Your Costa Rica Travel Resources Website

If you are looking for Costa Rica’s best travel resources you are at the right place. We have selected the best Costa Rica hotels and resorts for you to choose from. You can also take a look at our different Costa Rica vacations packages and one day tours companies we can recommend. The tour operators and travel agencies we have handpicked are the best customizing Costa Rica vacation packages and tours according to your needs.

For example a great company we highly recommend for one day tours in Costa Rica is Grayline Costa Rica, TUI Tours is also a great option to consider. They have a great variety of tours (one day tours and multi-day Costa Rica escorted tours), from ecotourism, surfing, diving, fishing, rafting, canopy to bird watching, horseback riding, aerial tram and a wide variety of other adventure tours. Grayline also has the best shuttle service in Costa Rica.

Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways

For an unforgettable Costa Rica honeymoon we highly recommend this amazing luxury hotel and resort located in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica http://www.thepreserveatlosaltos.com/ their location and setting is ideal for a romantic vacation.

Costa Rica Romantic Getaway, Manuel Antonio Beach by Gaia Boutique Hotel

Photo courtesy of Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

It’s your choice, whether you want to have a peaceful stay or a full packed adventure. Today you can be bungee jumping, tomorrow scuba diving, your imagination it’s the limit.

And remember… we are here to serve you, don’t worry about the small things, and let our recommended travel resources worry for you. You have too much on your mind to spend hours finding everything you need for a good travel vacation. We can save you the trouble of finding the best trusted Costa Rica travel resources that are willing to help you make a good trip into a marvelous one.

Featured Luxury Boutique Hotel:

Studio Luxury Boutique Hotel – http://www.costaricastudiohotel.com/ – This brand new 5 star Costa Rica luxury boutique hotel is strategically located in Santa Ana City, close to the Juan Santamaria International airport. It offers a modern, comfortable, and unique atmosphere right in the heart of the city.

Featured Costa Rica Travel Agency:

Best of Costa Rica DMC – Best Of Costa Rica DMC are experts in multi-day all inclusive itineraries in Costa Rica, they have a great variety of pre-made vacation packages and multi day tours for you to choose from. Go ahead and take a look at all of the Costa Rica vacation tour options and services they have.

Costa Rica Focus – Costa Rica Focus (Costaricafocus.com) is a company that specializes in crafting awesome birding tours in Costa Rica. They offer custom birding tours designed by local experts. If you love bird watching, this is the company you can trust.

Featured Airport Hotels:

Holiday Inn Express Costa Rica Airport Hotel – this is our top pick for travelers looking for a Costa Rica hotel close to the Juan Santamaria International Airport. They are located just 1 kilometer from the airport and the offer free airport shuttles to all their clients. An excellent option for business travelers and travel and leisure tourists as well.

Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Costa Rica Airport – this airport hotel is ideal for family travelers looking for a hotel with bigger rooms close to the Juan Santamaria International Airport . They are also located 1 kilometer from the airport and also offer free airport shuttles to all their guests.

Featured Costa Rica Eco Lodge:

Buena Vista Eco Lodge & Adventure Center – Buena Vista Eco Lodge & Adventure Center is located in the mountains of Guanacaste, on the foothills of the Rincon de La Vieja National Park. Buena Vista welcomes all types of travelers, from adventure seekers to travelers that just want to relax. At Buena Vista you can experience the essence of Costa Rican culture, delicious typical and international food, natural hot spring surrounded by lush tropical forrest, horseback riding, canopy tours, their famous 450 meters water slide (immersed in the jungle), hanging bridges, waterfalls and much more. If you are looking for things to do in Guanacaste check out the different one day tours Buena Vista offers https://www.buenavistalodgecr.com/guanacaste-costa-rica-excursions-and-tours/.

Featured All Inclusive Beach Resort:

Best Western Jacó Beach All Inclusive Costa Rica Resort – this is our top pick for travelers looking for a family friendly all inclusive beach resort in Costa Rica. They are located in Jaco Beach on the Central Pacific coast, this beach is famous for surfers as it has constant waves all year round. Go ahead and take a look this amazing Costa Rica beach resort and take advantage of their all inclusive online specials.

Costa Rica Medical Tourism:

Advance Dental Costa Rica – this is our top pick for travelers looking for getting an affordable and high quality dental procedure. This dental clinic is run by its head director, dentist Dr. Eugenio Brenes, and they are conveniently located in Hospital Cima, Torre 2, Suite 619, San José Province, San Rafael de Escazú, Costa Rica.

JBM Plastic Surgery – this is our top pick for travelers searching for good plastic and cosmetic surgeons abroad. JBM is run by plastic surgeon Dr. Jorge Badilla, his office is located in Consultorio 24, Hospital Clínica Bíblica, San José, Santa Ana, 10903, Costa Rica.

Essential Tips to Make Buying Land in Costa Rica a Smart Investment

If you are looking to invest in real estate in Costa Rica, then you are on the right path. Costa Rica makes a good investment location because; the taxes are low, the infrastructure is well developed, Costa Rica is a favorite tourist destination, your investment will earn the year round, the real estate market in Costa Rica is fast growing and you can also purchase an already developed property. There are many other good reasons why you should invest in Costa Rica.

Buying Land in Costa Rica - Grupo Ecoquintas

Here are Some Tips to Help you out When Buying Land in Costa Rica

 

Real Estate Agent

You should first hire a real estate agent to help you through the process of buying land in Costa Rica. A real estate agent makes it easy for you to get land in the area that you prefer. They also provide many options so you can quickly choose between the available options. A good agent is also a wealth of information. They keep abreast with the trends in the market and the news. They know where the developments are happening, which places are set for future development and which investment will provide a good shift for you.

Location

After you have been presented with the available options then you should consider the location. First, consider what your goals for the investment are. Do you want to build a bed and breakfast? A hotel maybe? Are you looking to build holiday homes? Or do you want a place that you can settle and farm? With these goals in mind you will be able to pick the land that meets your needs. Check on the developments in the area to see if they are headed in the direction you want.

Title Deed

After you have confirmed the location is right, you should then check on the title deed. Without a clean title deed you might end up being defrauded. Liaise with your attorney so that they can investigate the title for you to ensure it is legit and for the lots you are purchasing. If the title of the land is clean, then you can progress to the next tip.

Development Plans

Before investing you need to know exactly what the development plans for the area are. Those plans should align with the goals that you have. For instance, if the area is mountainous, the future growth plans for the area might not be commercial because the terrain is an obstacle for commercial development. If you are looking to undertake commercial developments in the future, consider an area that is set for such developments.

Utilities

The utilities in the area determine how well the investment will serve the purpose you want. Check for the availability of water, power, cable TV, and internet on site depending on your needs. If they are not available already, contact the service providers to learn if they can provide what you need before you start developing the land.

Terrain and Topography of the Land

This is very important because it determines how easy it will be to develop the land to what you want. If you want a land that is easy to develop then flat land is ideal for you. If you are looking for a view, you might need land that is high or hilly. If there is a river running through the land or a creek, there are laws governing how close to the river you can build.

Soil Quality

The quality of the land is determined by the quality of the soil. If you want to farm on the land, then you should check on fertility of the soil. For construction, the structure of the soil is very important to consider. Loose soil is not ideal for construction. If the owner of the land has tried to fill the land before to make it flat, they should have used good quality soil and compacted it to form a strong structure. You should hire professionals to help you test the quality of the soil especially where you intend to build.

Well Maintained Property

The property should also be very well maintained. The owner of the land should have at least erected a fence all around on the boundaries of the land. The grass and other vegetation on the land should be trimmed short. This helps to keep away squatters that can encroach on the land. After you acquire the farm, you should ensure it is well maintained also if you are not developing it immediately.

The real estate market in Costa Rica is a boom and the trends are upwards, meaning the time to invest is now. The increasing tourism in the area makes the real estate market lucrative in Costa Rica. With these tips you can be sure that you are buying land in Costa Rica that will be profitable for you in the near future.

If you want more information on buying land in Costa Rica either for investment, retirement  home, vacationing home or farm feel free to visit EcoQuintas, a real estate firm specialized in selling land / quintas with 100% financing:

Grupo Ecoquintas
Address: 702, Alajuela Province, San Ramón, Costa Rica
Phone: +506 2481 0101

A Review of Los Altos Resort – One Of The Top 5 Manuel Antonio Hotels


The Preserve at Los Altos takes leisure to a whole different level, and not just because this Manuel Antonio hotel offers luxurious accommodation options, but also because it has a broad array of activities that will make your stay here memorable and simply beyond wildest imagination. This is a review of The Preserve at Los Altos hotel, accessible on http://www.thepreserveatlosaltos.com/ – one of the top 5 Manuel Antonio hotels.

Unbeatable Offers

If you love great deals on your hotel stays, then you will love The Preserve at Los Altos. At the moment, there are offers on family time, romance, and a fun getaway. On the Family Time Worry Free offer, you can enjoy spa treatments and your kids can have fun and even get special dining options to make their stay at the hotel more comfortable for them and you as well.

With the Cherish Romance offer, you get to enjoy the very best this hotel has to offer. The breathtaking picturesque landscape and an easy access to the beach,not to mention a relaxed atmosphere will give you an opportunity to create romantic moments that you will live to cherish.

Those looking for fun and a indulgent getaway, this high-end hotel also has something to offer – the Indulge Paradise offer. With this popular package, you can enjoy top accommodation facilities, fine dining that will impress even people with highly discriminating tastes, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the pool, the beach and the beautiful natural beauty that gives this hotel its characteristic uniqueness.

Accommodation Options

The Preserve at Los Altos is all about luxury. The hotel is prove that it is possible to merge luxury accommodation and leisure facilities with the natural and panoramic tropical paradise to create a special aura that is unlike anything you have experienced before. You can pay for a luxury suite that allows you great views of the natural surroundings while still indulging in five-star amenities. If you are up to it, you can even rent a penthouse suite that is filled with unique furnishings and intricate décor details.

What More Does The Preserve at Los Altos Offer?

Many guests choose to stay at this hotel during their visit to Manuel Antonio for a number of reasons. For instance, you can stay at the hotel while you go out on fishing expeditions. You can also go to the hotel for its top-range spa services where you can relax as you have your body cleansed and your spirit renewed before you leave the tropical paradise that is Manuel Antonio. The hotel is also a good base as you explore what this tropical tourist destination has to offer, including its unique and exciting wildlife and leisure activities.

Los Altos Resort Location and Contact Information

Address: Kilometer 4 on main road to Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Phone: (888) 803-1332

Spend Your Honeymoon Basking in Costa Rica’s Beauty

Costa Rica is a favorite among travelers, but to honeymooners, it becomes something of legend. The magic found in the trees, beaches and culture in this beautiful country make its visitors fall in love instantly and irrevocably. Part of the allure is the wide range of activities available to newlyweds– whether you seek adventure, luxury or both, Costa Rica will provide more opportunities for pampering and exploration than you can possibly seize in a single trip. Its lush forests and romantic white sand beaches leave couples enraptured with the country, with each other, and with the new life together that they have come to celebrate.

costa-rica-honeymoon-packages-los-altos-resort

Because this is such a perfect spot for couples looking for a magical honeymoon experience, there are many packages available for them, but others pale in comparison to the ones offered by The Preserve at Los Altos Resort & Spa. Whether you imagine yourself walking hand-in-hand on the beach with your loved one during a spellbinding sunrise that leaves the sky cast in beautiful shades of orange and red, sipping cocktails next to the pool, or bustling around enjoying the shopping opportunities provided by the city nearby, Los Altos has you covered. The Preserve At Los Altos Resort is in love with romance, so they consider themselves experts, and this shows in their superior treatment of couples arriving on their honeymoon.

costa-rica-honeymoon-packages-los-altos-resort-infinity-pool

Their beautiful, hand decorated spacious luxury suites and penthouse accommodations are designed to pamper couples and to provide a luxurious place to return to after a busy day spent kayaking or exploring the jungle. For honeymooners, the Panoramic Ocean View Suite features a king size bed and a private balcony overlooking Manuel Antonio’s blue ocean… the perfect place to enjoy a perfect romantic sunset. For couples looking to relax, the pool is a wonderful place to lounge with your loved one, drink cocktails, and enjoy fine foods created by their chef. To top off a day of luxury, begin or end the beautiful Costa Rican day with a relaxing massage at Orquidea, the resort’s spa, that will bring you closer to nature and to each other.

costa-rica-honeymoon-packages-los-altos-resort-luxury-suite

The Preserve at Los Altos offers two amazing packages tailored specifically for honeymooners. The first is their popular Romantic Adventurous Getaway Package, which is perfect for adventurous couples looking to explore all that Costa Rica has to offer. It provides opportunities like a Manuel Antonio National Park tour, white water rafting, and even a surf lesson for you to take together. This package includes five nights’ accommodation, free WiFi, daily sunset cocktail, private couples massage, one private romantic dinner for two and breakfast every morning to fuel you for a day of adventure. The second package, the Romantic Luxury Getaway Package, pampers honeymooners with a relaxing massage, a romantic candlelight dinner, tours and much more.

costa-rica-honeymoon-packages-romantic-sunset-cruise

That is why so many couples begin their honeymoon at The Preserve At Los Altos in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

A List of Top Costa Rica Surfing Destinations

Every year, millions of surfers flock the Pacific coast with a surfing agenda in mind. With hundreds of beaches, lefts and rights, point and beach breaks, river mouths and reefs, warm waters and waves every day of the year, Costa Rica is simply a surfers dream.

There is a myriad of surfing schools available along the coast making the location suitable for experienced and novice surfers. If you’re a surfer on a budget, the rainy season is the best time for you, and what’s more, this is when the swells are the best.

The following are the top Costa Rica surfing destinations.

1) Tamarindo

Tamarindo was a quiet fishing town several years back. It ‘s now a developed town popular with tourists. The surfing hot-spot offers great surfing conditions such as steady swells and off-shore winds. Popular spots in this area are; Isla Capitan, El Estero, Playa Grande, Playa Langosta and Pico Pequeno. The are also great surf schools in Tamarindo, one example is Tamarindo Surf Academy a top Costa Rica surf school whose owner is a well known pro-surfer, Federico Pilurzu.

2) Mal Pais-Santa Teresa

If you prefer peace and quiet, Mal Pais-Santa Teresa is a quiet surf village is a great escape for you. The area has world-class swells and is ideal for surfing all year round. An added advantage is that you can also get to enjoy the flora and fauna in the green jungle that is located in the area. Popular hot spots in this area are Playa El Carmen and Playa Santa Teresa.

3) Playa Avellanas

Playa Avellanas has one of the most spectacular beaches in Costa Rica. The picturesque area got its name from a pig that loved diving in the surf. The area is a popular surfer hangout littered with simple hotels and cabanas. In Avellanas, you can surf all year round with consistent waves coming from the North and Southern hemisphere. Favorite hot-spots here are; La Purruja, El Parqueo, El Palo, El Estro de Avellanas and little Hawaii.

4) Dominical

Although Dominical is not as developed as Tamarindo, the area is ideal for surfing with it’s massive barreling breaks that can hold big-sized waves without closing in. The area is popular with experienced surfers looking for steady waves. Due to it’s dangerous rip currents, surfers are advised to exercise caution at times.

5) Nosara

Nosara is a versatile surfing spot with fast and hollow waves, making it ideal for the advanced surfer. In addition, the area has great beach breaks, multiple breaks and lineups, Popular surfing spots in this area are Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada and Bocas Del Nosara.

Costa Rica is blessed to have ideal surfing conditions all year round. With the common denominator being that it’s a surfers paradise, no area is similar to the other in terms of what it has to offer. You can, therefore, choose any area that you desire and enjoy surfing to the maximum.

Renting a Villa or Condo vs Staying at a Hotel While Visiting Costa Rica

Looking for the perfect vacation spot? Costa Rica can give you more than a spectacular vacation, with a richer experience of all the uniqueness the country has to offer. This ideal tourist area presents a vast number of travel destinations which are comprised of an impressive biodiversity, a myriad of habitats, and locations enveloped in different types of climates.

Enjoy the variety of activities and new things to do in Costa Rica, and visit many places to endlessly explore. Nature has bestowed its blessings upon the environmental attractions sprinkled throughout different sites, such as hundreds of marvelous beaches and stunning coasts, lots of breathtaking scenery within the surroundings, enchanting forests, and their beautiful culture. A single vacation would seem like many trips altogether with many sights and places to set foot upon, each offering a different type of paradise with its own unique setting and charm.

More so, your stay can be truly worth it when you have utmost comfort and convenience, and everything you need in one place such as what the following San Jose Costa Rica villa rentals https://www.villasdecariari.com/ provide at affordable prices. Located only about 5 minutes away from the Juan Santa María International Airport, there’s no time wasted as you land from your flight. In a few minutes, you’ll be all settled and ready to indulge in relaxation or embark on your great adventures! Villas de Cariari is only 15 minutes away from San Jose, downtown and situated alongside the Cariari Country Club. You can go and have a luxurious, leisurely time at the best golf club of Costa Rica anytime you wish! We are also conveniently nearby malls, casinos, Global Park, Hotel Hilton Cariari and the Ramada Inn Convention Center, for easy access and no worries during your vacation.

Villa or condo rentals are highly favorable compared to hotels with the privilege of much more space, privacy, fully furnished condos with contemporary equipment for everyday use. It’s the best place to be which provides outstanding accommodations and strategically located to ensure your needs are met. To top it off, our excellent services are unbeatable with free airport pickup, daily maid service, tour arrangements, recreational activities like golf and fishing, stay connected with computer and Wi-Fi internet amenities, laundry service, banking, business, real estate assistance, investment, and anything else that matters to you. Pamper yourself and savor the moment, whether you are on a business trip, on a romantic escapade, or simply appreciating this wonderful world and enjoying life to the fullest!

Delight in your home sweet home away from home, or maybe even better with the lush green fields, charming and tranquil landscapes, the relaxing atmosphere and beautiful ambiance to wake up to everyday! You’ll be invigorated and in the mood for more surprises throughout the day with a fully packed itinerary infused with all the wondrous places you can go to in Costa Rica.

Top 5 Reasons Why Vacations In Costa Rica Are Great

1) It’s Affordable – Vacations in Costa Rica are very affordable. You can easily find a great deal on flights, hotels and even a rental car. Many travel agents and online travel websites can help you find a great deal on a trip to Costa Rica.

2) It’s Warm Year-Round – If you live in a place where it gets cold, then escape some of the winter by booking a trip to Costa Rica. The country enjoys warm weather year-round, so anytime is a good time to take a vacation there. Since the weather is warm all-year-round, this means you can visit the beaches anytime.

3) I Has Amazing Beaches (Pacific Coast and Caribbean Coast) – Another reason why you should take a vacation to Costa Rica is because of the many beaches you can visit while there. The country is home to a lot of great beaches such as the ones in Playa Guiones, Langosta Beach in Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio Beach to name just a few. You will love swimming in the water or just lounging on the sand.

Langosta Beach - Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Langosta Beach – Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Photo courtesy of – Cala Luna Beach Hotel & Resort, Tamarindo, Costa Rica

4) Tourist Attractions – Asides from the beaches, there are plenty of tourist attractions you can visit too. Some of these attractions include Arenal Volcano and Poas Volcano. If looking at volcanoes isn’t your thing, then maybe the Celeste River is more your cup of tea. Other attractions include Uvita Island, and a number of national parks.

5) Plenty of Activities to Enjoy – Costa Rica offers you the chance to do a lot of different things. You can pay a visit to the capital, San Jose, and spend an entire day shopping, dining and clubbing, if you enjoy the nightlife. You can enjoy adventurous activities such as surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, sailing and much more.

Costa Rica also offers a great variety of vacation rentals ideal for family trips. Family travelers can book a villa, condo or even a house in the different Costa Rica tourist destinations.

Imagine you and your family staying at a luxury beach vacation villa like this one:

Costa Rica Beach Vacation Rentals - Luxury Family Villa

Photo courtesy of – Cala Luna Hotel & Villas

Also, it’s worth pointing out that it doesn’t cost a lot of money to tour around Costa Rica. This is another reason why a lot of people come to this beautiful country. If you are looking for a great place to visit and you don’t want to spend a lot of cash, then make a trip to Costa Rica.

In a nutshell, vacations in Costa Rica are fun, affordable and they offer you the chance to explore from beaches to the rainforest. If you have never been in Costa Rica, then now is the time to start thinking about it. Start looking at flights today and book a hotel as soon as possible, and start enjoying all the country has to offer.

Costa Rica is the New “Place to Go” for Dental Tourism

The increasing costs of healthcare often prompt people to seek treatment in unconventional places. These days, dental tourism is the next big thing, and Costa Rica is the hot new destination, where people combine a fun-in-the-sun vacation with one or more restorative or cosmetic dental treatments.

Why Dental Tourism?

Healthcare is big business, and the need for healthcare insurance in the US leaves many people suffering from lack of treatment, even after the Affordable Care Act helped millions gain access to insurance for which they couldn’t otherwise qualify. And when it comes to dental insurance the problem is even worse, because standard healthcare coverage typically does not include dental care. That’s why many people are turning to overseas clinics for the dental care they need. In places like Thailand, India, Hungary, and Costa Rica, Americans can receive quality dental treatment at a fraction of the price, and enjoy a relaxing vacation after the treatment is completed. In Costa Rica, for example, surgical dental procedures like implants and veneers cost half or a third of what they cost in the US.

Costa Rica Dental Tourism by Advance Dental

Photo courtesy of Advance Dental, the Costa Rica Dental Tourism Experts

What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip

Just as you would on any overseas vacation, it’s important to do some research about the country you’re visiting before you leave; and, of course, it’s even more important to make good choices about the dentist you choose to visit in Costa Rica. As in any country, it’s important to be aware of the risk of scams and other forms of malpractice, and to ensure that the dentist you choose is registered as a specialist in whatever procedure you’re having. There are also the standard things anyone needs for an overseas vacation: passport, visa, travel and medical insurance coverage for unforeseen circumstances. It might seem odd to need healthcare and travel insurance when you’re traveling to obtain healthcare, but the reality is that it’s still necessary to purchase travel insurance, because it’s not usually covered in the costs of the treatment you’re getting. There’s also the fact that accidents and minor mishaps like lost luggage can happen even before you receive treatment, and it’s always better to be protected than to leave yourself open to potential problems.

Popular Dental Tourism Treatments

Costa Rica dental tourism provides the opportunity to get a wide range of treatments, from inexpensive whitening, to costly tooth replacement surgery, all at a fraction of the cost.

Dental implants are the permanent solution to problems caused by missing teeth, and they can replace one tooth, or an entire mouthful, depending on your needs. They look like natural teeth and function like natural teeth too, much more so than any other kind of tooth replacement. The implant itself is a titanium screw that is implanted into the jaw by an oral surgeon; once the implants have healed over, the replacement tooth is permanently attached. In the US, replacing a single tooth in this way can cost around $2,500; in Costa Rica, it’s $800. A full-mouth replacement is around $90,000 in the US; again, Costa Rica dentists charge one third of this figure, or approximately $30,000.

Porcelain restorations like veneers and crowns can cost up to $1,000 in the US. People getting the work done in Costa Rica pay around $375 per veneer, and $400 per crown. Veneers are a cosmetic procedure in which the front surface of a tooth is covered with a thin slice of porcelain, to improve the color and shape of the tooth. A crown typically covers the entire tooth, providing support or protection for a tooth that has been weakened by decay.

Tooth-whitening is another popular treatment, especially for people who just want a quick fix for a set of teeth that’s in good physical shape, but has become discolored due to tobacco use, coffee or tea drinking, or the use of medications like tetracycline. Tooth-whitening uses chemical solutions or lasers to whiten and brighten teeth, to enhance a naturally gorgeous smile. In the US, a typical course of tooth-whitening treatment costs up to $800; for people in Costa Rica, it’s $450 or so. People often get this treatment on the spur of the moment, since it’s overall a relatively inexpensive procedure that can have dramatic results.

Author: this is an article sent in by site reader Sally Angus

Twelve Tips For Planning a Budget Vacation to Costa Rica

Monteverde Costa Rica Cloudforest

Costa Rica is a beautiful country and a great place to vacation. But before getting on that airplane, you need to have a game plan. Below are twelve tips to help you find the best deals and to make your vacation a success:

Tip Number 1: Saving On Air Fare

With a destination like Costa Rica, flying is about the only choice. Airfares are not cheap, so keep your eyes peeled in advance for any online specials from the various travel sites.

Tip Number 2: Is A Round The World Ticket For You?

Have you considered buying a Round The World ticket? If you travel often, it may be a good option for you. You will have to weigh the pros and cons of such a step; only you know if your circumstances warrant the cost output.

Tip Number 3: Choosing a Backpack

A backpack is a great tool when traveling anywhere. But you want to keep it light. Dragging luggage through airports is difficult enough, without being further weighed down by a heavy backpack. That being said, you don’t want one that is too small either. Spend the extra money and get a backpack made of a lightweight material and one that has wheels so you have the option of rolling it if you desire.

Tip Number 4: Picking a Travel Rewards Credit Card

Travel credit cards are a great way to earn free rewards for spending money. There are several such cards from which to choose so you need to weigh the pros and cons of each before choosing.

Tip Number 5: Avoiding Bank Fees

Using ATMs in foreign countries may be different than in the U.S. They may charge higher transaction fees. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises so check the fees before using an ATM in a foreign country such as Costa Rica. You didn’t save all that money for a vacation just to see it eaten up by bank fees.

Tip Number 6: Hone Your Travel Hacking Skills

What is travel hacking? It is making the best use of your credit cards, awards programs, and deals to accumulate miles and points for free travel. Familiarize yourself with hotel and airline loyalty programs and use them to your advantage. It can save you a lot in lodging and transportation costs.

Tip Number 7: Find Cheap Accommodations

Lodging is probably going to be your second largest expense. But there are ways to cut costs in this area. Become proficient at Internet searches for good deals. You can also look into hostels or even home swapping as an out-of-the-box solution to your lodging problems.

Tip Number 8: Picking Tour Companies

Organized tours can be wonderful or your own worst travel nightmare. You need to do your homework before making tour arrangements. Read the reviews of previous customers of a tour company. Find one that displays a pattern of satisfied customers and weed out those of questionable quality. A bad tour company can ruin a vacation.

Tip Number 9: Buy Travel Insurance

I repeat: Buy travel insurance. Be prepared for any possible scenario. If you get sick or injured in a foreign country you need to know you will get the proper care. Travel insurance also pays your way home if that becomes necessary. The last thing you want is to be so far away and unable to get home. There are many policies available for travelers. Again, do your due diligence by comparing the choices carefully and checking out any customer reviews.

Tip Number 10: Teaching In A Foreign Country

There are many resources available citing job opportunities to teach in a foreign country such as Costa Rica. Many Americans get jobs teaching English. If you are planning an extended stay rather than a vacation, this may be an option to consider.

Tip Number 11: Become a Volunteer

Volunteering is an opportunity to give back. While you are down in Costa Rica, look for such opportunities. Many travelers also take along an extra bag full of supplies, clothing and such to donate to schools and churches to pass on to children and families in need.

Tip Number 12: Eating On The Cheap

Eating local foods is half the fun of traveling, especially in a foreign country. Allow yourself to experiment a little and have fun! You can also save money by eating a late breakfast and an early dinner. This will allow you a taste of these delicious ethnic treats without breaking the budget.

Traveling and experiencing other cultures is a delightful experience. Planning ahead can eliminate the stresses that can spoil such activities. Follow the above tips and your trip can be a success.