A mother talks about her experience traveling to Costa Rica with her 10-year-old daughter on a trip that was primarily for adults.
Notwithstanding the early reservations, the journey proved to be a memorable one for both, full of wildlife, camaraderie, and new relationships with other tourists.
I didn’t anticipate my 10-year-old daughter being the only child on an adult-only experience when I booked her on a Costa Rican trip.
However, she grinned and remarked, “I think it’s kind of cool,” midway through the journey.
We had originally scheduled a family tour, but it was canceled, so we decided to do Trafalgar’s adult-oriented Costa Rica Nature Adventure tour instead.
Even with all the retirees and honeymooners around her, my daughter Vivi had no trouble settling in. She bonded with the group through her passion for nature, particularly sloths, which transformed the encounter into a magical one.
When Vivi appeared, the “grandparents” in the audience greeted her with open arms. They talked to each other, watched out for her, and even provided a lift after a strenuous zip lining experience. It was similar to traveling with a large family.
I was reminded by the trip how important it is to understand your child’s needs and interests. Audiobooks became our common getaway during lengthy bus travels, and wildlife photography kept Vivi interested.
Even though it wasn’t your average family vacation, it was a moment of connection that we will always cherish—proof that sometimes the most memorable adventures come from taking an unusual route.
