For nearly two decades, tropical Costa Rica has been a favorite vacation destination for North Americans and, increasingly, Europeans. Merely as big as West Virginia, its many attractions are world-famous: more than 780 miles of uncrowded coastlines on two oceans; parks and reserves covering 25 percent of its land area; and an incredible diversity of plants and animals.
Like volcanoes? There is majestic Arenal, still active, where visitors to its many hot springs can enjoy tropical drinks in their bathing suits and be enthralled from its volcanic light shows at night. Or Irazu Volcano where, when the weather is clear, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans can be seen at the same time! There is also terrific fishing, some of the greatest surfing anywhere, whitewater or family rafting adventures, ziplining high in the tropical forests, and, of course, adult nightlife. For many people, this is the Land of Pura Vida.
This little Central American country offers a vacation for every budget. Certainly, there are spectacular hotels and resorts. For example, the Real Intercontinental Hotel is where heads of state stay. There are top rated resorts like the Papagayo Four Seasons Resort, La Gaia Hotel, and Los Suenos Resorts. But, they are not for everybody. If you are in the latter category or simply do not want to spend your time or money in such fancy digs, Costa Rica can be enjoyed very well on a much littler budget. Good news! Prudent budget travel is available.
1. Travel off season and save 20 percent or more at resorts and hotels
a. Budget travelers should schedule around Peak Season, of which there are two: Christmas and Easter. Christmas through New Years week (December 15-January 5) and Easter Week are Peak Season for two groups of tourists: overseas visitors and locals. Summer vacation for Costa Rica schools begins in December and tens of thousands of Costa Rican families flock to the most popular beaches. Easter week is another very popular vacation period for locals. They will find the best bargains. For you, prices will still be way better than in Europe or the U.S. but you can do far better at other times.
b. After Christmas comes High Season which equates with winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Many vacationers travel Costa Rica between January through April because of the sunny tropical weather, a fact not lost on hotels and resorts. If you are a Snowbird, expect to be plucked a bit more during High Season, just like you would in sunny Florida.
c. The best travel and hotel bargains are found during the Green (Low) Season. Do not worry about the weather. Showers are not every day and when they occur it is normally for an hour or two in the late afternoon. For the very best budget travel deals travel Costa Rica between September and mid-November when (if you ask) there are often discounts of 20 percent or more waiting. Finally, June through mid-August finds students and families from the States and elsewhere on vacation, too, but prices and availability of hotel and resort rooms are good in most places.
2. If you plan to rent a car, think ahead and save $25 a day
Many Costa Rica tourists rent a vehicle online and are shocked to learn when they arrive that the rental agency wants an additional $25 or more per day for liability insurance! Rule 1: If your home automobile policy includes liability coverage, that insurance is good in Costa Rica. Recommendation: bring a copy of the policy along with the fax and email of your insurance agent and save that money for your vacation. Rule 2: Many credit cards offer a little known benefit: liability insurance coverage for rentals when the card is used. Contact your credit card company before you travel for best results. Rule 3: Be polite but informed. After all, it is your money.
3. Save at least five percent on purchases because Cash is King
Another way to conserve your budget is to pay in cash. You will find that lots of merchants prefer being paid in dollars over credit cards. All you need to do is ask and you may receive a discount of 5 percent or even more. Ask "Que (pronounced "K") es discuento por efectivo?" which means "What is the discount for cash?" Be sure the bills are new and not defaced with even a tiny tear. And, bring smaller denominations like $20 and $50 bills. Many restaurants, merchants, and hostels cannot break a $100 bill.
4. Save 10 percent while dining: Do not pay two tips in a restaurant
You will discover that a lot of dining rooms, particularly those catering to foreign Costa Rica vacationers, automatically include a 10 percent tip (called "servicio") on a bill. They are supposed to to advise patrons on the menu but few pubs, cafes, or restaurants do so and so are rewarded by unknowing foreigners who leave a second tip. If you pay attention to your bill, you might save yourself paying two tips. And, remember, when in doubt, ask if the tip is included on the bill.
Like volcanoes? There is majestic Arenal, still active, where visitors to its many hot springs can enjoy tropical drinks in their bathing suits and be enthralled from its volcanic light shows at night. Or Irazu Volcano where, when the weather is clear, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans can be seen at the same time! There is also terrific fishing, some of the greatest surfing anywhere, whitewater or family rafting adventures, ziplining high in the tropical forests, and, of course, adult nightlife. For many people, this is the Land of Pura Vida.
This little Central American country offers a vacation for every budget. Certainly, there are spectacular hotels and resorts. For example, the Real Intercontinental Hotel is where heads of state stay. There are top rated resorts like the Papagayo Four Seasons Resort, La Gaia Hotel, and Los Suenos Resorts. But, they are not for everybody. If you are in the latter category or simply do not want to spend your time or money in such fancy digs, Costa Rica can be enjoyed very well on a much littler budget. Good news! Prudent budget travel is available.
1. Travel off season and save 20 percent or more at resorts and hotels
a. Budget travelers should schedule around Peak Season, of which there are two: Christmas and Easter. Christmas through New Years week (December 15-January 5) and Easter Week are Peak Season for two groups of tourists: overseas visitors and locals. Summer vacation for Costa Rica schools begins in December and tens of thousands of Costa Rican families flock to the most popular beaches. Easter week is another very popular vacation period for locals. They will find the best bargains. For you, prices will still be way better than in Europe or the U.S. but you can do far better at other times.
b. After Christmas comes High Season which equates with winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Many vacationers travel Costa Rica between January through April because of the sunny tropical weather, a fact not lost on hotels and resorts. If you are a Snowbird, expect to be plucked a bit more during High Season, just like you would in sunny Florida.
c. The best travel and hotel bargains are found during the Green (Low) Season. Do not worry about the weather. Showers are not every day and when they occur it is normally for an hour or two in the late afternoon. For the very best budget travel deals travel Costa Rica between September and mid-November when (if you ask) there are often discounts of 20 percent or more waiting. Finally, June through mid-August finds students and families from the States and elsewhere on vacation, too, but prices and availability of hotel and resort rooms are good in most places.
2. If you plan to rent a car, think ahead and save $25 a day
Many Costa Rica tourists rent a vehicle online and are shocked to learn when they arrive that the rental agency wants an additional $25 or more per day for liability insurance! Rule 1: If your home automobile policy includes liability coverage, that insurance is good in Costa Rica. Recommendation: bring a copy of the policy along with the fax and email of your insurance agent and save that money for your vacation. Rule 2: Many credit cards offer a little known benefit: liability insurance coverage for rentals when the card is used. Contact your credit card company before you travel for best results. Rule 3: Be polite but informed. After all, it is your money.
3. Save at least five percent on purchases because Cash is King
Another way to conserve your budget is to pay in cash. You will find that lots of merchants prefer being paid in dollars over credit cards. All you need to do is ask and you may receive a discount of 5 percent or even more. Ask "Que (pronounced "K") es discuento por efectivo?" which means "What is the discount for cash?" Be sure the bills are new and not defaced with even a tiny tear. And, bring smaller denominations like $20 and $50 bills. Many restaurants, merchants, and hostels cannot break a $100 bill.
4. Save 10 percent while dining: Do not pay two tips in a restaurant
You will discover that a lot of dining rooms, particularly those catering to foreign Costa Rica vacationers, automatically include a 10 percent tip (called "servicio") on a bill. They are supposed to to advise patrons on the menu but few pubs, cafes, or restaurants do so and so are rewarded by unknowing foreigners who leave a second tip. If you pay attention to your bill, you might save yourself paying two tips. And, remember, when in doubt, ask if the tip is included on the bill.
About the Author:
About the author: Vic Krumm lives in tropical, gorgeous Costa Rica. Visit his popular website about Costa Rica Vacationsand if you like big adventure on the high seas look at Costa Rica Humpback Whales Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory
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