To start this post I would like to share this video I found on YouTube.
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Planning travel to Costa Rica? Tortuguero National Park is a destination that I can and would recommend.
Tortuguero National Park is more of a preserve than a national park. A park ranger once explained to me the difference between a park and a preserve. In a park, if a raccoon were to attempt to steal your food while picnicking, the raccoon would be moved. In a preserve if the raccoon were to attempt to steal your food, then you would be removed. In this preserve, you would probably substitute a monkey instead of a raccoon.
The park is result of the efforts of Dr. Archie Carr, Joshua B. Powers and John H. Phipps. Dr. Archie Carr, who received his doctorate from the University of Florida, had done extensive research on sea turtles. His researches lead him to write the book “The Windward Road”. This book documents the plight of the sea turtle as it travels from its nesting grounds and then its return to the same beach to laid its eggs. This cycle continues throughout the turtle’s life. Through the work of these men and many who assisted them, they laid the foundation for the creation of the Tortuguero National Park.
As I prepared to write this article, fresh from a trip to the park I received the latest edition of the newsletter, Velador, from the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, which was founded to protect sea turtles and their habitats. The CCC has recently celebrated the 100th birthday of Dr. Archie Carr. Being slightly younger than me the CCC is in its 50th year. Time flies when you’re having fun.
With the holidays rapidly approaching, many people want to spend time with family and friends. Families many times are spread across the country and in some cases around the world. A story running in the local newspaper caught my eye today. Several of the major airlines are tacking on additional fees for flights during the holidays.
It is reported that four carriers, Delta, American, US Airlines and United, added a $10.00 charge for bookings on the busy days around Thanksgiving and the New Years. The airline industry has experienced a sharp drop in revenue due to the worsening economy and these fees; they believe will help with the bottom line. But with the airline industry under attack, this will not turn public opinion to their favor.
Of course not all carriers are following suit. Southwest Airlines and Continental Airlines have not added fees for holiday travel. As you know Southwest has always considered its self a maverick and has used the bag fees charged by other airlines as a marketing tool.
Travelers in the past have postponed booking the holiday flight until the last moment in the hopes of securing a deal. Industry experts don’t expect that airlines will be offering discounted fares this year.
It would appear that if you are planning to travel by air to see your family and friends this holiday season, it would best to book early or avoid flying on the days immediately surrounding the holidays.