Travel Big, Save Money: Budget Travel On Your Costa Rica Vacation
Popular Costa Rica has been a favored vacation destination for Americans, Canadians and, increasingly, Europeans, for two decades. Though it is one of the smaller countries on the globe, about the size of West Virginia, its many attractions are world-famous: nearly 800 miles of uncrowded beaches on two oceans; parks and reserves covering more than a quarter of its land area; and a staggering diversity of plants and animals.
Many visitors come to see its volcanoes. Others want 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).
There is a Costa Rica vacation fitting everybody’s budget. For the rich and famous (or wanting to vacation in high style) , 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 budget or taste dictates, you can travel Costa Rica quite nicely, thank you, on a smaller budget. Here is how.
1. Experienced 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 overseas visitors but for Costa Ricans, as well. Schools here close for summer vacation in December, many governmental agencies and businesses shut down, and thousands of families from San Jose flock to the most popular beaches. They know the best deals. You will not. Expect to pay the highest prices, but still way less than on the Continent or the U.S..
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 the States but you can do better.
c. The knowledgeable bargain travel hunter will take pains to vacation in Costa Rica during the Green (Low) Season because the very best travel and accommodation bargains are found then. Improvidently, some 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 are commonly found.
2. Plan ahead when renting a car and save $25 a day
Many tourists reserve a car online before they come and are angered to learn when they arrive that the rental agency is going to charge 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 observed. 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. 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
Many Costa Rica merchants welcome dollars over credit cards and when asked for a cash discount will offer 5 percent or more. You should 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 $20 and $50 bills. Many restaurants, merchants, and hostels cannot break a $100 bill.
4. Pay attention to your restaurant bill and perhaps save 10 percent
You will learn that many dining rooms, particularly those sought out by foreign Costa Rica vacationers, automatically include a 10 percent tip (called “servicio”) on a bill. They are required by law to note that 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.
Author Victor Krumm posts from his home in Costa Rica. Visit his acclaimed website about Costa Rica Vacations and be sure to look at the spectacular Seven Wonders of Costa Rica
