Frequently Asked Questions
  • Documentation
    • All passengers must present a passport that is valid through the period of stay. We recommend validity be at least six months beyond your travel dates.
    • To obtain a new passport or to renew your passport, visit the U.S. Department of State's Passports page.
    • All passenger names (first, middle and last names) on airline tickets / e-tickets must match passport exactly or the airlines will deny boarding.
    • Any changes after ticketing may result in additional fees and penalties.
    • Non-U.S. citizens should contact their consulate to determine the necessary documentation. Travel with photocopies of your travel documents and passport in case the originals are lost or stolen.
    • Entry into any foreign country can be denied if you have a criminal background. Please check with the country’s consulate or embassy.
    • Important note for married people or anyone who has changed their name: If your maiden/former name is on your current passport, you must make sure your airline ticket has the same name. (The name on your ticket must match the name on your passport exactly.)
    • State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) 
      The State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enrollment benefits:
      • Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
      • Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
      • Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
    • We strongly recommend that you enroll in this free program before departing for your international destination. To learn more, visit the STEP web page.
    • The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, is another resource. Visit the Know Before You Go page to learn more.
  • Packing Tips
    • One carry-on bag is permitted per person, plus a personal item (laptop, purse, camera bag). The bag may not exceed 45 linear inches (9” x 14” x 22”) and must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.
      • Carry some toiletries, a change of clothes, and swimsuit (if applicable), should your luggage be delayed.
      • Prescription drugs, in their original containers, should also be in your carry-on luggage.
      • Be sure to carry your valuables on you or in your carry-on bag.
    • Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are limited to travel-size (3.4 ounces or less, each) and must fit comfortably in ONE quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag. For more details, click here.
    • The TSA requires that your luggage be unlocked, or you may use TSA-approved locks, which are available where travel-oriented goods are sold.
    • For the most up-to-date information, visit the TSA website and the airline’s website.
  • Checked luggage fees
    • Baggage fees vary by airline and frequent flyer status. Contact your scheduled airline for up-to-date information.
    • All luggage fees incurred will be at your own expense at airport check-in.
  • Verify departure time 
    Be sure to call or check the airline website (phone numbers and websites listed below), or use the airline's mobile app before leaving for the airport to verify that your flight is on time.
  • Flight delays 
    Once you check-in, the reservation is in the hands of the airline. If your travel is interrupted or cancelled while you are at the airport, please get in line at a ticket counter or service desk. Once your new flights are booked, please inform the West Bend Travel Headquarters of the new flight information. While in line, if you'd like assistance with possible flight options, call the West Bend Travel Headquarters at 800-346-1315. If you call outside of business hours, an option is provided to be forwarded to one of the Air Specialists for assistance.
  • Luggage identification 
    Securely attach the West Bend luggage tags you received in the mail to each piece of luggage you are checking. We also recommend enclosing within your luggage a business card as this may help the airline identify your bag if the outer tag is detached in transit. Lost or damaged luggage is the sole responsibility of the airline. 
  • Attire guidelines
      • Comfortable traveling clothes: Casual, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable walking shoes. You may want to bring an additional layer, such as a sweatshirt, with you on the plane.
      • Casual attire: Shorts, jeans, nice t-shirts, comfortable tops, sandals, or tennis shoes. No ripped clothing, cutoff shorts, or tank tops.
      • Resort casual attire: Casual slacks, jeans, or dress shorts with a button-down or polo-type shirt for men; dress, skirt, dress shorts or jeans/pants with a coordinating top for women. A lightweight sweater or jacket is suggested for the cooler outdoor evening temperatures.
      • Smart casual attire: Dress shorts or slacks with polo or button-down shirts for men; dress shorts, sundresses, or separates for women.
    • ACTIVITIES
      Your selected activity will determine what clothing you should bring. When packing, you may want to include any of the following.
      • Tour casual attire: Jeans or shorts with a comfortable shirt and walking shoes. If visiting a church, dress modestly and cover shoulders.
      • Golf attire: Proper golf attire is required. Collared shirts and knee-length shorts or slacks for men. Golf skirt/dress or mid-length shorts and collared shirt for women. Denim is not allowed, and guests must wear soft-spike golf shoes or tennis shoes. Be sure to apply sunscreen and bring a hat and sunglasses.
  • Credit cards 
    If you have not traveled recently, you may want to contact your credit card company and advise them that you will be traveling to Costa Rica. Credit card companies may put a hold on a card showing activity that does not follow your usual profile.
  • Destination tips
    • Have the resort phone number and address with you when you leave to explore the area.
    • Bring photocopies of your ATM and credit cards. In case of loss, replacement will be easier.
    • Leave passport and travel documents in your room safe. Only carry a copy of your passport with you.
    • Consider using reef-safe sunblock.
  • Electricity
    The plug type in Costa Rica is the same as in the U.S., so you won't need to bring a plug adapter. In the U.S., our electricity is rated at 120 volts. The voltage used in Costa Rica is 110 volts. Although these are nearly the same, you'll want to check the voltage on your appliances to make sure they can accommodate 110 volts. If not, you'll need to bring a converter.
  • Expenses
    Personal items such as room incidentals, laundry, phone calls, movie rentals, and activities not sponsored by West Bend will be at your own expense.
  • Gratuities and taxes
    Tips and taxes for all services outlined in the itinerary have been prepaid for you. Tips for optional sightseeing, additional meals, and other services rendered should be handled on an individual basis.
  • Health insurance
    Check with your health insurance provider to make sure they cover medical expenses in Costa Rica. Any treatments received while in Costa Rica must be paid for at the time of treatment and filed with your insurance company when you return home.  
  • Hosted events
    • Welcome Reception and Dinner on April 12
    • Dine Around Evening on April 13
    • Preselected Optional Activities on April 14
    • Farewell Reception and Dinner on April 15
  • Meal allowance
    A $150 per person meal allowance check will be included in your document mailing, sent a few weeks prior to travel.
  • Medical information
    Please advise the West Bend Travel Headquarters of any medical conditions that may require special attention or treatment, if not already noted in your registration. Bring a copy of any prescriptions you are taking and pack your prescription medicine in your carry-on luggage. We suggest you bring an extra supply in case of an unforeseen emergency. Do not pack medication in your checked luggage.
  • Mobile web app
    The West Bend Premier mobile web app will contain everything you’ll want to know about your upcoming travel experience, including an attendee list, a personalized itinerary, and a virtual Help Desk so you can text questions to on-site travel staff. A few weeks before travel, you’ll receive a text message (it will come from a 231- area code) providing the link to the web app. Simply click the link, and the web app will display in your smartphone’s web browser. You will also be receiving an email from WestBendPremier@proghq.com with additional details on the mobile web app and an access link. We recommend bookmarking it or adding it to your home screen so it’s easily accessible.  
  • Name badges
    Name badges should be worn to all planned group functions. They will identify you to your fellow travelers and assist the travel staff in recognizing you easily.
    • Please note that you should not put your magnetic name badge near credit cards or magnetically encoded room keys, as the magnet on your badge may deactivate these items. Those with pacemakers should also take caution, as the magnets may cause the heart rate to increase. If you are unable to use a magnetic name badge, please stop by the West Bend Hospitality Desk. The travel staff will be able to provide you with an alternative name badge.
  • Special dietary requests
    We are happy to help you with special menu requests (i.e. vegetarian meals, etc.) and any other special needs. Please contact West Bend Supply Travel Headquarters if you did not note your request during registration.
  • Sponsored tours and activities
    Confirmations for your sponsored activities can be found on the Itinerary page of the mobile web app. All appropriate tips have been paid to the guides, drivers, and tour staff.
  • Time comparison
    Costa Rica is in the Central Time and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. During your program, when it is 12 pm in Chicago, it is 11 am in Costa Rica.
  • Your West Bend travel hosts
    • Dee & Vince Brown
    • Marc & Lori Emery
    • Dave & Janice Ertmer
    • Rob & Stacy Jacques
    • Tammy Muckerheide & Jeff Petermann
    • Murali Natarajan & Suba Ramani
    • David & Melanie Nycz
    • Tammy & Tim Rohlinger
    • Kevin & Linda Steiner
    • Richard & April Suddarth
    • Kelly & Annette Tighe
  • Your West Bend Travel Headquarters travel staff 
    We look forward to meeting you and assisting you in any way possible. Throughout the travel experience, we will be available at the West Bend Hospitality Desk:
    • Laura Bianco
    • Forey Erickson
    • Amy Reeber
    • Katie Reeber
    • Kelli Robb