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Ashley Wu
Ashley Wu

Ashley Wu

Phoenix, AZ Travel Agent

Ashley Maria Wu

1 Reviews
100% Recommended
4 Years of Experience
Additional Languages
English

Agent Specializing in Costa Rica and Wellness

For four years, I had the privilege of living in Costa Rica. I was captivated by the magic of the mountains, by the pristine beauty of the beaches and by the dense, alluring jungles. During my time there, I met local people and connected with small businesses — and now, I'm giving my wealth of knowledge and inside information to my clients.

As a travel agent, I specialize in working with couples who are planning their honeymoons or destination weddings. Costa Rica is my favorite destination to book, largely because of my experience there. Costa Rica is a trending destination, which means that a lot of less-experienced agents are trying to sell packages to their clients. When you book with me, you benefit from the fact that:

  • I have traveled throughout Costa Rica, and I am familiar with many of the small towns and villages throughout the country. These off-the-beaten-path locales allow you to have an authentic and immersive experience.
  • I have connections to local residents and business owners that other travel agents do not. I can offer you a truly local experience in Costa Rica.

While Costa Rica is my specialty, I am able to book romantic vacations or destination weddings to any place that you prefer. I am known for listening to my clients, paying attention to the details and making personalized recommendations based on our conversations.

Recently, I booked a honeymoon trip for a couple who wanted to travel to Florida. They didn't know exactly where they wanted to go, but during our planning calls, I discovered that they were both passionate about supernatural experiences. I immediately knew that St. Augustine would be the ideal destination for them — I booked ghost tours for them to enjoy, recommended the most relaxing beaches and shared the history of the city with them. They loved every minute of their one-of-a-kind honeymoon.

Let's build an unforgettable itinerary together. Contact me today to start planning your most romantic vacation yet.

Areas of Expertise

Destinations:

Costa Rica
Maryland
Missouri
Dominican Republic, Punta Cana
Arizona, Grand Canyon
Italy
New York
California, Yosemite National Park
Florida
Virgin Islands, St. Croix
Thailand
Texas
California, Los Angeles

Interests:

Adventure
All Inclusive
Wellness
Couples & Romance
Destination Weddings
Bachelorette Parties & Girlfriend Getaways
Beach Vacations
Hiking & Backpacking
Honeymoons

Suppliers:

Alamo Rent a Car
Majestic Resorts
Inclusive Collection – World of Hyatt
InterContinental Hotels Group
Marriott Hotels
Riu Hotels
Viator
AmaWaterways

My Travel Specialties

Back to All Specialties
Costa Rica Travel Expert

Hot Springs in Arenal

Costa Rica Travel Expert

<p>Welcome! My name is Ashley, and I’m a dedicated Costa Rica travel expert with over 8 years of experience crafting unforgettable travel experiences across this extraordinary Central American paradise. My passion for Costa Rica is more than professional—it's deeply personal. From its lush rainforests and vibrant wildlife to the warm, welcoming culture and pristine coastlines, Costa Rica has captured my heart in ways I never anticipated when I first arrived years ago.</p>
<p>Over the course of my career, I’ve worked with thousands of travelers—from solo adventurers and honeymooners to families and luxury seekers—helping them discover the Pura Vida lifestyle while experiencing the very best that Costa Rica has to offer. This bio is both a reflection of my journey and an invitation to trust a local-minded expert who knows Costa Rica not just as a destination, but as a way of life.</p>
<p><strong>The Journey to Becoming a Costa Rica Travel Specialist</strong></p>
<p>My path to becoming a Costa Rica travel expert wasn’t a straight line. Originally from the USA, I studied family science, and initially worked as a teacher. But in 2016, I took a life-changing trip to Costa Rica that redefined my career and personal mission.</p>
<p>It started with a one-week backpacking trip—learning about coffee and chocolate in Monteverde, hiking and volunteering in La Fortuna, and waking up to the calls of howler monkeys in Uvita. Every day in Costa Rica brought new wonder, and the warmth of the people made me feel at home. That trip turned into months, and eventually, ended up living there for 4 years.</p>
<p>Soon after my return to the USA, I began working for a travel agency, then transitioned into independent consulting, where I could blend my skills in itinerary planning, logistics, and client service with an insider’s knowledge of the country.  I’ve cultivated relationships with local guides giving me unique access to the heart of Costa Rican travel.</p>
<p>Every traveler is different, and that’s why I treat each itinerary as a creative, collaborative journey. I take time to understand my clients’ travel goals, preferences, activity levels, and budget before designing tailor-made experiences. </p>
<p>Personalization at Its Core</p>
<p>My approach to travel planning is personal. I don’t offer cookie-cutter packages. Instead, I design each trip from scratch. Whether it’s arranging a surprise engagement picnic on a secluded beach or organizing a scientific field trip for students, no detail is too small or too ambitious.</p>
<p>Logistics You Can Trust</p>
<p>With boots-on-the-ground knowledge, I coordinate everything: private transfers, domestic flights, lodging, guides, excursions, restaurant reservations, and even local cell phone setup. I maintain a 24/7 support line during travel, ensuring peace of mind throughout the journey.</p>
<p>As a Costa Rica specialist, my expertise spans the entire country. Whether you’re dreaming of an adrenaline-filled zipline adventure, a birdwatching retreat in the cloud forest, or a secluded beach honeymoon, I offer destination-specific insights that elevate every itinerary.</p>
<p>Central Valley</p>
<p>The cultural and economic heart of the country, home to San José, Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago. While many travelers bypass this area, I encourage visitors to spend at least a day exploring its historical richness and culinary offerings. I’ve personally curated city tours, coffee farm visits, and artisan workshops that showcase the real essence of urban Costa Rica.</p>
<p>Arenal and La Fortuna</p>
<p>The gateway to adventure. I’ve hiked Arenal Volcano countless times, explored the hanging bridges, and soaked in every hot spring from luxurious Tabacón to the local-favorite free springs by the river. This region is ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike.</p>
<p>Monteverde</p>
<p>Mystical, misty, and magical—Monteverde is my favorite place to slow down. I often design cloud forest retreats here, incorporating early-morning birdwatching with night walks and sustainable cheese-making tours. I work closely with guides who are descendants of the Quaker settlers and deeply respect the biodiversity of the region.</p>
<p>Guanacaste</p>
<p>This sun-kissed province offers the best of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast—Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, Nosara, and Papagayo. I specialize in pairing guests with boutique beach resorts, surf camps, and wellness retreats, with special knowledge of the dry tropical forest ecosystem.</p>
<p>Nicoya Peninsula</p>
<p>As one of the world’s five Blue Zones, Nicoya is a unique region where people live remarkably long, healthy lives. I coordinate holistic wellness trips that focus on organic food, yoga, and community immersion in places like Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and Punta Islita.</p>
<p>Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Costa Rica always has something new to discover. When you work with me, you get more than a travel planner—you gain a knowledgeable, passionate partner who genuinely loves sharing the wonders of this incredible country.Let’s work together to design a trip that’s immersive, ethical, relaxing, and unforgettable. </p>

Other Specialties

U.S. Travel Specialist

As a seasoned U.S. Travel Specialist, I help travelers explore the diverse and d...

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Wellness Travel Expert

Ashley at Work Your Light Travel — Wellness Travel Expert | Curator of Restora...

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Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist

For four years, I had the privilege of living in Costa Rica. I was captivated by...

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Reviews

1 Reviews
Our honeymoon in St. Augustine was a blast and it was so much easier because Ashley booked the hotel and flights. She is the best and I highly recommend.
Jules - Florida | USA

Certifications & Awards

Additional Certifications

  • Thailand Specialist
  • Italy Specialist
  • US Virgin Islands Specialist
  • AMR Collection Master Agent
  • Costa Rica Specialist

My Places