Vacation Packages

For nearly two decades, tropical Costa Rica has been a popular get away for North Americans and, increasingly, Europeans. Only about the size of 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 fauna and flora.

Volcanoes, terrific angling, some of the best surfing anywhere, whitewater river rafting or family rafting adventures, ziplining 80 feet in the top of tropical canopies, and, of course, Costa Rica’s famous adult nightlife. What happens here stays here, unless you want to brag about your exploits in Twitter.

This little Latin American country offers a vacation for every budget. Certainly, there are luxurious hotels and resorts. For example, the Real Intercontinental Hotel outside of San Jose is where heads of state stay. There are world famous resorts like the Papagayo Four Seasons Resort, La Gaia Hotel, and Los Suenos Resorts. But, they are not for everybody. If you fall 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. Observe travel seasons and save 20 percent or more at resorts and hotels

a. Avoid Peak Season. The week before Christmas through New Years week (December 15-January 5) and Easter Week are Peak Season not only for overseas visitors but for Costa Rica residents, too. Costa Rica schools are out, many governmental agencies and private businesses close, and thousands of local families migrate to the most popular beaches. They will find the best bargains; you will pay the highest premium prices.

b. After Christmas comes High Season which equates with winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Many tourists visit Costa Rica between January to the end of 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 be concerned about the weather. Showers are not every day and when it rains 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 virtually everywhere.

2. Save $25 a day when renting a car by planning ahead

Many Costa Rica tourists rent a vehicle on the web 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 another 5 percent or more: Remember that Cash Is King

Many Costa Rica merchants welcome dollars over credit cards and when asked for a cash discount will offer 5 percent or more. You need to 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 $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

Suppose you could often save 10 percent when you eat in a restaurant. Most tourists do not know that a large number of restaurants and bars, particularly those popular with foreign travelers who cannot read in Spanish, automatically include a 10 percent tip (called “servicio”) on a bill. They are aware that many tourists unsuspectingly then leave another gratuity. However, the savvy budget travel patron looks for the word “servicio” (or another word that involves an extra ten percent charge).

Victor Krumm lives in Costa Rica. His popular website about Costa Rica Vacations. Ever imagined learning how to surf? Check out www.costarica-discCosta Rica Surfing for world-famous beaches and incredible waves This and other unique content ” articles are available with free reprint rights.