Getting Ready for a Trip to Costa Rica

by

12 July 2018

Travel

Costa Rica

There are few holiday destinations as exciting and adventurous as Costa Rica. This stunning Central American country is coated in the thick rainforest with coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean, plus it also has one of the more vibrant capital cities in the world in San Jose. Mainly known for its volcanoes, beaches and stunning natural beauty – this is a magnificent country quite unlike anywhere else in the world.

As such a unique holiday destination, there is a fair amount of information that any traveler needs to be aware of before jetting off on their holiday. Here is all that you need to know so that you can head off and have an adventure of a lifetime:

Language :

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, but you will also hear English in the more populous area. It is a wise idea to learn the Spanish basics before visiting to make it easier to get by and show that you are making an effort.

Vaccinations :

Before traveling to Costa Rica it is important that you get a range of vaccinations as recommended by the CDC and WHO. These include typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis, rabies, measles, mumps and rubella, and influenza. It is a misconception that Costa Rica is rampant with Malaria and Zika, but you should always get vaccinated and take out travel insurance before jetting off.

Currency :

Over time, the standard accepted currency in Costa Rica has become US dollars with all hotels and tourist companies quoting their prices in dollars. This is due to the fact that the majority of tourists come from the USA, but Costa Ricans also now have bank accounts, mortgages, etc all in US dollars.

Papers :

It is important that you always carry your papers with you when traveling in Costa Rica as police are legally allowed to stop and ask to see the documentation at any time. This means that you should always carry a color copy of your passport and a photo of your tourist stamp.

Water :

Unlike some places, the tap water is generally safe to drink and especially in the larger cities. Your hotel should indicate whether or not it is safe, but be wary if you are in a rural area and always ask first.

Climate :

It is tropical weather in Costa Rica so it will depend on what time of year you are traveling, but there are also many micro-climates so it is wise to pack for all conditions. Typically, the coasts remain warm but there are areas which can get very cold so always research in advance.

Crime :

Generally speaking, Costa Rica is a very safe place to travel and especially when compared with neighboring countries. As when traveling anywhere new, the best thing to do is be sensible and not to flaunt money or leave possessions unattended.

Driving :

If you plan to rent a car, be cautious as driving here is unlike anywhere in the world with no street signs, very relaxed driving laws and poor driving terrain along with wild drivers.

Costa Rica is a wonderful country quite unlike anywhere else in the world with outstanding natural beauty. As a unique destination, it is important that you are well prepared before setting off in order to make the most out of your trip and the above will help any tourist to have an incredible experience.

Read Also :

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Vacation Packages

10 Beach Vacation Packages That Will Let You Unwind Without Breaking

Many of us sit in our offices, or at our cubicles, pretending to work. What we're ACTUALLY doing is planning our next vacation. Or planning to plan it. Mostly, we're just wishing we could afford to take a vacation. Did you know that America and Japan are the countries with the lowest rates of vacations taken? How about taking a beach vacation or going on a whale watching Dana Point? We gotta step it up! Don't let money be the reason you don't enjoy life! We've tracked down 10 of the best beach vacation packages for those who don't want to break the bank. 10 Beach Vacation Packages That Will Let You Unwind Without Breaking Searching for the best vacation packages can be time-consuming. So, to reduce your time and efforts, we have listed the top 10 beach vacation packages that will let you unwind without 1. Zanzibar Archipelago: Zanzibar archipelago is a cluster of unexplored islands right off the coast of Tanzania. On top of the exotic wilderness and crystal clear waters, Zanzibar's colorful history makes it a cultural hotspot. Visit sites like Stone Town, Zanzibar's historic capital, the Makusurani graveyard, the Dunga Ruins, and the Peace Memorial Museum. Due to their history in the spice trade, these islands are also colloquially known as the Spice Islands. Set up a fun tour for your family to sample local spices like clove, nutmeg, black pepper, coriander, and vanilla. Airfare to these islands can be a bit pricey, but your dollar will stretch very far once you get there. 2. Port Salut, Haiti: Despite the hurricanes and bad press, Haiti still remains one of the most beautiful tropical locations on Earth. Due to the general reputation of the country, prices remain low and some beaches almost completely uninhabited. Imagine white sand and azure waters that stretch for miles, with hardly a soul in sight! Whether you remain in the city, or go exploring to find new islands and buried treasure (don't pretend you weren't thinking about it), you'll see exactly why Haiti was once called "The Pearl of the Caribbean." 3. Barcelona, Spain: When it comes to the travel European experience, Barcelona has it all! From ancient architecture to free modern art museums, open-air markets to booming nightlife, you and your family will never be bored. The key to starting off on the right foot in any European city is a free walking city tour. This is a great way to get to know the city and find things you want to see later on. Tapas restaurants and street vendors also allow for delicious food and drink no matter the budget. And when all of that walking and site-seeing wears you down, Spain's beautiful Mediterranean beaches are only a stone's throw away. 4. Senegal, Africa: Senegal is a beautiful African country that brings modern and traditional together in the most fascinating way. Heavily influenced by French culture, the large city of Dakar offers shopping, museums, cafes, movie theaters, and amazing nightlife. But don't let the cosmopolitan Dakar fool you. The rural coast is still lined with small African villages, exotic wildlife, and miles and miles of breathtaking beaches. Hence, this is one of the best beach vacation packages that should be on your list. 5. Fiji: Despite its reputation for being on the more (a lot more) expensive side, Fiji can actually be a prime spot for cheap holiday travel. While there are plenty of resorts to choose from, backpackers and budget travelers can fare very well by sticking to the many hostels and free beaches. With cultural museums, hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and numerous other sites and water sports, you're sure to leave Fiji with tons of stories for your friends and family. 6. Koh Lanta, Thailand: Koh Lanta is a larger island in Southern Thailand, respectively split into northern and southern regions. The northern beaches have calmer waters and are more populated, while the southern beaches are more solitary and have more choppy waters. Drive, walk or take a tuk-tuk to explore the inner wilderness and beaches, and be sure to check out the Koh Lanta National Park. Always be on the lookout to snap a photo of an elephant or two! Prices are absurdly low, and cheap accommodations are readily available for families and couples. However, since there aren't any cities nearby, solo travelers might run out of sights rather quickly. 7. New South Wales, Australia: When planning a trip that you and the kids will both enjoy, nothing beats New South Wales for that warm breezy weather and friendly Australian hospitality. In addition to scenic beaches, Australia also has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions. If you are someone that loves wine tours, you would be happy to learn about the excellent Rutherglen accommodation. You will be able to visit some of the world’s most beautiful wine counties, try delectable local food items, and interact with locals from the region. If you're looking for something new and exciting, with plenty of outdoor activities, the entire New South Wales coastline is riddled with parks that offer campsites, lodges, and a variety of other accommodations. Choose from fishing, bike riding, scuba diving, parasailing, vineyard tours, and even whale watching. Or don't choose and just do it all! Booking your stay at one of these amazing parks has never been easier with Ingenia Holidays. This company is always offering hot deals on parks up and down the coast. 8. Bastimentos Island, Panama: Surrounded on all sides by crystal Caribbean waters, this island is mostly undeveloped and perfect for backpackers. Hiking the jungle is free and perfect for a chance to see monkeys, sloths, and the indigenous red frog. A quick ferry ride to the nearly Bocas Del Toro archipelago is quick and inexpensive. These islands do have small towns and are a perfect place for young travelers to indulge in the Caribbean party scene. 9. Corfu, Greece: Everyone daydreams about going to Greece at one time or another. Those royal blue waters and quaint villages stacked on breathtaking mountainsides call to almost everyone. Turns out, those daydreams are spot on. The island of Corfu offers all of that and more. It can get pretty busy during the summer months, but there are many parts of the island that stay mostly uninhabited. Explore the old Church of Saint Spyridon, the ancient ruins of Kassiopi, and the charming beach town of Paleokastritsa. The island of Corfu is a perfect place to soak in the history of Roman and Greek culture without going to busy Italy. 10. South Padre Island, Texas: Just off the Gulf Coast, this sliver of an island has been named "spring break central" to some. Boating, surfing, diving, fishing, and tons of other water sports only scratch the surface of things to keep your family busy. For those who aren't visiting to soak up the party scene and water sports, the island has a rich history to explore. Visitors can choose from the Port Isabel Lighthouse, the Port Isabel Historical Museum, or the Treasures of the Gulf Museum. If you can't bring yourself to pick just one, one lump entrance fee will cover all three for the day! Once you've explored the island fully, historic Galveston and bustling Houston are both a short drive away. Conclusion: The world is a big place, and every corner of it has a spot with the best beach vacation packages perfect for you, no matter your budget. So stop saying "one day" and find the vacation of your dreams today! Contact us with any questions, and be sure to check out our blog for more tips on successful travel. Read Also : Discover Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos With Private Indochina Tour Packages Best Vietnam Trekking Tours With North Vietnam Travel You Are Missing A Lot If You Have Not Seen The Best Of Kerala

READ MOREDetails
Hi-Tech Airports

Top Hi-Tech Airports in the Northern Hemisphere

In the 21st century, there have been numerous changes to the way that the world is run. The Internet is ubiquitous throughout the developed world, and it has greatly impacted how our society works. The Internet has affected numerous aspects of our society, and the economy is one of the most influenced. The Internet economy has altered numerous fields and one of the most prominent of these industries is travel. Travel has changed immensely in the past few decades, and the Internet is to thank for these alterations. The web has brought about travel sites, travel blogs, reduced flight prices, and so much more, truly making travel accessible no matter your income bracket. As travel has become more popular throughout the globe, there has been a myriad of infrastructure changes throughout airports. Hi-Tech Airports all across the world have become more hi-tech in recent years, and they will continue to do so. There are many regions where airports have been burgeoning technologically, and the Northern Hemisphere is one of the top locations for this occurrence. Learning about the numerous airports throughout the Northern Hemisphere will aid you in understanding the global aviation industry as a whole. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport While the United States has a myriad of incredibly hi-tech airports, one of the top ones in recent years has been the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. This airport, located in the state of Texas, has undergone massive changes in recent years, and has become such a popular destination that it is now ranked as the fourth busiest airport in the world for air traffic! Some of the new technological advancements at the airport include facial recognition software as well as a DFW airport parking service that aids passengers to park their cars more effectively. Toronto Pearson International Airport Canada has some incredible locations to visit, and one of the top locations in the country is the city of Toronto. Toronto has seen its tourism numbers increase in recent years, and this has led it to become the busiest airport in all of Canada! There are numerous technological advancements that this airport has, but one of the most impressive is its de-icing facilities (which are necessary for Canada’s cold climate) that aid with making transit occur more smoothly and streamlined. London Heathrow Airport Europe is one of the largest travel destinations throughout the world, and London is one of the top tourist destinations in the continent. This is why London’s Heathrow Airport has become so hi-tech in recent years. The airport is the second busiest airport in the world for passenger traffic, and because of its influx of passengers, it has had to accommodate extra technological advances. Recently, they have implemented increased runway and terminal expansion and have plans to build transport by rail to become even more important within London’s culture. Final Thoughts      As the world becomes more interconnected through travel, we will continue to see growth and hi-tech advancements throughout airports. Learning about the most hi-tech airports in the world will certainly aid you and allow you more effectively plan your next adventure abroad! Read Also: Fly With Saudia Airline For A Pleasant Experience Why Many Businesses Owe Their Success To Quality Scales  

READ MOREDetails
Maryland

Best Places to Visit on the Coast of Maryland

If you’re heading to the east coast, Maryland is a wonderful option. Featuring an abundance of coastlines along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, it’s hard to go wrong with the Old Line State - especially if you’re looking for a vacation destination on the water. Also known as the Free State, because it didn’t pass laws in support of Prohibition, the state is home to over forty state parks, with seven of them featuring waterfronts. If you’re headed to any stretch of Maryland’s coastline, here are some of the top places to see. Explore Inner Harbor: One of the best places to visit on Maryland’s coast for its sheer volume of exciting options is Inner Harbor. Popular with sightseers of all ages and interests, Inner Harbor is located in Baltimore and has a variety of dining, shopping, and tourist destinations. If history is your thing, you’ll love exploring a wide range of military ships, including the USS Constellation, the last warship built exclusively for sailing by the Navy. Inner Harbor is also home to the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center, which showcase dolphins and other aquatic wildlife and a planetarium, respectively. You can see the city from new heights when you climb The Top of the World Observation Level and take in sweeping aerial vistas of the coastline and city. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll find plenty of options in Power Plant Live!, which offers bars, food, and events in a converted power plant. There’s so much to do at the Inner Harbor, in fact, that it will be useful to have your phone with you, not just to navigate—but to decide what to do! You may want to keep your phone open to the Harbor’s page on the city’s website, which has a list of activities. Additionally, many of the attractions have apps designed to enhance the visitor experience. To that end, you will want to make sure your phone is in great shape. You’ll find plenty of AT&T stores in Maryland where you can make updates to your phone or purchase a new one that has more options so that you don’t get overwhelmed by all your options! Experience History at Fort McHenry: Were you aware that Maryland plays a key role in many pivotal moments from US history? One such moment was the composition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” America’s National Anthem was inspired by a battle during the War of 1812 at Fort McHenry in which British naval forces were successfully fended off by American troops. Now given the sole distinction of both a National Monument and a Historic Shrine, Fort McHenry is a must-see destination for history buffs taking a trip to Maryland. While you visit the Fort, you’ll have plenty of ways to engage with histories, such as interactive ranger talks during the changing of the flag, multimedia presentations that contextualize the Fort’s role in American history, and a variety of museum exhibits. With so much to offer, you can easily spend half a day at Fort McHenry, making it a great option for your itinerary. Dine in Style at Fells Point: Aside from history and museums, it wouldn’t be a trip to the East Coast unless you were able to enjoy delicious, fresh seafood. Maryland has plenty of seafood to offer, and one of the hippest places to dine is in Fells Point. This waterside neighborhood has dozens of restaurant options along its cobblestone streets offering fresh oysters and crab straight from the Chesapeake Bay. Popular options range from One-Eyed Mike’s, a gastropub, to Thames Street Oyster House, offering a finer take on seafood. No matter what restaurant you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the vibrant energy of Fells Point. Known for its rich history, coastal cuisine, and wealth of museums, Maryland has plenty to offer tourists. Check out some of the sites above, and you're sure to have a great time! Read Also: 10 Best Coffee Places In The US 4 Best Destinations In Western United States

READ MOREDetails