Tom Harris
Americas & Adventure Travel Writer
Travel writer and photographer covering the Americas - from Caribbean coastlines to US national parks. Tom focuses on destination guides, road trips, and practical travel planning.
Tom has spent the last eight years exploring North, Central, and South America, with extended stays in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and across the US mainland. His writing combines on-the-ground experience with actionable logistics - the kind of detail that saves you time and money on the road.
Areas of Expertise
- Caribbean and Central America travel (Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Mexico)
- US destinations, state parks, and island guides (Hawaii, Florida, Pacific Northwest)
- Canada road trips and outdoor adventure
- Travel budgeting, logistics, and itinerary building
Writing Approach
Tom writes destination guides built on real travel experience. Every recommendation comes from personal visits - he includes the practical details (costs, transport options, timing, crowd levels) that turn a rough idea into a workable trip plan.
Articles by Tom Harris (115)
Swimming in Costa Rica: Beach Flags and Safety
Rip currents cause 80% of lifeguard rescues, not sharks. Before swimming in Costa Rica, learn the flag colors that vary by beach and how to escape a rip.
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Costa Rica Itinerary: 5, 7, or 10 Days by Region
A 'two-hour' map distance runs 3-4 hours on mountain roads, so this Costa Rica itinerary plans travel legs as half days and one base per stop.
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Costa Rica Wildlife: Where and When to See It
With 900-plus bird species and 25% of land protected, Costa Rica wildlife rewards planning: sloths daily, jaguars almost never, frogs peak May-November.
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Costa Rica Waterfalls: 7 Ranked by Worth the Detour
Most Costa Rica waterfalls cluster into three drivable circuits, so you can pair La Fortuna, Rio Celeste, and Nauyaca with costs and 4x4 needs.
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Costa Rica Surfing: Spots, Costs, and Local Life
Pay $40-$65 for group lessons, then cook gallo pinto with a host. This costa rica surfing guide covers seasons, access, and hazards, updated for 2026.
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7-Day Costa Rica Family Vacation Wildlife and Cacao Plan
Budget reality: $3,500-$6,000 for 7 days for 4. This costa rica family vacation uses two bases to cut drives and boost sightings, updated for 2026.
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3-Week spanish immersion costa rica plan and costs
Reality check: expect A2 to B1 in 3-4 weeks with 15-25 class hours. This spanish immersion costa rica guide budgets it fast, updated for 2026.
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Pacuare to Sarapiquí: Costa Rica White Water Rafting
Most trips fail on logistics, not rapids. This costa rica white water rafting guide matches river, season, and base with prices, updated for 2026.
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Things to Do in San Jose Costa Rica: A 2-Day Plan
Ranked things to do in San Jose Costa Rica by worth-the-detour value: $7 Theater tour, mandatory Poas reservations, and what $1,000 actually buys.
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Is Costa Rica Safe in 2026? An Honest Traveler's Guide
Is Costa Rica safe? State Dept Level 2, safest in Central America, but rental car break-ins and night driving cause most real incidents.
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Things to Do in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica: 4-7 Day Guide
Plan things to do in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica: five beaches in 12 km, Bribri cacao tours, Salsa Brava surf, no high-season booking traps.
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Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Tours: Honest 2026 Guide
Lava flows ended around 2010, so plan Arenal Volcano Costa Rica tours around the cone, hot springs, and trails. Costs, weather, and timing inside.
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