BootsnAll Travel Community

Basically, I want to eventually open a hostel/information website to inform backpackers on reputable families to stay with based on various review pointers. I've decided on Costa Rica due to the favorable laws dealing with acquisition of land by abroad citizens.

Before that even happens however, I've been accepted to an abroad program to teach graphic design abroad as well as english. During that time I want to immerse myself in as much spanish as possible, so that when I get down there, it all run's a bit more smoother.

I have the capitol currently to start the business (with the help of relatives) but I sure as hell don't want to make a huge mistake with what's being given to me. What are your thoughts?

Capital investments in foreign countries = caution. Personally, all the people I know who tried, came back after a few years disillusioned and broke. But maybe they were just stupid about it.

As for your business. Frankly, I don't see the need for it. Also, I don't quite get the connection between info for backpackers and the land acquisition laws of Costa Rica.

I'm working with new technologies myself and had a few 'good' ideas. My tip: make a serious, SERIOUS business plan before you start investing. Once you have the BP and it still seems like a viable project - show it to some potential investors, even if you don't want/need their money. If none of them wants to touch it, you don't want to put your own money into it either. Internet business is fickle and my estimate is that 99% of projects go down the drain. What remains is Google, yahoo and BnA.