What are the dates of your upcoming trips?
Our inaugural trip running from May 2 – 11, 2019 is sold out, but don’t worry, we have a trip coming up November 1 - 10th, and we just announced our first dates for 2020, April 30-May 9th! Make sure to sign up for our mailing list if you want to be the first to know!
What is the cost?
Our standard rate for a 10-day trip is $4750. This includes all meals, nightly cocktails, all lodging, transportation, and all group activities (there will be optional activities on your free days that may not be included). On camping nights you will share a roof-top tent, on hotel nights you may share a room or bed.
On occasion we will be offering discounted trips, so be on the lookout if you want the best deal! Our Facebook page should have our latest promotional information!
Is financing an option?
You bet. The initial deposit amount is 30% to secure your spot. Full payment of the remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip date, and can be made in up to 3 payments. You can discuss this with your Personal Adventure Coordinator.
What is a Personal Adventure Coordinator?
When you book your trip, you will be assigned a Personal Adventure Coordinator or PAC. Your PAC will be one of the 4 guides on your trip. She will be your go-to person for all pre-trip questions, and during the trip will be there to make sure you are having the most amazing experience!
All of your guides are experienced overlanders. Between us, we have visited over 50 countries, and overlanded a collective 60,000+ miles around the world! We will match you with the person we think will help you to have the most amazing trip possible!
If I can’t convince a friend to go, how much extra will I have to pay?
Nothing! Our price is based on Shared Occupancy rates. In fact, if you are planning to bring a friend you should contact us first to see if we have any specials that you and your friend can take advantage of! Contact us at info@womenoverlandingtheworld.com
I’m 50, 60, 70+ years old. Am I too old for this?
Absolutely not! If you can climb a ladder, walk at least a mile, have a valid driver’s license and enjoy fireside cocktails on the beach, this trip is for you. Our inaugural trip had women ages 29-68 and everyone had a blast and was able to do all the activities that they wanted to do!
Do you have to be an Overlander to join?
You do not need any Overland travel experience to join! These adventure retreats are designed to give you a taste of what overland travel is like. No experience is required.
Is this trip limited to a number of women?
Our maximum capacity is 12 women per trip.
Do I need to bring a friend, or will you pair us up if we are traveling alone?
If you are flying solo, we’ll pair you up with another awesome Women Overlanding the World Retreat participant.
What if I don’t want to share a tent?
This trip is about trying things that take us out of our comfort zone. The great thing is you’re not alone in this, but that can mean sharing a tent or a hotel room. We do our best to give everyone space throughout the trip and if single accommodations are available we do our best to make them available to everyone. We have taken great care in selecting the quality of tents so they are comfortable and spacious, and in choosing the best accommodations that give you a diverse experience of the country. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact info@womenoverlandingtheworld.com. We can also refer you to one of the ladies that have traveled with us to give you a first hand account of the accommodations.
I’ve never camped before. Am I going to be uncomfortable on the trip?
We can’t wait to introduce you to the awesomeness of camping! Our rooftop tents come with a 2.5 – 3” foam mattress. We love the rooftop tents because they lift you up off the ground and away from any creepy crawlies – it’s almost like sleeping in a tree house. All of our selected camp locations have running water, toilets and showers. If you haven’t camped before, we hope that by the end of the trip you’ll enjoy it so much you’ll want to do it back home.
This adventure retreat includes both camping and other accommodations such as hotels and boutique hostels.
What do we need to bring? Clothing recommendations?
We provide you with a full packing list (link here), as well as your very own WOW duffel bag to put all your things in! And it’s yours to keep when you get home. Let us know if you have any questions about what to bring!
Can you supply me a sleeping bag?
We can! If you don’t want to pack your own sleeping bag and pillow, we can provide those things to you for $35 for the duration of the trip. The bags will be rated to 40F, but don’t worry, we won’t be sleeping in conditions under 50F at night.
What is not included in the cost of my trip?
You shouldn’t be reaching in to your pocket very often on this adventure! We are covering all the lodging, the transportation costs, the costs of the group activities, and all group meals (including cocktails!). The things that aren’t included are:
Your airfare to Costa Rica - we’ve found this to be between $400-600 RT depending where you are flying from.
International Travel Insurance - Usually only $100-200. Please contact us at info@womenoverlandingtheworld.com for any additional questions about purchasing travel insurance.
Optional activities or spa treatments on your two free days - though we are able to get you a really good rate on both these options.
Souvenirs - if you like to take a few trinkets home on your travels we will help you to haggle for the best prices and use the local currency like a pro! Remember to leave space in your bag, or to bring another bag with you that you can use on the way home.
What does the international insurance cost?
Approximately $100-200 depending on your country of origin. Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for our trips.
Does the cost include one of those badass WOW t-shirts?
You bet! You’ll also receive an awesome swag bag full of goodies, including your very own duffel bag to bring with you that is yours to keep for future adventures! For the whole list of goodies that came in our last SWAG Bag CLICK HERE!
What kind of vehicles are we driving?
We have partnered with a Costa Rican company to ensure we have fully equipped expedition vehicles. We can’t guarantee specific vehicles for each trip, but vehicles you are likely to see on our trips include the Toyota Hilux, Landrover Defender, Toyota Prado, and/or the Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Do I need a Costa Rican driver’s license?
All you need is a full and valid driver’s license issued from your country of origin. An international driver’s license can also be used. Much of the driving on this trip will be done by your guides, but we will also give you the opportunity to get behind the wheel and take our fully-kitted rigs for a spin.
Do I need to know how to drive a manual transmission (a.k.a. stick shift)?
You do not need to know how to drive stick shift to join. We will be using both manual and automatic transmission vehicles on our adventure retreats.
Do you need to speak Spanish for this trip?
You do not need to speak Spanish for this trip. English is widely spoken throughout Costa Rica and your guides have varying proficiencies in the Spanish language. We will mention, however, that a grasp of some basic vocabulary is very helpful when communicating with Costa Rican locals. Learning words such as “Hello” “How are you?” “Thank you” and “Pura vida” will make your Costa Rican experience extra rewarding.
I have food restrictions. Can I still sign up for a trip?
Absolutely! During the booking process we will ask you to list food or dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate them. On our previous trips we have had people that are vegan, dairy free, acid free, gluten free, and grain free, so we have experience feeding a wide array of diets. Our menu tends to be high in local fruits and veggies, with proteins on the side, leaving you feeling full but light!
Is it possible to stay a little longer in Costa Rica?
Of course you can! You are free to stay as long as you would like after the retreat is over (your passport will be stamped coming into the country with a 90 day visa, woot woot!). We can give recommendations on things to see and do, and places to stay in Costa Rica.
Is it safe in these areas? For women? For gay women?
Costa Rica is considered a fairly safe country for tourists although petty theft, bag snatching (sometimes by monkeys) and robberies are not uncommon. We can’t guarantee safety just as we can’t guarantee that anywhere in the world. However, each of your guides has extensive experience in Costa Rica and will do everything we can to provide you with a safe experience. We have worked very hard to cultivate a large network of local contacts and friendships to help us offset risks.
We always recommend you check your government’s travel information and warnings prior to booking your trip.