JUST BACK FROM… Costa Rica

Reader Gail Ashington was stranded in Costa Rica as lockdown kicked in and had to isolate there for a week

The highlights: Finally seeing three toed sloths in the wild. One carrying a baby almost engaged in a slow motion fight with another, as both appeared in the same tree.

Must see: Tortuguero National Park is unique. No roads, only boats for transport where the guides were able to point out the wildlife hidden in the waterways. The hotel was sat next to the Caribbean and had nesting Montezuma oropendola birds making its unique call within the grounds.

Top tip: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, the sun cream on and the bug repellent to hand.

Cautionary tale: Many small ranches serve dinner early so the staff can get home. At the rainforest ranch there were no windows, only grills to keep out the insects. And don’t expect a raging nightlife scene, it’s all about the nature.

I wish I’d known: That they were going to lockdown the country almost the day after we arrived! We spent the second week of the holiday in isolation in a hotel room. We probably would not have booked at that time had we known, although Costa Rica took much swifter action than many other countries.

Anything else: A must for the nature lover, Costa Rica is civilised, friendly and is ethically motivated. The accommodation ran on almost 100% renewable energy and had good service.

Michelle Watson

INHALING

“Hiking the mountains in the summer surrounded by flowers and then the white fluffy snow of the skiing season. Nothing beats a good bit of mountain air!” Athena Chown

Go online to share your travel tales on next month’s topic: