<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC '-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN' 'http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd'>; <html><head><title>Article Directory Online : Free Online Article Submission - Articleonlinedirectory | Costa Rica Budget Travel: An Essential Primer</title></head><body><h3>Costa Rica Budget Travel: An Essential Primer</h3><br /><br />By: <br /><br /><p>Lying only a couple of hours south of Florida is little Costa Rica. Discovered first by Christopher Columbus over 500 years ago, it has been discovered anew by Americans, Canadians and, increasingly, Europeans and is a destination of choice. Though it is one of the world's smaller countries, its many attractions are world-famous: nearly 800 miles of pristine coastlines on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans; parks and reserves covering a quarter of its land area; and a staggering diversity of plants and animals. 20 percent of all kinds of animals on earth call this place home.<br /> <br /> Many travelers come to see its volcanoes. Others travel Costa Rica to enjoy outstanding fishing. Others enjoy the great year round surfing, rafting, ziplining high in the tropical jungles, and, of course, partying after dark. What happens in Costa Rica stays in this little country (unless you want to brag about your adventures on Facebook).<br /> <br /> This little Central American country offers a vacation for every budget. Of course, there are spectacular hotels and resorts. For example, the Real Intercontinental Hotel outside of San Jose is where heads of state stay. There are top rated resorts like the Papagayo Four Seasons Resort, La Gaia Hotel, and Los Suenos Resorts. But, many travelers are not interested in such luxury. If you are in the latter category or simply do not want to spend your time or money in such fancy digs, Costa Rica can be enjoyed very well on a much smaller budget. Good news! Prudent budget travel is at hand.<br /> <br /> 1. Experienced travelers can save 20 percent on accommodations by traveling off season<br /> <br /> a. If you are on a budget, stay away during 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 Ricans, as well. Schools here close for summer vacation in December, many governmental agencies and businesses close, and tens of thousands of men, women and children flock to the most popular beaches. They will find the best deals. You won't. Expect to pay the highest prices, but still way less than on the Continent or the U.S..<br /> <br /> b. High Season coincides with winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Many tourists travel Costa Rica between 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. Prices are better than in Europe or the States but you can do better.<br /> <br /> c. The best travel and hotel bargains are found during the Green (Low) Season. Do not be concerned about the weather. Showers are not every day and when it rains it is typically for an hour or two in the late afternoon. For the very best budget travel deals come between September and mid-November when (if you ask) there are often discounts of 20 percent or more waiting. Finally, June through mid-August finds students and families from the States and elsewhere on vacation, too, but prices and availability of hotel and resort rooms are good virtually everywhere.<br /> <br /> 2. Save $25 a day when renting a car by planning ahead<br /> <br /> Many Costa Rica vacationers rent a car online and are shocked to learn when they arrive that the rental agency wants an additional $25 or more per day for liability insurance! Rule 1: If your home automobile policy includes liability coverage, that insurance is good in Costa Rica. Recommendation: bring a copy of the policy along with the fax and email of your insurance agent and save that money for your vacation. Rule 2: Many credit cards offer a little known benefit: liability insurance coverage for rentals when the card is used. Contact your credit card company before you travel for best results. Rule 3: Be polite but informed. After all, it is your money.<br /> <br /> 3. Save at least five percent on things you buy because Cash is King<br /> <br /> Another way to conserve your budget is to pay in cash. You will find that lots of merchants prefer being paid in dollars over credit cards. All you need to do is ask and you may receive a discount of 5 percent or even more. Ask "Que (pronounced "K") es discuento por efectivo?" which means "What is the discount for cash?" Be sure the bills are new and not defaced with even a tiny tear. And, bring smaller denominations like $20 and $50 bills. Many restaurants, merchants, and hostels do not accept a $100 bill.<br /> <br /> 4. Save 10 percent while dining: Do not pay two tips in a restaurant<br /> <br /> You will learn that many dining rooms, particularly those frequented by foreign Costa Rica travelers, automatically include a 10 percent tip (called "servicio") on a bill. They are supposed to to advise patrons on the menu but few pubs, cafes, or restaurants do so and so are rewarded by unknowing foreigners who leave a second tip. If you pay attention to your bill, you might save yourself paying two tips. And, remember, when in doubt, ask if the tip is included on the bill.</p> <br /><br /><b>Author Resource:-></b> Victor Krumm lives in Costa Rica. His popular website about <a href=http://www.costarica-discover-it.com>Costa Rica Vacations</a>. Ever imagined tropical surfing? Check out www.costarica-disc<a href=http://over-it.com/costa-rica-surfing.html>Costa Rica Surfing</a> for world-famous beaches and incredible waves<br /><br /><b>Article From</b> <a href='http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/'>Article Directory Online : Free Online Article Submission - Articleonlinedirectory</a><br /></body></html>
