Costa Rica Budget Travel: {{{A Money Saving Primer-Big Adventure On A Budget

Costa Rica Budget Travel: {{{A Money Saving Primer-Big Adventure On A Budget

Article by Victor Krumm

You and I have all weathered some pretty trying times the last couple of years} and deserve a break. Between the already nasty winter weather and the bad economic news, Costa Rica sounds like just the place to be right now, does it not? But, can you afford it?

You bet! Particularly with these little known money saving tips.

Tropical Costa Rica has been a favorite vacation spot for visitors from The Continent and North America for many years. Though it is one of the smaller countries on the planet, about as large as, its many attractions are world-famous: nearly 800 miles of uncrowded beaches on Caribbean and Pacific oceans; parks and reserves encompassing 25 Percent of its land area; and a marvelous array of plants and animals. People come for its volcanoes; terrific fishing; pristine beaches; some of the greatest surfing anywhere; whitewater or family rafting adventures; ziplining high in the tropical forests; and, of course, adult nightlife. What happens here stays here (unless you want to brag about your adventures on Facebook).

Only in this Central American country can you drive to the top of a volcano and see the Caribbean and Pacific oceans at the same time! Or, sit in a hot springs enjoying a tropical drink watching magnificent lava flows from nearby Arenal Volcano. You can even view it from high above the tree tops in a hot air balloon.

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 what you like, you can travel this Latin American country quite nicely on a more reserved budget.

Here are five little known tips to vacation big with budget travel.

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

a. Avoid Peak Season. {Christmas through New Years week (December 15-January 5) and Easter Week are Peak Season not only for overseas vacationers but for Costa Rica residents, too. Costa Rica schools are not in session, 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 know the best bargains while you will pay peak prices! b. High Season coincides with winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Many foreign tourists travel Costa Rica from 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 than during off-season. Fortunately, if you go to 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 bargains are found during this time. Most visitors mistakenly think that it rains every day during the Green Season though, indeed, the majority of days are sunny and mild. Typically, there are showers for an hour or so in the afternoon or early evening. For the greatest budget travel deals, this is the time of year to visit Costa Rica. 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 experienced 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 vacation where you only pay for five nights!

2. Save 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 wants to charge an additional fee of or more per day for liability insurance! The experienced vacationer does not need to pay that money by observing some easy rules. Rule No. 1: If your automobile policy at home has liability coverage for rental cars (some have exclusions for overseas rentals), that insurance is good when renting a vehicle in Costa Rica. Recommendation: if your coverage will extend to Costa Rica rental cars, 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 advertised 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

It is true: Cash is King. Many stores prefer payment 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 and bills. Many restaurants, merchants, and hostels cannot accept a 0 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 cafes and pubs, particularly those catering to foreign visitors, automatically include a 10 Percent gratuity (called “servicio”) on a bill. They are supposed to include that information on the menu but most places ignore the law and are rewarded by unsuspecting vacationers who unwittingly leave a second gratuity because they do not know how to read the bill. So, here is the deal. 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 mature travelers think of a hostel as a place where there are several beds in a common dorm. The fact is, however, that increasingly hostels across the country offer private rooms with their own baths, but at a fraction of the cost of a hotel room. Green Season rates are frequently in the range of per person. Before you sniff “never” check a couple out. You might be surprised. And you will save lots of money.

About the Author

Victor Krumm writes about tropical Costa Rica in his popular Costa Rica Vacations site. Want great medical care at unbelievable prices? Check out Costa Rica Medical Tourism here.