There are a number of things that travelers incorrectly assume are going to be free. An unexpected $50 - $100 expense or two can mess with your plans so read on and budget accordingly. Trails It's easy to understand where people from the U.S. get the notion that hiking, mountain biking and … [Read more...]
Rent-a-Car Cost Comparisons
As you can see from the rate quote comparisons below from the three top recommended companies on TripAdvisor the cost for a full size SUV rental can vary from $52.58 per day from Alamo to almost three times as much $149.95 per day from Adobe. We've rented 35 cars in Costa Rica for a total of … [Read more...]
How Much Does Food Cost?
Obviously at popular vacation destinations you expect restaurants to have high prices just as they do at tourist beaches, ski areas and amusement parks all over the world, but food prices have gotten crazy in Costa Rica even in supermarkets in backwater ranching towns. One question that we … [Read more...]
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping was not the cultural norm in Costa Rica until it was introduced from the U.S. a couple of decades ago. A service "tax" of 10% was added to restaurant bills but it was not dependent on the quality of the service and was not considered a tip. More like when you go to your automobile … [Read more...]
How Much Does Costa Rica Cost?
A week of vacation in Costa Rica costs between $750 and $1,250 for an average traveler in mid-priced hotels, lodges or rental houses and doing standard tours (assuming double occupancy). Beachfront accommodations and high dollar activities like deep sea fishing will quickly push the budget over … [Read more...]
Eating Cheap?
Supermarkets, Produce Stands and Local Mercados Buying food in stores is cheaper than going to restaurants but it's still relatively expensive in Costa Rica. Comparing the untouristed rural area where we work in Costa Rica with our hometown in Colorado, shopping in the local produce markets, … [Read more...]
Budgeting with Children
We often talk to families who are surprised that other than the bar tab the cost for Mom & Dad plus a 16, 13, 11 and 9 year old to travel will most likely be about the same as three adult couples. Airfare, Transfers & Rental Cars On airplanes anyone older than one year may require a seat … [Read more...]
How Much Does Travel Cost?
Many people believe that Costa Rica is a developing country and therefore a budget travel destination. While cheap dorm beds and public buses are very economical for backpackers, the average traveler spends a bit more for convenience, amenities, and comfort. Use the average 2017/2018 costs … [Read more...]
Save a Million
How to Save a Million Colones Traveling in Costa Rica...sensational title for some sensible advice A million Colones is about $2,000 and the tips below add up to way more than that for two travelers spending a week in Costa Rica. Obviously not everyone can take advantage of every money … [Read more...]
Get the Most for Your Money
About 30% of the cost of everything you buy goes to advertising and marketing. Sometimes it's over 80%. Too Cheap to Advertise The only way to consistently avoid paying for advertising is to stay below the marketing radar. Backpackers always seem to get so much more for their money because they … [Read more...]