The 10 Best Tips for traveling to Costa Rica in 2018!

Ready to take that trip to Costa Rica? Well, keep reading for great tips and information.

1) Passport

Do you have a passport, and is it up to date? If it is your first time getting a passport then you will have to go to a facility in person. The best place to start would be a local post office. You will need to come prepared with proof of citizenship, government issued identification, an acceptable passport photo (can be taken at Walgreens ahead of time), and the fee for your passport ($150.00 and up, depending on if you want the passport card as well). Once at the post office you will need to fill out the passport form. Then you can get in line and submit everything to be mailed. You can also follow the steps on https://www.usa.gov/passport for additional information. The turnaround time for a passport is 6-8 weeks. Once you have completed the steps for the passport, then it’s time to book your vacation.

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2) Location

When people visit Costa Rica, there is the preference of staying on the West Coast, or the East Coast. Some prefer the East Coast because it is the Caribbean side, and they believe the beaches are better. Some prefer the West Coast because they feel it gives a better perception of life in Costa Rica. My husband and I chose to visit the West Coast. Determine what you are wanting out of the experience and choose the best area for you and your family.

3) Accommodations

What would make your home away from home an exceptional experience for you. Do you want to stay at a bed and breakfast? A regular hotel? Or must it be a resort? If you are traveling with family and kids, find a place that caters to the children. Daily activities will be provided to keep them busy while you enjoy some alone time. Does it have to be on the beach? Some places are located on the beach, but it may or may not be a private beach. Must it be all-inclusive? Think about the things that matter the most to you and the people traveling with you. Also, must the accommodations be 4 stars or better. TripAdvisor is a good place to start when checking ratings and reading reviews. Personally, we like resort style, all -inclusive accommodations and recently vacationed at the Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica Resort.

4) Airports

The two largest international airports in Costa Rica, are the San Jose (SJO) airport, and the Liberia (LIR) airport. Check your accommodations to determine which airport is the closest to where you will be staying. We chose to fly into the Liberia Airport (LIR) which is 1½ hours from Dreams Las Mareas. Once you land at the airport you will immediately proceed to the line for Customs. If you have your passport handy, and documentation (usually given aboard the plane) filled out correctly, then Customs will be a smooth process. Just follow the directions given to you once you land.

5) Ground Transportation

It is highly recommended to coordinate your ground transportation prior to landing in Costa Rica. There will be a lot of companies vying for your business, and they may not always be the best option financially. We chose to use the company called Costa Rica Trip Guide (Transportation in Costa Rica). They offered the best price for a private transfer ($258 roundtrip per couple). The driver was waiting there with my name on a sign, and we were able to walk straight to him.

6) Essentials to pack

Outside of clothing, swimsuits, and flip flops, a nice pair of shoes for dinner, and comfortable tennis shoes are great additions. I also recommend packing a pair of water shoes, because they are acceptable to wear in the restaurants on the resort, and you can use them for excursions that include land and water activities. But do not forget to pack a major essential – Bug Spray!! Costa Rica is the jungle, and although I only ended up with 2 mosquito bites the entire week, I recommend having some on hand anyway. For those who are concerned with Zika, purchase a bug spray that contains 25% deet or greater. Don’t forget the sunscreen, and a possible raincoat or umbrella. May is the beginning of the rainy season (May to November) in Costa Rica, so be prepared for some showers. The rain was on and off, but didn’t last too long.

7) Excursions

There are multiple excursions offered in Costa Rica. You can usually purchase great discounted tickets in advance. Some hotels or resorts will have specific companies that they recommend. However, we did not use the company provided by the resort. The Dreams Las Mareas resort does not have a private beach and there are vendors allowed, so we decided to go with the company “Alex on the Beach.” We found the best excursion to be the Mega Combo Tour (approximately $160 -180 per person but you can haggle to get a deal). It included horseback riding, zip lining, a water slide, hot springs, a mud bath, the waterfall and lunch. We enjoyed every bit of the tour and would recommend the Mega Combo Tour as a must-do if you are adventurous. An ATV tour was completed a couple days later with the same company. We were able to visit other beaches, check the swamp for alligators, and visit a local market. There are multiple excursions to choose from, whether you just want to see a sloth, or experience the culture of Costa Rica, you will be able to do it all.
Side note: The Nicaragua Tour is not currently available.

8) On -site activities

If you don’t have the extra money to spend on lavish excursions, make sure you choose accommodations that provide on-site entertainment. Most resorts provide activities on the property to enhance your experience, at no additional costs. They range from beach sports, to water sports, dance classes, fitness rooms, games, wine tastings, and live entertainment. The spa is usually an additional charge. Dreams Las Mareas provided those activities plus an on-site nightclub for those who enjoy night life. Utilize all that your home away from home has to offer. You’ve already paid for it!!

9) Relax!

Don’t forget you are on vacation to relax. The activities and excursions are great but find time for yourself to just sit back and do nothing. Read that book you have never had a chance to read, take a nap, enjoy the scenery, layout by the pool or enjoy swimming at the beach. Allow yourself to do whatever it is that makes you really say ahhhh!!! Relax, and enjoy the moment.

10) Heading Home

Make sure you are aware of the check-out process at your choice of accommodation. Some places frown upon you checking out a day earlier than you booked or trying to leave after check – out time. Clear any changes ahead of time. Coordinate your transportation to pick you up at a decent time (travel time to the airport, and the amount of time it will take to check in with your airline). Review your items, do you have any unauthorized food in your bag? Have you been in close contact with livestock? Do you have a large sum of money ($10K or greater)? Duty Free liquor? Those items will have to be declared at Customs. Be aware of all the rules and regulations knowing what you can and cannot bring out of the country. Better to be safe than sorry!!

Have Fun!! Keep the tips handy and enjoy your adventure!

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica…..