Family vacations are synonymous with the creation of a lifetime of fantastic memories with the ones you love the most. You should ensure that you have properly researched the intended destination so that you will not be unpleasantly surprised. Also, if you are on a budget and searching for relatively cheap destinations, rest assured there are exciting getaways that do not cost a fortune.

Here are five-holiday destinations that are kid-friendly, so they are appropriate for both you and your kids to have the time of your life, and you don’t have to spend a fortune going there. The best part is that the research is already done for you!

1. Why Not Visit Costa Rica?
Prices are rather reasonable with convenient flights, and there are plenty of activities your kids will love. Popular sights include exotic birds and curious monkeys which are surrounded by brilliantly colored tropical vegetation while you calmly float along the Rio Savegre, Manuel Antonio, or the Rio Corobici, Guanacaste, with appropriate rafting company, of course.

Costa Rica is ideal for horseback riding so you may explore hidden waterfalls or gorgeous Manuel Antonio and Hermosa beaches. The level of skill per rider is matched to suitable horses by Tour Operators.

The Punta Uva is one of its most beautiful beaches, but Playa Tambor is ideal for swimming.

2. How About a Trip to Cuba?

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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Traveling to an unfamiliar country can be both exciting and stressful.  The first or second time it can be a little bit intimidating but have no fear there are plenty of travel safety tips that can help ease your mind.  I lived in Costa Rica for 5 years and never really felt unsafe at all.  Like all places in the world though there are certainly things you can do to minimize risk.

A lot of people visit Costa Rica every year and since we lived there as expats we get asked questions all the time.  The #1 question asked is "how safe is it?"  There seems to be a lot of worries especially among Americans as to the safety in Latin America.  I can say from first hand experience that it is definitely safe and most definitely worth taking a trip but I can understand the trepidation.

If visiting Costa Rica is in your immediate future we've put together some travel safety tips to make your first visit go off without a hitch.

Choose your hotel wisely
When deciding where to stay in Costa Rica you will run into a lot of different options.  They are all great depending on your needs but if safety and security is on your mind you may want to consider Costa Rica all inclusive hotels as they are typically larger, more secure, and you are able to spend your day around the resort with no cash on hand.  All inclusive resorts are great for many reasons and security is one of them.

The least expensive the hotel is typically will give you the least amount of that warm fuzzy secure feeling.  Although of course this is not always true. But under most circumstances I have found that as you move up in star rating you move up in terms of safety and security.

Use caution with animals

I know that you will come across a whole variety of unique animals while in Costa Rica.  They will seem tame and under most circumstances will remain so but wild animals are just that...wild!  Monkeys looks small and cute but they bite, carry rabies, and can create quite a bit of havoc.  There are venomous snakes, poison coated frogs, and more than a few predators both on land and in the sea.  Use cation as you would with any wild animal!

Use only official taxis
Many people try to make extra money by offering taxi services.  As with everything else this may end up being perfectly fine and save you a few dollars but is security is what you are seeking it is best to stick to the official taxi service to ensure your safety.  At the airport this will be the orange taxis, in smaller towns typically the newer looking cars (usually red) will be your best bet!

ATM use
Make withdrawals from ATM’s in the daytime wherever possible. In fact many of the machines are turned off in the evening to prevent petty theft. Furthermore, use machines in bank lobbies to avoid getting your card skimmed and losing your precious travel money.  You could consider a hidden travel belt or a travel neck wallet with hidden pockets to conceal your valuables.  If you have a card with the chip, an RFID wallet is also a great investment to avoid skimming.

Sleep well
Get a good night’s sleep the day before you fly. This might sound like common sense but you’d be amazed how many people stay up half the night getting themselves ready for their holiday.  The next day they are so tired after their flight that they can lose their concentration and put themselves in unsafe situations.  Don’t be one of those people.

Always check the water conditions

Many tourists have drowned in Costa Rica because they don’t respect the swimming conditions. If you are planning to swim at all check with your hotel or local restaurant to see what the conditions are in the ocean or at any hiking to waterfall type spots.  Take heed of any warning signs and if you are not a strong swimmer stick with the hotel pool and enjoy the ocean or river from a safe distance!

Credit cards
Let your credit card company know that you are traveling to Costa Rica. The last thing you want when you are so far from home is for your cards to be cancelled or paused because you forgot to notify your bank.  Believe me it is no fun at all, and yes I am speaking from personal experience.

Traffic accidents
Driving in Costa Rica can be a bit stressful.  Rules are not the same as in your home country and roadways can be treacherous.  Signage is virtually non existent and because of these things accidents are rather common.

If you’re involved in any kind of traffic accident wait for the authorities to attend and do not move any part of the accident scene. It is against the law to change the scene in any way and you don’t want to be on the wrong side of the law even if it is holding up traffic.

I was involved in an accident in the middle of down town San Jose and had to sit there in the middle of the road tying up traffic for 2 hours.  No fun but everyone understands and because I followed the rules they were able to determine I was not at fault.

Don’t act like a tourist
Standing on a street corner with a giant foldout map is a perfect way to draw the attention of those who would take advantage of a tourist.  Read your map in a coffee shop or check where you are going before leaving your accommodation.  Always look confident when you are walking on the street, even if you have no idea where you are!

Clothing
This sort of goes in line with looking like a tourist.  Try to blend in as much as possible.  Consider getting one of these amazing travel jackets to keep your valuables on you and hidden at all times
This one is particularly good, as it doesn’t look like a travel jacket so you can blend in easier.

I would also avoid wearing flashy jewelry.  When we moved to CR I left behind all my expensive rings and watches and I am so glad I did.  It helped me to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle but it also helped me to blend in and not give off a "rob me" vibe.

Avoid visiting the beach after dark
This is not just a tip for Costa Rica but great advise for most countries.  Beaches are meant to be visited during the day for fairly obvious reasons.  Visiting at night opens you up to all kinds of risks that are best avoided.  Everything from rogue waves you don't see coming to shady characters lurking in a comfy spot to sleep can and does occur is best to avoid it if you are at all nervous.


As you can see the travel tips for Costa Rica are fairly similar to travel tips for most countries.  Being sensible goes a long a way to keeping you safe and keeping your valuables tucked away out of sight is one of the most important things you can do for your own safety.

Once you’ve taken care of the safety aspects make sure you have an awesome time visiting Costa Rica. It is a great spot for families traveling as well as single and couples! There is so much to do here that you’ll want to spend all your time exploring this beautiful country.

Costa Rica was our home for 5 amazing years and we were able to experience so much of the country in that time.  I assume most of you, though, do not have 5 years to spend exploring and determining what is and is not worth your time.  If you only have a week or a month in the country it can be daunting to determine what you should be sure to do.  So we have put together a list of 10 experiences in Costa Rica you don't want to miss! 


There are, of course, many spots to explore and amazing experiences to be had on top of this list, but these are some of the top picks in our opinion.

Soar over the jungle in Monteverde

Wiki image

Monteverde is my absolute favorite spot in the entire country.  It is an area ripe with beautiful rain forests, mystical cloud forests, stunning views of Volcan Arenal, and more hiking opportunities than you could possibly fit into a visit.  But perhaps one of the most exhilarating and breathtaking experiences is taking a Costa Rican canopy tour. Imagine soaring through the air above the canopy where you can experience adventure, nature, and education all in one trip.  It is as if you are a bird soaring over the jungle. Costa Rica offers perhaps the best nature and wildlife in the world so it is the perfect spot to fly.  This will most definitely be an experience you will never forget!

Tip: Don't forget closed toed shoes.  Easy to do in a place like Costa Rica and you usually will not be allowed to zip line if you don't have safe shoes.

Visit sloths at the sanctuary in Cahuita


Another area of the country that should not be missed is the Caribbean side.  Stunning beaches, secluded tranquility, and wildlife galore is what this area offers and is simultaneously why it should not be overlooked.  One of the best experiences we had in the area was visiting the sloth sanctuary in Cahuita, where they rescue and nurse back to life injured or abandoned sloths.  With all the new development in the country sloths have been increasingly injured on power lines and on the roadways and this generous organization does its best to rehabilitate and either, release back to the wild or care for them the rest of their lives. A worthwhile organization to support!

Tip: You can also do a really cool canal boat tour right behind the sanctuary so ask about that as well!

Listen to the grumbles of Volcan Arenal


No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without viewing the majestic Arenal volcano.  It is one of the 5 active volcanoes in the country but the only one that is a perfect stratovolcano.  The entire area is beautiful with hot springs, waterfalls, hiking trails, and a stunning freshwater lake.  If you visit at the right time you can lay in bed at night watching the lava glow down the sides of the volcano and hear the tumbling rocks and rumbles from within.

Tip: Be sure to hike the La Fortuna waterfall and visit one of the hot springs.  The less popular the spot the more affordable and tranquil it will be.  Ask the local ticos!

Swim in a secret waterfall


One thing that the lush vegetation and the 6 month long rainy season will give you is one magnificent waterfall after another.  In our small mountain town of Atenas we stumbled upon one and it ended up being one of our favorite spots to hang out by!  Ask around and you'll find many to choose from.

Tip: Los Chorros in the Grecia area is not exactly secret but there were never crowds when we visited and it's great fun.

Watch monkeys scamper along the beach in Manuel Antonio


Manuel Antonio is both a great little tourist town and a beautiful beach location.  At the far end of town you will find the national park where all ages can enjoy the calm waters. The best part of the park, though, is all the wildlife spotting that can be done.  We have seen large marine and land iguanas, anteaters, coatis, sloths,  and of course the white faced capuchin monkeys.  They come out around lunch time and run wild along the beaches and the paths that surround the park.

Tip: Be careful!  Monkeys are cute and fun to watch but they are out there for your food.  They will rifle through your belongings and steal anything that looks good so keep a good watch.

Peer into an active crater at Volcan Poas


Volcan Poas located about 1 hour from the town of Grecia is another one of the 5 active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The great thing about both Poas and Irazu (located closer to San Jose), aside from how lovely they are, is the accessibility.  You drive up and park within 1/2 mile of the crater making it accessible to nearly everyone.  There you can marvel at the various craters, some filled with colorful water, and if your lucky it will even have a small eruption while you are standing there watching.  Don't worry though, they are mostly harmless.

Tip: If you have the time head over to La Paz waterfall gardens located nearby.  They have loads of great animal exhibits, cultural experiences, and of course, waterfalls!

Go to a Tope


Nothing says Costa Rican culture like a Tope!  If you don't know already a Tope is basically a horse parade and there seems to be one every other weekend someplace in the country. Now it may not seem very exciting but some of the best times we have had were celebrating and laughing among locals in the streets watching one of these parades.  If you get a chance try and see one, bonus points of you can catch an evening parade where the antics of the riders overshadows the horses themselves!

Tip: There is regular time and then there is Tico time.  When going to a parade, or any function that is similar, expect it to start at least 1 hour after the time it was supposed to start.  We once went to a tope that started 3 hours later then was advertised.  Pura Vida and bring drinks!

Watch a sunset in Playa Samara


All of the pacific side beaches offer beautiful sunsets but we have never seen such vibrant colors as in the sunsets we watched in Playa Samara.  It is a large beach and easy to find a peaceful spot to string up a hammock and enjoy.  On top of that it happens to be one of our favorite beaches in the country. 

Tip: Playa Samara is one of the best spots to go deep sea fishing or head out to see some dolphins on a tour, but bargain hard.  They start out way above the fee they will accept.  I once got a dolphin boat ride for 90% off the starting asking price.

Visit the Children's museum in San Jose


Sometimes even when you are in a beautiful country you need to have a bit of familiarity for children.  This can be found (although lots of the writing is in Spanish only) at the Museo De Los Ninos.  Located in an old prison, so sort of cool for that alone, this is a hands on experiential museum that our kids loved visiting.  I think its something like $3 to get in and provides hours of fun so well worth it if you have the time.  There are earthquake platforms, helicopters to explore, planes to "fly",  banana plantations to run, and a full grocery store complete with shopping lists, pretend food, and a cashier.

Tip: San Jose is full of unique little museums to explore.  While in the area why not try out the Gold museum as well?!  Not as much fun as the children's museum but my kids thought all the gold artifacts were really cool.

Take a road trip through the Orosi Valley


The Orosi valley is probably the most under utilized area in the country.  We took a road trip out there for 2 days and had an incredible time.  If you have enough time in your itinerary it is definitely worth a day or 2's visit.  Heading out of San Jose you first hit Cartago (the old capital) where you can marvel at the Our lady of the Basilica church, a beautifully constructed church that is the end point of a yearly pilgrimage in Costa Rica.  There are also ruins to explore in Cartago and in the small towns surrounding it, as massive earthquakes flattened the area years ago. 

Also in the area are some stunning botanical gardens, the Orosi church (the oldest church in Costa Rica that is still in use today), the Cachi dam, hot springs, and loads of amazing vistas to take in.

Tip: If you can stay the night I would do so, there is just so much to explore.  Many of the hotels in the area have natural hot ponds that make for a peaceful reprieve after hiking around or sitting in the car most of the day!

After living in Costa Rica for 5 years we have become somewhat of the go to people when it comes to all things Costa Rica.

Trust me, we are no experts but in 5 years we certainly did get a good feel for the area and visited nearly the entire country.  We have already covered common misconceptions, best beaches, and good spots to visit for families but some questions still remain.

Since the questions are often the same I thought I would write out some of my answers here in one spot.

Why Costa Rica over the other CA countries?

All of the countries in Central America are unique and carry a list of pros and cons. Costa Rica stands out in my opinion as a safe country. For anyone taking their first trip out of the US it is a great starting point. The costs are still low yet the health care is top notch, you can get nearly everything you are used to having in the states. Aside from some petty theft there really are not too many safety concerns and the government is the most stable in the region.


An aside:  I also adore Nicaragua even though it is a bit rough around the edges.  We never felt unsafe in any of the countries but CR has a more stable government and a higher cost of living which translates to less poverty overall.  That almost always mean less crime.

Should I rent a car while there?

The answer to this question is very personal. It really depends on the way you wish to travel, how much of the country you want to see in x amount of time, and how much freedom you want. I personally think having a car is great, it gives more freedom and allows you to explore small areas not accessible by bus. I like to head out and get lost some days and have found so many hidden gems by doing this.

If you do not want to rent a car though there is a great public transportation system and its highly affordable. Buses are available for long haul and within each town. To reach areas not accessed by bus there are also taxis. They cost a bit more but can reach different areas and give a little more flexibility.

Tica or Nica bus will take you longer distances within the country and to neighboring countries. Red taxis are the best ones to use if you are concerned about safety as they are fully insured. Orange taxis are the official airport taxis and I highly recommend using those particularly if you land late at night. All other taxis are perfectly fine but do not carry the same kind of insurance as the "rojos". They are less expensive and the only taxis we used after being there a while.

Do you need car seats for children?  Do I have to bring one?

By law children need car seats and for optimum safety it is always a good idea. Costa Rica now requires children to ride in an appropriate car seat until they outgrow it (typically 43 inches) and then to use a safety booster until they are 12 years old and 57 inches. I never had an issue though and we have been pulled over many times. My 4 year old was out of a booster and just using the regular seat belt. It depends on the officer, as is the case in most areas of law in CR.

If you ride the bus or plan to take taxis I would not bother with it. The laws are excused in that way and really how would you cart it around anyway. If you plan to rent a car then you may be able to rent one through the car rental company, making it much easier for plane travel. Inquire when you book the car rental. You can also join FB groups that may have a member willing to loan out different baby/child supplies.

What town would make a good base to travel around from?
It will depend on what you want to see while you are there but a really nice area in the Central Valley is Atenas or Grecia. They are quiet, real Costa Rica mountain towns where you can get a feel for rural life but they are also close enough to the highways and bigger tourist attractions to give a nice starting point for travel. Atenas is about 1 hour from the beautiful pacific coast beaches while Grecia is a more convenient jumping off point for volcano exploration.

Volcan Irazu

Manuel Antonio is a good spot of you want to stay on the Pacific Coast while Cahuita or Puerto Viejo are perfect for Caribbean exploration.

What should I see if I am staying 1-2 weeks?

Of course this is a personal choice depending on where your interests lie and how much travel you want to do. In my opinion it would be best to focus on 2-3 area if you only have 2 weeks, maybe only 2 areas if you have 1 week in the country.

Driving distances are much farther than they appear and if you have too lofty a goal of getting around you will find you spend your vacation driving and not enjoying the beach/mountain/volcano.

What should I see if I am staying 1 month?

If you have a full month or more in the country you can see a lot! It will again depend on what your needs are. If it were me I would make sure to visit the history and culture of the Central Valley then visit the Caribbean coast where, in my opinion, the most beautiful beaches in the country are. After that I would head over to Arenal/Monteverde to explore the volcano and cloud forest and then head over to the Pacific side beach towns of Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and for the adventurous the Osa Peninsula. Alternatively you can head North on the Pacific coast and see Samara, Montezuma, and the Guanacaste region.


Also of note there are 2 international airports so to save time you may want to fly into one and out the other so there is no need to back track. The San Jose airport is the most commonly used but the Liberia airport up in Northern Guanacaste can also be utilized.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

You do not "need" it but having some basics down is always helpful. If you stick to the tourist trail you will have little problem with limited Spanish. If you head into the local towns English is not spoken as widely. That being said I never, ever felt that people were judging me. I never ran into anyone who wasn't helpful and kind when I was trying to communicate and in the beginning my Spanish was nearly non existent.

Costa Ricans (Ticos) are some of the nicest, most family oriented people we have encountered in our travels. Do your best, practice up on charades, and smile like its your job!

Can I go during the "rainy" season or is it just awful?

I actually prefer the rainy season. The rates on everything from hotels to food will be far lower, the temperatures will typically be cooler although humidity may be elevated, and the landscape is green rather than the dismal browns of the dry season.


During the dry season it does not rain at all, not 1 drop in the Central Valley at least. During rainy season which runs from mid May through until November most days it is only a small downpour late in the afternoon. As the season progresses the rains get longer and heavier but really only October is bothersome. Bugs are more prevalent during the rains and mold becomes more of an issue but for a vacation I am not sure either of those would be a real problem.

Do I go to the Pacific side or the Caribbean?

I feel this is perhaps the hardest question to answer. In an ideal world you would get a chance to see both, but for many people that is just not an option. From San Jose it will take at least 2 hours to reach the Pacific coast and then even longer if you are headed up or down that coast. To reach the Caribbean coast from San Jose you will be looking at a minimum 5 hours, but more realistically 6!

Driving times in CR are quite a bit more than they appear to be so be realistic about how you want to spend your vacation days!

If beach is all you want or you have small kids and want them to be safer in the ocean then the Caribbean is the place to go. If you want a more diverse trip or are interested in surfing I would head out to the Pacific side where the ocean is rougher and driving distances are shorter between the volcanoes, beaches, and forests.

A friend of mine was robbed the other day.  The culprits crept into their home while they were asleep.  They never woke and no one was injured but a home invasion is frightening no matter what the circumstances.

It hit home for me as we were also the victims of a home invasion that happened while living in Costa Rica.  We were on vacation in a little beach town and the vacation rental seemed pretty secure, heck we even had the resident rottweiler in the house with us as the kids just loved her.

I like to remember this instead of focusing on the robbery!

Some friends came with us (it was just ladies and kiddos) and we all had a great night eating pizza, drinking some wine, swimming in the pool and just generally relaxing.  The home owner lived on the property and I think that gave us a nice sense of security as did the huge dog that was with us..IN the house.  We went to bed that night feeling like a million bucks and sad to be leaving the next day.

But when we woke up the story was quite different.  It took a few minutes but we quickly realized there were many missing items.  It sucked but the items themselves were nothing compared to the feelings of violation and realization that these thieves were in our home with us, right next to my children as we all slept. And it felt like all my fault, guilt crept in fast.

As the days passed the feelings actually got worse as I imagined one terrible thing after another that could have gone wrong.  What if one of the kids woke up, what if I got up to go to the bathroom and surprised them?  These were scary thoughts because the real answer is that no matter what happened we were at their mercy.  I started to question how adept I really was at protecting my children and when I looked hard at the answer, in many ways, I realized I am not at all.

We have been very fortunate over all these years of travel that this really is the only case of theft we have been victim of and after a couple of weeks I felt a lot better about everything.  But it spurred me into action and although I avoided fear I did come up with some ways to be more careful.

There are certainly cases of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and there is little that can be done to prevent that.  But admittedly our home invasion was partly our own fault, most of the time it seems to be.  Forgetting to lock a door, a false sense of security, getting drunk in a new town, there is a long list of ways we can all think twice and be more careful.

It is important thing to avoid fear, that will only paralyze you and serves no purpose.  Dangers are real though so we can all takes steps to be safer, just keep fear at bay so you can keep going after your dreams.  Here are some tips that we use:

Tips for staying safe 

• Keep an eye on your things.  Lots of theft occurs during travel days.  It's hectic but having a system for keeping eyes on your stuff can save you in the long run.  We each carry bags that have clothes and toiletries as well as smaller packs that carry basically the items we do not want to lose.  Those important packs stay on us nearly all the time and if left they are bundled at the bottom of a pile of our luggage.
• Be sure you carry insurance for items lost.  Local police are not the best at resolving issues like petty theft.  Have a lawyer at home you can call for advice, for help with insurance companies, etc. I have talked to many people that ended up needing a lawyer just to deal with their insurance companies, sad but true!
• Have the number of the local police (in some countries there is no 911 system)
• Know where the hospital is when vacationing.  I now ask when we get to a hotel or new town.  Its comforting to know I could manage an emergency without the need to research where the hospital or police are in the midst of said emergency
• Especially when traveling lock your doors and double check it.  Admittedly, we are almost positive that one of the doors was not locked the night of our home invasion.  We had a false sense of security about where we were, the dog in the home, multiple people around, etc.  

A key step!

• If you can, travel with as few expensive items as possible.  I never bother with jewelery or other things I really do not want to lose or have stolen.  In my view its simply not worth it.
• If you are concerned about a home invasion or other theft try to hang a bell on the door, something that could trip a culprit up or at least alert you to someone entering the home.  This can be hard at a vacation rental or hotel but get creative if you feel worried.
• Never be afraid to just get out!  If the hotel or home seems sketchy, leave.  Losing the money on the reservation or pissing the staff off is of tertiary importance so if you feel at risk leave.
• Don't leave anything in your car that you want to keep!  
• Do not think you are in danger in Mexico and perfectly fine in the US.  Crime happens anyplace and when you stand out as tourist anywhere in the world you are a target.
• Spread out cash or other important items so they are not all in one area.
• Keep copies of passports and other essential documents.  Even better is to have them stored in a cloud somewhere so if everything is stolen they can still be accessed.
• Most importantly try and relax, crime happens but it doesn't happen all the time. Constantly worrying about it is futile.  Follow a system for keeping you and your things safe and leave it at that.  
• Common sense is the biggest tool we have!  Don't draw attention to yourself, don't get drunk or wasted, and try to not look and act like a tourist, hard sometimes but usually quite doable.

There are many differences you notice after living in a new country for several years.  Some are a welcome change from life in the US and some are quite a surprise.  We lived in Costa Rica for 5 years and loved just about every minute.  We also noticed how similar people are no matter what the cultural differences.  At the same time though we could not help but notice some very humorous differences.


Costa Rica is perhaps the country I have the most knowledge about (aside from the US of course).  I have written about the best beaches, what to do with kids, the common misconceptions, what we miss about our time there, and how to save money on a trip there but one thing that I have not written about was the near constant occurrence of oddities and funny situations we found ourselves in.

Here is our partial list of things to never assume while living in or vacationing in Costa Rica!

Never assume........

• If on a boat ride, out in the open ocean, that you will be provided with a flotation device.   Trust me if you want to stay in the good graces of the boat operators and keep your children safe, ask before leaving the office for the long walk down to the boat.
• If on above mentioned boat ride, that it is just a boat ride because what appears to be a simple dolphin boat tour can also double as the boat operators way to catch dinner....for his entire extended family. Sounds harmless enough but when the fishing takes up an hour, on a small boat, rocking in the waves with 5 small children, and then the fisherman catches a fish so large that it needs to be clubbed to death in front of you, multiple times, it can actually be quite traumatic.  Yes this happened to us but we did get to see dolphins so all was good!
• A quick bank trip is even remotely a possibility.  In fact even an ATM stop can be a challenge.  Be prepared for long lines, especially on Friday, the machine to be out of communication hence not doling out any money, or flat out closed, as they are after 10pm in most towns.
• That because a highway has taken 30 years to get built that is in any way a safe road.  The new highway, though a great shortcut on time, brought landslide after landslide due to lack of realizing that there are earthquakes and torrential rain for 1/2 the year!  In Costa Rica??  Who knew.. 

That used to be the highway!

• Manana means tomorrow!  No matter if it's your new Tico friend, the electrician, or a taxi, most likely if they say manana it will be quite a bit later than that.  It is used more as a general term to express yes I will be there soon but in no way do I actually mean tomorrow in most cases.
• If it says no 4x4 needed and you are going to Nosara, for example, that they actually mean you don't need it.  Silly I know but on one of our trips out to a remote beach we were specifically told that there was no 4x4 needed yet when we arrived at the house it most certainly was.  It was so necessary that my friends actually cracked their transmission trying to get up the driveway.  Good thing we didn't have loads of luggage, no place else to stay, an 8 months pregnant friend with us, and in total 7 children!
• Hot water is standard.  Most local style homes don't use any hot water at all.  We had a suicide shower which is basically a heating coil in the shower head complete with exposed wires.  That's right exposed in the shower, the one with water!  Totally safe but interesting to say the least.

Seriously!

• All washing machines are created equal.  Semi automatic and washer should never even be in the same sentence yet in Costa Rica that is the standard machine.  I used one for 3 years and was actually quite used to it but when we upgraded to an American style machine I suddenly had about 15 hours more a week!  Bottom line is they suck, not as much as hand washing in a  sink but semi automatic sucks almost as much.
• That you can ever be rid of the ants in your home.  Kill them all you want but more will come it their place.  Easiest thing to do is just accept it and live with them!

You can try but I doubt it will help for long

• There will be an address for anything and while you are at it don't assume there will be street signs either.  Finding your way around can be really challenging but getting lost was the way we learned where we were and luckily its a pretty small country.  
• Mail will be delivered to your home, it will not and your street address will be something like, "50 meters west of the church in San Jose Sur neighborhood".  I kid you not, that was my actual address!
• When someone gives you directions that they have any clue at all where they are sending you.  Ticos in general do not like to have a confrontation and are more likely to flat out lie to you than to say they do not know.  My advice is to stop and ask, then stop and ask again, and again until you reach your actual destination.
• That your check will be brought to you at a restaurant.  I have seen so many people waiting and wondering why it has not come after they are done eating.  In Costa Rica, it is considered rude to rush you out after eating.  You need to specifically ask for it or you will be sitting there all night! 

So have you been to Costa Rica?  Did you notice some of these or ones we did not mention?

For many, San Jose is merely seen as the gateway to Costa Rica's top destinations such as Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio, but by simply flying in and out of the capital, visitors do in fact miss out on a host of great attractions.


Indeed, San Jose is arguably the finest and most cosmopolitan city in Central America, so it's well worth spending at least a couple of days here soaking up the atmosphere before moving on to the volcanoes and jungles.

Museums
If you want to learn more about the history of Costa Rica, San Jose is the place to do it.
Visit the Gold Museum for the story of the pre-Columbian peoples of Costa Rica told through more than 1,500 glittering artifacts dating back to as early as 500 AD, before learning about the more recent history of the city at the National Museum, whose building is an exhibit in itself.

Look closely at this beautiful ochre fortress for evidence of the country's brief civil war in 1948 in the form of bullet holes in the stonework. This was a landmark period in Costa Rica's history that lead to the abolishment of the military - rendering the country a peaceful place once again.

Inside the museum, you'll find collections of pre-Columbian pottery and gold, giving further insight into what life was like in Central America before the arrival of the Spanish.

If you have kids also be sure to check out the Children's museum, built in the old prison.  Here kids can enjoy loads of hands on science experiences, pretend to fly a helicopter, and learn how bananas get processed.  I can't mention everything available but suffice it to say this is a full day and fun for the whole family!

Outdoor spaces
If you fancy getting out in the fresh air after exploring San Jose's museums, then head for the 'lungs of the city', La Sabana Metropolitan Park. Chill out on the grass, go for a jog around the lake in the centre and take a look at Costa Rica's National Stadium, which is situated at the western end.  On Sundays locals congregate here and there is often music, vendors, and activities for children.

Other parks in the city include the National Park, Peace Park and the Japan-inspired Parque Okayama.

Landmarks
The National Stadium isn't the only landmark in the city by any means. One of the most popular tourist attractions is the National Theatre, which is ornately decorated with gold fittings, marble sculptures and frescoes, creating a distinctly European feel.


Also look out for the Metropolitan Cathedral and the towering 'Tradition, stability and justice' sculpture by Ibo Bonilla in Justice Square.

Entertainment
Your visit needn't be entirely cultural, of course. Why not take advantage of the city's wealth of restaurants, clubs and bars before you head to places like Monteverde, where things are much quieter and slower paced?

For a top meal, try the Park Cafe located inside an antiques shop in Sabana Norte. It's not a place you'd expect to find a Michelin-starred chef, but European cook Richard Neat is the main reason for the Park Cafe's rave reviews. Other enjoyable ways to spend an evening in Costa Rica include checking out the live music at Bar Morazan and dancing the salsa at Mojitos.


With so much to see and do, make sure that when you're planning your trip to Costa Rica you make some time for San Jose, one of the liveliest cities in Central America. It's worth more than just a flying visit.