Archive for the ‘Costa Rica’ Category
Costa Rica: Let’s Eat!
I was mistaken when I thought I would be eating mostly Latin food but Costa Rica has a phenomenal diversity in the foods that it serves. You would be surprised to find that there are many Asian restaurants and just as many European restaurants. The food is plentiful and the cost is reasonable. Of course every fine hotel has a restaurant on the premises but you will want to eat at the local restaurants.
In San Jose there are quite a few fine restaurants. Ristorante Bohemia is a fine European restaurant that serves a formal European dinner with a fine wine list. While looking for restaurants to try out, I repeatedly found Tin Jo’s on the list. This is a restaurant that seems to have stood the test of time and is still in business. The food is considered Pan Asian and you can find Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and even some East Indian food. The deserts are delicious.
I once went to a Cuban restaurant and found out the hard way that not all Latin food is like Mexican food. I embarrassed myself and asked for chips and salsa. Big oops, I got a dirty look for that one. The same is true of Costa Rica; don’t go expecting the native food to be like Mexican food. It could be considered bland and is healthier than the Mexican food that we usually eat here in the States. Costa Rican food is considered healthier because it is more fresh and natural. No canned peas here!
The nicest thing about eating in Costa Rica is that all fruits, vegetable, and seafood are very fresh. In some cases the beef and pork are actually fresh as well. In all restaurants the juice served is usually fresh. It seems that it is cheaper to serve fresh rather than frozen. Many smaller restaurants actually grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs There is also the cheese made by the Quaker community from Monteverde and if you travel through Monteverde you will get a chance to meet the Quakers. .
You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Costa Rica. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.
One thing that I have to have in the morning is a hot cup of coffee. I don’t care if the weather is hot or not, I must have a cup of hot coffee to get moving in the morning. One nice thing is that Costa Rica produces a fine crop of coffee. You may want to stock up and take bags of coffee home with you as gifts for friends and family. Many of the hotels are located on either old coffee plantations or on actual functioning coffee plantations.
One of the local dishes is Ceviche, which is wonderful and is made from seafood. I make my own version here at home with cooked shrimp and crab. One of the delicacies found in most salads is Hearts of Palm. I think that is great, especially since I love Hearts of Palm. Here in the states they are expensive and I haven’t had any for quite some time.
As with any Central American country, Plantains are a staple it the diet of Costa Ricans. When I was a kid my Puerto Rican friend was served fried Plantains for breakfast made by her mother. I was shocked to see her put ketchup on a fried banana. Well I soon found out that Plantains are in the banana family but they are used more like potatoes.
Because of all the fresh produce available, Costa Rica is a heaven for vegetarians or those with vegan diets. You will find many vegetarian restaurants available for your dining pleasure.
Most of the big hotels have buffets and you can always eat at these but you will do yourself a disservice if you don’t try the local cuisine with it being as fresh and original as it is. There are a many Americans and others that come to Costa Rica and open up businesses. No matter where you are in Costa Rica, get out and try the food. Visit someplace new every day.
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By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: GVO
Costa Rican Tourism
Have you ever wondered if what you know about Costa Rica is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on Costa Rica.
The tourism in Costa Rica is identical to what you see if you toured the Bahamas or the Cayman Islands. The activities tourists took part in ranged from rafting to scuba diving and snorkeling. The things people did were things done out of relaxation and exposure to a new culture and a new way of life that many aren’t used to seeing. Costa Rica isn’t as ritzy as Mexico and the West Indies, yet in terms of those who enjoyed a secluded romantic getaway would find it in Costa Rica because of the endless resorts this small nation offered on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides.
Since surfing is one of the most popular sports and many who like to catch a wave in the pristine waters of Costa Rica will find their paradise on the endless stretch of beaches. Some who want to experience a tropical romantic environment will find it in some of the private resorts that offer people the chance to swim in their natural hot springs. Many tropical places are known for their beautiful sunrises and sunsets on the beach or balcony of your hotel or resort.
Some other activities for those who are the outdoorsy types would value hiking in the lush rainforests around the area and even doing some of the hiking by canopy, which is riding across a single area by wire cable. There are tours fit for all kinds of tastes some people like to go and visit small villages and learn about pottery and cooking where some would like to take in the shopping and nightlife of the city. Costa Rica is full of life and fun when you want to experience a whole new life in this Central American country.
It’s really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Costa Rica. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.
Most people come because of the beauty of the countryside that’s what people are drawn to because color and atmosphere brings out the tranquility of a single country. Some people will even spend months in Costa Rica since you’re allowed to spend up to 90 days in the country on a visitor’s visa so those who love the tranquility and beauty so much can go down and rent a home and spend the next 90 days in opulent luxury and returning to the states in a blissful state of relaxation and looking someone fresh from a spa treatment.
If you can afford to rent the house and all the amenities you can have what many celebrities spend good money on which is a complete and total rejuvenation of the mind, body, and spirit. Change of scenery is what makes people function and live better when they’re taken out of the hustle, bustle, and everyday stress in life and allowed to recharge and rejuvenate their battery. So they’re able to think and function clearly when they return to their everyday life. This is why a vacation to a tropical paradise is recommended for those in high stress jobs.
And Costa Rica is among the most chosen of places for those to surround themselves with fresh clean air and colorful plants, flowers and breathtaking wildlife to stimulate the senses and refresh the soul.
When word gets around about your command of Costa Rica facts, others who need to know about Costa Rica will start to actively seek you out.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: GVO
Traveling Safely in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a country that has had a comfortable democracy for quite some time. Even though her neighbors have been torn apart with political strife, Costa Rica has remained peaceful and with little or no political upheaval. It seems to have created a genuinely happy group of people. However, human nature being what it is, there is some amount of crime that does exist.
The usual warnings apply. Stay out of any red light districts there may be and always travel with groups in well-lit areas. Keep your money in a hidden pocket somewhere in your clothing but do not carry a wallet. It is advised that you keep a credit card or travelers checks. Both are insured and when you are on vacation if you are mugged you can get them replaced.
Don’t leave your drinks unattended and don’t make change or flash your cash. It’s not difficult just handle your transactions discreetly. Stifle the need to wear expensive jewelry it’s overdone in this environment anyway. It has been suggested that visitors keep photocopies of their return plane ticket and their passport. Keep an extra stash of cash in your hotel room just in case of an emergency.
Truthfully, the only difference between you and Costa Rica experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Costa Rica.
If you drive your rented car out of a gas station, grocery store, your hotel, or just about anywhere and it ends up with a flat tire. Don’t let the inevitable Good Samaritan help you that comes right along as soon as you have broke down. In the past there have been tourists that allowed this nice guy that just happened along, to help them change the tire while he has you distracted his buddies sneak into the other side of the car and steal you belongings.
The roads are usually paved and easy to travel but occasionally you have to go down some rough dirt road. If you are unsure of the roads don’t drive them. As a matter of fact, it just isn’t good sense to rent a car. The cost of gas is terrible and you have to stress out about figuring out where you are going. It would be smart to set aside a bus/taxi fare when you plan your trip.
If someone spills food on you move quickly away from them as they try to help you. Wiping ketchup off of you is a way to grab you and pick your pockets. This is an old ploy that is used all too often in many ports of call, not just Costa Rica. Many people come to Costa Rica looking for photo opportunities. Shutterbugs just love their equipment and it is a big tragedy when their cameras get stolen. Get vacation or travelers insurance for your camera and equipment.
If you do get equipment stolen or your wallet stolen, call 911 and follow through with getting a police report. You will need a copy of the police report in order for your camera to be replaced. Chances are that you will never have to use any of this advice, but it never hurts to be safe.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit this new site for my swedish customers: Billigt Webbhotell – from SEK 10:- per month!
Costa Rica Tourist Traps
So what is Costa Rica really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about Costa Rica–info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.
Costa Rica has a great tourist industry. They are welcoming and friendly and in most cases they are honest and genuine. But human nature being what it is, sometimes we end up getting less than we bargained for. The following are just a few tips on what to look out for before you pay out of pocket.
In most cities these days, when the local cops aren’t busy they park in a discreet spot and scrutinize drivers to see if they can catch them in an infraction. One person I read about got stopped for speeding and the cops told him that it was an expensive ticket. The cop told them that for $100 he would look the other way. Later he was told that he could have settled the ticket at any Bank of Costa Rica.
This is a great example of why you should take the bus and taxi whenever possible. You may think you are free with your own vehicle but you won’t be very free if you are stuck in a hole on a dirt road in a foreign country. Just figure into your budget, taxi and bus fare. Always hide extra cab fare on you somewhere just in case of emergency.
See how much you can learn about Costa Rica when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don’t miss out on the rest of this great information.
Another trap is that using travel agent doesn’t always pay off. You could end up paying as much as $50 a night more on your lodging because of the travel agent’s cut. Go ahead and book your own rooms and make payment arrangements. Also try to find out the distance from your hotel to your destination. Why pay a cab to drive half a mile when you can walk it, unless it’s raining of course.
This next thing isn’t necessarily a tourist trap but you should know about this ahead of time. In the Monteverde Cloud Forest there are the attractions of the Sky Bridge and Canopy tours. A sky bridge is a bridge made over the tops of the trees. Canopy Tours are like ski lifts, the canopied car moving on a cable from tree to tree. The idea being, that you are able to see a great variety of wildlife from this vantage point. I hope you don’t have vertigo.
You are walking off into a bridge into the trees and the clouds, or your are taking the Canopy ride through the clouds but your purpose in doing this is to be able to see the wonderful wildlife. You will see nothing unless the clouds clear. It does cost you money to get across the bridge and to ride the Canopies but why pay the money if you can’t see anything. Better to wait until you have a clear day.
The next one is really important. Look before you sit when using the restroom in remote locations. One lady said that someone had stolen the toilet seat and she had no place to sit. To make matters worse there was no toilet paper. So my advice to you is to always go to the restroom in a store or restaurant if you have the chance before going into on tours and always, always take some toilet paper.
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By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Adsense Sites and make sure to download the free adsense sites package!
Airfares to Costa Rica
So what is Costa Rica really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about Costa Rica–info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.
When you’re traveling to Costa Rica you want to get the cheapest airfare and the issue with flying is that the prices change every few minutes to an hour and it’s ideal to research sites like Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com and Cheaptickets.com because they offer rates for flights at different times whether it’s high or low travel season.
Most of the major carriers have fares that are early bird specials for when the peak season of travel happens usually during the summer and holidays. Nailing the perfect airfare when you want to travel to Costa Rica will be a work in progress because you could be sitting in front of your computer for hours surfing travel sites for the perfect airfare because the rates change quickly and they can be up one moment and down the next. Your goal is to book the cheapest rate possible and it’s ideal to do it through travel sites like Orbitz, Travelocity, Cheaptickets, Priceline, Hotwire, Expedia and Hotels.com because independently owned websites may not be reliable and you will get a better deal through these reputable sites.
Book your flight at least 90 days before you travel so you can have time to get your tickets if mailed to you and any documentation with travel visas and passports.
The best time to learn about Costa Rica is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable Costa Rica experience while it’s still free.
Usually the summer is the best time to book flights for the fall season because late summer is when you can get the best deal on airfares. Airfares aren’t cheap to Central America since you’re looking at least a couple grand and that even depends on who you’re flying with since the major carriers out here will change rates quickly usually on the hour because of the competition that’s out here they have to be able to keep up with the current rate for airfares. So it’s ideal that if you have an account with the travel sites on the Internet always check on a frequent basis usually early morning, mid-day and evening to see how the airfares to one place change within 12 hours.
When you see the airfare that you want book it right away because within the hour it will likely go up since travel sites usually change their information when the carriers change up. The only downside is that if you book online you have to have a major credit card and not everyone has a credit card to book their flights with.
Now it’s easy to use your debit card since many banks issue them with the VISA or MasterCard logos on them so that people can use it to book an airline ticket right away when they spot the fares they want and can catch it before the fares change in the next few minutes to an hour. If you can access the Internet wherever you can it’s easy to nail the fares you want if you catch them early and often. Some sites offer email notices that can inform you of when a discount or reduced fare comes up during the hour since emails are sent on a daily basis so you can keep tabs on when the airfare you want is posted and sent out by email.
Sometimes it’s tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I’m positive you’ll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.
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By Anders Eriksson, who just launched this great product..
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Costa Ricans And Their Attitude Towards Outsiders
Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Costa Rica? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Costa Rica.
The average Costa Rican is usually laid back and friendly and Americans are treated with respect and shown hospitality and are almost well liked. Aside from the current social standards of today, Costa Rica has soured relations with the United States in terms of some it’s social policies. Such as the Tradado de Libre Comercio which is a trading agreement that stipulates, that the United States only trades with specific places.
Yet Costa Ricans consider the United States a friend and ally and acknowledges the contributions made by Americans, through various things and tourism is what makes up the bulk of their gross national product is the number of Americans who visit Costa Rica annually and contribute to the country’s economic growth. Costa Ricans also have their opinions of certain cultures mainly American and European cultures, where some people are not ideal about using deodorant or conducting some kind of hygiene will be looked down on by native Costa Ricans. And that’s why Americans should visit with a clean and fresh appearance since they are pretty hardnosed about those who don’t partake in bathing or washing.
It’s really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Costa Rica. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.
Most of the time Costa Ricans actually are some of the most well-rounded, friendly people around. They love those who share the same values as they do which makes them really good to get along with. Usually, most Costa Ricans are pretty open to anyone no matter what color you are which makes them a versatile kind of people to associate yourself with. Much of their structural system has been tailored more and more like Americans and Europeans since they live identically, but yet the country is more known for its scenic beauty and the friendly people. According to reports written ever since the advancement of technology it’s become a symbol of the people in Costa Rica since their attitude is more like they want to be up there with the rest of the world who own cell phones and other devices and partaking in the same things and virtually becoming a melting pot in a lot of ways with the ethnicities that are making up the bulk of the country’s population.
Most of the time many different ethnic groups have pretty much harmonized together and racism isn’t really a huge issue in Costa Rica. Versus some areas of the world that aren’t really accepting of other ethnic groups outside of their own social and racial circles. It’s always wise for potential tourists to do a lot of reading on the culture and the people before visiting. So that you can do a comparison to what you read to what you were exposed to, so that it gives you some idea of how Costa Ricans are towards those outside of their inner circle.
Tour companies usually tell you that the people are very open to non Costa Ricans and others and because everything is identical to American southern hospitality, you’ll be right at home since tradition and family values are the most important things to a native Costa Rican.
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Timeline Of A Typical Tour Of Costa Rica
The average tourist spends anywhere between 7 to 10 days, but many tour companies are offering full 10-14 day tours. One Costa Rican-based company called Costa Rica Tours t offers tourists an 11 day tour where you’re doing different things for the entire 11 days and it’s very well planned out because you’re seeing a lot of the country on their itinerary.
The first night is usually when you’re getting settled into your hotel and then day 2 is when you start off by visiting a coffee plantation since coffee is one of the products produced out of Costa Rica that is also a mainstay in their economic background. Day 3 you’re visiting a village in Cartago to where the tour guide gives you some background information about a young girl witnessing an apparition (she testifies bearing witness on seeing the Virgin Mary) and then the tour continues on to another town where you spend the night at a plantation overlooking Lake Angostura.
Day 4 Your journey takes you to the small village of Tucurrique for a short cooking lesson from the natives in making tortillas and other authentic Costa Rican cuisines. Day 5 is a hiking adventure in learning about the Costa Rican indigenous people called the Kekoldi and you get a tour by a Kekoldi leader and you will spend a night at a hotel that’s just steps from the Caribbean Sea. Day 6 is a leisure day spent swimming, hiking, and even seeing wildlife on the Gandoca Wildlife reserve near the hotel.
Is everything making sense so far? If not, I’m sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.
Day 7 you’ll board a flight from Limon to Guanacaste to where you get to tour some of the most spacious ranches and beaches and spend a night at 4 star hotel near the town of Tamarindo. You’re on your own after the days’ activities which many people take it upon themselves to go sightseeing or soaking up rays and taking in other tours before continuing with their main tour group.
Day 8 is going on a tour of the artisian village of Guaitil where you can try your hand at some authentic pottery making with the Chorotega Indians who’s centries old tradition of pottery making is still the mainstay of this particular group of Indians. After you spend a good deal of time making a few pots and learning about pottery, tourists are encouraged to go check out the little gift and pottery shops in the town of Guatil. Day 9 takes you on a tour of Santa Rosa National Park which is home to the dry rain forest and a historical landmark for two important battle conflicts.
The tour makes a stop in the town of Liberia-the center of Costa Rica’s agricultural region to the northwest part of the country and later staying a night at a Las Espuelas a working cattle ranch. Day 10 You will return to San Jose to spend overnight at a luxury hotel in the downtown part of the city. Day 11 The tour wraps up with tours of the Gold Museum, National or Jade museum-this depends on the itinerary that’s planned at the time a tourist arranges a trip through Costa Rican Tours.
A final dinner is planned at an authentic Costa Rican restaurant that specializes in Costa Rican cuisine. You spend a final night before leaving for the airport the next morning at Grano De Orio. A tour like this would run a typical visitor about $2500-3000 depending on the tour package you select since student and group tours are usually cheaper since group rates start when you have 15 people or more to bring the cost per person down so that it’s cheaper and inexpensive to travel to Costa Rica.
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Costa Rican Culture And The Diversity
When you’re learning about something new, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.
Costa Ricans are actually a close knit people who are homebound until they get married or leave home for college. Many events like baptisms and weddings are prominent among native Costa Ricans because this is where they have the largest turnout of family and friends. Traditions are also gender based and many tourists learn about that when they visit the country. What makes Costa Rica different from other countries is their practice of a lukewarm approach to Catholicism that combines a strange ritual of parties and religious celebrations during the time mostly Catholic and Indian traditions.
Tourists would be lucky to catch natives engaged in rituals common to them. Most of the things that natives do that tourists are lucky to catch are mostly religious based since Costa Ricans are Catholic and it’s all church or family based when they celebrate special occasions. Even the most non-traditional tourist will get the feeling they’re right at home when they visit Costa Rica since much of the lifestyle there is all based on generous hospitality.
This is kind of like the American south where hospitality is the way of life and tourists who visit get the feeling like they’re at home with nice people. That’s the feeling tourists get when they’re at home with Costa Ricans who make you feel like you’re one of them. The traditions of family, and religion go hand in hand with many different kinds of people and the diversity of the cultures that partake in the spirit of family and religion. Music is also a huge thing in Costa Rican culture and most of it is based on ancient Mayan influence and a mix of Afro/Cuban/Caribbean bringing the east and west together to make what they call tambito and punto. Costa Ricans also pioneered their answer to the funk music movement of the 1970s identical to what the American genre that was popular among teens and young adults.
If you don’t have accurate details regarding Costa Rica, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.
The food is a mix of Mexican, Spanish, Caribbean, and Southern American influences so many Americans who come to visit Costa Rica feel as if they’re right at home since the culture is so diverse in ethnicity even though the national language is Spanish so anyone who visits who’s pretty fluent in Spanish will be able to communicate and fit in with the people even as a visitor.
The food many tourists are encouraged to try is ‘Gallo Pinto’-Spanish for ‘Spotted Rooster’, but there’s no chicken in this dish. That consists of black beans and rice seasoned with cilantro, onions, garlic, salt, and a locally made condiment ‘Salsa Lizano’, and this dish is typically a traditional meal eaten for breakfast with eggs, meat and sour cream.
Another traditional Costa Rican cuisine is ‘Arroz con pollo’ (rice and chicken), the dish has bite sized chicken chunks mixed with rice and diced vegetables of carrots, peas, corn and garbanzo beans (known in America as chick peas). Which is typically made as a weekend meal is called ‘Olla de Carne’ which is a soup made up by boiling water, meat usually chicken, and whole to large pieces of vegetables and seasoned with spices.
Making this dish is time consuming since the bulk of the meal consists of preparing the vegetables. Experiencing a multitude of flavors in Costa Rican cooking will make a tourist leave there with the flavor of home on their mind.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!
Costa Rican Environmental Tours
For some of you who are supporters of the environment there’s a tour just for you that you can book through some travel agencies who offer environmental tours for those who are looking to enhance their experience with an educated filled itinerary of places that are protected and are in danger due to urban sprawl and pollution. College and graduate students who are studying the environment and are looking for an educated vacation will certainly find themselves on a group tour of like-minded people who are concerned with the environment. Science tours, eco-tours, and eco-tourism is now becoming a more prominent thing among the supporters of the environmental community and those who have visited Costa Rican waters know they are some of the most beautiful in the world.
Many who value and appreciate the environment come down to take part in boating expeditions and visiting wildlife reserves to go on safaris and getting an educated filled week on things they usually wouldn’t learn in a science class.
Many travel agents today do have student tours which are done at certain times of the year so it’s inexpensive to go and you can either fly or take a boat out on the ocean for a week to catch a few rays and to just chill out with others like you who came to learn about the environment for a week. It’s a matter of doing your research to find the best group deals around. Usually most excursions like this are about 5-7 days long and you leave from one place and you begin the tour and then conclude back where your starting point is at.
How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.
Costa Rica offers a lot of breathtaking views of wildlife and if you like to dive to go look at fish that can be added to a tour for a nominal fee per person. Those who like to dive will have some really breath taking photos if they have an underwater camera. The pictures can be used for research on how the waters and the fish of the world look like and can provide a visual record of how beautiful Costa Rican waters really are from down below.
Very few people get a chance to dive down and look at some of the most unique fish around and to take back pictures to show people how clean and clear the water really is. Tours such as this are usually beneficial for those who are studying ecology and the environment to get a general feel of their field of study in the form of a vacation while learning about the world at the same time. Tours like these are ideal to take during the summer months because usually it’s a lot less hectic since not all college students are able to afford the $2500+ price tag for 7-15 days.
It’s ideal to go with an experienced travel company because when you’re dealing with college students it’s necessary to give them solid information on security and where and where not to hang out in town and to stick together as a group. Student tours like this are good for those who are getting their degrees in Environmental studies, Ecology, Biology, and any other science that studies animals and plants since some colleges and universities will give credit to students when they take excursions like this as a part of their coursework.
Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO and make sure to claim your $1 trial membership!
Traveling Safely in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a country that has had a comfortable democracy for quite some time. Even though her neighbors have been torn apart with political strife, Costa Rica has remained peaceful and with little or no political upheaval. It seems to have created a genuinely happy group of people. However, human nature being what it is, there is some amount of crime that does exist.
The usual warnings apply. Stay out of any red light districts there may be and always travel with groups in well-lit areas. Keep your money in a hidden pocket somewhere in your clothing but do not carry a wallet. It is advised that you keep a credit card or travelers checks. Both are insured and when you are on vacation if you are mugged you can get them replaced.
Don’t leave your drinks unattended and don’t make change or flash your cash. It’s not difficult just handle your transactions discreetly. Stifle the need to wear expensive jewelry it’s overdone in this environment anyway. It has been suggested that visitors keep photocopies of their return plane ticket and their passport. Keep an extra stash of cash in your hotel room just in case of an emergency.
Now that we’ve covered those aspects of Costa Rica, let’s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.
If you drive your rented car out of a gas station, grocery store, your hotel, or just about anywhere and it ends up with a flat tire. Don’t let the inevitable Good Samaritan help you that comes right along as soon as you have broke down. In the past there have been tourists that allowed this nice guy that just happened along, to help them change the tire while he has you distracted his buddies sneak into the other side of the car and steal you belongings.
The roads are usually paved and easy to travel but occasionally you have to go down some rough dirt road. If you are unsure of the roads don’t drive them. As a matter of fact, it just isn’t good sense to rent a car. The cost of gas is terrible and you have to stress out about figuring out where you are going. It would be smart to set aside a bus/taxi fare when you plan your trip.
If someone spills food on you move quickly away from them as they try to help you. Wiping ketchup off of you is a way to grab you and pick your pockets. This is an old ploy that is used all too often in many ports of call, not just Costa Rica. Many people come to Costa Rica looking for photo opportunities. Shutterbugs just love their equipment and it is a big tragedy when their cameras get stolen. Get vacation or travelers insurance for your camera and equipment.
If you do get equipment stolen or your wallet stolen, call 911 and follow through with getting a police report. You will need a copy of the police report in order for your camera to be replaced. Chances are that you will never have to use any of this advice, but it never hurts to be safe.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, owner of this site as well: Wealth Upgrade Club (click to claim your FREE membership)!