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| Pura Vida Resort 2019 |
I have heard them all – Excuses. The excuses as to why a person doesn’t take that long-awaited dream Holiday. Most, to me, are bullshit. Reasons requiring planning are different. You screwed up and have a felony on your record – That is a legitimate reason that restricts a person. Costs, however, rarely are an actual excuse. Sliding scales mitigate most costs. I mean come on… Every day we trade conveniences for time with dollars. Travel is no different. We make choices, consequences follow – Always. Money truly does come and go. But why not get smart about it? Saving, spending, sourcing money can be done before, during, and after a holiday/vacation. Here are some lessons I learned from Australia and then applied for Costa Rica and beyond.
To be clear and candid I made choices that have lost me friends and cost me far more than could ever image. Family court does that. That is what eventually awaited me within a matter of months after returning to Indiana. So, I do understand obligations under serious financial direst and untimely circumstances that are relentless. Time to think critical and tactical. Ultimately, I had to trade comfort and leisure for cost effective and the explainable (e.g. business expenses).
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| Tentalow Pura Vida Costa Rica 2019 |
Choosing business affordable vs comfort is key. This is one way those that have to travel for work or required education to maintain their professional licenses. Since you are already there (assuming you can a lot a time in the area you are already going to be in) why not explore? Folks, understand something about the US IRS... Travel expenses to and from can be a business expense as long as it pertains to the actual business (plane tickets, taxi/ride shares, lodging, education, etc... However, the moment a day is not about your actual business that hotel stay and ride shares cannot be counted towards your expenditures. Learn the rules, folks as to what your governments allow.
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| Tentalow Pura Vida Costa Rica 2019 |
If you cannot save during your trip because you must go the “all-inclusive route” (safety, travel package, etc.…) you can at least look at the other options in how to save – Travel miles, ride shares, pack light using carry-on only, low fare flights, and booking during less peak times. For me, I had gotten a travel credit card that gives me additional points. Points equal cash back or travel miles. I sign up for any points/rewards with Airlines, So, every purchase on the front end can count on the back end too. My trip to Costa Rica was a business expense for Continued Education. This Pain in Paradise hosted by Eric Dalton provided a lot of CEUs towards my massage license. In short… Various LLC tax write-offs. Downside is any additional expenses outside of Continued Ed pursuits is not a tax write off. Easy enough. So, no excursions on this trip… No Zip line SOCOM sneaky squirrel moment through the Volcano mountain jungle adventures for me. No hiking tour through the delicious coffee fields. Not even paying for massage services at the resort. Ever day needed to be counted towards my expenses. No room for error since I was stuck in Family Court. Folks, at least I got one hell of a view of Pura Vida Resort of the Mountain and met Massage Therapist from all over the world. Honestly, not so bad really.
Now the Pain in Paradise Seminar (CEU) required set up… It was an all-inclusive retreat with transportation to and from the airport to and from San Jose International. The catch? This trip was not about to be a luxury stay for moi; I opted to stayed with a stranger in a tentalow (glamping within walking distance of a shared shower/bathroom facility with other glampers). It was clean but not glamorous. Bottom line... Maybe to get to that place you've wanted to go in the world you gotta start thinking a bit more global vs inside the traditional box. Maybe you work finance and wanted to visit London... Look at seminars to enhance your knowledge. Maybe your a nail tech... Ever think about taking on an apprenticeship in the far East (China)? Whatever your field is, why not research for a week or two on ways to have your trip potentially be a tax write off either up front or on the back end? Really though... It boils down to learn how to afford it, and stop making lame ass excuses on why you didn't bored the plane. No one cares about the time you never went on that adventure you always wanted to go on... We listen to the stories from those that did go - regardless of how it turned out.
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| Pura Vida Costa Rica 2019 |
For me, the reason for the seminar was simple. I had exhausted most of the take home CEU packets and books. Since I was stuck in manual therapy for awhile paying child support I needed to begin applying modalities that reduce wear and tear on my body. Longevity was the name of my career now. And it remains a tough one on the body. Massage therapy licenses in Florida are required to be renewed every two years and Indiana four years... So, with some proper legal guidance with my CPA at the time, I set up an LLC, and the “holiday” is a work trip, and at the end of the year my books were in the red. At least whilst in Costa Rica I was learning from one of the Michael Jordans of my industry.
Since the Pura Vida Retreat was all inclusive, I did not have to worry about food, transportation, etc… What this did not include was airfare… At the time Spirit Airline drove a great bargain if you did not need a checked bag. Since the trip was about a weeklong anyone (ladies you too) can back a carry-on and a backpack and be fine. After landing and through customs Pura Vida had a shuttle service from the Airport to the Resort. Basically, carpool with other LMTs. Check in went fine. All sorted, no issue. Tentalow lodging was a new experience, and my flat mate had not arrived yet. No worries. I picked the bed on the right and hoped he didn’t snore too loudly... Looking back I hoped I didn't do that either.
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| Eric Dalton and I Costa Rica 2019 |
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| Teaching Staff of Pain in Paradise 2019 |
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| Tentalow Pura Vida Costa Rica 2019 |
Shortly after I set out to look around the grounds… Beautiful resort to be honest, I think it was the first legit resort I have ever stayed on. Postings of excursions for our collective off time surrounded the check-in lodge area and the day spa, but since that’s not a business expense I cannot justify the money on it. I did not need to worry about drinks or food either… That was all taken care of each day. Truth time... I do not usually book cruises or stay on all inclusive resorts because how can you really mix with the local culture walled off or with a limited time in a tourist port? The answer to me is you can't. But, make the best of the situation and at that moment it was time to mingle around the pool and jacuzzi area before this seminar stuff kicks off the following day.
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| Standard Lunch at Pura Vida Resort 2019 |
I got to meet LMTs from all over the world during an intense week of Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques I have never practiced before with Eric Dalton himself teaching. I look back and feel blessed. But classes with Dalton. Again, this guys was a real Titan in the field of massage. A seminar with him at the helm was literally like going back to school all over again – exhausting and exhilarating 4-8 hour days. He can make you realized how much you do not know within the field. This was no actual holiday with toes in the sand. By the end of each class day, I was grateful for the camaraderie but also the jacuzzi too.
Can't live life in the Romp without some comic moments whilst experiencing a little Pura Vida in Costa Rica. Even if it was just on a resort. There was still down time to Romp around, and take in the view, the food, and the other people that were there. Really, all the things that enrich an adventure worth sharing with anyone willing to listen.
©Dustin J. Casey 2026
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