Costa Rica Budget Travel - An Essential Primer

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Little Costa Rica is a favorite vacation destination for Americans, Canadians and, increasingly, Europeans, for many years. Although one of the smaller countries in the world, about the size of West Virginia, its many attractions are world famous, with nearly 800 miles of uncrowded coastline on two oceans, parks and reserves covering 25% of land area, a staggering diversity of plants and animals.

volcanoes, great fishing, surfing some of the greatest anywhere, or a family whitewater rafting adventure, ziplining high in tropical forests, and, of course, nightlife adult. What happens here stays here (unless you want to brag about his adventures on Facebook ).

There is a Costa Rica vacation for every budget. For the rich and famous, there are places like the Hotel Real Intercontinental, Four Seasons Papagayo Resort and Los Suenos resort. However, if a little expensive, or a lover of the budget or taste dictates, you can travel to Costa Rica quite nicely thank you on a budget. Here are some simple steps you can take to save big.

1 Save 20% or more on hotels and resorts: Consider travel season

a. Avoid peak season. Christmas through New Year's week (15 December to 5 January) and Easter week are the peak season, not only for foreign visitors, but for Costa Rica residents, too. Costa schools, many government agencies and private companies in the immediate vicinity, and the thousands flock ticos of the most popular beaches. They will find the best bargains. You will pay the highest premium rates

B. Season coincides with winter in the northern hemisphere. Many tourists travel Costa Rica from January to April, for a sunny tropical weather, it's not lost on hotels and resorts. Like Florida, Arizona, Texas and the coast, snowbirds get dug a little more during the season.

c. Green (low) season offers the best travel and accommodation discounts for those on vacation Costa Rica. Many travelers mistakenly assume that it rains every day, though, in fact, most days sunny and warm with some showers for an hour or so in the afternoon or early evening. For the best budget travel deals, this time of year to visit this tropical paradise. Students and families from Europe and North America are on summer vacation until mid-August, but prices are good and accommodation is available in most places. And the best time to travel budget is September to mid-November, when (if asked) there are often discounts of 20% or more available.

2 Save $ 25 on a day when planning to rent a car in advance

Costa Rica Many tourists rent a car online and surprised to learn when they come to rental agency wants to charge an additional fee of $ 25 or more per day for liability insurance? Rule # 1: If your home is auto policy includes liability coverage, that coverage is good in Costa Rica. Recommendation: bring a copy of the policy, along with fax and e-mail your insurance agent and save the money for your vacation. Rule # 2: Many credit cards offer a little-known benefit: liability insurance coverage for rental when the card is used. Contact your credit card company before you go for the best results. Rule # 3: Be friendly, but informed. After all, it's your money.

3 Save another 5% or more by keeping in mind that cash is king

Many local merchants prefer dollars in credit card and when asked if there is a discount for cash will offer 5% or more. Ask, "Que (pronounced" K ") es por discuento effective?" meaning "What is a discount for cash?" Be sure that the new account and not upgraded with even a tiny tear. And, bring $ 20 and $ 50 bills. Many restaurants, retailers, and homes can not break the $ 100 bill.

4 Save 50% staying in the hostel

There are many offer a beautiful, private rooms for half the price of the hotel. During the off season, prices can be around $ 12 a person.

5 Save 10%, while the dining room: do not pay the two tips in a restaurant

Costa Rica Many restaurants, especially those catering to foreign travelers, automatically include 10% tip (called "servicio") to the account. They are required by law to keep in mind that on the menu, but a few bars or restaurants do, and rewarded by the unknowing foreigners who leave other advice. It is up to you, the patron of budget travel, pay attention to your account. If in doubt, ask if the top of the bill.