2021 Is the Year to Travel! How to Plan a Trip to Costa Rica for Next Year

Costa Rica’s an eco-tourism paradise with numerous natural attractions that appeal to travelers of all types.  The country boasts 20 national parks, eight biological reserves, seven wildlife sanctuaries, and 26 other protected areas.  Nature is not the only reason an estimated 1.7 million tourists make their way to Costa Rica every year though. It is also an excellent destination for surfers, solo travelers, and those seeking a family beach vacation as well.

Are you curious to discover the treasures of this beautiful country yourself?  Here’s how to plan a trip to Costa Rica and make the most of your stay.

The Basics On How to Plan a Trip to Costa Rica

Whether you’re wondering how to plan a family trip to Costa Rica, how to plan a surf trip to Costa Rica, or how to plan a solo trip to Costa Rica, these are the steps you need to take.

Decide on a travel date first as this will affect everything else. The best time to travel to Costa Rica’s during the dry season from December to April.  This is also the most expensive window for travel, so if you want to know how to plan a budget trip to Costa Rica, avoiding this time of year and plan to travel during the shoulder season.

You’ll need a passport with a validity of at least 6 months, a valid photo ID, and a visa to gain entry to this central American country. You don’t need any specific shots to visit Costa Rica, but it’s a good idea to get your Hepatitis A and B shots.  Once Covid19 vaccines are available, they may be required, so be sure to check entry requirements prior to your trip.

Choosing The Best Destination For Your Needs

It’s important to choose your activities before deciding on where to stay.

These are the best places to stay depending on your primary interests:

• Beach vacation – Tamarindo Beach
• Family stays – Gulf of Papagayo
• Surfing trips – Anywhere on the southern Pacific Coast
• Romantic breaks – Manuel Antonio
• Nature activities – Monte Verde

Once you’ve decided when and where you’re going, you can book your flights and start planning the finer details of your trip.

Picking the Best Accommodation For Your Stay

You’ll find no shortage of wonderful beach resorts to choose from in Costa Rica. These range from charming luxurious ranch-style offerings, to rainforest lodges and big-name high rise hotels with ocean views.  When you book your accommodation, make sure you check which activities are available on-site or included in your stay. Some resorts offer shuttle services to nearby attractions too.  Researching your stay thoroughly in advance can help you save a ton of money when planning your excursions.

Plan Your Itinerary for Maximum Enjoyment

Costa Rica has plenty of attractions to offer, so if you want to make the most of your visit, it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary with military precision.

Some of the best things to see and do in Costa Rica include the Arenal Volcano, Corcovado National Park, white water rafting, zip-lining, snorkeling, hiking, and beach activities.  Pencil in those things that interest you first and then fill in the gaps with some nearby action-packed extras.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica is a country that prides itself on eco-sensitive travel experiences and ways to live the “Pure Life” – Pura Vida.  You’ll find friendly locals and a large ex-pat community.  Spanish is the native language, but many people in the tourist areas speak English as well.  Food is fresh and delicious with ingredients often harvested from the sea and local organic farms.  Crime is low in Costa Rica and medical care is excellent.  All of these factors along with its variety of lush landscapes, make Costa Rica an ideal place to visit in 2021.