Costa Rica On A Budget

From September to December is the off season in Costa Rica or the Green Season. The exception is at Christmas when many families choose to take a vacation. But it is during the Green Season when you can enjoy a truly interesting and affordable holiday.

Your primary concern when planning a vacation to Costa Rica is finding the cheapest airline tickets. Costa Rica has two major airports, one in San Jose, which is inland and outside the city, and the second in Liberia, which is located at the coast. On airfare you can save approximately $150 per person if you choose to fly to Costa Rica during the Green Season. Flying stand by is another option.

Continental and Delta are the two major airlines that fly to Costa Rica. But just recently Costa Rica officially allowed 3 other airlines into the country. One particular airline is Frontier Airlines, which offers relatively cheap rates. Know that Costa Rica’s Green Season is rainy. It will be a far better trip if you take your holidays during the High Season when the weather is warm and sunny.

But for a truly affordable trip try staying in a Bed & Breakfast. Pamela Lanier’s website, www.lanierbb.com, has a list of B&B’s through out Latin America, including Costa Rica. To find a list of B&B’s click on the map to the side of the search window and you’ll find Latin America. Then click on Central America which will then give you a list of B &B’s for Costa Rican cities that have them.

An example is clicking on the B & B’s in Monteverde. Situated in the Cloud Forest is La Colina, not far from a Quaker community. A stay costs $30-$40 per night. They have everything you need, from showers and baths to campers.

Kelexma is the cheapest. It is owned by a former English teacher who used this as a lodging for students. Her belief is to offer immersion, an attempt to learn the language and rooms are $15 per night. The rooms simple, they come with a bed and bathroom. Her website is www.kelexma.com

In Nosara is Villa Mango, with rooms moderately priced at $59 a night, and $385 a week, and with a beach a mere 10 minute walk away.

The Villa Decary has rooms priced at $85 a night. Situated on Lake Arenal, Arenal volcano is close by as well.

If you are a single woman stay at B&B’s as it is the best way to meet people in Costa Rica.

Unlike Mexico, the water in Costa Rica is clean, will not make you sick. With an abundance of cheap fruits and vegetables, there is plenty to eat and places to eat.

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