Costa Rica, famous for its huge variety of wildlife, exotic vegetation, coffee and genial population, is small enough to get around easily in a short time. This holiday can slot easily into half-term, and is a great choice for families. In just eight days you get to savour this diversity in comfort, staying at high quality accommodation but keeping the costs down by using some shared transport.

The comprehensive network of national parks with their extensive trails is always very accessible, and Costa Rica has been at the vanguard of adventure tourism, with activities on offer from zip-lining to white-water rafting.

Begin by exploring the Caribbean jungle waterways and mangrove forests of the wildlife-rich Tortuguero reserve. Enjoy a spectacular light-aircraft flight back to San José and continue by road to the Monteverde cloud forest, where the vivid birdlife can be easy to view. Descend from the mountains to the tropical, fertile landscapes around the dominant Arenal volcano, and visit picturesque La Fortuna waterfalls.

After this, it’s a road journey back to San José for your flight home, or if you have time, add a few days to enjoy the Manuel Antonio Pacific beach.  Famed for its surf beaches and the monkey-filled national park nearby: there’s lots you can do here, or just relax in the shade of a palm tree.