africa Adventure Company. I have been to Africa 4 times and my most recent trip was with this company. I will use them for all future trips to "The Dark Continent". And, I definitely plan to return. The company lists suggested itineraries, but they will also customize a trip around the interests of the client. I started with one of their basic itineraries and tweaked it. This is similar to the philosophy of Costa Rica Expeditions and I think it's the perfect format. There is a basic structure in place to give you guidelines, but you are able to expand according to your special interests. I know one woman who traveled with them and spent a great deal of time studying native grasses as a medium for her artwork. She returned to the U.S. and had "canvases" made incorporating these grasses and as well as elephant dung (dried, of course) upon which she painted scenes of Africa. Another friend took a group of several couples and they reserved each of the bush camps for their private use. My trip was to S. Africa, Vic. Falls and Chobe in Botswana. We combined private tours (the wine country and a cheetah sanctuary) with group activities, such as sharing a jeep for game drives into the bush. One last note about Africa--if you are an "armchair" traveler, you might enjoy the book, "Tales of the African Frontier", by J.A. Hunter and Daniel P. Mannix. This is a collection of essays written by and about Africa's earliest explorers. It describes an Africa which is long gone, but makes for fascinating reading.

Hi Michael ! We took a family trip to S africa in 2005 and booked our travel thru United travel group . Janet , the travel agent was very helpfful and helped us to plan the itinerary very well . Since we did nt have more time , we could only spend 12 days or so , and covered Cape town, Zambia and johannesburg . Cape town , of course was lovely , with its Table mountain and gardens , but we also saw the special museum , showing artifacts from Black history .. a very moving experience . We had a side tour to District 11 , where the blacks were moved to . The guide was very proud of teh new small aprtments and housing they are building to help teh blacks . Johannesburg was even more interesting , in a diffferent way . We visited R island and saw Mandela'a prison cell as well as Soweto and Mandela square .A guide from the hotel near Mandela square took us for this tour . One could see how proud the S Africans are of their freedom struggle . The guide was apologetic about the run down streets and buildings , but told us to return , in 5 yrs and find a new Johannesburg . We spent a few days at MANDIKWE LODGE , about 4 hours drive from Johannesburg ,a non malarial lodge and went on safaris ,both in the morning and evening with Colin, our knowledgeable warden , giving us a very fascinating tour as we saw lions and other animals in the wild . The staff was very courteous and considerate . They brought us hot water botttles to warm our feet at night , since the cabins could get cold sometimes ! Kenya is supposed to have a larger area for safaris , but we did not have the time . We also had a scary experience of lions scratching our cabin door at night ! Then we flew to Livingstone , to see the victoria falls . We were welcomed by African dancers in costume , singing and drumming , avery colorful sight . The food was fabulous and they took us to a fantastic african show , with authentic performances by dancers over a campfire . It was a sight .....when we saw a monkey come to one of the tables and collect all the sugar packets and leap away . One could be eating breakfast , while watching Zebras prancing away in the distance . We took a Zambesi sunset cruise , a very relaxing evening , watching teh glorious s unset over teh river , while Hippos raised their heads in the water below . The falls , of course are inccredibly lovely , with a rainbow stretched across , most of the time and it was hard to leave . From there we could see the bridge to Zimbabwe . Near they falls they have many stalls selling african handicrafts and one could spend hours shopping . It is interesting to note how carefully they use any paper , since it is so scarce . The tour was very well arranged and we had no problems getting our transport and transfers at different points .

We had a marvelous trip to Kenya and Tanzania with A&K, knowledgeable professional guides, lovely accommodations and excellent arrangements throughout. Just like CRE.

Thanks for your portrait of Bill Mackenzie, whose life and work inspires me and I'm sure other almost-retirees to start thinking more about what's really important in life. You mentioned favorite guests: I want to single out a favorite CRE travel planner! Priscilla Jimenez helped plan the first trip I took to Costa Rica several years ago and not only organized an unforgettable trip for me and my daughter and answered all my many questions patiently and promptly, but also treated us like friends: we were staying in CRE's tent camp in Corcovado and one day at dinner someone arrived with a platter of tamales, sent to me from San Jose by Priscilla, just because I had mentioned to her that I loved tamales but had never tried the Costa Rica kind. My daughter and I shared this delicious treat with others at the table and we all toasted Priscilla for giving us yet another reason to love Costa Rica! I'll never forget her warmth, friendliness and professionalism.

I was on the August 2004 trip and met Bill at that time. Though the trip was short, he always stood out to me as well and we corresponded frequently after the trip. We both loved photography and had many conversations about our photos/trips. As you can see from his photos, the thing that Bill had a great talent for was capturing the spirit of the local people. I tend to focus on landscape/wildlife, but Bill loved interacting with everyone. I went to Tortuguero mainly to see the turtles laying their eggs; Bill's eyes lit up just as much when he saw village children playing soccer and he was able to interact with them. This mirrored Bill's outgoing personality with his chosen profession as well. He was a people person who liked to get in the middle of things and was very observant of his surroundings. Unfortunately, I was not able to make the Nicaragua trip, but the pictures and stories that he told from the trip sounded so great, that he made me regret even more that I was not able to share in the experiences firsthand with him. Though I only met him briefly and corresponded with him for a handful of years, he had a very strong impact on how I now travel and interact with my surroundings while I am traveling. He was also very influential on how I approach the composition of my photos. It is interesting to hear that someone like you who has met so many guests over the years would find Bill to be one of your favorites, because I feel very fortunate to have met such a man and have found few others that can compare.

We were very enamored with Costa Rica on our first two trips; the people, the natural resources, the whole experience. On that second trip we were introduced to the excellence of CRE. This led to three more trips with CRE and guide Jonathan Sequiera. We connected with him --he is now a good friend. Twice we were accompanied by 10 or so fellow natural resource professionals from NH. We wanted to share what we were learning/seeing with them. We still hear "Trip of a lifetime" from some of them. Many of them want to return. We will return. On each visit, all of the people of CRE were excellent representatives of the company, and of their country. But perhaps most importantly, they were good, solid people. We enjoyed getting to know them. They and the company never missed a beat and never let us down. A trip to Costa Rica helps put life in the US in perspective. The pace of life, the priorities and values. Refreshing. The country is special in many ways, and CRE makes sure that you see it as such.

As others have pointed out, I agree that the relationship between a tour agent or guide and the guest can be mutually enriching for both when the two parties bond, or at least have a friendly relationship. When my family took our trip with CRE, we loved all of our guides. I remember one particular gentleman who was in charge of the horses during our stay on the Osa Peninsula. My husband is originally from Mexico and the two of them chatted in Spanish throughout the trail ride that all of us took together. That evening, after learning from my husband that I had been having trouble sleeping at night, he brought a special pot of herbal tea to help me sleep. I will always remember that thoughtful gesture. Another time, while on safari in Tanzania, our guide talked often of his wife and small daughter. He had a number of photos of them, but no album in which to keep the photos. He said the albums are very hard to find in Tanzania. When I returned home, I sent him an album and included a photo of all of us with him that had been taken on the safari. I got a lovely thank you note from him and felt that we had made a friend. When you think about it, isn't every experience more enjoyable when you reach out to others and feel them reaching out to you? When this effort transcends language and cultural barriers, it becomes all the more rewarding.

What a lovely story, Michael! I wish I'd had the chance to meet Bill. As I have said to you before, Costa Rica puts a spell on certain people. It certainly did that to Jim and me. We return in 2011 for our 4th birding trip with the outstanding and amazing Charlie Gomez! Last time we were there was for his 50th birthday party at your place. That was an evening which will never be forgotten! All the Best to you and Yolanda, Ruth Marie Lyons

Yes Michael, My husband and I were traveling in New Zealand in 2008, North Island. We stayed at a lovely B&B called the Beachside, located in a coastal town by the name of Mt Maunganui. Jim and Lorranine were our wonderful hosts. Boy can they cook up a delicious breakfast. On our way out of town they recommended that in route to our next destination which was Gisborne that we stop at the Morere Hot Springs. What a treat. The Maori hosts gave us a towel and pointed to a trail that was a 10 minute bush walk to these beautiful natural hotspring pools. The hot springs pools are located in a dense rain forest, surrounded with native jungle trees and plantings. We were the only ones at the small natural pools that sunny morning. The green of the bush was so tropical, the hot springs were glorious and the sun was making a spiritual moment for us. What a treasure. Very minimal cost for such a life long memory.

I would reccomend that if you liek to go white water rafting, which I have done with friends and family at least 5 times with CR expeditions to go on an overnight trip. We went last year with Natu as our guide and the trip was amazing. It always amazes me that the rafting team can put togehter such a wonderful lunch out of a couple barrels, but their ability to put together a wonderful dinner in truly mystifying. The trip is much more relaxing and you will sleep like a baby along the edge of the river listening to the rush of the water and no bugs at all during the nights sleep. You wake to a wonderful breakfast and then back on the river for another fun filled day. We were joined by 4 elderly ladies from Italy and they were wonderful and did the hiking to the waterfalls and swiming and whatever came up. The trip is for all ages, except maybe the little ones, the white water is not for small ones. The guides are always friendly and very knowledgable. I have been on the river with Natu many times and never disappointed. Thanks to the CR Expedition team for the memories.

I love the questions Annie Ellicott raises - perhaps because most of the "traveling" I do now is what I imagine or what I remember from past trips. Reflecting on what "quality time" means or our "wildest dreams" may be as interesting, if not more, than nuts and bolts travel advice for those who have been grounded for a while. I would love to discuss how traveling brings out hidden, or new dimensions in people. When I went to China with my mother and got to see her in her home country and native language for the first time, it was like seeing her pop out in 3-D. Here she was, a funny, confident woman - not the shy immigrant I grew up with. For her, it was like everything she had read in history books - the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, becoming real under her feet. How do vacations liberate people? In what ways are we willing to try new things, take risks, when we are out of our element? This is of particular interest to me because my own blog is about how with my special needs kids I expect them to go out of their comfort zone all the time and yet as an adult I let myself chicken out of things with excuses "not enough time/money/childcare." My commitment this year is to learn the things I expect my kids to learn - diving, biking, boogie boarding, ice skating, handstands, etc. no matter how nervous or afraid of embarrassment I might feel. What is it about vacations that makes it so much easier to try sports/activities/food/customs that you ordinarily might shy away from? On the question of bringing spouses, I think any permutation could be valuable. My husband and I have traveled together since we were teenagers. We are an interracial marriage - Asian/German/Estonian/American between us - and have always viewed cross-cultural understanding as the great hope for world peace (what a huge statement! but true). We brought our daughter to Costa Rica with CRE when she was 6 years old - it was an unforgettable journey for all of us. Since then we have adopted a second daughter from China, and I am at home with them full time (while teaching yoga to children with special needs and doing some public relations consulting as well). Because of how intense it is at home, I think the idea of a solo trip as a way to rediscover the person inside the wife and mother could be the trip of a lifetime. Also, for those with children, it may be easier for one spouse to stay at home. But any opportunity to travel with this group would be "the time of our life"!

Hi Michael, Well, you roped me in. I do not blog but this in itself will be a new journey. Why do I travel? My life is spent dealing with the internal-being a professional pianist, and teacher. hours upon hours are spent at the piano. With every trip I take with music, I have a "companion" set of experiences that add to my musical images. These come from my travels. Can you picture the view from Manuel de Falla's home, looking down on the vibrant city of Granada? Last summer I was in that very room, playing Falla's piano. Now when I play "Evening In Granada" by Debussy , I can bring my self right back, as well as bring Granada to the music. On the same trip, after blasting through Tangier, and boarding 2 trains to Fez, I found myself in yet another world. After returning home to Montana, my husband and I cooked a Morrocan dinner, complete with outdoor patios, jalabas, fragrant gardens, and brought our experiences to our friends. Travelling is an expansion of the senses,reality...the whole "sheBANG". 30 years ago, my sis spent a year in Costa Rica as an exchange student. After her slide presentation, my fire was lit. It took 25 years to get to Costa Rica, and less than a year to return. All I have to do is make a cuppa C.R. Joe, and I am ready to pack. You know how unique Costa Rica,it's people, culture, and natural beauty are. I can show you through my eyes,ears,tastebuds,responses, just how I experience Costa Rica and what I think many travellers going via Costa Rica Expeditions are looking for. Consider my name in the hat. Thanks. P.S. Living in Montana is a huge travel adventure... it is so big, I will never see it all, even though I am out many weekends a year. But it brings back so much to my daily life, which in turn I pass on to others.

ENOC, You are pointing out one of the great values of travel, getting to know local people. How to help travelers get to know local people when they have a limited amount of time and in many cases have to surmount a language barrier is one of the things that we are continually wrestling with. It is also something that I was thinking of writing about for this blog. If there are more people interested in pursuing this topic let me know.

I have traveled with family, with friends, and solo. Without a doubt I connect with other travelers when traveling solo in a way I do not when with family or friends. Perhaps it's a different experience with a spouse or partner; it would be interesting to explore that. I don't think a mix of couples and solo travelers would be a bad thing, if everyone is open to the group and not self-isolating. For me, one of the goals when I travel is to meet and connect with interesting people, and by extension learn things I never otherwise would have had the opportunity to learn. All of the cultural contexts that contribute to who we are can also be limiting. I am on a constant quest to expose myself to new places and people to challenge and expand my view of the world. Inertia is a powerful force, and travel is its antithesis. My measure of a really successful trip is one that leaves me with a new way to think about things, not just pretty pictures. Or I should say in addition to pretty pictures, ‘cause who doesn’t love the pretty pictures?

My bride and I have been married for 36+ years, more than 30 of those years I was in the Army. I have traveled to enough exotic places without her, and would find traveling in a singles experience to be quite selfish and not nearly as enjoyable. In the years since I retired, we have traveled with several companies to great places and would be happy to share our comments with other like minded travelers. CRE was the first company we used and it set the standard for our expectations for what a company should provide and what experiences we should look for. Just coming out of 100% cloud cover in a small plane and looking down at the tire tracks that comprise Carate Airport was a great adventure! I'll be glad to add comments about our travel expeiences, but traveling without my wife? No, never again. jd

Vacation as a liberating experience? What a great question! Perhaps it has to do with removing ourselves from the environments that define us and shape our ideas about ourselves. Outside of that sphere, we have the opportunity to play with our own expectations, because there are none but our own to consider. We can also challenge ourselves more confidently, because if we fail, we can leave it behind. I am afraid of heights, and yet on vacations I have zip-lined, rappelled, and flown on a trapeze. I am not athletic, but on vacation I hike, kayak, even rock-climb (well, sort of - really really easy rock climbing. Did I mention I am not athletic?). I wonder if it works the other way as well. Are there people who are supremely confident in their own setting who become insecure and uncertain when they travel?

Michael, Vacation time is precious to me because it is an escape into another world from my working and family life. A vacation creates life long memories, learning experiences with different cultures, environments and wildlife. A vacation expands ones world and brings one home refreshed and energized. In a way its like reading a book but one is living the part. The lodges, the side adventure trips,your staff and customer service at CRE definitely added a lasting and colorful experience to our trip in Costa Rica.

Su Suits says (December 29, 2009 at 11:15 pm): This is gonna be fun. What makes CRE standout to me, is that it is an "I can do it all" co. It is not like the Lonely Planet approach of access to complete independence, nor is it the guided tour trip. the mix and match aspects are what I find appealing. CRE can get me to where I want to go( in real comfort, with personable drivers)....they can set me up for an educational tour through Monteverde.....I can be on a remote beach and eat like a king, without being in the resort sort of enviroment. CRE can be what you need it to be. As I read and write on this blog, I am looking for more info on companies like this. On my virgin blog, I wrote about a trip to Spain and Morroco this past summer. My husband happened to be my CRE, because he speaks Spanish,Arabic, and French. He was able to make our connections happen with a fair amount of ease and comfort. I like that CRE did that for us on our trip to C.R. We did not have to worry about getting here, yonder, and everywhere. We could focus on all the senses, and had alot more energy to enjoy Costa Rica. I returned on a second CRE trip with a girlfriend, because I had 100% confidence that CRE would be there when we needed them, and evaporate when we did not. Though my husband and I had a fantastic time in Morroco, it was truly because of his language skills that it was a success. (Also the warmth of the people). I could not have done that trip alone, and felt comfortable, and confident. CRE supplies the confidence. That is my brainstorming for now. Feliz Ano Nuevo to all. Gracias.

Dera Michael , Thanks for the reply . Although this is not about a travel agent , I would like to mention a very pleasant experience I had at a hotel in Costa Rica , in san Jose , as an exmple of the extra mile . We had beeen seated in th courtyard of this hotel's restaurant , when it suddenly became very chilly . Since we were a little unprepared for his we thought of just keeping our jackets on . Suddenly the hostess appeared ,and offered us a pair of soft woolen shawls ! We had a very comfortable dinner and returned them before leaving . It was a small gesture , but gave us such a warm feeling .

Meena, That is a wonderful example. Can you remember what hotel it was? I would love to give them credit.

This story brought back wonderful memories as I am a VERY big chicken (just ask my kids!) and I actually loved the flight from Tortuga Lodge to Arenal that we took last March. With a husband and a son both over 6 feet (and the husband considerably heavier than the son!), our family of 4 literally squeezed into the plane (I should note that our safety was well established before we did so) for a very memorable flight. It was definitely a highlight of our trip and is at the top of my list as one of the things that I can't believe I actually did! My kids are still talking about it!

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who took a big GULP upon seeing the size of the plane that picked us up at Nosara! But this was an instance where traveling with our 5 year old meant we had to be brave - she clung to her stuffed howler monkey the entire flight while Daddy and Mommy made jokes about Daddy being the co-pilot: "Don't TOUCH ANYTHING DADDY!" and forced ourselves to look out the window and not act like wimps. It was an absolutely exhilarating experience, one I'm glad CRE opened the door to!

I had to laugh at this post, because my husband and I took your little plane to Tortuga Lodge just a couple years ago. I don't remember being the least bit reluctant to get on the plane, so I went back and looked at my travelogue to see if I had expressed any doubts that I had conveniently forgotten. I found just a brief mention of taking a single-engine Cessna to Tortuga and I even shared a photo of the view of San Jose from the plane (http://kara-bay.com/travelogues/costa-rica-2006-day-two-tortuguero-national-park/. I am a big chicken, and I am not about to do anything I think is dangerous, so I was very amused to read that you had people who wouldn't get on the plane. I will happily exit my comfort zone if the reward is worth it, and in this case, it was more than worth it. Tortuga was beautiful and was also probably the most relaxing place I have ever been. I once hiked the Inca Trail with altitude sickness, and it was also more than worth it. Getting outside my comfort zone has almost always paid off, so I have no excuse not to do so. If a person refuses to do so, then there is never going to be a payoff. All you can do in that case is miss out on something that could be amazing.

Why do we consider travel a basic desire nowadays? In 2008, only 30 percent of trips over 50 miles were done for business - the rest- for pure pleasure. Work is nerve-racking, the family needs to be fed and money is and will always be a problem. Meanwhile, there are hot deals on flights, romance is in the air in Paris no matter the season and life is still waiting for you at the corner

Loved your response to Mr. Kristorf! Every country is complicated. My husband, our nephew, and I traveled around Costa Rica two years ago, most of our trip organized by Costa Rican Expeditions. We had a marvelous time, especially hiking in the rain forest at Corcovado with our incredibly well-informed guide, Fillo. Because my nephew is studying to be a nurse, Fillo made sure to tell us about which rain forest plants have traditional medicinal uses. We thought Costa Rican Expeditions did a great job for us! I'm happy to have the opportunity to thank you. In a few days my husband and I will return to Costa Rica to help build a house with Habitat for Humanity. We're looking forward to it.

@Meena: I like to call what you experienced 'Intuitive Service'. This is what sets service providers—for travel and in general—apart. Picking up on opportunities to make a difference with details that really matter to a specific guest. I've seen many of these examples throughout Mexico and am always impressed. And it's usually in the most unexpected place and time... I always think to myself 'that person's mother brought them up right!'. Forget the fancy hospitality schools, it's just about paying attention, acting on a situation when it arises or better yet anticipating needs when possible ;) Great post Michael!

ABOUT SHARED KINDNESS....I was fortunate to be in Costa Rica with Habitat for Humanity. We worked on a house and a school in Rosario de Naranjo and while I was painting the outside of the school a small child came up and stood beside me without saying a word. I tried to speak with him about his school and his family in spanish , but still he said not a word, though I knew he understood. He had something in his hand and it looked like a tiny deck of playing cards and I thought he wanted to play with me. All of a sudden he took the cards...ALL of them... and put them in my hand...and then he ran off.I looked down at the cards and then read them in spanish and realized they were valentines.This is what he had to share with me for helping his school and his kindness brought me to tears because he could have given me A CARD, but instead gave them ALL to me .I never could find him to thank him...and I'll never forget the fact they he gave me ALL he had.It made me realize that I had so much more than he had monetarily yet, if I were in his place I would probably have given him ONE not all . .I learned alot about myself and his culture from his act of shared kindess and i am so greatful for him.

So, Michael, is that Central Park in the fall? Your essay was very interesting as I'd never even consider riding a bike in NYC! So we learn something new every day! Hope all is well in CR! Can't wait to be there Jan. 2011! Pura vida, Ruth Marie

I just love your comment about insights being the most valuable aspect of travel, and the remark about travel disabusing one of preconceived ideas. I have found that in order to set the stage for those two things to occur while traveling, you have to be careful not to schedule every moment. It is so tempting to want to get the most bang for our buck that I have made the mistake of trying to cram too much into a trip. When I've done that I end up exhausted and overwhelmed. I now try to allow time for the unexpected; whether that means an afternoon sitting outside with a glass of wine, or an afternoon of wandering with no particular destination in mind. The main goal is to let the day unfold as it will, without a hard and fast itinerary.

Re: the meeting between Lord Howe, Benjamin Franklin et al , I'd prefer to think that the US & Canada would be one country,( rather than the US would be part of Canada) As far as hockey is concerned, it's true, anyway!The playoffs were very exciting. You've certainly met some very interesting people on your cycling trips,which sound tremendously varied. I'm sorry to say I'm rather wobbly on a bike - never had enough practice....yet.

p.s. I have worked both for the most expensive and well establish companies and on my own, flying by the seat of my pants.....there really is no excuse for the clients sensing that things are not going smoothly (even if they aren't!) the good guide/operator's main job is the illusion of perfection, and if you achieve this you would be shocked by what you can get away with! the good guide/operator is like a swan--always elegant above the surface, even if they are paddling like hell under the water!

Hi Michael, Putting yourself in the customer's position, what would your expectations have been? Having to move once due to a flooded room might be written off as an unfortunate incident, but twice? Definitely an inconvenience that can put (pardon the pun) a damper on a vacation. Vacations, as you know, should be memorable in a good way, and not a bad way. And a bad hotel/lodge stay can shade the memories of an otherwise great trip. When your manager was told the dinner was not a suitable comp, he should have come up with something the guest could appreciated more. If he had, then you might not have gotten this letter. And the guest complained during the stay - he should not need to complain at checkout in order to further validate his discontent. However, now that you do have the letter, the question is whether you want this person to be a future guest or just write them off. If it's the former, I would have suggested offering either a $250 cash refund to make up for the multiple valid inconveniences, or a $500 credit against a future expedition/tour with your company. We had a reputable tour company offer the same sort of deal (X cash or 2X credit) as result of a very disorganized and disappointing trip we took a few years ago. We took the credit and applied it to a new tour later in the year, which exceeded our expectations, and then another one a year later, which was excellent as well. We would never have gone back without the incentive to do so, however. Anyhow, just my thoughts as a frequent traveler who has experienced his share of travel misfortune and delights alike. Give my regards to Yolanda! Jake Richter

Hi Michael, I think this is a case of someone who will NEVER be satisfied. It's my opinion that CRE is probably not the first company that's had complaints from these people nor will you be the last. I know this does not help solve the problem but I think that no matter what you do, these people will always want more. We are headed back in early 2011 for our fourth visit with a group of friends in tow to bird with Charlie & Nino and can hardly wait! CRE has always given good value for the dollar, IMHO.

Well I have to come clean here Michael, you can thank UK television for these reality TV shows. If you think the clip you sent is the pits, you really don't want to be subjected to the drivel we get over here. As they say here (maybe they say it there too) - no-one has ever gone bust by over-estimating the depths to which the bad taste of the British public can sink.