Explore how replacing traditional holiday gifts with a family travel adventure can create unforgettable memories and bring everyone closer together.
Ah, the holiday season: a time of cheer, chilly weather, and the inevitable dilemma of what to gift the people who claim they “don’t need anything.” Last year, instead of decking the halls and staying in the cold Pacific Northwest over the holiday break, I decided it was time to switch things up and tick off a major bucket list destination: Costa Rica. With the kids deep into high school and college, I figured it was now or never to seize that precious family time during the remaining school breaks.
Why Costa Rica?
You might wonder, “Why Costa Rica?” After endless rave reviews from friends and a long-standing pin on my wish list, the promise of sunshine and adventure in December seemed too good to pass up. When I broke the news about trading our traditional gift frenzy for a family trip, my son Dylan’s reaction was initially of excitement but quickly turned to concern once I told him we were traveling back on Christmas day…”What about Christmas gifts?” I was thinking to myself, this IS the Christmas gift 🙂 Clearly he needed some convincing that this was worth breaking with tradition!
Planning the Getaway
October rolled around, and I realized I was a bit behind in planning for a December getaway. The task of choosing where to fly into and where to stay that would check all our boxes was daunting. Thankfully, Brian from Timezoneless Travels came to our rescue, helping us plan the perfect getaway. We settled on flying into Liberia Airport and staying at the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa—a wonderful property with several restaurants on site that were able to accommodate Mia’s gluten and dairy allergies, ensuring she had plenty of options to choose from.
Trip Highlights
Surf’s Up: Mia’s surfing lesson taught us a valuable lesson: avoid scheduling early morning activities the day after arrival. After a long travel day and adjusting to the time difference, rallying early the next day for surfing wasn’t in the cards. Unfortunately, the place we originally booked with wasn’t able to reschedule so we found a different provider called Iguana Surf Tamarindo where Mia had fun catching some waves. The best part? No wetsuit required!
A Fishy Adventure: Mia and I opted out of the fishing tour but Bret and Dylan loved it. The local fishermen not only ensured they caught some fish but also offered fresh pineapple on board. Dylan is now a pineapple fan.
Zip Line Thrills: Despite a fear of heights, I reluctantly signed us up for the Skyline Canopy Tour. When the mom ahead of us opted out, I nearly bailed—but I embraced the fear and did it anyway! Though I screamed like a banshee on the first run, the thrill was undeniable. This became the trip’s unexpected highlight, especially for the kids who thought it was hilarious to see their parents’ discomfort. This is also the tour that Bret got his nickname “El Jefe” from the tour guides.
Waterfall Hike: The last excursion I booked was a waterfall hike and despite our guide’s truck breaking down at the start of the adventure, he was able to arrange another ride without too much hassle. This hike definitely tested my endurance since it required climbing over steep wet rocks but it was worth it. Lots of funny moments and the kids loved seeing us out of our comfort zone 😉
Local Cuisine: The food was a major highlight, with delicious options both on and off the hotel property. Local eateries like Pico Bistro right on the beach and Dragonfly Bar and Grill in Tamarindo, where they played live music were definite standouts.
The True Gift of Travel
So, what did we learn from trading presents for passports? Thankfully everyone enjoyed the experience — it delivered more than just a break from the cold Pacific NW — it gifted us with priceless memories, exciting firsts, and a healthy dose of laughter. Embracing the spirit of adventure (and opting for less wrapping paper) reminded us that the best gifts don’t always come in a box. Sometimes, they come with a boarding pass.
Thanks for reading! xx
