REDISCOVER WHITE-HOT COSTA RICA!

Here’s Why You Need To Be Looking Closely Right Now At This Premier Lifestyle Haven And World-Class Eco-Wonderland

25 years ago, we encouraged you to put Costa Rica
at the top of your “Overseas Retirement Havens” list.

15 years ago, for reasons that no longer apply,
we advised you to look elsewhere.

Today, it makes sense again for you to take a look at
this darling of Central America. Read on to find out how you can get in now on Costa Rica’s “renaissance.”

Dear Taipan Reader,

About 18 months ago, International Living’s on-the-ground scouts made a “new” discovery.

And ironically, it’s not a “hidden” destination that you’ve never heard about.

It’s the world-famous overseas retirement and lifestyle haven of Costa Rica – a destination that’s got just about everything you’d ever want in a place to own a second home…

A low cost of living (you can still live comfortably on as little as $1,500 a month)… warm, sunny, tropical weather… a simple, straightforward residency program for expats…

… plus some of the best-preserved - and most spectacular - scenery on the planet:

Long stretches of deserted and undeveloped beaches, on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts…. dense jungles teeming with exotic wildlife… towering volcanoes, lush green valleys, and hundreds of crystal-clear lakes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls… mesmerizing sunrises, sunsets, and star-filled evening skies…

In this thriving eco-wonderland, you can see wild toucans and scarlet macaws flying overhead in the jungle… explore pristine mountain valleys… go kayaking, hiking, whitewater rafting, or horseback riding in a national park… head out to sea and reel in a snook, a tarpon, or a massive blue marlin… golf on some of Latin America’s most impressive and challenging golf courses… snorkel and scuba dive amongst vast, unspoiled coral reefs and an amazingly wide variety of tropical fish… surf some of the world’s most impressive waves – including one of the world’s longest left-handers…

… or simply relax and watch the sunset on a quiet white-sand beach with an ice-cold cocktail in hand…

In addition, Costa Rica enjoys a stable government that encourages foreign investment, a well-educated populace, first-rate (affordable) health care, and a thriving tourism sector. This provides expats with many business opportunities while living in paradise. All this in a place that is quickly and easily accessible from the U.S. or Canada.

And after 15 years – Costa Rica, “The Switzerland of the Americas,” finally makes sense again.

Let me explain.

Costa Rica Is Back!

Until recently we told people to avoid Costa Rica

Back in the early days of International Living, in the early 1980s, we encouraged readers regularly to put Costa Rica at the top of their Overseas Retirement Havens list. Readers and conference attendees who took our advice reaped big rewards.

Costa Rica caught on… and became the number-one destination among not only foreign retirees, but also to investors looking for land buys with big upsides.

The upsides were realized. Through the 1990s, the market boomed. Prices for beachfront property along the Pacific coast increased 6-, 8-, 10-fold and more…

Those International Living readers who got in early scored. Not only did they enjoy new lives in a sunny tropical paradise, but their second and retirement homes proved to be some of the most profitable investments of their lives.

But as property prices rose in Costa Rica, we began looking elsewhere…

…and found better buys in neighboring nations that weren’t as well known...

Why You Should Reconsider Costa Rica Now

Costa Rica is back on the map for the discerning buyer

In the 10 years since we last told International Living readers to consider Costa Rica, prices elsewhere in neighboring nations have risen dramatically… so much so that the Costa Rican market is no longer "expensive," relatively speaking.

And in those 10 years, Costa Rica has improved its roads and internal systems so that the infrastructure is more on par with what you would expect.

And because Costa Rica is now one of the world’s frontrunners in eco-tourism and soft-adventure travel, with growing numbers of tourists, rental homes and condos are often in short supply... and the rents are soaring in many areas. 

That means you can often profit from a property you buy in Costa Rica by renting it out during the weeks or months when you’re not there.

Today, many Americans move to Costa Rica to start a business – from management consulting to opening a bed-and-breakfast.

Business Is Booming In Costa Rica

“Often referred to as the Switzerland of Central America, Costa Rica has undergone a gradual evolution from an economy dependent almost entirely on the export of coffee, bananas and pineapples to an emerging hot-spot destination for tourists and real estate developers.”

“Costa Rica's stable government and educated work force also has attracted such high-tech employers as Microsoft Corp., Cisco Systems Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., General Electric Co., Lucent Technologies Inc., Motorola Inc. and Intel Corp.”

“As part of the country's transition into manufacturing, it set up tax-free zones to entice foreign companies to set up operations here. The country with a population of more than 4 million also has become a haven for American companies looking to outsource back-office services at a location that can be easily reached with a growing list of direct flights from such cities as Atlanta, Houston, Washington and Newark, N.J.”

Investment News Magazine,  April 2006

Tax exemptions to manufacturing and services companies are available through the Free Trade Zone Regime, and The Active Finishing Regime. There are also incentives for tourism businesses.

Costa Rica's gross domestic product reached $21.2 billion in 2006, up from $19.4 billion in 2005, and from $11.7 billion 10 years earlier, according to The World Bank Group in Washington.

Yes, business is booming in Costa Rica, and there are several ways that you can profit from this boom – especially in the tourism sector.

You could:

Build and rent out your own eco-cabin: Because Costa Rica has become such a popular tourism destination in recent times, it’s desperately short of hotel rooms. So one strategy you could pursue is to build your own rental cabin for as little as $5,000… and then rent it out for as much as $100 a day.

Build or buy two homes. Let’s say you build two houses – a large house and a small house. You could then offer to rent both houses out… and live in the house that isn’t rented. Since living expenses in Costa Rica are relatively low – and rental prices are relatively high – with the right marketing strategy, you could easily make enough to live on – and even make a healthy profit – all while living in warm, tropical, beautiful Costa Rica full-time.

Build and sell properties. Because of the rapidly increasing land values throughout Costa Rica, you could buy a piece of land that’s large enough to subdivide, build a house on it, and sell the property for a good profit. 

“The variety of landscapes and microclimates that can be enjoyed in one single day make Costa Rica a paradisiacal destination filled with sun, beaches, nature, adventure and culture... With over two-thirds (67%) of Americans placing importance on the eco-friendliness of a destination, this market segment has a growing future ahead of it.”

PR Newswire, April 2007

Costa Rica continues to change at a fast pace. New highways and plans for airport expansion will likely create property booms in areas that are still relatively inexpensive. 

Other areas will benefit from plans for new hospitals and schools.

That means that there may never be a better time to invest in Costa Rica than right now.

What’s the best way to discover Costa Rica?

Well, you could continue to read our e-mails about Costa Rica… you could continue to read about Costa Rica in the mainstream press… you could continue to hear your friends raving about the deal they got on their beachfront dream home in Costa Rica… and how much fun they had on their last trip.

But we know from 27 years of experience that there’s a better way…

To really discover a dynamic place like Costa Rica the best way is – without question - to come down and experience it for yourself…

… to meet the other expats that are already living, buying real estate, and starting new businesses in Costa Rica…

… to meet the local experts that are already intimately familiar with local tax laws…  residency laws… the banking system… the health care system … business opportunities… the real estate market… and more…

Come Visit Us In Costa Rica This November…
And Make Your Costa Rica Dreams Come True

Yes, when you come to Costa Rica in person, you’ll really get to see Costa Rica, feel Costa Rica, and experience Costa Rica yourself… and come to your own conclusions about what Costa Rica has to offer you.

And this November, you’re invited to do just that:

Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar

November 5-7 2007
Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
Playa Herradura, Costa Rica

You’re invited to join the International Living team and our line-up of experts, and contacts, in warm, sunny, affordable Costa Rica – ”The Switzerland of the Americas.”

You’ll get all the details you need on owning property, retiring, living, working, and starting a new business in this remarkable overseas haven… straight from our team of well-connected Costa Rica insiders in an exotic tropical setting.

At the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, you’ll meet dozens of Costa Rica-focused experts in real estate investing, finance, legal issues, and more.

These on-the-ground experts will help you determine what’s best for you, answer all your questions, and help you start living the good life in Costa Rica as quickly as possible.

Register for the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar now.

It’s The Best Way To Make Your New Life In
Costa Rica Happen For You

Learn everything you need to know and still have time to relax

Recently, we’ve been reminding you of the advantages and attractions of Costa Rica in our print edition, e-letters, and now in our new Costa Rica Alerts.

However, nothing in the world can take the place of seeing – and feeling – a place for yourself.

That sense when your feet touch the soil… that sense that you coul easily call this place home – or at least, a home away from home.

That’s why you should seriously consider attending the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar this November 5 –7, 2007.

It’s simply the most convenient, affordable way to find out everything you need to know about Costa Rica.

You’ll Be Spoiled For Choice In Costa Rica

Beautiful beaches and low-cost living awaits you

At the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, you’ll find out – first-hand –  why Costa Rica is back on the International Living radar.

We’ll show you how easy it is to:

  • Own an affordable dream home in Paradise. In Costa Rica, you can still find stunning Pacific Coast homes for only $130,000… Caribbean Coast homes for only $127,000… and secluded valley retreats for only $140,000…
  • Cut your cost of living. The leading expatriate organization, the Association of Costa Rica Residents, estimates that if a couple owns a house and a car, and has no debts, they can live comfortably on $1,500 to $2,500 a month.
  • Access modern amenities and infrastructure. Enjoy newly-paved roads and highways, air-conditioned shopping malls, high-speed Internet access, cable and satellite TV, and much more…
  • Enjoy a warm, year-round climate. Along Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts, you’ll find the tropical climate pleasant. And when you head inland to the Central Valley, at an elevation of 3,000 to 5,000 feet, you can enjoy spring-like temperatures 12 months a year. In fact, Costa Rica’s Central Valley boasts a climate very similar to the world-class retirement havens of Boquete, Panama and Vilcabamba, Ecuador…
  • Indulge your sense of adventure. Trek through uncharted jungles and some of the most vast, rich and complex rainforests on the planet... canoe past rural villages... go on white-water-rafting expeditions... go swimming, scuba-diving, or snorkeling in turquoise Caribbean waters…horseback ride along deserted palm-lined beaches...... surf some of the world’s best waves…
  • Get the visa of your choice – hassle-free. Costa Rica offers a range of residency options… and you can apply for residency from your home country. Other benefits include the right to reside in a country that doesn’t tax your overseas income, as well as access to the government’s medical care. It's fast, it’s affordable, and it's easy.
  • Speak English with friendly locals. Because of the large U.S., Canadian, and European expat population in Costa Rica, you’ll find that many of the locals speak excellent English. Communicating is easy.
  • Find first-rate, super-cheap health care. Many medical experts say that Costa Rica offers some of the best health care in Latin America. And you can save thousands of dollars on health care in affordable countries like Costa Rica. Here’s what Financial Planning Magazine had to say in its November 2006 issue, “Most financial advisors seem unaware that traveling abroad for medical care can often save a patient 80% or even 90% off the U.S. sticker price.”

Costa Rica’s Low-Cost, Socialized, and Excellent Health Care

Costa Rica’s health care is first-rate… yet amazingly inexpensive – on average about a third of what you’d pay in the U.S.

And the doctors, many of them U.S. educated and trained, rarely charge more than $50 a visit… and most of them charge considerably less, even for house calls. That’s right! Many doctors in Costa Rica still make house calls!

“Patients can save as much as 80% on procedures done by medical professionals often educated and trained in the United States at hospitals increasingly accredited for meeting U.S.- like standards.”

- Fresno Bee, June 2007

Prescription drugs are also much cheaper in Costa Rica, especially at pharmacies outside the touristy areas of San José.

And it’s nice to know that you don’t really have to worry about a prescription. Pharmacies don’t usually require them, except for strong painkillers that could become addictive.

Some drugstores have personnel who are even allowed to prescribe medicines. For some tourists who come to Costa Rica to fill prescriptions, the savings outweigh the cost of the trip.

And not only is Costa Rica’s health care inexpensive, but the quality of health care is on par with U.S. standards. In fact, many medical experts agree that Costa Rica offers some of the best health care in Latin America.

“Recently, one of our on-the-ground scouts in Costa Rica informed me of group of Costa Rican dentists that was trained in the U.S., focuses on servicing multinational clients, speaks fluent English, regularly submits to advanced continuing education - stateside and beyond, and uses FDA-approved products.”

- International Living Postcards, April 2007

This achievement is the result of a large government investment in the health sector, which has flourished in an atmosphere of political stability.

Also, the influx of foreigners in Costa Rica has also been a big incentive for private hospitals to open and expand their operations.

“Instead of having one nurse running around answering buzzers and call buttons and saying `I don't have time,' there are three nurses coming in at the same time, asking `Can I get you some water?'"

- Charlotte Observer, April 2007

All of this is why nearby Costa Rica gets big kudos for its first-rate, affordable, money-saving health care system.

Yes, Costa Rica May Truly Have It All

Sunset over Costa Rica

What you'll find most surprising when visiting Costa Rica is that, despite all its natural beauty, despite all the favorable press it has received over the years, despite its low cost of living, perfect climate, and friendly populace, this tropical paradise has not yet been overrun with tourists.

Yes, there have been many more visitors to Costa Rica in recent years than a couple of decades ago. But, compared with the world's other tropical paradises, Costa Rica remains largely undiscovered.

According to the U.S. Department of State, more than 20,000 Americans now reside in Costa Rica, many of them as retirees – making this one of the strongest expat communities in the world...

… but this is still only a small percentage of the total population of over 4 million.

Costa Rica may truly have it all:  a year-round tropical climate, modern cities, Caribbean beaches, Pacific coastline, rain forests, lush valleys and towering volcanoes. In fact, Costa Rica boasts some of the most ecologically diverse regions in the world. 

Costa Rica also has one of the highest standards of living in Central America. With an economy catering to tourists, you'll have no trouble finding theaters, galleries, fine dining and virtually any type of cuisine, excellent health care, and modern telecommunications.

Costa Rica At A Glance

Population: 4,331,000

Capital:

San José (1,085,000)

Languages: Spanish, English
Currency: Colon
Exchange Rate: $1 USD = 508.514 colones (as of July 28, 2007)
Climate: 11 distinct climate zones, located in the Tropics
Life Expectancy: 76 years
Literary Percent: 96%
Major Holidays and Festivals:

Puntarenas Carnival (February)
St. Joseph’s Day (March 19)
Holy Week/Semanta Santa (the week before Easter)
International Arts Festival (April)
Juan Santamaria Day (April 11)
Independence Day (September 15)
Limon Carnival (the week preceding October 12)
Christmas Week (December 24-31)

   
Religion: Catholic: 90%
Music: Latin, classical, jazz, calypso, contemporary
Popular Dishes:

Gallo Pinto: Rice and beans seasoned with coriander, onions and Worcestershire sauce. Usually, this is served for breakfast with scrambled or fried eggs and a cup of Agua Dulce (pure sugar cane diluted in hot water) or coffee. Sour cream is a popular accompaniment to gallo pinto.

Casado: White rice, black or red beans served with pork, steak, or chicken, a small portion of cabbage/lettuce & tomato salad, and fried plantains. All is served in one dish for lunch or dinner with a fresh fruit drink or coffee.

   
National Bird: The Clay-Colored Robin
National Flower:

The "Guaria Morada" (orchid)

National Parks: Over 75 designated protected areas – covering 27% of Costa Rica’s total territory.
National Beer: Imperial, brewed since 1924
   

To reserve your place for our Live & Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, November 5-7, 2007, click below now or contact one of our conference liaisons today by phone at 1-866-381-8446 or e-mail: events@internationalliving.com.

 Our Phone Lines And E-mail Boxes
Have Been Jammed

Although there are still deals to be had in Costa Rica… places to discover… an enviable lifestyle waiting for you to call it your own… we don’t want to see you put it off much longer – and run the risk of missing out.

Our phone lines and e-mail inboxes have been jammed in the last few months with inquiries about Costa Rica… and I expect the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica seminar to sell out quicker than ever…

… especially with the increase in attention that Costa Rica has been receiving lately from the mainstream press.

Take a look:

“North Americans and Europeans are flocking to Costa Rica because of its biodiversity, peaceful lifestyle, democratic government and growing economy. And, of course, there's the climate… Many retirees we met are financing their retirement and keeping busy by starting businesses based on the booming real estate market… A property can net $20,000 to $100,000 a year in rental income, depending on housing type, style and location.”

- Kiplingers, November 2006

Americans… tend to migrate to Mexico and to Central and South America, where beachfront properties can be purchased for a smidgen of the cost of similar residences in Florida and California. Many countries, like Costa Rica, now offer tax breaks to foreigners who decide to retire there.”

- International Herald Tribune, March 2006

“… thousands of other Americans have chosen Costa Rica for its relative peace and stability, its great climate, its warm people, and its low cost of living. It is one of the most popular foreign retirement destinations in the world.”

- The Record

“Seeking adventure and an affordable cost of living, American retirees… are flocking abroad. Many are looking to warm-weather destinations in Costa Rica…”

- Kiplinger’s Retirement Report, April 2006

“When it comes time to retire, you may find it's not a fantasy at all. A number of retirees find that living their dream is possible by combining a little bit of work with their play, and experts say the Internet has made it possible for people to maintain careers while living in another country or even while on the road.”

- Oakland Tribune, February 2007

Breakfast in America, Lunch in Costa Rica

One of the many great things about Costa Rica is that it’s close, and easy to get to from most large U.S. and Canadian airports. And because Costa Rica has mushroomed in popularity, there are now more flights than ever to this nearby eco-paradise.

You can take direct flights to the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica from Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto.

  • If you fly with Continental via Houston, you can find fares for as little as $330…
  • Lacsa – Costa Rica’s carrier – offers flights from Miami and Dallas starting at around $400…
  • TACA offers direct flights from Los Angeles for as little as $500…
  • Continental offers the cheapest fares from Chicago – via Houston – for as little as $600…
  • American Airlines has a direct flight from New York to San Jose for just $750…

However, please remember that the above fares are approximations… and they change all the time. In fact, it’s possible to find fares even lower than the fares quoted above.

One strategy that you can use to get the lowest airfares is to get your hands on International Living’s special report – How To Get The Best Deal On Every Airfare You Buy – or to purchase your ticket through a travel aggregator website such as www.qixo.com, www.mobissimo.com, or www.kayak.com.

It’s a short flight from any U.S. airport to San Jose – so you can easily enjoy an early breakfast in the U.S., board your flight, and arrive for a late lunch in San Jose later that day.

Getting to Costa Rica is easy, affordable, and fast!

Register for the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar today.

Yes, You Can Still Find
Real Estate Bargains In Costa Rica

We'll ensure you find the right place to build or buy your home

No matter what sort of escape you dream about, we'll help you find it. We'll introduce you to Costa Rica’s beaches, to be sure… but we'll focus our attention well beyond the beaches, to be sure to find some of Costa Rica’s best property bargains.

No matter what your dream escape is, in Costa Rica, you really can make it a reality – easily and affordably.

And this November, we'll introduce you to a wide variety of opportunities like these, all across Costa Rica:

The Central Valley – Unlike the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the Central Valley of Costa Rica lies at an elevation of 3,000 to 5,000 feet… and has the cool temperatures to prove it. In the Central Valley, you can find many small towns well-known for their beauty and charm. Expats with second homes in the Valley enjoy going to art galleries, handicraft shops, boutiques, bars, restaurants, flower markets, and friendly village churches. And in the San Isidro suburb of Grecia, one of the friendliest towns in the Cental Valley, you can still find bargains such as a charming two-bedroom, one-bathroom 1,200-square-foot house with a dining room, laundry room, living room, and terrace for only $140,000.

The Pacific Coast – Spectacular ocean views, gorgeous beaches, world-class surfing, sport fishing, bird watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and horseback riding make the Pacific Coast a prime attraction for adventuresome tourists. Today it’s also becoming a Mecca for property shoppers. And remarkably, there are still places along the Pacific Coast that aren’t overcrowded. In fact, you can still find small fishing villages and stretches of beach that may remind you of a completely wild tropical island. That’s because there are several national parks and wildlife preserves nearby that are home to dozens of exotic animals - including leatherback turtles that haul themselves ashore to lay eggs. And near the town of Golfito, we recently found a 1,400-square-foot, two-bedroom ranch-style house with a caretaker/guest house on the property – close to both the beach and the jungle – available for only $130,000.

The Caribbean Coast – For many decades, tourists have been attracted to the Caribbean Coast, where you can enjoy superb surfing, sport fishing, and opportunities to get a close-up look at nature in an area where tropical rainforests extend to the white-sand beaches. The Caribbean Coast is also home to several wildlife refuges and parks, including the Tortuguero National Park – where turtles go to nest. And in a small coastal village just south of Puerto Viejo, a two-bedroom house only 200 meters from the beach – complete with Caribbean-style construction, an outdoor patio, landscaped tropical gardens, and an existing telephone line -  was recently for sale for only $127,000.

The Southern Nicoya Peninsula – Long a secret in Costa Rica, the Southern Nicoya Peninsula is home to a small but thriving community of artists, actors, singers, writers, celebrities, models, musicians, and other creative visionaries that have made this undiscovered paradise their new home away from home. It’s also home to the Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco – Costa Rica’s oldest protected piece of land - and the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Curu, which includes a great variety of wildlife – if you’re lucky, you may see deer, monkeys, and wildcats roaming through the forest here. Here, you can own your own 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom luxury condominiums with a swimming pool and jacuzzi – right on the beach in beautiful Playa Tambor – for as little as $190,000.

The Osa Peninsula – This is an area of incredible biological diversity – and quite different from the Costa Rican mainland. In fact, it’s probably unlike any place you’ll ever see in your life. It has an extraordinary number of species found nowhere else on Earth. Quite simply, it’s simply one of the most pristine and awe-inspiring natural wonders we’ve ever discovered. Imagine a “floating island” with a thousand shades of blue and green saturating its rolling hills. If you’re craving adventure and getting in touch with nature on the grandest scale, then the Osa Peninsula is for you. And here you can find bargains such as a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,205 square foot house - right across the street from a private nature reserve and beside a small stream - in the relaxed town of Puerto Jimenez. This lovely small home has a driveway, a security gate in front, Direct TV, DSL Internet, phone service, polarized electrical fixtures throughout the house, a security system, a large master bedroom, two guest bedrooms, a living room/dining room, ceiling fans, a patio and a carport, for only $95,000!

And that's just for starters…

All across Costa Rica, as you'll discover, are splendid opportunities for you to invest well and live comfortably. No matter what sort of escape you imagine for yourself – come with it in mind. We'll help you find it.

You’ll Meet The Costa Rica Experts
That Have “Been There” and “Done That”

Meet the experts and find out what you need to know

Over the three power-packed days you’ll spend with us at the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, you'll pick up more insider intelligence and “on the ground know how” than you ever could in a year spent researching Costa Rica on your own.

That's because we invite everyone from offshore experts, Costa Rica real estate agents and developers, and well-respected authorities in Costa Rica on taxation, privacy, banking, and international law – but also our own editorial staff and contributors and colleagues worldwide.

These people are running businesses… buying properties… building houses… and enjoying a comfortable (and affordable) retirements.

They’re opening bank accounts, shipping their household goods, shopping for cars and appliances, arranging for broadband internet and cable TV, considering their health insurance options, paying their bills, managing their finances.

Many have reinvented themselves in their new lives in Costa Rica and other overseas havens.

You’ll hear how they’re now able to follow the dreams they may have put aside for decades. They’re learning new languages… opening new businesses… taking up fishing, painting, wine-making… and more…

You'll not only benefit from their formal presentations, but you'll have a chance to meet with all our experts and expats casually, have a drink at the bar – and "pick their brains" as it were.

"It was clear to me after meeting the speakers and staff of International Living that they are committed to providing the most accurate information available to them at the time. This is certainly a group of very well informed global thinkers."
 - Ann F, Hazel Green, WI

This one-on-one, personal contact offers you invaluable networking opportunities and a chance to really get "the inside scoop" about everything from renovating a home… to shopping for groceries… from finding quality, affordable medical care… to getting your kids educated in Costa Rica.

Meet our Panel of Experts and Expats

We'll ensure you're well-connected by the time this seminar comes to a close. You'll meet and hear from the International Living staff and from a whole host of additional speakers who will deliver all the information you need about Costa Rica.

Among the excellent speakers you'll meet and hear from are:

SUZAN HASKINS, Latin America Editorial Director, International Living. Suzan Haskins grew up in the Midwest and New Jersey, before moving to Omaha in 1976. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and spent the early years of her career working in television production, advertising and marketing in Omaha. After spending several years as V.P./Creative Director for one of Omaha’s largest ad agencies, she eventually started her own company to provide business-to-business marketing services to Omaha’s largest corporations. In 2001, she left Omaha, along with her husband, Dan Prescher, to join the staff of International Living in Quito, Ecuador. From there, the Haskins/Prescher team moved to Mexico, and they have spent the past year in Panama and Nicaragua. They now live in Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico. Suzan is International Living’s Latin America Editorial Director and is responsible for the company’s Latin America-based publications.

MONIC CHABOT, Director-General, I.I.D.C. Monic has been living in Costa Rica for many years, since leaving Canada to follow her dreams. She moved to San Jose, took English and Spanish language courses for several months and then enrolled at the University of Costa Rica to study eco-tourism... in Spanish. Arriving just as the tiny country was taking off as an important eco-tourism destination, she decided to help her newly adopted land by showcasing its natural wonders and resources and making sure they are accessible to disabled people. She created a non-profit organization called F.A.U.N.A. and in short order, thanks largely to Monica's work, the ICT (Instituto Costaricense de Turismo) adopted the principles and standards for universal access that she had provided them from a model developed by Kéroul – Tourism Québec's spokesperson to disabled tourists. Later, her work was deemed "in the National interest" by the Government – who awarded her with residency – and then the Costa Rican Legislature passed universal access standards into law. She lives in Valle El General, in the Talamanca mountains, and often you'll find her leading some sort of jungle adventure. She visits all the accommodations she recommends first, as well as trying all the activities and visiting the nature sites and attractions to rate their accessibility and recommend needed adaptations. In the summer of 1998, she led a group of 25 very severely disabled persons on a highly exciting 14 day tour around the country. In 2000 Monic led a group of blind climbers to the top of Chirripo – at 4,730 meters, it is Central America's 2nd highest peak. She is recommended by the Exploring Costa Rica guides and is involved in various projects that benefit the local community, and is a board member of the Chamber Of Commerce.

ROGER PETERSEN. Attorney at Law, Petersen & Philps. Roger is a member of both the Costa Rican Bar and Florida Bar. In addition to his legal education, he earned a bachelors degree in International Relations from Tulane University and an M.B.A. in Banking and Finance at the San José, Costa Rica Campus of National University.

W. RICHARD (RICK) PHILPS, Attorney at Law, Petersen & Philps. Richard (Rick) Philps is both a Canadian citizen and a Costa Rican citizen. He was born, raised, and educated in Victoria, British Columbia, receiving a bachelor of Arts degree in 1977, and a bachelor of Laws degree (English Common Law) in 1980, from the University of Victoria. He practiced law in Victoria, as a member of the Law Society of British Columbia, for 14 years, prior to moving to Costa Rica in 1998. Rick returned to university in Costa Rica, earning his bachelor of Laws and Licensing degrees (Civil Law), from the Metropolitana Castro Carazo University, in San Jose, is a member of the Costa Rica College of Lawyers, and has practiced law in Costa Rica for five years. He practices law in the areas of real estate and development, corporate, commercial, contract, and banking.

CRISTA SZILAGYI, ILISA Spanish Schools—Costa Rica. Crista grew up in Romania and studied European Studies with a focus on politics and culture. Her master’s is in Management of Organizations. She’s been living in Costa Rica for three years. At ILISA, Elisa coordinates the customer relations area and enjoys working with all the partners she has from all over the globe as well as receiving students who wish to widen their perspective on other cultures and learn a new language at the same time.

TURALU BRADY MURDOCK, First American Title Insurance Company, Latin America/ Caribbean Division. Turalu Brady Murdock is Vice President/Counsel of the Latin America/ Caribbean Division of First American Title Insurance Company based in South Florida. She has been employed by First American since 1976, in various capacities. In the Santa Ana, California National Legal Department, she was a National Title Counsel; in the Denver Regional Office she functioned as the Rocky Mountain Regional Counsel, and in the New Orleans Regional Office as the South East Regional Operation Manager. Tuey received her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and a J.D. with scholastic merit from Western State University College of Law, California. Tuey is a member of the California and Colorado Bar Associations. She has also been active in the California Bar Legal Education Section, the American Land Title Association and the American Bar Association Title Insurance and International Law Sections. Tuey served for many years as a National Board Member of the National Peace Corps Association. She has lectured extensively on title insurance related issues throughout the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America.

STEVE LINDER. Steve Linder hails from Cambridge, MA. He attended Northeastern University in Boston, earning his B.S in International Business before completing an International MBA program as well. He started his import export business while in college, importing various items from Mexico. Steve settled on jewelry, eventually opening a small factory in Mexico, purchasing and producing jewelry for companies like TJX Corporation. He markets through major trade shows as well as reps and permanent show rooms in a few major US cities.

Maurice GlazerMAURICE M. GLAZER, C.E.O., Glazer Financial Network/Doctors Resource Service. Maurice has been a financial advisor for 35 years. He has been a speaker at the Texas and Oklahoma Associations and hospital organizations such as Baylor and Methodist on qualified plans and on creating your net worth. Maurice has written many articles and publications and has appeared on Syndicated TV as well as many local broadcasts. The Glazer Financial Network team contains a wide range of professionals certified in various areas including: Certified Public Accountant; Enrolled Agent; Certified Finanical Planner; Certified Senior Advisor; Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist. Glazer Financial Network is a full-service financial firm dedicated to providing unique solutions to the monetary, financial, and tax problems of professionals. It specializes in a custom analysis for each professional with specific suggestions directed to potentially: increase net worth, lower effective income tax bracket, use qualified plans to generate tax deferred growth and tax-deferred income, lower estate taxes, and preserving assets.

DAVID GARRETT, Garrett and Associates. Established in 1980, Garrett and Associates is a full service agency selling insurance for I.N.S. (government-owned) in Costa Rica. The agency has about 2,500 clients - including many foreign residents and several major multinational corporations. Key people on the staff are bilingual, English-Spanish. They offer English translations and summaries of the most widely sold insurance policies, and sponsor the book "Insurance in Costa Rica" which explains in English how insurance works in this country, thereby helping foreigners avoid pitfalls. They also keep the English-speaking residents of Costa Rica abreast of relevant changes to insurance by means of articles in several magazines and in the country's foremost English-language newspaper, the Tico Times.. Their service is focused on minimizing as much as possible direct contact between clients and the I.N.S. with its considerable paperwork.

CHRISTINA RAMIREZ. Christina earned her B.A. degree in Social Ecology from the University of California, in 1996. When she met her husband, Hector in Costa Rica in 1996, her simple view of Los Angeles suburbia changed forever. In 2002, after working as a bilingual teacher in California and New Jersey, they moved permanently to the Northern Region of Costa Rica. At that point they co-founded Finca Leola S.A., a reforestation company that plants tropical hardwoods on behalf of private investors. Early in 2007 they moved to set up Reforest Costa Rica S.A., which specializes in providing forestry and conservation consultation services. Focusing on restoration and forest ecology, their goal is to plant more than a million trees in the next five years.

AND MANY MORE…

To reserve your place for our Live & Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, November 5-7, 2007, click below now or contact one of our conference liaisons today by phone at 1-866-381-8446 or e-mail: events@internationalliving.com.

 

Get to know our Costa Rica Experts at the Exhibit Hall

Got a question you’d like to ask one of our experts directly? All you’ve got to do is check out our Exhibit Hall.

The Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar Exhibit Hall will be full of tables, fully staffed by our expert speakers and their assistants.

  • Stop by the Exhibit Hall during a coffee and snack break…
  • Walk up to the desks and introduce yourself to the experts…
  • Ask any questions you may have about Costa Rica…
  • Meet and network with fellow attendees, other speakers, and IL staff…
  • Plan your next course of action…

The Live and Prosper Exhibit Halls have been getting more and more impressive. And this upcoming Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar is shaping up to be one of our best ever.

To reserve your place for our Live & Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, November 5-7, 2007, click below now or contact one of our conference liaisons today by phone at 1-866-381-8446 or e-mail: events@internationalliving.com.

Everything You Need To Know
About Costa Rica Today

We’ve made the contacts, learned the ways of Costa Rica, and found both the opportunities and the pitfalls—firsthand – especially in the past 18 months.

And we’ll dedicate three days in November to passing all this fresh, hard-won knowledge, information—and even introductions to our circle of experts and expats—directly to you.

We’re fortunate to have speakers who can cover just about every imaginable Costa Rica-related topic including:

  • How to find your ideal home in Costa Rica…
  • Nitty-gritty details on Costa Rica’s residency program and how to take advantage of it…
  • How to explore Costa Rica in First-Class style…
  • Costa Rica’s most promising business opportunities…
  • What you need to know about banking and real estate financing…
  • The ABCs of rental management in Costa Rica…
  • Insurance options for the Costa Rica expat…
  • Everything you need to know about Costa Rica’s first-class, super-affordable health care…
  • Renovating, designing, and maintaining your dream home in Costa Rica…
  • Legal considerations (visas, trusts, corporations, buying property, and more)…
  • How to take advantage of Costa Rica’s benefit-laden tax laws…
  • How to relocate to Costa Rica with ease…
  • What it’s like to be an expat in Costa Rica…

… and much, much more.

You’ll Have Fun Learning At The
Live and Prosper In Costa Rica Seminar As Well

What's more, I guarantee that the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar will prove an enjoyable as well as an educational event. You'll have an opportunity to rub elbows in a casual environment with your fellow participants and speakers.

If you're traveling by yourself, please don't hesitate to come. You'll find you're among like-minded attendees – interesting, entrepreneurial, well-traveled folks who share your interests. You'd be amazed at the number of friendships – and even business partnerships – that have sprung up among attendees at our events in past years.

We'll be organizing some informal social events, too – making sure folks are headed to dinner together and suggesting some activities you might like to do while you're with us in Costa Rica.

That’s why the Live & Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar promises to be not only a life-changing event, but also an enjoyable and fun getaway.

And You’ll Stay At A Luxurious Resort – At A Discounted Price – That’s Considered One of the “World’s Best” by Travel & Leisure Readers

Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

Recognized by Travel & Leisure magazine readers as one of the "World's Best," the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is a luxury Costa Rican resort that seems far away (but is less than a two-hour drive) from overcrowded San José.

The Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is adjacent to the lovely and peaceful beach of Playa Herradura—nestled between the warm waters of the Pacific and a 1,100 acre tropical rainforest.

A memorable Costa Rican beach resort vacation awaits you. You can glide from tree to tree on a canopy tour or just sit back and relax along the resort’s palm lined free-form pool.

The luxurious Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort boasts:

  1. Magnificent colonial architecture and world-class amenities…
  2. Spacious rooms equipped with spectacular ocean, mountain, and valley views, high speed Internet access, a large work desk for business travelers, international cable TV and more…
  3. La Iguana — an 18 hole Championship Golf Course nestled in the rainforest. This impressive golf course presents you a challenging layout as well as the chance to see the gallery of monkeys and brightly hued macaws during play…
  4. Six restaurants and lounges…
  5. The on-site Stellaris Casino – when you’re not rubbing shoulders with our Costa Rica experts, you can try your luck at roulette, craps, slots, or a game of Texas hold ‘em…
  6. An ocean side gazebo – after a day of planning your new life in Costa Rica, why not pamper yourself with an organic massage…
  7. Tours of the adjacent jungle canopy, the Iguana Park, the Carara Biological Reserve (a vital nesting ground for scarlet macaws), and horseback riding…

… and much, much more.

Register for the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar now.

Why you should avoid Costa Rica’s capital city of San José

In the decade or so since we last endorsed the country, "Why don't you ever write about Costa Rica?" has been one of the most frequently asked questions by new readers.

Well, no place is perfect…

As I mentioned before, Costa Rica used to be much more expensive than other Central American havens. Fortunately, for anyone interested in starting a new life in Costa Rica, that’s no longer the case.

But relatively high prices are not what turned me off Costa Rica over the past decade. My biggest beef with Costa Rica has always been the capital city of San José.

You see, San José isn't a safe, charming, and welcoming colonial city like Granada, Nicaragua or San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. On the contrary, San José is a dirty, overcrowded, unappealing, third-world city. And there are problems with crime here in some areas.

So avoid San José……

… and instead consider the much quieter, scenic and safer areas that Costa Rica is world-famous for…

… the places we’ll highlight at the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar:

  1. The Central Valley
  2. The Pacific Coast
  3. The Caribbean Coast
  4. The Southern Nicoya Peninsula
  5. The Osa Peninsula

“While there is some crime in the country's capital… in Costa Rica's countryside, security seems to abound.”
World & I, March 2004

Over the past two decades, I've traveled to Costa Rica dozens of times. And no question – in most areas outside of San José – Costa Rica remains an ecological treasure.

Its moniker as “The Switzerland of Central America” is well-deserved... for its weather and scenery in the countryside are remarkably similar to that of Switzerland in the summertime.

Forget about San José.

Instead, focus your attention on the still-untouched areas we’ll introduce you to at the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar.

Register for the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar now.

You’ll Love The Charming
Surfside Destination Of Playa Herradura

Surfing is just one of many activities you can enjoy while in Costa Rica

The Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is situated in Playa Herradura, which boasts a superb black-sand beach with aqua green waters and a palm-tree-lined shore.

Ten years ago, Playa Herradura was an unknown paradise mostly frequented by Ticos (residents of Costa Rica) and campers. Today, Playa Herradura is fast becoming world-renowned for its surf breaks… and it’s also ideal for those who want to get away from the hustle of and bustle of nearby Jaco.

And if you’re interested in eco-tourism, you can enjoy horseback treks, canopy tours, and hiking through the bordering jungles.

The best destination is the Carara Biological Reserve – nine miles north – which hosts a large population of magnificent scarlet macaws. And the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort offers tours of this incredibly biologically diverse area.

Register for the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar now.

Costa Rica: One Of The World's Leading Eco-tourism Destinations

Costa Rica could very well be the most biologically diverse region on the entire planet. That’s why more than one million tourists visit Costa Rica each year… to explore some of the last completely unspoiled natural habitats in the world.

This tiny yet amazingly diverse country:

  • Covers only 1/10,000th of the world’s surface –  approximately 200 miles long by 70 miles wide - yet is home to more than 500,000 different species of plants and animals….
  • Hosts 11 distinct climate zones, while the much larger United States hosts “only” nine climate zones…
  • Protects 27 percent of its total territory: there are currently more than 75 designated protected areas in Costa Rica…
  • Is home to more than 850 bird species – 10% of all known bird species on Earth (the U.S. and Canada combined have less than half that number)… 5,000 different species of grasshoppers…160 known amphibians… 220 reptiles… and 10 percent of all known butterflies (Corcovado National Park alone has at least 220 different species)…

In Costa Rica, you’ll find high-elevation cloud forests… deserted white-sand and black-sand beaches… lowland rain forests… mysterious mangrove swamps… dense green forests… protected marine areas… expansive wetlands… and just about everything in between…

Combine this incredible biodiversity with Costa Rica’s progressive policies on environmental protection and sustainable eco-tourism in the National Parks System, and it’s not hard to see why Costa Rica is so popular with eco-tourists…

And when you visit Costa Rica, you’ll find that there are many exhilarating ways to explore its outstanding natural beauty:

  • Hike through the Corcovado National Park – a lush green coastal rainforest— and one of Costa Rica’s best places to spot wildlife. Make sure to keep your eye out for parrots, crocodiles, caimans, toucans, kingfishers, iguanas, and lizards…
  • Scuba dive or snorkel amongst thousands of colorful tropical fish and vivid coral reefs surrounding Santa Elena Bay’s Murcielago and Catalina Islands…
  • Explore the Rara Avis Rainforest Reserve – Costa Rica’s premiere ecotourist destination. Here you can find palm trees, orchids, primitive ferns, and an absolutely incredible variety of birdlife…
  • Whitewater raft down the exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping Class III-IV sections of the Reventazon and Pacuare Rivers…
  • Swim in the warm tropical waters at Playa Bonita in Limon, Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Cocles, and alongside dozens and dozens of other pristine, unspoiled stretches of coastline…
  • Kayak down the Sarapiqui River, in the Pacific Ocean, or in the Caribbean Sea…

  • Surf world-class waves at Playa Naranjo – one of the best breaks in the country, Puerto Viejo – one of the few legitimate “big waves” in Costa Rica… and at Playa Pavones – one of the longest left points in the world…
  • Go Horseback riding on the beach at sunset in Samara, Montezuma, or many other ideal places for horseback riding in Costa Rica…
  • Go Sportfishing for marlin, swordfish, snook, and tarpon at Barra del Colorado, Quepos, Golfito, or Playa Flamingo…
  • Go Bird watching and spot hummingbirds, scarlet macaws, toucans, kingfishers, trogons, and even the resplendent queztal in the Braulio Carrillo National Park…
  • Go Mountain Biking in the pristine Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve on the Nicoya Peninsula…

So when you come down to Costa Rica, remember to bring your digital camera, your sunscreen, your hiking shoes, your swimsuit, and your sense of adventure. You’ll need them all!

Your Special FREE Bonus Report:
Your Second Home in Costa Rica

If there’s one thing you can count on at the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, it’s that you’re going to receive a lot of information.

And not just from the presentations… but from all the casual interactions and conversations you’ll have throughout the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar with the International Living staff, our acclaimed panel of experts, and your fellow attendees.

And you’ll also be taking all of this in at one of the world’s nicest beach resorts, the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Playa Herradura, Costa Rica.

But that’s not all you’re going to get…

Attend the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar and we’ll also throw in a FREE Bonus Report that will help you become the owner of a new second dream home in Costa Rica with ease.

The report is called Your Second Home In Costa Rica, and it’s designed to help you recall all the key points you need to know when purchasing a second home in Costa Rica.

And you’ll receive this hot-off-the-presses Special Bonus Report FREE… as an attendee of the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar.

Get to know Costa Rica’s most promising areas

At the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, our panel of experts will show you what we believe are the best places in Costa Rica for you to travel, own an affordable second home, live, retire, and start a new business right now.

The Central Valley:  Here you can find many small towns well-known for their beauty and charm. You can enjoy going to art galleries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, and flower markets. And because of the higher altitude, you’ll also enjoy cooler, spring like weather 12 months a year.

The Pacific Coast: A prime attraction for adventuresome tourists, the Pacific Coast – boasts gorgeous beaches, world–class surfing, sport fishing, bird watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, and several national parks and wildlife preserves nearby that are home to dozens of exotic animals - including leatherback turtles that haul themselves ashore to lay eggs.

The Caribbean Coast: Here you can enjoy the opportunity to get a close-up look at nature in an area where tropical rainforests extend to the white-sand beaches. The Caribbean Coast is also home to several wildlife refuges and parks, including the Tortuguero National Park (where turtles go to nest) and the Cahuita National Park. You can also enjoy superb surfing and sport fishing.

The Southern Nicoya Peninsula: A favorite with actors, celebrities, musicians, artists, writers, and other creative types, the Southern Nicoya Peninsula is also home to some of Costa Rica’s most alluring destinations, including the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Curu, Isla Tortuga – with postcard-perfect white-sand, palm-fringed beaches, the popular beach resort of Montezuma, and the Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco.

The Osa Peninsula: One of the most unique biological habitats on Earth. You have to see it to believe it.

To reserve your place for our Live & Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, November 5-7, 2007, click below now or contact one of our conference liaisons today by phone at 1-866-381-8446 or e-mail: events@internationalliving.com.

 

 

Private Real Estate Tours Available To Seminar Attendees Only…
The Best Way to Get a Feel for the Properties and Lifestyle

During the program, you'll gain a solid understanding of the best investment and lifestyle options open to you throughout all of Costa Rica. You will have an opportunity to meet local realtors, and we urge you to schedule appointments and spend the days following the seminar looking at opportunities in the area.

But really, there's no substitute for seeing these properties first-hand. You need to walk along that beach for sale and linger on the balcony of that villa on offer to get a proper sense for what you like -- and exactly how far your dollars will stretch.

Pathfinder, International Living’s real estate services advertiser, is offering an optional real estate tour immediately following the seminar. They will be taking participants on a dedicated, real estate-only tour of some of the best projects and developments in Costa Rica.

The optional Costa Rica Real Estate Tour will take place on November 8-10, 2007.

You're guaranteed a great market overview. (Of course, you're welcome to explore this coastal area on your own -- though I do strongly believe there's additional value in having fellow travelers on hand to share their insights and give you feedback.) Either way, I encourage you to stay on for a few days after the seminar if you can.

Numbers Are Strictly Limited.

Pathfinder are keeping the group small so you can move around quickly and see everything you need to see in short order.

See the country… meet their top contacts…speak with the key developers…review plans…ask the tough questions one-on-one…

…and find out if Costa Rica might just be the offshore destination you've been seeking.

I caution you: These tours are for serious real estate hunters. Not that there won't be time for a little fun, but make no mistake--you’ll be on the job.

On the Costa Rica Real Estate Tour, you’ll be viewing some of the best developments and current real estate opportunities in the regions of Jacó and Esterillos, Dominical and South Pacific area as well as a development in the San Jose area.

With you every step of the way to help guide you through your thinking will be the Pathfinder Team. They’ve visited every development project on the itinerary and will be there to offer assistance.

Optional Tour: November 8-10

Over three days you will view developments in the regions of Jacó and Esterillos, Dominical and South Pacific area as well as a development in the San Jose area.

Cost: $495(single) or $945 for a couple (Includes all transportation, one-way airfare to San Jose, one night’s accommodation in Jacó and one nights accommodation in Palmar Sur, two breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners).

NOTE: This is purely a real-estate focused tours -- not general sightseeing.

Numbers are strictly limited for this Costa Rica tour…and only available to attendees of the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar. If you want to guarantee your space please reserve now.

Tel: 1-866-381-8446 (toll free in the USA/Canada) or 1- 410 223 2688.

E-mail: Tours@PangaeaRealEstate.net.

Discover Your New Private Paradise In Costa Rica

So many places look good on paper – and even look good in photos. But there’s still only one way to see if a place is going to be a good fit for you, and that’s to set foot on the soil yourself.

If after a few days you find you don’t want to leave – ever – you know you’ve found the place.

Honestly, there’s so much to see and do in Costa Rica – so many options – that it could easily be overwhelming.

But when you come to an event like the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, you can do your best thinking, knowing that many of the most basic decisions and pieces of information have already been gathered – residency and citizenship, real estate, business opportunities, tax questions. There’s simply no need to figure it out all by yourself – we’ve done all the legwork for you.

Think of how much time, money, and hassles this will save you. All of these esteemed experts will be in one place… at one time. Sure, you could go out and try to meet all of these experts on your own, but why bother? At the Live and Prosper in Costa Seminar, you can do it all in one place, spend a few days at a fantastic hotel – right on the beach - and have a great time doing it.

Between the low cost of living and the deals still available in real estate, Costa Rica can restore your hope of enjoying an early retirement – a dream you might have given up if your savings doesn’t match the size of your retirement fantasies.

Or it might just be the thriving business community, the warm and sunny year-round weather, or the incredible biodiversity – everyone has their reasons for coming to Costa Rica. The real miracle of this place is that the reasons can vary so widely.

Costa Rica offers something for everyone. As I said, you should see it for yourself. And you should see it now.

Please don’t delay. Our phone lines and e-mail inboxes have been jammed with inquiries about Costa Rica in recent months, and I expect this one to fill up quickly.

Remember, this is your chance to discover the exciting new opportunities we’ve uncovered in Costa Rica… before most people know they even exist… and to come away with everything you need to know to make your dream life in paradise a reality.

To reserve your place for our Live & Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, November 5-7, 2007, click below now or contact one of our conference liaisons today by phone at 1-866- 381-8446 or e-mail: events@internationalliving.com.


Sincerely,

Kathleen Peddicord
Publisher, International Living

P.S. For the first time in 15 years, it finally makes sense again to consider Costa Rica as a new home away from home. That’s because Costa Rica – “The Switzerland of the Americas” – is no longer expensive – relatively speaking. And when you attend the Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, our team of Costa Rica experts will show you – step-by-step – how to make your dreams of living in a nearby affordable haven like Costa Rica a reality – without breaking the bank – as soon as possible.

 

Or contact us now:

Email: events@internationalliving.com

Phone: 1-866-381-8446 (Toll free in the US and Canada)

Seminar Price and What's Included

PRICE: 1 person = $1,195; 2 people = $1,990 (guest or spouse pays just $795)

The seminar includes all seminars and informal Q&A sessions, introductions to contacts in Costa Rica, entrance to the exhibit hall, Your Second Home in Costa Rica Special Report, a welcome and farewell cocktail reception, and a full welcome pack of materials. Your international airfare, hotel transfers, meals, and overnight accommodations are not included in the price of the seminar.

Early Bird and Other Discounts

Reserve your place by September 19, 2007, and you save $100 per person. Discount Price: 1 person = $1,095; 2 people = $1,790 (guest or spouse pays just $695)

ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT FOR SUBSCRIBERS TO INTERNATIONAL LIVING
No matter when you sign on, if you're a subscriber to the print edition of International Living or an AWAI member you are eligible for a $50 discount off the registration price.

ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT FOR LATIN AMERICA INSIDER MEMBERS
Latin America Insider Members are entitled to $100 discount off the registration price

ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT FOR LIFETIME MEMBERS
No matter when you sign on, if you're a Lifetime Member of International Living, you are eligible for a $150 discount off the registration price.

$200 ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT FOR PUBLISHER’S ROUNDTABLE MEMBERS
No matter when you sign on, if you're a Publisher’s Roundtable Member of International Living, you are eligible for a $200 discount off the registration price and if you haven’t used your one free event, you can do so here.

50% ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT FOR WORLD CLUB MEMBERS
No matter when you sign on, if you're aWorld Club Member of International Living, you are eligible for a 50% discount off the registration price.

ATTENTION; WORLD CLUB MEMBERS. For you, this seminar may be eligible as your free event. You’ll simply need to mention that you’re a World Club Member when you register. Not only that, but as a World Club Member, you’ll get to attend all future Live and Prosper in Costa Rica Seminars FREE if you attend this one.

(Please note: You can take advantage of the greatest discount based on your membership status but only one membership discount applies).  

To reserve your place for our Live & Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, November 5-7, 2007, click below now or contact one of our conference liaisons today by phone at 1-866-381-8446 or e-mail: events@internationalliving.com.

YOUR SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Optional registration: November 4 from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

The conference will begin on November 5 at 8 a.m. for registration and 9 a.m. for the opening of the exhibit room.

The first general sessions will start at 9 a.m. and finish around 5 p.m. We’ll finish the day with an opening cocktail reception.

On November 6 and November 7 we will start sessions at approximately 9 a.m., concluding around 5 p.m.

We will finish with a closing cocktail reception at the hotel on November 7 at 6 p.m.

Optional Dinner- November 4

An optional dinner will be held on the evening of November 4, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (World Club Members are invited to join us free of charge).

VIP Reception- November 6

A VIP Reception (for World Club, Roundtable and Lifetime Members) will be held the evening of November 6, from 7-8 p.m.

OPTIONAL POST CONFERENCE PATHFINDER REAL ESTATE TOUR – November 8-10

During the seminar you will have an opportunity to meet local developers, and we urge you to schedule appointments and spend the days following the conference looking at opportunities in the area.

You may decide to do this on your own, but an optional group real estate tour exploring the surrounding areas has been organized for immediately after the seminar. 

E-mail  Tours@PangaeaRealEstate.net for more information.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort
800 MTS West from Herradura entrance
Playa Herradura, Costa Rica
Tel: 011 506 630 9000
TOLL-FREE: 1 800 228 9290
Fax:  506 630 9090
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjols-los-suenos-marriott-ocean-and-golf-resort/

Hotel Highlights

  • Luxury hotel set on a 1,100-acre rainforest overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
  • Beach resort with magnificent colonial architecture and world-class amenities.
  • La Iguana Golf Course, an 18-hole championship golf course nestled in the rainforest.
  • Casino on-site.
YOUR HOTEL BENEFITS
  1. Express check-in and express check-out.
  2. Complimentary welcome beverage.
  3. Currency exchange service at the front desk.
  4. Complimentary use of health club.
  5. Complimentary Hospitality Desk.
  6. All rooms have mini bars, full cable TV, working desk, high speed internet, and a Juliet-style balcony.
  7. Internet in sleeping rooms has a $12.97 fee.

Hotel Reservations at Special Group Rates:

As a conference attendee, you can take advantage of the fantastic group rates. Rooms are just $180 for singles and doubles per night (plus tax).

This rate includes American Buffet breakfast, at La Vista Restaurant, for two guests per room.

There is no extra fee for children under 12 years of age when sharing with parents. Charge per third and fourth person in a room is US $26 each. With breakfast included.

We have negotiated with the hotel to allow our attendees to take advantage of this discounted rate from November 3-8 to accommodate your needs (based on availability).

Please contact the The Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort today to reserve your accommodations. Please book now to guarantee a room:

Phone: TOLL-FREE: 1-800-228-9290
Or call + 506 630 9000 (dial 011 first, from the US)
E-mail:  rreserva@marriott.co.cr
Website: http://cwp.marriott.com/sjols/internationallivinggroup/

Be sure to identify yourself as an International Living Conference attendee.

NOTE: When reserving your room, remember to take into account your extra days if you are staying on for the optional tours or to explore Playa Herradura and the surrounding area.

If you are checking out on the last day of the seminar you will be able to store your luggage until the seminar has concluded.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airport Information

San Jose, Costa Rica - SJO

Required Entry Documents

US citizens—regardless of their age need the following documents:

  • A valid passport with at least one blank visa page.  The expiration date of your passport must be greater than 30 days from your date of entry to Costa Rica.
  • A pre-paid airline ticket to exit Costa Rica or proof of financial resources ($400 - $1,000 in cash, traveler checks, and/or ticket (either to return to your home country or to go to another country

Arriving & Departing

  • Most travelers fly into San Jose’s Juan Santamaria Airport, the transportation center to nearly every point in the country.
  • The two domestic airlines are SANSA and NatureAir. In San Jose, they fly out of Tobias Bolanons Airport.
  • Miami has the largest number of direct flights, but nonstop flights are also available from New York, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix, Washington DC, Charlotte, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
  • Continental, American, American West, Delta, US Airways, and United are the major US carriers with nonstop service to Costa Rica. Air Canada flies from Canada.
  • Martinair has nonstop flights from Orlando and Miami.
  • From New York, flights to San Jose are 5 ½ hours nonstop or 6-7 hours via Miami.
  • From Los Angeles, flights are about 6-7 hours nonstop or 8 ½ hours via Mexico.
  • In general, nonstop flights aren’t that much more expensive.

To protect your travel investment, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you from all the unexpected events that can disrupt or cancel your travel plans.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations received on or before October 5, 2007, will receive a full refund, less a $150 penalty per person. From October 6, 2007 through October 20, 2007 a refund less a $350 penalty per person will be given. After October 21, 2007, the conference fee is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, please call, fax, or e-mail our offices immediately to avoid any unnecessary charges. In most cases we will be able to hold your payment for you. To apply to a future seminar.

To reserve your place. For our Live & Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, November 5-7, 2007, click below now or contact one of our conference liaisons today by phone 1-866- 381-8446 or e-mail: events@internationalliving.com.

Disclaimer: International Living and any of its agents and speakers do not provide any individual, personalized investment advice. This conference provides only information to the general public, and at no time should any person acting as an agent or speaker at the conference be relied upon as rendering personalized investment advice. International Living may receive compensation from speakers and presenters selling their respective products at conferences. The compensation may be in the form of a sponsorship fee, flat fee, or commission from sales. Advertising you may receive from their companies should not be construed as originating from or connected in any way to International Living.

By registering for an International Living event you'll automatically receive our FREE Events e-letter. (You can unsubscribe to this at any time).


Or contact us now:
Email: events@internationalliving.com
Phone:1-866-381-8446 (Toll free in the US and Canada)

Reserve Your Place before September 19, 2007
and Save $100 per Person
(Plus Additional Discounts for IL and Latin America Insider Subscribers)

You'll find no more efficient way to fast-track your dream than with our upcoming Live & Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar. We'll provide you with everything you need to make a smooth transition to The Good Life here. We guarantee: You'll gain more useful, on-target information over these three, power-packed days than you ever could in a year spent tracking down this material on your own.

And, when you register before September 19, 2007, you'll save with our Early Bird Discount of $100 per person.

Please, don’t delay. Space is limited and I expect this important, one-of-a-kind seminar to fill up quickly – and I'd hate for you to miss out.

NOTE: At the time of writing we already have nearly 400 people on our waiting list to learn more about this event.

This special event is regularly priced at just $1,195 per person – though your spouse or guest is welcome at a deeply discounted $795, which means the regular price for two comes to just $1,990.

But again, when you reserve your place before September 19, 2007, you'll each save $100 and pay just $1,095 for one person or $1,790 for two.

What's more, if you're a subscriber to International Living's print edition you’re entitled to an additional discount of $50 whenever you sign up.

Latin America Insider members are entitled to an additional discount of $100 whenever you sign on. Do so before October 5, 2007, and your registration fee comes to just $995 for one or $1,690 for two.

To reserve your place for our Live & Prosper in Costa Rica Seminar, November 5-7, 2007, click below now or contact one of our conference liaisons today by phone at 1-866-381-8446 or e-mail: events@internationalliving.com.