Hello Retreaters!

This page is a continuing list of all the information you could want about the retreat.
In the weeks before the retreat we will continue to post information here in answer to questions and to help you make the most of your trip.

FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS

• Flight: You should plan to fly to Liberia Airport in Costa Rica (LIR). We highly recommend booking a flight that arrives in the morning or as early in the afternoon as possible the first day of your retreat so you have plenty of time to get settled. Classes will start at 5:30pm the first day.

• Transfer: from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 2 hours. Though private taxis are plentiful at the airport, we do not recommend using them.  It is generally more cost effective and much easier to arrange your transfer through us in a carpool with other students. Just email your flight info and let us know you’d like to carpool, and we will group you with other students arriving at the same time, and arrange for a driver to be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.  Costs for transfer with us is only $75 each way, which is generally hundreds of dollars cheaper than standard transfers.
  
• Extra Days:  Many students choose to add an extra writing day to their retreat and arrive a day early or stay a day late (or both) for $150/day. If you’d like to do so, just reach out to me so I can confirm availability.

TRIP INSURANCE

• To attend the retreat, you MUST purchase emergency medical evacuation insurance, which will ensure that you will get to proper medical care if something were to go wrong.  You can purchase this insurance at www.squaremouth.com or from a provider of your choice.

• We highly recommend purchasing a plan that includes trip insurance as well, so that you can get reimbursed by your insurance company if an emergency keeps you from attending the retreat.
  

PASSPORTS & VISA

• In order to travel to Costa Rica, you must have a passport with at least 6 months of validity and you must to have an entirely blank passport page in your passport.  No Visas are required for American citizens entering Costa Rica. You may also want to make a photocopy of your passport and bring it with you to facilitate replacement if it is lost.

SPENDING MONEY, CREDIT CARDS & ATMS

• Don’t worry about exchanging money.  US Dollars are accepted just about everywhere in Costa Rica.  Generally you will get your change in the Costa Rican currency, Colónes.

• Be sure to contact your bank and credit card companies in advance to let them know the dates you will be traveling and all countries you plan to visit (including any layover airports) or else your card may not work.

• It is generally a good idea to also bring some spending money in cash in case you have trouble with your cards while away.

• Your retreat includes breakfast and dinner every day, as well as daily yoga and all writing classes.  You may want to budget some additional spending money for lunches, massages, drinks, private hypnosis sessions or optional tours (discussed below).

FOOD

• Breakfast and dinner are included every day.  We will have our own private chef, who is happy to accommodate specific food allergies, vegetarian requests or special needs.  Please make sure to let us know about your needs when you sign up so that our chef can take them into account when planning the menu.  For students who like to prepare their own food, some super-deluxe rooms also offer kitchens. Please let us know if you would like to upgrade.

PACKING LIST

• Dress in Costa Rica is super casual and the weather is warm. You are going to be spending most of your time in shorts and sandals.  If you plan to do some wandering around, you may want to invest in a good pair of hiking sandals (We recommend Chacos, http://www.chacos.com/US/en) If you plan to do a hike or zip line tour, make sure to bring a pair of sneakers or lightweight hiking boots as well.

• Some other clothing and personal items you should plan to bring:

• Sun Block
• Insect Repellant (we recommend Deep Woods Off)
• Flashlight
• Beach Towel (hotel towels are a bit small for laying out)
• Swim Suit
• Shorts
• Short Sleeve Tops
• Yoga Clothes (if you plan to participate in the included morning Yoga sessions)
• Light Rain Jacket
• Sandals
• Sneakers
• Socks
• Undies
• Phone/Charger
• Laptop & Charger
• Notepads/Journals
• Pens
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Shaving Cream
• Razors
• Hairbrush
• Hair Products
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Umbrella
• Passport
• Photocopy of Passport
• Books/Kindle
• Hiking boots (if you are planning on hiking or going out in the jungle)
• Water shoes (if you prefer to not be barefoot in the water)

PRINTING

• We will have a printing station set up with unlimited printing throughout your stay and many outlets for you to plug in your laptop.  You should plan to bring your own laptop and charger.

ELECTRICITY

• If you’re visiting from the U.S. or Canada you can leave the electric converters and plug adapters at home.  The current and plugs are the same and your appliances should work just fine.

PHONE & INTERNET

• Your cell phone may or may not work in Costa Rica—and the cost of using it there may be exorbitant.  Check with your cell phone company before you go. You most likely will not have much need for a phone during the trip. The hotel does have a phone available for international calls, and wireless internet is available for Skype. Though the wifi is generally good at the hotel, service in Costa Rica is not as dependable as you may be used to in the US and occasionally outages do occur.

MEDICINE & IMMUNIZATIONS

• According to the CDC, there is no need for anti-malarial medications for travel to the Nicoya Peninsula where the retreat is located. However, if you plan to continue your travels to other parts of Costa Rica, you may want to discuss with your doctor. You should speak to your doctor about any other medical concerns related to travel, and make sure to bring any prescription medicines with you.

TIME ZONE

• Costa Rica time is 1 hour earlier than Eastern Standard Time.

DAY TRIPS

• We are planning some fabulous optional day trips in which you may wish to participate.  The cost of these trips is generally under $100/person.  More information will be available at the retreat.

YOGA

• Daily yoga instruction is included with your retreat. If you’d like to participate you can either bring your own mat or use the (slightly thinner) mats available at the hotel.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• You will get an invitation to a special Facebook Group so you can connect with the whole group before and after the retreat.

• To share the news about your retreat online, please tag and follow us!
  • Facebook.com/JacobKruegerStudio
  • @TheJKStudio on Twitter
  • write.your.screenplay on Instagram
  • #COSTARICARETREAT17

CONTACTING US

• Prior to your arrival in Costa Rica, you can contact us at 917-464-3594 or email us with any questions.  We will be in touch in June with our number in Costa Rica if you need to reach us while traveling.