Central America

Looking to save money on your summer vacation? Travel to a destination that is considered to be off season this time of year. Known as the “Green Season,” May through mid November in Costa Rica can be rainy yet less expensive than the “Dry Season,” making it a great destination to check out and save money at the same time.

After you get used to the muddy roads and occasional downpours that are usually associated with this time of year, you’ll enjoy checking out Costa Rica’s most famous sites, from the live volcanoes, cloud forests, relaxing spas and more.

One of Costa Rica’s most beloved gems, Manuel Antonio National Park, is one popular site that can’t be missed. Hike around the park and you can expect to see monkeys, sloths, an array of birds and more, especially if you hire a guide who is trained to spot these creatures. Some of the best beaches are located in this park, making it worth the entrance fee. Hotels, hostels and cabins are located on the road to Quepos to the park and can fit many budgets. Cheaper hotels are located in Quepos, where you can also find more shops and restaurants than closer to the park. Buses to the park are frequent and inexpensive. Be sure to keep in mind that the park is closed on Mondays.

Here are some tips and stories from RealTravelers who’ve recently traveled to Manuel Antonio:

“We spent one day doing the trails through the rainforest, which too sits on these gorgeous beaches. So you´re walking through lush rainforest, hearing the sea, and glimpsing it through the green.. magic. We saw some wildlife but not a great deal this time. We didn´t have a guide, perhaps that is why. Later that day, we spent the afternoon walking the beach and absorbing the tranquility. The final day here, we did not do alot but did visit El Avion - a restaurant positioned in the side of a cliff with a Nicaraguan war plane the centre piece! It was a sight.” (more…)

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Tamarindo, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for any traveler no matter how old or young you are. It has a long sandy beach for those interested in taking a stroll or sunbathing, some of the best waves in the country for all of you surfers or boogie boarders, and has a ton of nearby outdoor activities for the ultimate adventure seeker. The people are friendly, the weather is incredible and the attitude is nothing less than “pura vida,” the local expression which literally means “pure life” or loosely translated “this is living.” So get out there and take advantage of this Pacific paradise.

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