Carrying a Legacy Forward—Welcome to Travel2CostaRicaNow
I’m Matthew Skofield, the new owner of Travel2CostaRicaNow.com and the sole legal heir of Michael Alan and TravelCostaRicaNow.com. I’m here to carry forward my father’s mission: give travelers real, honest, boots-on-the-ground guidance so you can experience Costa Rica with confidence, not guesswork.
Michael built a community by telling the truth about travel—what’s worth it, what’s not, and how to plan smarter. I’m proud to keep that spirit alive while adding fresh tools, videos, and local partnerships to make your trip even easier.
Our Promise
- Real talk, zero fluff. Practical advice you can use the moment you land.
- Local-first. We highlight Costa Rican guides, family businesses, and authentic experiences.
- Traveler safety & transparency. Clear prices, realistic expectations, and no sugar-coating.
- Respect for the culture & environment. Travel that’s fun, fair, and sustainable.
What We Do (for You)
- Trip Planning Guides – step-by-step routes, sample budgets, and timing tips.
- Honest Reviews – tours, towns, transport, and stays we’d send our own friends to.
- How-To Videos – short, practical clips on getting around, SIM cards, car rentals, and more.
- Trusted Referrals – handpicked partners who deliver on service (no paid “listings” you can’t trust).
- Custom Help – need a sanity check or a local’s second opinion? We’ll point you right.
New here? Start with our First-Timer’s Playbook and 7-Day / 30-Day Itineraries (coming soon).
Why Travelers Trust Us
- A real voice. Michael earned your trust by being straight with people. I keep that tone.
- No pay-to-play. If we recommend it, it’s because it’s good—not because someone paid for a spot.
- We actually go. We ride the buses, test the tours, and talk to locals—then report back.
About Matthew
I grew up around my dad’s cameras, notes, and endless questions about “what’s actually useful for travelers?” I’m a storyteller and systems-guy by nature—so I’m keeping the authenticity you know, and layering in structure: clearer guides, better maps, faster updates, and easier trip tools. Same spirit. Sharper execution.
- Role: Owner & Editor
- Focus: Practical planning, safety tips, honest reviews, and video walk-throughs
- Goal: Help you plan with confidence and have more fun with fewer surprises
In Loving Memory of Michael Alan
Michael Alan transformed “helping people travel” into a community built on honesty. This site remains a home for his work, and a place where new travelers can still benefit from his voice.
- Selected archives and popular videos will remain available.
- Rights to Michael’s likeness and media are legally protected.
Media & Rights
All content on this site is owned and managed by Matthew Skofield, sole legal heir of Michael Alan and TravelCostaRicaNow.com. Rights to Michael’s likeness and all associated media are protected by law.
© 2025 Matthew Skofield. All rights reserved.
For press or licensing inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
Work With Us
Have a great tour, lodge, or local service travelers should know about? We collaborate with reliable, traveler-friendly partners who deliver real value.
- Partnerships & Listings: merit-based, not pay-to-play
- Sponsored Work: clearly labeled, reviewed for traveler value first
- Press & Collabs: video features, field tests, and honest feedback
Get in touch: [email protected]
Ready to Plan?
- Browse our Itineraries and Where to Go guides
- Check our Transport 101 (car vs. bus vs. shuttle)
- See What Things Actually Cost right now
- Watch our Quick Start Videos for first-timers
Let’s make your Costa Rica trip effortless, honest, and unforgettable. Bienvenidos. 🌿