We interrupt the spellbinding saga of Yolanda’s and Michael’s return to Cuba to bring you the brand new Tortuga Lodge Video and ask for feedback. This is the first version fit for human consumption. It is exactly 3 minutes long.  If you have the time, please take look and suggest ways to improve it. [...]

Michael, I am pleased to participate. I have long believed that the Internet is the best way to share travel information--anytime, anywhere around the world. I also believe that travelers' most valuable information comes from frank, inside assessments from travelers just like themselves. I loved the trip we did with CRE last March. I have high standards, and, like most travelers, high expectations. I was delighted with the service we received through CRE. I will be planning expeditions in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia over the next few years for my family and would appreciate the "inside knowledge" this group can provide. In particular, I am looking for the travel expert on the ground in the countries that I will be visiting. Again, most of us can find the international travel brands; it is the local company, like yours, that can often provide the authentic experience at the reasonable price. Good luck. I look forward to participating in this venture.

I think it's very valuable to have a forum to connect with fellow travelers. I think the key is to make sure it's organized for easy navigating by geography. I'd be willing to post my experiences from various places around the world and would also see the advice of others for my new adventures. This year we are headed back to Costa Rica and plan to rent a villa somewhere south of Dominical. We are still hunting for just the right place This will be our 5th time to Costa Rica (in 6 years). Last year we went to St Barths. It is a nice place - but the weather was iffy and not so warm in March.

Hi Michael, Yes, this is a great idea, as long as you keep it small, personalized and focused. Otherwise you run the risk of becoming too much like all the other web-based travel site forums.... overwhelmingly large, no consensus, and tainted by marketing and sales pitches. I plan an adventure trip every summer for my family: so far we've been to Hawaii, Costa Rica, the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver Island, the Swiss Alps, and Tanzania. We want to have these experiences as a family before my kids, now teenagers, leave home. This summer, I'm looking at the Galapagos Islands or Australia, or possibly Vietnam. People are always interested that I'm able to research and plan these trips online, and often say that they couldn't figure out how to do that. It's difficult to find good information on the web, and even harder to find trustworthy opinions. Something like this blog would be a valuable resource. I'd like to participate, both to share my knowledge, and to benefit from other people's experiences.

Hi Brian, I have worked for Michael and Costa Rica Expeditions for the past 23 years and I've been helping him with this wonderful new blog. My present position is Chief Marketing & Guest Satisfaction Officer, but I've done almost every job in the joint. The Tour Du Mont Blanc sounds like heaven. Can you point me in the right direction? I'm looking for a special trip for next year. Happy Travels

Hi Michael I am really enjoying your blog, "Vacation Time is Precious". I was wondering if you know any tour operators like Costa Rica Expeditions in the Seattle/San Juan Islands/Olympic Peninsula area? I'm interested in hiking, kayaking, learning about the natural wonders there with a naturalist guide. Thanks so much

I am fairly new to this blog but I really like the way you seek input from your followers. My husband and daughter and I had a fantastic trip with Costa Rica Expeditions a few years ago. We were able to personalize it to suit our needs very well. I am now in the process of planning (one year in advance) a Latin American but my husband feels it is too dangerous to consider doing on our own. What should be the first step in my planning? Should I contact a tour operator to help me decide on an itinerary, or decide on an itinerary and then contact a tour operator? Does Costa Rican Expeditions have tours that extend into Nicaragua, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico, etc.?

Has anyone used a tour agency named, Yampu, for travel to Peru? We have never used this group and would like some feedback. Thank you.