Hi Michael, I would love to join in this conversation! Almost as good as traveling itself is dreaming about it, planning for it, reminiscing about it afterward, with people who have a similar yearning to learn about the world. I traveled more before having children (counting the days til my youngest is old enough to go to Costa Rica!). Would be happy to share experiences from China, England, South Africa, Canada, Caribbean. What makes this forum different from other online "post your review" sites is the interest from all these participants in exchanging ideas, impressions, experiences. And as one who has had the benefit of your direct advice to inquiries, it would be great for more and more people to share that as well! I started my own blog this year, about trying things I never got around to trying as a kid, now that I'm hurtling into middle age. The response has been great - readers have found support from each other in their own endeavors, and for people who love to travel, such connections are really using the internet for its best purpose - to bring us together. Many thanks, Michael, for opening up this new adventure!

I've been following all the comments and replies. No one has articulated a description of what type of travelers we are. I think defining that is key to establishing a focus. So here goes on what kind of traveler I am. I avoid tourist traps and most of the places where everyone else goes. I like to delve into the hidden gems and off the beaten track places that usually reveal more of the real character of the place and its people. I like to eat, shop and stay local/native. I don't like chains, fast food, or Americanized places in other countries. My preference is for nature oriented and/or cultural experiences while on vacation. Crowds of tourists give me heebee geebees. I like to get the most out of wherever I am, not just skim the surface. I read and do a lot of research before traveling. I prefer rural to urban, god's creations to man's, active to sedentary and outdoors to indoors. I usually travel independently because I find that most tours try to do too much in too little time and meet the needs of the group rather than the individual. Invariably their itinerary includes places that I don't care about. Costa Rica Expeditions was actually my first experience with a tour operator and I think I'm spoiled for life! I loved that I could determine my own itinerary with guidance from people who really know the country to help me determine how long to stay in each place and what locations were unique in respect to one another. Once there, I could do what I wanted. Everything was of high quality and so hassle free. That is worth its weight in gold to me. Are the other companies in other countries that can match CRE? My travel experiences outside the US have been limited in the past 15 years because of family obligations - Israel, Canada, St John and Costa Rica - but I am looking forward to traveling more as my kids get older. I've traveled a lot in the US. What kind of travelers are the rest of you? Happy New Year. May it bring lots of travel adventures! Cheryl ps I have no problem traveling alone, especially when it means meeting people who I have an electronic relationship with!