REAL Costa Rica Tours (Hi-Res)

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Recently, because of various issues in the world and especially in the United States, more people are considering the idea of living in another country and more specifically in Costa Rica. As I said in the REAL Costa Rica web site:

“The economic and political changes of 2008 and 2009 are affecting the people of many countries and I think especially those from the United States. Between the economy and dwindling savings, many folks are being forced to re-evaluate their retirement plans. Layoffs are common, and for those over age 50, a layoff can be a disaster. Sadly, many people are coming to the same conclusion; “I cannot afford to retire in the USA but I really do not want to keep working”.

For a long time, people have asked me if I would be available to spend a day or two exclusively with them and give them their own custom Costa Rica tour. I began doing this last year on a very limited basis, but now the inquiries have begun to arrive almost daily and it is clear that people want to get the REAL story on Costa Rica.

Sadly, the only other tours (currently there are three) concentrate very heavily on real estate even though they claim to be “Retirement Tours” or better yet, “Relocation Tours”. This is simply not the case. They all show and sell property or are directly connected with those that do.

While these types of real estate tours certainly have a their place, more and more people realize that buying property before they know Costa Rica and whether they want or will even like the country is very premature. Worse, a person interested in selling real estate (or any product) is certainly not going to say anything negative that will make you not want to live here.

For an international move, you just have to have the correct information, good and not so good. It will increase vastly you chances of making a successful transition.

Currently, about 60% of those moving here leave Costa Rica in the first year so buying property in Costa Rica before you are sure that you want to live here is just a really bad idea.

Are my tours negative on Costa Rica? Not at all! I love living here… the bigger question is, “Will you?”.

I spend my time teaching you what your daily life will be like… good and bad. Why? It is my opinion that one of the big reasons people do not adjust to Costa Rica is that they have no idea what is coming. Some surprises are nice. Others less so. I deal in facts, and I never try to sell Costa Rica. I do not book your hotel rooms for a commission. I won’t even tell you my dentist’s name until after your live here. I sell no real estate and will not show you homes. I WILL perhaps drive through an area and comment on security, population mix, etc. However, if you like the tone and content of The Real Costa Rica web site and you want to make intelligent decisions on this life changing move, then you may find spending personal time with me to be beneficial.

However, if all you want is to pay to see dozens of homes or spend 2-3 days hearing how perfect is Costa Rica, then you probably will not much enjoy my tour. My tour is like my web site. I tell you exactly what you need to know, not just what you want to hear.

Things to consider:

• I own six successful companies here in Costa Rica. These tours are not a business for me. I do them because I truly want people who are considering a move to Costa Rica to maximize their chances for success. An international move is a daunting, expensive and time consuming endeavor, and you need to know what is coming your way before you begin the process.
• You tour with me. There is no group. You get 100% of my time during the tour whether for one or two days. This is better, I have been told as many folks do not care to share their personal lives or needs with 8-12 strangers. Often they want to discuss things of a somewhat private nature.
• We cover the realities of living here… everything from the banking system, health care (public and private), crime and personal security, where to live, shopping, technology (Internet, etc), residency options… to hiring a maid! In other words, the works.

Below are two videos filmed by one of my early tour customers, Andy Brown and his wife Fran. Their story is sadly becoming more an more common.

In this first video, Fran and Andy discuss why the have to consider a move to Costa Rica.

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In this second video, Andy discusses their what they decided were their priorities and discusses the time they spent with me.

Interested? If so, please email me here..