Travel Expert

James Alfaro

Hi, I’m James—founder of HapiPais LLC, father of two, adventure seeker, and passionate believer that the best travel memories are made together as a family. My journey into travel began with my own childhood—annual trips to Costa Rica, where my father introduced me to the pristine mountains, quiet beaches, and deep cultural roots of his homeland. Those early experiences shaped my lifelong love for authentic, meaningful travel. It’s no coincidence that I named my agency HapiPais—inspired by Costa Rica, one of the happiest countries in the world. I believe that happiness comes from connection, discovery, and shared experiences, and that’s exactly the kind of travel I help families create. My career took me on the road early—as a touring guitar tech for major bands, and later as an audio engineer in Hollywood. But it wasn’t until I had children of my own that I discovered the true magic of travel: sharing the world with them while they’re still young enough to be wide-eyed at every glacier, city, or castle. Since 2021, my family and I have become Royal Caribbean Diamond members, cruising through Iceland, the Caribbean, and across the South Pacific to Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia. We’ve explored the cities of Europe and, most recently, I led a three-generation expedition to Antarctica with my 10-year-old daughter and 80-year-old mother—an experience none of us will ever forget. I specialize in family and multigenerational travel, with a focus on cruises and immersive land tours. Whether you’re planning a magical escape to Disney, a once-in-a-lifetime polar journey, or a cultural tour across Europe, I’ll help you build unforgettable moments that fit your budget, goals, and family’s unique dynamic. Let’s make the most of your family’s precious time together—through travel that inspires, connects, and creates lifelong memories.