Planning a budget-friendly trip to your dream destination is not the easiest thing to do, especially when you are visiting it for the first time. While it’s not every day that you’re going on a vacation, it simply doesn’t mean you have to go all the way out with the budget to make your trip more fun. Best things can easily be enjoyed within a budget as well, only if you act up smartly and plan things accordingly. All your vacations don’t have to be expensive, being adjustable with a few things, and using some money-saving tips will ensure that you spend your vacation within the budget, no matter the destination.
And when it comes to visiting Costa Rica, which once used to be a favorite spot for every budget-traveler, has now become one of the most expensive countries in Central America. Claiming Costa Rica an inexpensive country to visit would be straightaway a lie. Tourism has skyrocketed here since the last few years, but this shouldn’t stall you from making a trip to this beautiful country. Spending a budget-friendly vacation in Costa Rica is still very much possible; with these money-saving tips rolled up your sleeves, you can yourself from breaking the account.
Travel off-season
One of the best advice you will ever receive when traveling to Costa Rica is to plan your vacation during the off-season. Much like any other destination in the world, when tourism is at its peak, the prices for accommodation and food are almost doubled and tripled and the tourist attractions also remain packed with crowds. You can avoid all that chaos and extra expense by visiting the country during the off-season in the months between May and November. During this time you can get hotels at a much lesser price and attractions are also not crowded. The only downside is the rainfall, which can also be managed with an umbrella and a raincoat.
Hop on the local buses
While we understand that comfort must be everything to you, but when it comes to saving a huge chunk of money while traveling within the country, it’s best to stick to local buses. Private and public transport in Costa Rica can vary largely in their prices; therefore, traveling in the local buses is always the best and cost-effective way to get around the country.
Make the most of free things
Although Costa Rica is an expensive country, there are still a lot of things that you can see and do for either free or cheap in the nation. While visiting the beaches will always remain on the top of your to-do list, which offers exemplary experience, there are so many other things you can do for free or cheap within the country. Hiking around the active volcano, free snorkeling sites, surfing and low-zip lines at relatively lesser prices, enjoying hot springs, and visiting national parks on a budget are a few of the best things you can enjoy in Costa Rica without messing your budget.
Eat at sodas
Another great way to save some money on your Costa Rica vacation is to eat at sodas. Sodas are basically small local food spots, where you can relish a variety of international cuisines with Costa Rican touch. The food might not look the best, but it certainly tastes much better than its appearance. Also, grabbing a meal at such a low price is always a great deal, which shouldn’t be missed.
Do your shopping in supermarkets
You might have noticed that most tourist areas in almost every country sell their goods at an expensive rate and you can totally avoid that situation by making purchases at supermarkets, instead of buying stuff in the touristy areas. Supermarkets sell all the goods at local prices, which is a lot better deal than buying the same stuff for almost double-price.