From Eveningsnews.com
Vacation Tips For Your First Time in Costa Rica
By
Jan 20, 2008, 23:44
Costa Rica is a vacationers paradise. But you probably don't know that. It is still somewhat of a secret, which makes it even better. Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places you will ever be able to visit.
There are so many fun things to do and interesting places to visit, you will have trouble deciding on your travel itinerary.
If this is the first time you will be traveling outside the U.S. there are some things you should know and think about.
Here are a few pre-trip suggestions to make your trip to Costa Rica a great and smooth running vacation.
Any vacation plan can meet up with some snags along the way. To avoid this happening on your vacation to Costa Rica you need to know what you have to bring with you. The usual photo id we use to travel in the states won't cut it here. It is best to get a passport whenever you are traveling outside the U.S. borders.
I find that flying a well known airline is a much safer bet than flying the cheapest one. There is always the chance a lesser established airline can go out of business. Whenever I travel, it doesn't matter if I am going to Disney World or to Europe, I always book with the largest and established airlines. I feel safer that way and I would advise you to stick with the larger airline companies when you are booking your flights.
On outgoing flights leaving Costa Rica there is a 26.00 departure tax on international flights. Many of the vacation areas in the region have this type of tax.
You don't need a travel visa to visit Costa Rica unless you are planning to stay longer than 3 months, or 90 days. You will have to show a valid U.S. passport, and you will need to gave a return trip ticket. There are restrictions about some things you can bring in, or take out, of Costa Rica. Check with the airline you bought your ticket from. They will have up to date information concerning these rules.
When you are traveling to another country it is very important to know the laws. We Americans are quite spoiled, and sometimes find ourselves in a mess because we were ignorant of the local laws and customs. Of course, in Costa Rica, as in most other countries, you should use your common sense.
In Costa Rica drugs are illegal. Pot, and other illegal substances should not be brought into the country, nor should you purchase anything there. That really goes for everywhere you go, and as I said, it's just common sense. If you take prescription medication, make sure to carry your prescription bottle with you. You should also keep your medication in a safe place.
Always be careful about your money when traveling anywhere. Costa Rica is no different. Tourists are usually an easy target for petty thieves because they are in such a relaxed frame of mind. When you go any where treat your possessions as you would at home. You keep them close and don't walk around with dollars hanging out. Carry as much cash as you think you will need, and keep the rest in your hotel or cruise ship room safe.
Check the weather and see what the average temperature is for the time of year you are traveling. You want to bring the right kind of clothes or you could end up uncomfortable. In the summer it can get cool at night, especially in the higher elevations, something you might not be expecting.
Of course there are plenty of beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. There are some nude beaches, but most require clothing. If you were planning to romp around naked at the beach make sure you go to the right one. Just like home, you could land in some hot water!
Depending on where you visit you may see dolphin and whale. You can visit tropical rainforests, or wildlife refuges. You can swim, boat, fish, sail, surf, swim, and relax in this beautiful country. Costa Rica is famous for Eco-tourism. There are extensive national park and rainforest systems to explore.
Whatever you do in Costa Rica, you will have a wonderful vacation and make memories you can remember and enjoy for years to come. You may even decide to come back year after year to make new memories
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