The Prudent} Tourist: Costa Rica Budget Travel

By Author: Victor Krumm
Total Articles: 17
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Little Costa Rica has been a favorite vacation spot for Americans, Canadians and, increasingly, Europeans, for more than two decades. Though it is one of the smaller countries on earth, about as large as, its many attractions are world-famous: nearly 800 miles of uncrowded beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic oceans; parks and reserves encompassing more than a quarter of its land area; and a staggering array of plants and animals.

People come for its volcanoes; unsurpassed fishing; spectacular beaches; some of the finest surfing anywhere; whitewater or family rafting adventures; ziplining high in the jungle canopy; and, of course, adult nightlife. What happens here stays here (unless you want to brag about your adventures on My Space).

There is a Costa Rica vacation for every wallet. For those wanting luxury there are places like the Real Intercontinental Hotel, Papagayo Four Seasons Resort and Los Suenos Resorts. But, if these are a bit pricier or fancier than your taste dictates, you can experience this Latin American country quite nicely on a more modest budget.

Here are five sure ways to ...
... vacation big with budget travel.

1. Save 20 to 30 Percent or more on hotels and resorts: Observe travel seasons

a. Do not vacation during Peak Season. {Christmas through New Years week (December 15-January 5) and Easter Week are Peak Season not only for overseas tourists but for Costa Rica residents, as well. Schools are out, many governmental agencies and private businesses close, and tens of thousands Ticos and Ticas pack their cars and head to the most popular beaches. They will find the best deals while you will pay peak prices!

b. High Season coincides with winter in North America and Europe. Many foreign tourists plan their vacations from January through April because of the sunny tropical weather, a fact not lost on hotels and resorts. Like the Sunshine State, Texas, and Arizona, Snowbirds get plucked a bit more than during off-season. Fortunately, if you visit this Central American country during High Season you will return home with a few less plucked feathers than had you taken your holiday in the States or Europe.

c. The best deals are found during the Green (Low) Season. The very best travel (airline prices) and accommodation opportunities are found during this time. Many visitors mistakenly think that it rains every day during the Green Season though, indeed, most days are sunny and warm. Normally, there are showers for an hour or so in the afternoon or early evening. For the best budget travel deals, this is the time of year to travel. American and European students and families are around for their summer vacation until mid-August but prices are good and accommodations available in most places.The [savvy budget traveler visits September through mid-November when (if you ask) there are often discounts of 20-35 Percent or more available. Imagine a seven day holiday where you only pay for five nights!

2. Save $25 a day when renting a car by planning ahead

Here is a tip that takes five minutes but can save you a lot of money while traveling.

Many tourists rent a car on the Web before they fly and are angered to be apprised when they arrive that the rental agency is going to charge an additional fee of $25 or more per day for liability insurance! The experienced visitor knows how save that money by observing some simple rules. Rule No. 1: If your vehicle policy at home includes liability coverage, that insurance is good when renting a vehicle in Costa Rica. Recommendation: bring a copy of the policy along with the fax and email of your insurance agent . Rule No. 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 No. 3: Be polite but informed. And, if you do not have the insurance info when you get the car, ask for the rental company's fax and contact your agent. Over the course of a week or two, you will save a bundle of cash simply by taking a few minutes to get your insurance documents and contact information together.

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

Sounds hackneyed but it is as true today as 100 years ago: Cash is King. Many merchants prefer being paid in dollars over credit cards and when asked if they give a discount for cash will offer 5 percent or more. Ask "Que (pronounced "K") es discuento por effectivo?" which means "What is the discount for cash?" Be sure the bills are new and not defaced with even a tiny tear. And, bring $20 and $50 bills. Many restaurants, stores, and hostels cannot break a $100 bill.

4. Save 10 Percent while dining: Do not pay two tips in a restaurant

Do you speak Spanish? No? That could cost you ten percent in lots of bars, bistros, cafes, and restaurants. Here is why. Many restaurants and bars, particularly those frequented by foreign visitors, automatically include a 10 Percent gratuity (called "servicio") on a bill. They are required by law to note that on the menu but most places ignore the law and are rewarded by unknowing vacationers who unwittingly leave a second gratuity because they do not know how to read the bill. So, here is the scoop. Look for either the word "servicio" or some unexplained charge of ten percent (most likely, a disguised "servicio"). Would not that money be better spent on ice cream for the family?

5. Save 50 Percent by staying in a hostel

There are hostels throughout the country. Most adult travelers think of a hostel as a place where there are several beds in a common dorm. The fact is, however, that more and more hostels across the country offer private rooms with their own baths, but at a fraction of the cost of a hotel room. Low Season rates are frequently in the range of $12 per person. Before you sniff "never" check a couple out. You might be surprised. And you will save lots of money.
Victor C. Krumm lives in sunny Costa Rica and writes the popular Costa Rica Vacations website. Check out the great Costa Rica Seven Wonders