Once you make your online reservation, an STI reservation specialist will contact you to review and recommend additional services. Depend on them for assistance with airfare, proper protection, pre and post tour services. Once that step is complete, you will receive a final invoice from us confirming your reservation details.

READ your invoice and the FAQ page very carefully and advise if any changes need to be made.

**UPLOAD** a COLOR copy of your passport to us within 7 days of your reservation (within 24 hours if reserved after DECEMBER 19).

Click here to upload to our secure folder.

Next, say hello to your fellow travelers on the chat!

Click Here! for your “Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information” including transportation and how to meet up with the group. Questions? Email us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

Our adventure vacations are designed for all abilities and are intimate groups of all singles who love nature and have an active lifestyle. Many of the activities (hike, rafting, zip lining, kayaking) require that you have the ability to participate. Please tell us if you have any physical limitations before you make a reservation.

Our Concierge is on site to make the experience unique for all participants and her duties limit her ability to a member one-on-one for extended periods of time.

Fast Facts & Information:
Population: 4.6 million
Area: 19,730 sq. miles (51,100 km)
Capital: San Jose
Language: Spanish
Religion: Roman Catholic (80% of the population)
Currency: 1 colon = 100 centimos
Electrical Current: 110 volts
Government: Constitutional, Democratic Republic, 4 yr. Elections
Highest Point: Mt. Chirripo, 12,529 ft. (3,819 m)
Seasons: Rainy (May – November), Dry (December-April)
Exports: Coffee, bananas, beef, sugar, cocoa, textiles, timber

The tour begins in San Jose (SJO), Costa Rica at 1:00 p.m. on March 18, 2017 and ends on the morning of March 26, 2017 in Tamarindo (LIR), Costa Rica. Therefore the trip is 8 nights/9 days.

A deposit is due at time of reservation. Refer to the Price and Options tab for the amount. Final payment is due in our office by December 16, 2017. A reminder will be emailed to you 7 days prior to due date and your card will automatically be charged. If you make a reservation after December 16, full payment will be automatically charged at time of reservation and penalties will apply.

Yes. All cancellations must be made in writing to Singles Travel International and are subject to per person penalties as follows:

– After deposit and at anytime of cancellation, a minimum charge of $300.00 plus credit card charges will apply in addition to other penalties listed below.
– Between December 16, 2016 and January 13, 2017 – 60% penalty applies.
– After January 13, 2017- 100% penalty applies.

Note that if you elect to take a roommate and he/she cancels after our cut off date, we will do everything to find a new match. However, if no match is found, the difference in cost for a single cabin/room is the responsibility of the guest who cancels. No refund will be given to the guest who cancels, regardless of cruise or tour company policy as stated above. Singles Travel International is not responsible for costs related to cancellations after our cut off date.

For all air-inclusive packages cancelled after airline tickets have been issued, tickets are non-refundable and often times unusable.

Our itinerary is designed to accommodate different skill levels but members should be in relatively good physical condition with an active lifestyle (regularly go to the gym, dance, play a sport or participate in mobile activities).

STI wishes to make this vacation a unique and life changing experience for all members, which requires 100% participation in the activities on our tour. Please discuss any limitations before making your reservation.

While you don’t have to be an “athlete” to enjoy a Singles Travel International adventure trip, you will get the most enjoyment from your trip if you are reasonably fit. We encourage you to engage in some sort of aerobic activity three times a week and to slowly increase the distance and difficulty of this activity. A week or two before the trip you should be comfortable walking, hiking or kayaking. We also recommend that you get comfortable training up to several days “back-to-back” as we typically are active for at least 5 consecutive days on our tours.

You will be picked up at Juan Santamaria International Airport upon your arrival. You must arrive by 1 p.m. on Day 1 of the itinerary in order to participate in the City Tour/Transfer at 2:00 p.m. Note that you will be responsible for lunch or snacks to hold you over until dinner.

Singles Travel International is a vacation event company that plans singles events and markets our events at our expense to create a “singles only” experience. We do not allow guests to join the group unless the reservation has been made by STI. Our policy is firm for tours and cruises, as well as pre and post trip hotel stays. Members and friends that “show up” will not be allowed to participate without paying an equivalent fee to the rest of the group that made the reservation with STI. Your credit card on file will automatically be charged.

In order to accommodate singles from all over the world, our tours and cruises are priced as land/cruise only. Therefore, airfare is additional. Singles Travel International is a licensed ticketing agency and oftentimes has low negotiated fares.

Be sure to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) before 1 p.m. on March 18 and depart from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) after 1:30 p.m. on March 26.

We recommend flying into Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) before 1 p.m. on March 18 and depart from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) after 1:30 p.m. on March 26.

Airport transfers on the first and last days of the tour are included in trip costs. Please notify us 60 days prior to departure of your flight arrival and departure times. Prior to Day 1, a transfer to San Jose area accommodations can be arranged through our office. Email us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

Be sure to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) before 1 p.m. on March 18 and depart from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) after 1:30 p.m. on March 26.

Independent transfers in San Jose are approximately $25-$30 USD from the airport to city center and our hotel. US dollars are accepted and taxis are available outside the terminal.

Independent transfers from Tamarindo to the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) are approximately $180 USD once way.

Our tour does not include international airfare, air tax, departure tax (approximately $29 US per person), transfers for arrivals before day 1 and departures after day 8 and extra hotel nights before and after the tour. You are responsible for alcoholic beverages (except when included in STI events), incidentals such as laundry and phone calls, plus gratuities to the guide ($8-10 per day), driver ($5-7 per day) and gratuities to your Singles Travel International Concierge ($10-$15 per day). Expect to tip $1 per bag in and out at each hotel. Gratuities are at your discretion and a gesture for a job well done. Above are recommendations only and not a mandatory fee.

The currency used in Costa Rica is the US Dollar.

Credit Cards: Your credit card will be accepted to settle your incidentals bill at all hotels and in major shops and restaurants, but we highly recommend small bills for markets and souvenir shopping. You may also use a credit card to pay for any optional tours that you add to our tour once in Costa Rica. Most of our hotels do not have a safe in the room, but the front desk will safeguard your personal items.

Absolutely. Our site is so popular that we guarantee to find a roommate for you or the single room is on us! In order to take advantage of our offer, you must be paid in full by January 13, 2017. Of course, single accommodations are available at an additional rate assessed by the hotel.

Roommate matches are based on the same sex, general age range and smoking preference whenever possible, but not guaranteed. STI reserves the right to make any match up until day of departure, including roommate changes once on tour for members who select the Share & Save option.

We highly recommend that our guests contact their roommates in advance. Booked members have access to our private online chat. Meet your roommate as well as the other members on your vacation. Singles Travel International makes every effort to accommodate requests, but does not guarantee the satisfaction or success of a roommate match. It’s the responsibility of the guest to contact his/her roommate and ask the appropriate questions.

Optional pre and post cruise/tour stays are not eligible for the guarantee. Chances are excellent that we’ll find you a match, but if no match found by 30 days prior to departure, member pays the single supplement.

Read more about Roommate Matching on our Frequently Asked Questions found at the Help Center.

Please contact your preferred carrier directly to make your reservation. If Singles Travel International issues a promotional economy fare, granting of frequent flyer credit is entirely at the airline’s discretion. If the flights are eligible, to ensure you earn frequent flyer credit from the airline, give your frequent flyer account number when you check in for your flights. In addition, save your boarding passes and the passenger receipt from your airline ticket. You may need to submit these to the airline (not to Singles Travel International) to claim any credit allowed.

We use the best possible accommodations for the area and have chosen hotels that offer comfort, variety and are in ideal locations. See the itinerary tab for links to each property. All our hotels are 4-5 star according to international standards.

• 1 night at hotel Aurola Holiday Inn – standard room
• 2 nights at hotel Lost Iguana – standard deluxe
• 2 nights at hotel El Establo – deluxe room
• 3 nights at hotel Tamarindo Diria – sunset ocean view room

Of course not. You will be pleased to find out that nearly 90% of our guests on every trip sign up and have never met anyone before joining the group. In 22 years, we have perfected the singles vacation experience. It is paramount that our guests meet each other right away and have opportunities to mingle every day. From the moment you join our tour , our STI Concierge will be waiting to meet you. Our first day begins with an orientation and the camaraderie builds as we go along. The nature of the trip is trying something new, challenging yourself and motivating those around you. The bonds that develop on our adventure tours are by far the strongest and longest lasting.

Our “All Ages” vacations cater to 40+ and our average age range is 45-65. We generally have a ratio of 60/40, women to men. As a travel club, matchmaking is not our focus. Ages listed on our page are not restricted. They are simply used as a guideline. We offer an opportunity for single travelers to see the world in the company of other singles and do not guarantee the ages or ratios.

Be prepared for sunshine, rain, cool mountain breezes, and muggy jungle mists depending on where and when you visit. Rugged topography results in amazing biodiversity and a wide variety of microclimates. As you ascend or descend in altitude, or move from one province to another, the weather changes drastically.

The rainy or “green season,” which typically brings sunny mornings and afternoon showers, lasts from May to November, but it’s best to be prepared for rain at any time of the year. In rain forests and cloud forests, it rains almost every day, sometimes several times per day.

In the Central Valley, year-round daytime temperatures are in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit (20-24 degrees C). At night, expect temperatures in the 50s and 60s. (17-20 C). Costa Rica’s beaches are hot and humid, except for the northwestern province of Guanacaste, which tends to be dry and breezy. Temperatures will be in the 80s and 90s (24-32 C) at the beach. Remember you are only 8 degrees from the equator, so use plenty of sunscreen and a hat. Expect windy weather and temperatures in the 50s and 60s (10-15 C) at Costa Rica’s highest altitudes.

Currently, most airlines will allow you to check one bag, weighing 50 pounds each, for a fee. In addition you may carry-on one bag plus a personal item such as a purse or briefcase. Please check with your air carrier for up-to-the minute regulations and fees for checked baggage. As we are traveling in vans and much of the time is on the road, we kindly request that you limit your luggage to one large duffel bag in addition to any hand carry items.

The following checklist has been prepared in order to assure you of having the proper equipment and clothing needed to make your trip an enjoyable and comfortable backcountry experience. Please check your equipment carefully to make sure that it provides a comfortable fit and is in good working condition before arriving for your trip. If you have any questions about any of the items on this list, please don’t hesitate to call us at (877) SOLO-TRIP (765-6874)

**How To Pack**
All of your clothing and belongings should preferably be packed into one durable piece of soft-sided luggage such as a duffel bag or backpack. Each morning put everything that you will need during the day in a separate daypack. Your Trip Leader will advise you well in advance of each day’s activities and particular needs. It is a good idea to bring stuff sacks or plastic bags (ziplocks) to keep dirty clothes, wet swimsuits, camera, tickets, etc. compartmentalized. Make sure all your gear is labeled.

**Clothing and Footwear:**
*Raingear: Lightweight rain jacket and pants
*Changes of clothes for the evening (casual dress is the norm)
*Thermal insulating shirt (great for cool evening temperatures and water activities, optional)
*Shirts: a combination of mostly short and one or two long sleeve shirts is preferred
*Light-weight sweater, jacket, or polar fleece top (optional)
*Hiking shorts (pants may be preferred due to insects)
*Light-weight trousers: cotton or nylon hiking pants for bug protection (jeans are not recommended as they take a long time to dry if they get wet)
*Hiking socks – quick drying, non cotton
*Swimsuit
*Hat with visor for rain & sun protection
*Light weight hiking boots and/ or cross-training shoes that can also be used for biking
*Sandals (Closed toe – Keen, Tevas or Chacos – to be worn on the river)
*Dry shoes for evenings

**Equipment, etc.**
*Sunglasses with UV protection
*Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
*Camera & film (with extra batteries)
*Alarm clock
*Insect repellent (with Deet, buy in the US)
*Lip balm/moisturizer with UV protection
*Toiletries kit (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, brush, etc…)
*Hand lotion/skin moisturizer
*Personal first aid kit (aspirin, Band-Aids, personal medications, eye drops, tampons, etc…)
*Foot care kit: moleskin, molefoam, or spenco second skin, athletic tape, and a pair of small scissors
*Binoculars (very helpful for viewing wildlife)
*Guidebooks, novels, journal…
*Water bottles or CamelBack hydration system
*Flashlight and batteries
*Extra prescription glasses (if applicable)
*A strap (such as Croakies) to secure glasses to your head
*Earplugs for light sleepers
*Money belt

On almost any trip to Costa Rica, you will visit mountains, the beach, and the temperate Central Valley. You need to be prepared for temperatures from the low 50s to the low 90s, and everything in between. Your comfort is of utmost importance to us, and we offer the following suggestions to help ensure your maximum enjoyment during a tour. Our clothing list recommendations are designed to cover the wide range in possible weather conditions.

Rapid and numerous changes in temperature and the probability of rain mean you should come prepared with appropriate clothing. Dress in layers, and try to bring lightweight, fast drying clothing. Wearing layers of clothing is one of the best ways to regulate body temperatures and conserve energy. Polypropylene, capilene, or similar synthetic fabrics work best to wick moisture away from your skin and keep you dry. Moisture causes you to feel colder if it is cold outside, and hotter if it is hot. Trapped moisture also causes friction, chafing and blisters. For the most part the tropical climate on this trip, however, will be pleasant.

For our hiking trips, shoes with good ankle support and a gripping sole are necessary. Soft-soled, smooth bottom tennis shoes are uncomfortable and are not recommended.

Please consult the above “Equipment And Clothing List” for a complete checklist of necessary items to bring for the trip. Please call us if you have any questions regarding personal equipment needs, purchasing recommendations, or rental equipment.

Evening Attire: Casual dress is the standard in all of our destinations.

As we will be on our feet each day, it is extremely important that you take the necessary precautions in caring for your feet.

To prevent injury and discomfort, here are some guidelines:

-Wear comfortable, well fitting shoes.
-Always wear socks. We recommend two pair: a thin polypropylene under layer and wool over layer. This should prevent blisters.
-Keep you feet clean and dry.
-If you start to notice irritation or start to feel pain or a “hot spot” forming on your feet, this is usually an indication that a blister is forming. It is best to treat a problem area before blisters form and increased pain develops. Depending on the severity and type of irritation, you can:
-Cover the entire irritated area with moleskin; make sure the moleskin lies flat on your foot.
-Cut a doughnut out of the moleskin and place it around a blister that is forming.
-Use a piece of second skin to cover the problem area.

Other things to consider before leaving:

-Contact lenses: If you wear them, you may want to bring prescription glasses as they may become more convenient to wear.
-Prescription glasses: If you wear them, bring an extra pair.
-Prescription medicines: Bring an adequate supply in the original container.

Costa Rica, Lonely Planet, by Rob Rachowiecki: Travel guidebook

The Quetzal and the Macaw by David Rains Wallace: Wallace gives an historical perspective of the formation and development of the national park system.

The Costa Ricans by Richard Biesanz: Reviews the history and politics of this tropical country.

Costa Rica -A Traveler’s Literary Companion edited by Barbara Ras: This is a collection of short stories by Costa Rican writers.

There Never Was a Once Upon a Time, by Carmen Naranjo: This book contains short stories by a major Costa Rican writer.

Tropical Nature, by Adrian Forsyth and Ken Miyata: A lively picture of American rain forests — as seen by two observant and thoughtful field biologists. Written for the curious traveler, its 17 essays introduce the lowland forests of Central and South America. If you read one book before the trip, this is the one.
Inside Costa Rica, by Sylvia Lara: This book is a succinct overview of the history, culture and economics of Costa Rica. Published by a non-profit organization with a left-leaning perspective, it is a well-researched and up-to-date portrait of the country and U.S. policy for those who prefer facts and figures to glossy photographs.

Costa Rica: A Traveler’s Literary Companion, by Barbara Ras: This well-chosen anthology brings together 26 modern stories by Costa Rican writers. It’s a wonderful introduction to the character of the people, culture and land.

Costa Rica: The Ecotravellers’ Wildlife Guide: A field guide to the most commonly encountered and spectacular birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica with 80 color plates. Out- standing introductory chapters cover habitats, conservation efforts and attractions of the country.

Costa Rica Map, by International Travel Maps: This attractive map of Costa Rica, designed for the traveler, features topographic detail at a scale of 1:500,000.

Travel Insurance is available through Travel Guard and in addition to direct access immediately upon completing your purchase, you will receive a quote from Travel Guard regarding travel insurance after reserving your vacation.  If you have any questions, Travel Guard professional, expert agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   Call us, if you have not received your quote within 3 days.

Your Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information document, posted to the FAQ tab 14 days prior to departure, will include phone contact numbers for our hotels. We suggest you leave a copy of this with your family.

You may be able to use your own phone plan, generally .99-1.99 per minute (check before departure).

Our office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In an emergency after hours, please contact Tammy Weiler at 815-715-6998.

All countries you will visit have laws against the purchase and export of certain items, including antiquities, national cultural property and certain animal products, especially endangered species (ivory, rhino horn, tortoise shell, coral, feathers, etc.). Additionally, the United States has laws prohibiting the import of certain items, which include many of the same things. You face having your purchase confiscated and/or heavy fines for exporting or importing prohibited items.

On return to the U.S., your baggage is subject to search by U.S. Customs. Currently, you are permitted to bring back $800 of goods duty free. Persons aged 21 or over may also bring in one liter of liquor and one carton of cigarettes. If you plan to purchase a lot of souvenirs or expensive items, it is important to retain all purchase receipts. However, please note that U.S. Customs may not accept a receipt as true cost if it seems unusually low for the estimated value of the item. You may access the regulations and restrictions governing US Customs on their official website, click here to learn more.