Costa Rica Budget Travel: Paradise On A Budget

Lying only a couple of hours south of Florida is popular Costa Rica. Discovered and named by Christopher Columbus over 500 years ago, it has been discovered anew by Americans, Canadians and, increasingly, Europeans and is the place where many choose to take vacations. Though it is one of the planet’s smaller countries, its many places to go and things to see and do are world-famous: nearly 800 miles of pristine coastlines on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans; parks and reserves covering 25 percent of its land area; and a staggering diversity of plants and animals. One of every five kinds of animals on earth call this place home.

Like volcanoes? There is majestic Arenal, still active, where visitors to its numerous hot springs can enjoy tropical drinks in their bathing suits and be enraptured from its lava shows at night. Or Irazu Volcano where, when the weather is clear, the Caribbean and Pacific 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 lots of people, this is party country.

You will find a vacation that fits the wallet of almost everyone. For those favoring luxury, there are places like the Papagayo Four Seasons and Los Suenos Resorts. But, if these are a bit pricey unless you win the lottery or if you prefer more rustic accommodations, you can see Costa Rica quite nicely on a more restrained budget.

1. Save twenty percent or more on hotels and resorts: Observe travel seasons

a. Avoid Peak Season. December 10-January 10 and Easter Week are Peak Season not only for overseas visitors but for Ticos and Ticas, too. Costa Rica schools are out, many governmental agencies and private businesses close, and thousands of local families flock to the most popular beaches. They will get 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 vacationers travel 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 prudent bargain travel seeker will take pains to vacation in Costa Rica during the Green (Low) Season because the very best travel and accommodation bargains are found then. Unfortunately, some travelers mistakenly assume that it rains every day when, indeed, most days are sunny and warm. Typically showers last an hour or so and occur in the afternoon or early evening. Many college students and families from the northern countries visit between June and mid-August but prices are good and accommodations available in most places. For the inveterate bargain hunter come between September through mid-November. Savings of 20-35 percent off High Season prices often await.

2. If you plan to rent a car, think ahead and save $25 a day

A lot of tourists rent a car online before their trip and are angered to learn when they arrive that the rental agency plans to charge an additional fee of $25 or more per day for liability insurance! Experienced travelers never pay that money because it is unnecessary, provided three rules are followed. Rule 1: If your home vehicle policy provides liability coverage, that insurance is good in Costa Rica. Recommendation: bring a copy of the policy along with the email, facsimile and telephone numbers 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. If you don’t have the insurance info the first day, have your agent fax your coverage as quickly as possible. After all, it is your money. Budget travel can be fun, particularly when you do not pay for unnecessary insurance that you already have.

3. Save another 5 percent or more: Remember that Cash Is King

A lot of stores encourage cash over credit cards and if you inquire if there is a discount for cash will offer 5 percent and sometimes much 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. Many restaurants, merchants, and hostels cannot break a $100 bill so bring smaller denominations.

4. Pay attention to your restaurant bill and perhaps save 10 percent

Many dining rooms, particularly those serving foreign travelers, automatically include a 10 percent tip (called “servicio”) on a bill. They are required by law to note that charge on the menu but few bars or restaurants do so and are rewarded by unsuspecting foreigners who leave a second tip. It is up to you, the budget travel patron, to pay attention to your bill. If you are in doubt, ask if the tip (”servicio”) is already included on the bill. Over the course of a vacation, this little tip can save you serious money.

Victor Krumm writes from Costa Rica. His acclaimed website about Costa Rica Vacations. Ever imagined tropical surfing? Check out www.costarica-discCosta Rica Surfing for world-renowned beaches and incredible waves Don’t reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.