The Prudent Traveler: Budget Travel On Your Costa Rica Vacation

Outdoors Articles » Fishing » The Prudent Traveler: Budget Travel On Your Costa Rica Vacation

The Prudent Traveler: Budget Travel On Your Costa Rica Vacation

For a number of years, tiny Costa Rica has been a favorite vacation destination for Americans, Canadians and, increasingly, Europeans. Only 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 fauna and flora.

Many tourists come to see its volcanoes. Others come to experience terrific fishing. Others enjoy the great year round surfing, kayaking, ziplining high in the verdant canopies, and, of course, partying after dark. What happens in Costa Rica stays in this little country (unless you want to brag about your adventures on Facebook).

This little Latin American country offers a vacation for every budget. Of course, there are spectacular hotels and resorts. For example, the Real Intercontinental Hotel outside of San Jose is where presidents and premiers stay. There are world famous resorts like the Papagayo Four Seasons Resort, La Gaia Hotel, and Los Suenos Resorts. But, many travelers are not interested in such luxury. 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 smaller budget. Good news! Prudent budget travel is at hand.

1. Observe travel seasons and save 20 percent or more at resorts and hotels

a. If you are on a budget, avoid Peak Season. Christmas through New Years week (December 15-January 5) and Easter Week are Peak Season, not only for foreign visitors but for Costa Ricans, as well. Schools here are out of session, many governmental agencies and businesses close, and tens of thousands of men, women and children flock to the most popular beaches. They know the best deals. You won't. Expect to pay the highest prices, but still way less than in America or Europe.

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 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 come between September and mid-November when (if you ask) there are often discounts of 20 percent or more available. 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. Plan ahead when renting a car and save $25 a day

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 at least five percent on things you buy because Cash is King

A lot of merchants encourage cash over credit cards and when asked 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 currency is new and not defaced with even a tiny tear. Many restaurants, merchants, and hostels cannot break a $100 bill so bring smaller denominations.

4. Do not accidentally pay two tips in a restaurant and save 10 percent

You will learn that a lot of dining rooms, particularly those sought out by foreign Costa Rica travelers, automatically include a 10 percent tip (called "servicio") on a bill. They are supposed to to note that 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

The author, Vic Krumm lives in sunny Costa Rica. Visit his popular website about Costa Rica Vacations . Like to fish? See whyCosta Rica Fishing is world-famous. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service