Jason Holland

Jason Holland

As a “military brat” Jason Holland, IL’s Roving Latin America Editor, had the benefit of growing up in Germany and Spain, before returning to Florida for college and a career as a writer. But life abroad beckoned, so in 2012 he, his wife, four-year-old son, and two dogs made their way to Costa Rica, splitting their time between the mountains of the Central Valley and the Pacific coast. Nearly five years later, they moved to Mexico, first to the white-sand beaches of the Riviera Maya and now they’re enjoying the colonial splendor of the UNESCO World Heritage town, San Miguel de Allende. From this home-base Jason travels across Latin America learning about the expat experience in places like Roatan, Panama, Belize, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and beyond. In all that time, he’s never visited a beach bar he didn’t like. Follow Jason on Google

Fishing, Cigars, and Tranquil Lake Life

Fishing, Cigars, and Tranquil Lake Life

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“Fish don’t live in ugly places” is Captain Ron Saunders’ motto. And that’s certainly true of his home of seven years, Lake Arenal, in the highlands three hours west of Costa Rica’s capital, San José. The 50-year-old former custom cabinet-maker from Las Vegas is living his dream here. A lifelong fisherman, he turned his passion into a business—charter fishing—that allows him to do what he loves each and every day.

Try Arenal, Costa Rica, for Lake Views and a Tranquil Life

Try Arenal, Costa Rica, for Lake Views and a Tranquil Life

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When driving the road that rings Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s biggest lake, keep your eyes on the road. Driving 101, right? But it’s hard not to get distracted. Blue morpho butterflies flit across the road, troops of raccoon-like coatis scamper on the shoulder, howler monkeys lounge in the high branches, and bright tropical birds wing it from tree to tree.

Settling in Overseas: Making a New Life in Costa Rica’s Central Valley

Settling in Overseas: Making a New Life in Costa Rica’s Central Valley

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A delayed flight meant we got in late to San José. Our luggage barely fit into our rental car—I could have sworn roof racks were standard on Mitsubishi Monteros. And after taking the wrong turn out of the airport, we were hopelessly lost until we spotted a taxi stand and asked the way to the town of Grecia, where our rental house is. Not a great introduction to our new life as expats in Costa Rica’s Central Valley.