Costa Rica

citygirldc

Hi all. Dh and I are planning a 9 day trip to Costa Rica for our 10th year anniversary in January. Has anyone been there before? Is it safe? We plan on staying on the west side (Pacific) of the country.

12 years ago

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12 replies

Latest reply was from

MsMary

Veteran

A friend of mine just got back from Costa Rica and said it was the best vacation they ever had. Everybody spoke English and they were even able to get gluten-free meals pretty much everywhere. Sounds like a great anniversary trip!!

12 years ago

Mochi

Veteran

I've heard there is this huge expat American community of retirees there. It is politically stable and I also know lots of Americans who go there for surfing vacays and love it. I'd like to go someday.

12 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

My college has a large study abroad program with Coasta Rica. I think it's pretty safe. On a side note, every student I know who's been on the trip as LOVED it.

12 years ago

Krista

Veteran

I took 21 kids there 10 years ago on a school trip and it is one of the travel highlights of my life. Costa Rica is very safe, they don't have an army, their literacy rate is over 90%, their main industry is Eco-tourism, the water is safe to drink and almost everyone speaks English. The Pacific side is gorgeous! Try things like ziplining to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. You'll love it there. Enjoy!

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

And the monkeys are very cute - just be careful that you don't get scratched or bitten by animals, because there is a rabies risk

12 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

I went there for three weeks in April, staying partly near San Jose and partly on the Pacific coast. It was wonderful. PM me if you have questions.

12 years ago

Betti

Active Member

Our neighbors winter there each year (Pacific side). It's safe and beautiful!

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I don't know anything about it, but it sounds wonderful! Have fun!

Jamie and I just had our ten-year anniversary trip to Nova Scotia. Wonderful and relaxing!

12 years ago

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Thanks all. Sorry for the late reply. the jury duty already is taking its toll and i have 20 something more days left.

Adelfa - If I have any more questions I'll def pm you.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I lived there for 8 years, but not on the Pacific side. There are parts of the country (higher elevations) that can get quite cold. Where we were, it would be very hot and humid during the day but very cold at night (to the point where we'd have to wear winter pajamas and use blankets). If you visit the volcanos, you will most likely need a jacket. Hope this helps.

I've also heard that Costa Rica is not as safe as it used to be. Don't wear nice jewelry, and pretend you're in the U.S. The problems I've heard about have to do with drugs. Theft has always been a problem there, which is why so many people have wrought iron gates around their properties.

Lastly, English is not spoken everywhere. Where we lived, hardly anyone spoke English.

12 years ago

Laura B.

Active Member

Sounds wonderul! Don't forget insect repellent

12 years ago

Anonymous

Oh yeah - insect repellant, and lots of it! Also, it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway: Don't drink the water, and don't eat food from street vendors.

12 years ago

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