COSTA RICA BUDGET TRAVEL

Welcome to budget travel tips.

This page can save you a lot of money.

Costa Rica has been a favorite vacation destination for Americans, Canadians and, increasingly, Europeans, for a number of years now. Though it is one of the smaller countries on earth, about the size of West Virginia, its many attractions are world-famous: nearly 800 miles of uncrowded coastlines on two oceans; parks and reserves covering 25% of its land area; and a staggering diversity of plants and animals.

Volcanoes, terrific fishing, some of the greatest surfing anywhere, whitewater or family rafting adventures, ziplininghigh in the tropical forests, and, of course, adult nightlife. What happens here stays here (unless you want to brag about your adventures on Facebook).

There is a Costa Rica vacation budget for everybody. For the rich and famous, 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 budget.

Here are some simple steps you can take to save big.

How to Get the Best Costa Rica Hotel Deals

a. 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 Rica residents, too. Costa Rica schools are out, many governmental agencies and private businesses close, and thousands of Ticos flock to the most popular beaches. They will find the best bargains; you will pay the highest premium prices.

b. High Season coincides with winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Many tourists travel Costa Rica 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.

c. Green (Low) Season offers the best travel and accommodation bargains for those on a Costa Rica vacation. Many travelers mistakenly assume that it rains every day though, in fact, most days are sunny and warm with perhaps a showers lasting an hour or so in the afternoon or early evening.

For the best budget travel deals, this is the time of year to visit this tropical paradise. Students and families from the Europe and North America are on summer vacation until mid-August but prices are good and accommodations available in most places.

And, the absolutely best time for budget travel is September through mid-November when (if you ask) there are often discounts of 20-35% available.

Think of it this way: stay seven days, pay for five, get two free. That is real budget travel!

Costa Rica Car Rentals

If you are like me, you want a great deal so you google something like "economy car rental costa rica."

We are not alone.

Many tourists search Costa Rica car rentals online before they come. When the "economy car rental costa rica" search reveals great rental prices, they are so pleased that they make reservations.

Then, they excitedly hop a jet, fly to this tropical paradise, and make their way to the Costa Rica car rental agency where they get their first surprise: the company requires purchase of liability insurance----for $25 a day!

Not exactly the way to start Costa Rica budget travel.

This does not have to happen to you.

Rule #1: If your automobile policy includes liability coverage for overseas rentals, that insurance covers a Costa Rica car rental. Take along a copy of your auto policy and the telephone/facsimile number and email of your automobile insurance agent. He or she can confirm coverage and save you money.

Rule #2: Many credit cards offer a little known benefit: liability insurance coverage for car rentals when the card is used to pay for it. Contact your credit card company before you travel for best results.

Don't Want a Rental Car? Buses are Cheap!

An express bus is a modern Greyhound type bus, air conditioned, fast, and comfortable. There are private and publicly operated express buses.

From San Jose, you can get almost anywhere in the country for about $7.00 or so on a public express bus. Click here to see Costa Rica public bus schedules.

Pay Cash and Get a Discount

Many local merchants and stores prefer being paid in dollars rather than credit cards, so much so that experienced travelers ask how much of a discount will they get for cash ("effectivo").

Typically, the store will offer a discount of 5% (some offer much more).

So, simply ask: "Que(pronounced "K")es discuento por effectivo?" which means "What is the discount for cash?"

Be sure the bills you bring are new, crisp, and perfect. Many Ticos will not accept American currency that is defaced, even if only by a tiny tear.

Stay in a Costa Rica Hostel

Yea, students know all about this but. . . you are mature and don't want to share a dorm with kids young enough to be your grandchildren. Don't worry. You won't have to.

There are many fine Costa Rica hostels offering nice, clean, quiet, private rooms for half the price of a hotel. During the off season, prices can be around $12 a person.

Obviously, the quality of hostels differs but check them out if you are really looking for great Costa Rica budget travel deals. We have a whole section devoted to Costa Rica hostels, just click.

Save While Dining

When I first moved to Costa Rica, I'd routinely leave a gratuity at the restaurant. Partly, it was force of habit; partly, it was because I did not know any Spanish.

Then one day came the realization that, over and over again, I had been paying TWO tips. Here is why.

Many Costa Rica restaurants, particularly those catering to foreign travelers, automatically include a 10% tip (called "servicio") on a bill. They are required by law to note that on the menu but few bars or restaurants do so and are rewarded by unknowing foreigners who leave a second tip.

Once I started looking for "servicio" my days of double tipping ending abruptcy.

It is up to you, the budget travel patron, to pay attention to your bill.

By doing so, you may save 10%. If you are in doubt as to whether the tip {"servicio") is already on the bill, ask.

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