Travel Big, Save Money: Budget Travel On Your Costa Rica Vacation

For nearly two decades, tropical Costa Rica has been a popular get away for North Americans and, increasingly, Europeans. Merely about the size of West Virginia, its many attractions are world-famous: more than 1600 kilometers of uncrowded coastlines on two oceans; parks and reserves covering 25 percent of its land area; and an incredible diversity of plants and animals.

Want to see volcanoes? There is mighty Arenal, still active, where visitors to its numerous hot springs can enjoy tropical drinks in their bathing suits and be enthralled from its lava shows at night. Or Irazu Volcano where, on a clear day, 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 the Land of Pura Vida.

This little Latin American country offers a vacation for every wallet. Certainly, there are spectacular hotels and resorts. For example, the Real Intercontinental Hotel outside of San Jose is where heads of state stay. There are world famous 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. Prudent tourists can save 20 percent on accommodations by traveling off season

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 shut down, and thousands of families from San Jose flock to the most popular beaches. They will find the best bargains. You will not. Expect to pay the highest prices, but still way less than in America or Europe.

b. High Season coincides with winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Many tourists travel Costa Rica between January through April because of the sunny tropical weather, a fact not lost on hotels and resorts. Like Florida, Arizona, and the Texas coast, Snowbirds get plucked a bit more during High Season. Prices are better than in Europe or America but you can do better.

c. The experienced bargain travel seeker will assiduously plan to vacation in Costa Rica during the Green (Low) Season because the very best travel and accommodation bargains occur then. Unfortunately, a lot of travelers mistakenly assume that it rains every day when, indeed, most days are sunny and warm. Typically rains 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. Plan ahead when renting a car and save $25 a day

If you rent a car on the internet like so many others, you should expect to learn upon your arrival that the rental agency plans to charge an additional fee of $25 or more per day for liability insurance! Rule 1: If your automobile policy at home provides liability coverage, that insurance is good in Costa Rica. Recommendation: bring a copy of the policy along with the email and facsimile number 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.

3. Save at least five percent on purchases because Cash is King

A lot of merchants prefer 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 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. Pay attention to your restaurant bill and perhaps save 10 percent

You will discover that many restaurants, particularly those catering to foreign Costa Rica vacationers, automatically include a 10 percent tip (called "servicio") on a bill. They are supposed to to put that information on the menu but few places 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.