Traveling on a budget

Plan ahead and save

It may seem like a no brainer but traveling on a budget is what most people do. Costa Rica, in general, is not the cheapest country you can travel to but is still a great option if you budget the right way. There are tons of simple ways to save cash while enjoying fantastic tourist offerings – many of which are either free or at least easy on the wallet.  By planning ahead with these easy tips, you can make the most of your holiday – perhaps even tacking on a few extra days for beachside relaxation.

Book your luxury vacation at a fraction of the price of a luxury hotel!

Flights

Direct flights to Costa Rica are getting more and more common each year. The direct flights are reasonable and range from 500-1000 during the high season. If you keep your eyes open to good deals then you can find flight as low as 300 dollars but normally they will have a connecting flight rather than being direct.

Off Season Travelling

Want to avoid hordes of travelers and save big on airfare and accommodations? Prices across the board are much cheaper from May through November, which is Costa Rica’s rainy season. You may think that the rainy season would be the worst but this is far from true. this is actually when the country has its brightest colors in nature. Nature really livens up, and you won’t have as much rain as you might think. normally the mornings and early afternoons are bright and sunny then it will rain for a few hours past 3-6pm.

Eat local food

Food prices at some tourist restaurants are on par with those in the states. Avoid $40 tabs by dining at local “sodas,” where hearty $4-5 dishes are some of the best deals in the country. A filling casado or plato tipico features a mountain of rice and beans accompanied by salad and fish, chicken, pork or beef. if you are staying here a while, try shopping at local fruit markets instead of the grocery stores, the fruits and vegetables are much fresher and have a much lower price tag. It is also a fun adventure to navigate through the fresh fruit stand much different than back home.

Choose the right transportation

Now there are many forms of transportation here, from car rentals to local buses. Renting a vehicle is reasonable if you do it a few days at a time and a shared shuttle service is a good way to go if you do not want to drive. Avoid Uber and Taxis for long distance runs they can be pricey for anything more than 20 Km. The cheapest way to travel is by public bus, this is also a good way to get lost if you do not know what you are doing.

Cheaper activities

It’s absolutely true what they say: the best things in life are free. Chill out on the amazing Costa Rican beaches has, take a refreshing ocean swim, hike through the rainforest, or to a local waterfall. And if your hotel or vacation rental is close to the jungle, watch as the wildlife (monkeys, toucans, and sloths) come to you!

National parks are all over the place here and some are much more expensive than others so it is best to do your research before you go. Daily entrance fees are nominal and rarely go over $10. We do suggest, however, that you hire a local guide for optimal wildlife watching.

Try snorkeling! The southern Caribbean coast — especially around Cahuita and Manzanillo – offers incredible snorkeling opportunities. Bring your own gear, or rent it cheaply for a half day of eye-opening underwater explorations.

The main idea is to be money smart, don’t go with the first option you see because there is always a better deal out there. But don’t stress too much, you also want to enjoy your vacation. One of the best ways to save money is to travel in a group, we specialize in amazing beachside villas that can fit small and large groups check it out!