Whether you’re visiting for the first time on vacation, returning for your annual winter break, or searching for the best places to live in Costa Rica, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this rich and vibrant part of Latin America. However, if you’ve exhausted all the usual tourist traps—or you simply want to explore the road less traveled—then perhaps it’s time to start living like a local. Here, we take a look at five ways to enjoy Costa Rica as the Ticos might themselves, and if you’ve got the taste for the Pura Vida, then why not check out this excellent guide on living in Costa Rica so you too can call this enchanting country home.

Go Fútbol Crazy
Whatever your thoughts on The Beautiful Game are, you’ll be hard-pressed to resist the overwhelming passion and pride Ticos show for their national sport. In fact, during the 2014 World Cup, the President declared a national holiday to celebrate the team’s unprecedented success, giving everyone living in Costa Rica the chance to get behind the team (and enjoy a few Imperials at the same time). So, whether you want to head out to the impressive Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica and soak up the lively atmosphere of an international game or you fancy getting involved in a menjenga (pick-up soccer game) in the local park, sharing a love for all things fútbol is a great way to immerse yourself in local life.

Hit the Markets
Wherever you travel in Costa Rica, you will find local fairs and markets bursting with flavor, fragrance, and color. Local life is often centered around these weekly shopping trips, and thanks to the cost of living in Costa Rica, you are sure to find an abundance of local produce at very low prices. You are also likely to find some of the country’s favorite dishes on offer from market stalls, with Chicharrones (fried pork rinds), Patacones (fried plantains), and other delicious (not all fried) foods tempting even the strictest of healthy eaters. What’s more, the friendly local atmosphere will have you speaking Spanish in no time as you attempt to communicate with the many colorful market traders.

Cast a Line

Costa Rica’s many miles of coastline means that fish is always on the menu. However, rather than merely sitting down to enjoy a piece of pescado at the end of the day, why not cast a line and catch something yourself? There’s plenty of organized fishing trips available for tourists, but if you want to experience angling as the locals do, it will cost you little more than a spool of line, a hook, and some bait. Find yourself a quiet spot on the rocks or hire a kayak and hit the water, however, you decide to catch your dinner, the rich coastline and diverse habitats surrounding Costa Rica mean you’re certain to find success.

Party Hard
Ticos love to party, and whatever time of year you visit you’re sure to get a chance to eat, drink, and dance with the locals. However, one of the biggest parties in the country takes place every year in the sleepy town of Palmares. Anyone who is anyone living in Costa Rica will already be aware of just how popular this event is, and it is estimated that a fifth of the population will head to the town in January to celebrate a fiesta to remember. Expect lots of music and dancing, bullfights (although animal lovers will want to give this one a miss), plus the famous tope; a horse parade that meanders through the town and features some spectacular riding skills and costumes.

Relax
Each year, many expats decide that moving to Costa Rica is the ideal way to retire; and it’s easy to see why, since relaxing and enjoying life is what Ticos do best. You’ll hear the phrase time and time again, but the Pura Vida (the simple life) is literally ingrained in the Costa Rican psyche—and finding new ways to relax rivals soccer as a national sport. Put simply, eat and drink well, enjoy the idyllic beaches and local parks, explore the jungles and mountains at your own pace, and soak up some of the great weather with your favorite cocktail in hand—whatever your personal idea of the Pura Vida, you’ll be experiencing Costa Rica like the locals before you’ve even realized.

After spending five years in the land of Pura Vida myself I can say that it really is a magical place that everyone must experience.

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As a perpetual traveler I aspire to explore the world in new ways and see it from different perspectives. With that said, it has always been a dream of mine to set sail and experience life on the high seas.

Spending time out on the ocean and hopping from island to island has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. In my research I have found many great places for sailing, but one place was recently brought to my attention is Croatia. I don’t know if it was just me or not, but I was not aware of what a marvelous cruising destination it is.




Dugi Otok which translates to “long island” is one of the largest islands in Croatia. However, don’t be fooled by the deceiving name. The island comes in at a whopping 45km long. Dugi Otok has many things to offer including stunning beaches, seaside cliffs, nature parks, and if you’re lucky you might just get to hang out with some of the local donkeys. If you’re planning a trip here it’s also good to know that there are many little villages on the island that all offer their own charms and places to stay. Whether you’re exploring on your skippered yacht charter or via motor boat from the mainland you would want to stay at least a few days. With so much to see I wouldn’t want to miss out.

Telašćica national park has one of the most beautiful natural bays on the Adriatic. Within the Telašćica bay there are six islands and reefs and 70km of gorgeous coast line. The bay being secluded from the wind makes for the perfect spot for sailors and those involved in nautical tourism. And for those who love any beach activities, you’ve come to the right place. Almost anywhere in the bay you can find yourself lounging on the beach, going for a swim in the crystal-clear waters, and the more adventurous things such as snorkeling or even scuba diving around the thriving coral reefs that are full of sea life. And when you get back from a swim or a long walk on the glimmering white sand beach, you can stop by one of the local cafes or restaurants and enjoy some tasty local fish caught fresh every morning.

Zadar is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. It is the fifth largest city in the nation and has a population of seventy-five thousand. It has been conquered by almost all historical Mediterranean cultures at some point in time, which is noticeable in the diverse architecture all around the city. With the southern part of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast being extremely touristy during summer time, it can be tough avoid the swarms of people. I find that big crowds can often make it difficult to enjoy your surroundings and immerse in the cultural experiences when traveling. Being in the northern region however, Zadar is much less crowded than some of the more popular destinations.

Zadar is full of history and natural beauty. You can take sailing trips out to remote islands and spend time on delightful beaches, walk through the quiet streets and marvel at the ancient architecture. Or you can check out one of Croatia’s coolest attractions that most people don’t know about. The “sea organ” is an art installation was built into the huge concrete steps along the waterfront. There are underwater pipes that lead up into the steps that produce a magical sound as the swells fill the pipes with water. I’m definitely adding this one to my bucket list.

Vis is the farthest inhabited island from the mainland and was controlled by the Yugoslav army from the 50’s to 1989. They cut off the island to any foreign visitors during that time. Which preserved the development and drove most of the population to find work elsewhere. Since then Vis has become more and more popular among travelers looking for a more remote island to explore.

The island is full of various activities. From relaxing on the beach to exploring the many small coves and sea caves all around the cost. The most famous of these caves is the blue grotto. At only a certain time of year people fill the cave by boat to watch the magical waters light up when the sun reaches the right angle. That alone has me putting Vis on my list. Not to mention the intriguing history behind the island. You can also take a trip to the Archaeological Museum and learn more about the ancient Greek artifacts found on the island.

Dubrovnik is a beautiful city and I’m sure there is much to see there. But I can’t help geeking out over what you can see here. It’s a thrilling thought to see the places where they film Game of Thrones. Of course, this is the favorite show of many around the world. Making it a popular attraction to say the least. Dubrovnik is most famous for its “old town”, but fans may recognize it as King’s Landing from Game of Thrones.

Many companies offer guided tours of all the filming locations in the area. You can follow the footsteps of the Lannister family in the red keep or stand in the courtyard where Arya Stark watched *spoilers* happen in front of her. Anyone who is a fan of the show would have a blast walking through the city straight out of Westeros.

These are just a few of the thousands of things to explore in Croatia. During my time researching for this post I have discovered a whole new list of things I need to do when I’m in this area. And in my opinion the best way to see Croatia’s unbelievable coast is with the wind in your sails. I could spend months out there exploring all there is to see in in this magnificent country.


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Caring for a baby – whether they’re new born or a little older – is hard work. So, shouldn’t you get away from it all and give those bleary eyes something rather nicer to look at than the pile of laundry you haven’t got round to doing yet? Here is a selection of baby-friendly beach holidays for you and your little one; pack your swimming costume, your sun cream and your baby-wearing sling (wearing a sling is often the easiest way to get your baby on and off the beach) and get ready to sink your toes into the sand… 

Golden Beach, Crete (Greece)
Greece is a great place for families – not least for the wonderful weather and stunning scenery, but for the low prices and baby-friendly accommodation options too. If Crete (the largest of the Greek islands) takes your fancy, head to Golden Beach. Situated close to Chania (the second largest city in Crete – with a beautiful harbour if you fancy a gentle after- dinner stroll as a family), Golden Beach has plenty of amenities nearby for food and toilet breaks. The sand is soft so it’s the perfect place to introduce your baby to a new sensation, and the waters are shallow – making them lovely and warm if you fancy dipping your little one’s feet into the twinkling blue sea.

Plage de Kervillen la Trinité-sur- Mer, Brittany (France)
Given that it’s relatively close to home, Brittany is always popular with tourists heading over from the UK and Ireland. It’s home to beautiful beaches with memorable sand dunes, and la Plage de Kervillen la Trinité-sur- Mer is no exception. In fact, the sand dunes shelter the beach from strong winds, making it the perfect place for holiday makers travelling with little ones. And, it’s serviced by bars, restaurants, toilet facilities and a shower, so you’ll have everything you need close to hand. There’s a car park too, so you’ll get there easily and be able to nip back to your car for anything you don’t fancy taking onto the beach.

Praia do Anção, Faro (Portugal)
The Algarve is a popular holiday destination for holidaymakers of all types, and it’s a great choice for those travelling with very little ones. That’s due to the fact it’s sunny most of the year but doesn’t feel too hot owing to the refreshing winds from the Atlantic Ocean. So, you won’t find yourself with a fussy, sweaty baby. (Still, you’ll doubtless want to keep them in the shade and make sure they’re smothered in sun cream anyway!).

Praia do Anção is very well looked after, with well-maintained boardwalks leading the way to the sandy beach. The nearby restaurants are a little pricey as it’s quite an exclusive area, but the beach is exquisitely clean and the deluxe sun beds are a real treat too. As well as touristy beaches with amenities, you’ll find plenty of hidden coves in this part of Portugal if you’d like to get away from the crowds and relax in peace. And, there are gentle rural walks you can do with your little one secured safely to your body if you fancy some scenic cliff walks.

Es Grau (Menorca)
Less than ten miles away from Mahón, the capital of Menorca, Es Grau is definitely a beach to consider if you fancy heading to Spain. The beach is very shallow here, making it a destination that’s ideal for toddlers and young children – and it’s even popular with teenagers doing a spot of snorkelling or paddle boarding around the bay. Still, there’s plenty of room for you and your baby to splash about, with warm water stretching out at shin level for 40 metres.

Just next door is the S’Albufera des Grau nature reserve with short walking routes, so there’s lots of wildlife and foliage if you fancy an amble around the nature reserve once you’ve had enough of the beach (just beware that it’s unlikely to be pram-friendly, so you’ll need to carry your little one). And, there are restaurants right beside the sea, so you won’t need to go for to get a bite to eat.

Ramla l-Hamra, Gozo (Malta)
If you fancy a beach with just enough in the way of facilities to accommodate for a baby, but not so many that it becomes a bit of a honey-trap for tourists, head to Ramla Bay in Malta. You’ll find a stretch of silky yellow sand fringed with green trees, and dark blue waters as far as the eye can see – and that’s about all, except for a couple of quiet bars, some toilet facilities, a shower and a café. And perhaps the ice cream van, if you’re lucky. It’s the perfect place for truly winding down and spending some precious quality time together, listening to little more than the sound of the waves on the shore.

Summer is coming, again! And we are again looking for holidays. Where to go? What to do? How to arrive and where to sleep? Everything needs to be planned.

Well... maybe sometimes it's better leave that plan and just let yourself go on a holiday “without thinking” too much.

That is what happens every year in Bibione. It's a beach resort in north-eastern of Italy, facing the Adriatic sea. The resort attracts tourists from all the Europe in summer, but not so “hot” to ruin the tranquility of the town.

Here are some reasons for what you should consider Bibione as your next holiday destination.

The Beach

Limpid and blue water, more than 11.5 km of golden sand, decorated with pine woods. It's a really beautiful panorama if you see it from high, and rivals any Hawaii beach! Besides, the Bibione beach has a seabed that drops away gradually, so it is perfect for children and for adults who don't swim. Sitting, walking or playing on the beach is safe. The beach is equipped with all the services, including 22 lifeguard stations.

You can also bring your four-legged friends, because on the beach there is an area dedicated for dogs, where they can take a sunbed with umbrella and enjoy the holiday just like us. Moreover, on the beach there are always activities and events for both adults and children.

Entertainment and City Excursions

Bibione offers a lot of attractions and activities, from beach volley to the running race, from the concert to the animations for children. The city center is a paradise for those who love shopping, and it is very easy to find a bar or a restaurant for a snack or a delicious meal.

And it's not over. Bibione city and the surrounding area offer many things to see. For those who love culture and art, it is possible to get a train to visit Venice, Trieste, Verona or other historical cities around. For lovers of archaeology, it's possible to visit the Roman remains in Concordia Sagittaria and Aquileia, just few kilometers away from Bibione.

The Nature
The nature is another strength of Bibione, appreciated by all tourists. It's possible to reach on foot, at the end of the beach, in the east, the lighthouse of Bibione. Another interesting place to visit in this area is the mouth of the Tagliamento river, and there is also a free area of beach and pine forest.

While moving towards the west, beyond the pine forest, there are the Vallesina woods and Valgrande. The last is a nature park with lagoon habitat, surrounded by the green, ideal for walking, cycling, or horse riding. In addition, there is also a cycle path that runs alongside the entire seafront, which offers a splendid view of both the sea and the green.

The resort is known also for its thermal zones. One of the most beautiful things to do is to take a spa treatment at the end of the day and deeply relax yourself in the warm water.

Another thing to try is to get a hotel near the beach, even better, a flat or a villa. Then you can watch the sunrise or sunset every day, or go for a sunbath whenever you want. It may be difficult to find a stay like that, especially if you have children. There is a professional Agenzia Serena, with loads of experience in this field, that have always offered a perfect stay for every need. And it is possible to take advantage of the offers like free beach service, a bicycle rental, or even a beach shuttle service.

So the main problem of stay and transport is solved, the only thing to do now is to take a plane to Italy and, viola, we are on holiday! Pretty easy, isn't it?

If you’ve done any sort of traveling with your children (or someone else’s children) you’ll be well aware that kids often need to be entertained when they are away from their home base. Not always, mind you. I know a lot of kids that can happily entertain themselves for hours – I love those kids!

We’ve been traveling for a long time now, so we’ve learned to make do with what we have on hand. Many families who are in the planning stages of their first big travel adventure plan to lug all kinds of items with them for their children’s entertainment, though. So I thought I’d share my ideas for keeping kids entertained when you travel, without bringing every single thing they own from home:

Stickers, sticky labels and colored pencils