For nearly two decades, tiny Costa Rica has been a popular vacation destination for North Americans and, increasingly, Europeans. Merely 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 travelers come to see its volcanoes. Others come to experience terrific fishing. Thousands enjoy the great year round surfing, rafting, ziplining high in the tropical jungles, and, of course, partying into the night. What happens in Costa Rica stays in this little country (unless you want to brag about your adventures on Facebook).
This little Central American country offers a vacation for every wallet. Certainly, there are luxurious hotels and resorts. For example, the Real Intercontinental Hotel outside of San Jose is where presidents and premiers stay. There are top rated resorts like the Papagayo Four Seasons Resort, La Gaia Hotel, and Los Suenos Resorts. But, they are not for everybody. 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 littler budget. Good news! Prudent budget travel is at hand.
1. Observe travel seasons and save 20 percent or more at resorts and hotels
a. Budget travelers should avoid Peak Season, of which there are two: Easter week and Christmas. Christmas through New Years week (December 15-January 5) and Easter Week are Peak Season for two groups of tourists: overseas visitors and locals. Summer vacation for Costa Rica schools begins in December and tens of thousands of Ticos head to the most popular beaches. Easter week is another very popular vacation period for locals. They will find the cheapest deals. For you, prices will still be way better than in Florida or Cannes but your money will go much farther at other times.
b. High Season extends from January to the end of April coinciding with winter in North America and Europe . Many tourists travel Costa Rica during this time to escape the dreary days at home, a fact not lost on hotels and resorts. Though prices in this Latin American country are less than in Florida, Arizona, and the Texas coast, Snowbirds get plucked a bit more than during off-season (just like back home).
c. The knowledgeable bargain travel hunter will take pains to travel to Costa Rica during the Green (Low) Season because the very best travel and accommodation bargains occur then. Improvidently, some travelers mistakenly take it for granted that it rains every day though, 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 very best travel (airplane) and accommodation prices 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 visitors reserve a car online before they come and are angered to learn when they arrive that the rental agency is going to impose an additional fee of $25 or more per day for liability insurance! Informed travelers never pay that money because it is unnecessary, provided three rules are followed. Rule 1: If your home automobile policy has liability coverage, that insurance covers car rentals in this Latin American country. 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
Another way to maximize your budget is to pay in cash. You will find that lots of shops prefer payment in dollars over credit cards. All you need to do is ask and you may get a discount of 5 percent or even 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. And, bring smaller denominations like $20 and $50 bills. Many restaurants, merchants, and hostels do not accept a $100 bill.
4. Pay attention to your restaurant bill and perhaps save 10 percent
Many Costa Rica restaurants, particularly those serving foreign visitors, automatically include a 10 percent tip (called “servicio”) on a bill. They are required by law to note that gratuity on the menu but few bars or restaurants do so and are rewarded by unknowing 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 popular website about Costa Rica Vacations. Ever imagined tropical surfing? Check out www.costarica-discCosta Rica Surfing for world-renowned beaches and incredible waves