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Where Does a Travel Pro Go on Her Vacation?
With 20 years in the business, she’s been everywhere, but Costa Rica is her vacation destination of choice.
March 2014
By Stanley Hurwitz
BOSTON, MASS. -- So where does an award-winning travel consultant – who’s been everywhere – choose to go when it’s her turn to go on vacation?
Ellen Paderson, who 20 years ago founded Smiles & Miles Travel (www.smilesandmilestravel.com) based in Easton, Mass., chooses Costa Rica. Located in Central America, Costa Rica is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, in a tropical/subtropical climate. Panama is to the south and Nicaragua to the north. The small democracy –smaller than West Virginia and home to 5 million people, -- is peaceful and safe. Tourism, technology and agriculture give residents a relatively high standard of living.
BOSTON, MASS. -- So where does an award-winning travel consultant – who’s been everywhere – choose to go when it’s her turn to go on vacation?
Ellen Paderson, who 20 years ago founded Smiles & Miles Travel (www.smilesandmilestravel.com) based in Easton, Mass., chooses Costa Rica. Located in Central America, Costa Rica is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, in a tropical/subtropical climate. Panama is to the south and Nicaragua to the north. The small democracy –smaller than West Virginia and home to 5 million people, -- is peaceful and safe. Tourism, technology and agriculture give residents a relatively high standard of living.
“I’ve been to nearly all the vacation spots in the Western Hemisphere,” Ellen says, “but all things considered, I find myself most often recommending Costa Rica, and have been there with my husband many times.” Over the years, she has built a roster of reliable tour guides, transportation companies, hotel managers and staff, and restaurateurs that she trusts and knows will provide special attention to her clients. ‘They are well aware of who recommended them and they want to maintain our relationship,” she says.
Ellen says Costa Rica is ideal, whether you want to simply relax or to experience a different adventure every day. 20% of the land is national parks and protected areas so it’s no wonder the country has been called the ‘greenest’ country in the world.
“If you get tired of the beautiful beaches, you can choose activities related to ecotourism -- hiking, flora, fauna, and bird watching, and visits to rural communities. There are several active (safe) volcanoes. There are rain forests, dry tropical and temperate forests, volcanoes, hot springs, beaches, high mountains, and marshy lowlands. You may see monkeys on a nature walk,” Ellen says. You can go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, ziplining, four wheeling, take nature walks and. It’s very reasonably priced and the food and people are great.” Ellen likes many hotels and all- inclusive resorts. In recent years, she has arranged bar and bat mitzvahs as well as weddings in the rain forest.
When asked why travelers should use a consultant rather than a travel website, Ellen says a travel pro can save you money, hassles and headaches. “I’ve been to these places and can recommend what to do, where to stay, where to eat,” she says. “It’s also a major advantage to have an advocate who knows the locals and, if needed, can negotiate from a strong position from home.”
Best time of year to go? The dry months are December – April. It’s always warm but it can be rainy in May, September and October. “Costa Rica is always nice, but it feels best when you come from a cold climate,” she smiles.
Ellen Paderson, who earned numerous travel certifications and awards, also organizes destination and cruise honeymoons and weddings. For more information: 508-238-4088 / Email: ellenp1@comcast.net / Website: www.smilesandmilestravel.com, or www.barmitzvahvacations.com.
Ellen says Costa Rica is ideal, whether you want to simply relax or to experience a different adventure every day. 20% of the land is national parks and protected areas so it’s no wonder the country has been called the ‘greenest’ country in the world.
“If you get tired of the beautiful beaches, you can choose activities related to ecotourism -- hiking, flora, fauna, and bird watching, and visits to rural communities. There are several active (safe) volcanoes. There are rain forests, dry tropical and temperate forests, volcanoes, hot springs, beaches, high mountains, and marshy lowlands. You may see monkeys on a nature walk,” Ellen says. You can go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, ziplining, four wheeling, take nature walks and. It’s very reasonably priced and the food and people are great.” Ellen likes many hotels and all- inclusive resorts. In recent years, she has arranged bar and bat mitzvahs as well as weddings in the rain forest.
When asked why travelers should use a consultant rather than a travel website, Ellen says a travel pro can save you money, hassles and headaches. “I’ve been to these places and can recommend what to do, where to stay, where to eat,” she says. “It’s also a major advantage to have an advocate who knows the locals and, if needed, can negotiate from a strong position from home.”
Best time of year to go? The dry months are December – April. It’s always warm but it can be rainy in May, September and October. “Costa Rica is always nice, but it feels best when you come from a cold climate,” she smiles.
Ellen Paderson, who earned numerous travel certifications and awards, also organizes destination and cruise honeymoons and weddings. For more information: 508-238-4088 / Email: ellenp1@comcast.net / Website: www.smilesandmilestravel.com, or www.barmitzvahvacations.com.
