FREE SEARCH

"Costa Rica Travel" on Amazon.com

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Just Ignore This Post

2RF4H6KEZT6C

Costa Rica Vacation Travel Information

Costa Rica Travel Brochure~Costa Rica Vacation Travel Information

When traveling or touring another country, you should get the best out of your time especially if you want to go to Costa Rica. Spend time to get to know more about Costa Rica vacation travel information and other necessary details before booking a flight or a package tour to Costa Rica. This effort will ensure that you trip will be the best vacation possible. Search and Find the best time to go to, the tourist destinations that you have to see, hotel accommodations, local restaurants, culture, and more. Being familiar with all these will not only save you time and money but would make your trip more exciting at the same time.

According to different Costa Rica vacation travel information brochures and websites, the highlight of the paradise of Costa Rica is the republic's beaches. Most tourists came for the pristine waters that are abundant in Costa Rica along with the white sands where they can sun bathe, surf, swim or fish all day long.

When searching the Costa Rica vacation travel information be sure to check out all the different beaches available. Beaches are known as playa coming from the Spanish language. The most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica include Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Conchal, Playa Grande, Playa Flamingo, Playa Blanca, Playa Zancudo, Playa Ballena, and Montezuma. However, one beach stands out from the rest. It is located along the coast of the southern Caribbean and considered as the best beach in Costa Rica. It is called the Gandaco Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

Gandaco Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge has been the popular choice for most Costa Rica vacation travel information experts. This is known as the one of the most stunning areas of Costa Rica which is situated only a few kilometers away from Panama. Not only is this an excellent beach, it is also a home for different flora and fauna that are unfortunately considered endangered in Costa Rica. This is a tropical rainforest where most mangroves in Costa Rica grow. In here you can find different wildlife species such as pacas, manatees, crocodiles, tarpons, caimans, tapirs, dolphins, leatherback sea turtles, eagles, green sea turtles, parakeets, motmos, pelicans, as well as toucans.

Since there is also a protected coral reef here in Gandaco Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, you may also see several marine species which are vividly colored including angel fish, blue parrot fish, sea urchins, sea anemones, sea cucumbers, Venus sea fans and a lot more. However, it is only advisable to visit this rainforest during the months of March to April and September to October since these are the drier months of Gandaco Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

The opportunities for the saltwater angler are unprecedented in Costa Rica. Where else can you fish from the beaches and hook up with both snook and tarpon in the surf. Of course the offshore fishing opportunities are what draws the most attention by anglers. You can fish the Pacific Ocean for rooster fish and tuna one day and the Caribbean for Marlin and sailfish the next. Finding a charter that will provide all the fishing opportunities is as easy as walking on to the docks of any marina.

Again is very important to take time to research all the Costa Rica vacation travel information so that you can fully enjoy all that the country has to offer the visitor.

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/costa-rica-vacation-travel-information-318783.html

Costa Rica Travel Brochure~Costa Rica Vacation Travel Information

10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental

Costa Rica Travel Brochure~10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental

Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.

Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are ‘doing without’.

Many vacationers consider the Costa Rica vacation rental as ‘just somewhere to stay’ since most of your time will be spent in or on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don’t make that mistake. There is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great Costa Rica vacation rental that you’ll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your vacation.

Remember, your vacation home is where you’ll be sleeping, waking up, having many of your meals, and resting.

If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch one of your favorite movies on the DVD – assuming there is a comfortable sofa. And when you meet new friends, you’ll want someplace nice for entertaining. Shouldn’t your vacation rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? “A home away from home”

Here are 10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental:

1. The single most important factor is whether or not you can “see” actual recent photos of the interior and exterior of the vacation rental. It’s one thing to read a great description – and some of them are quite ‘complimentary’ (sometimes overly so) - but you need to see what you are getting.

With the Internet, a website is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica vacation rentals. If there are no pictures, you’ll know right away to keep looking. Brochures, books and guides are nice, but may have out-dated information.

2. List the amenities that are important to you, the ones without which you will feel incomplete. Next, jot down those that are nice to have, but not deal-breakers if not available.

With these lists as a guide, you’ll be able to quickly eliminate those rentals that won’t meet your needs. Your list might include proximity to the water, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type kitchen (full versus fridge and microwave), outdoor amenities such as decks and BBQ grills, ocean views, private pools, outdoor eating areas, tennis courts and other items important to you.

On your secondary list, you might have things like a hammock for lazing about, or pool waterfall for the relaxing sounds. Exterior stereo speakers, to enjoy your favorite music around the pool. Ice makers to mix your favorite drinks, especially in the heat of the day.

3. List the activities that you want to be able to enjoy while on vacation. A morning activity like scuba diving, snorkeling or canopy tour then coming back to the villa to relax may be a high priority for you.

You also need to consider how close the vacation rental is to the airport. It is very important to know how far the rental is from your arrival airport. Some rentals can take a half a day’s drive and after your flight even an hour’s drive can seem an eternity. Your travel time back to the airport at departure can also frustrate your entire vacation. Enjoying your last morning of your vacation by a private pool instead of traveling for hours to the airport can be very important to you. For Costa Rica vacation rentals that are only 20 minutes from the Liberia International airport visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com. This will help you in selecting a general location.

You also need to consider how close you want your vacation rental to be to the attractions.

Some people feel that a great vacation is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don’t mind a short drive, and still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions.

If you prefer a vacation without the hassles of traffic, parking problems, crowds and long lines, select a villa located in the quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more.

4. Identify your first, second and third choice of dates for renting the villa.
With several dates, you’ll save time when making arrangements.

If you find a villa that you really want and you have some flexibility in scheduling, having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then, saving yourself the time and hassle of having to re-check everyone’s schedule and call back – and risking losing those dates in the interim.

5. Call the telephone numbers for the vacation rentals that seem to meet your needs and speak directly with either the owners or the person who is handling the property.

Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples, and keeps you from forgetting something important during the conversation.

It also gives you a feel for the person who will be your contact should you rent the villa and then encounter a problem. If you don’t get a warm, friendly welcome to your inquiries, don’t expect anything different when you have a problem.

6. Ask what amenities are included.
You may learn of something that’s not on your list but is perfect for your plans.

Does the rental have maid service? Last thing you want to do is make the beds or clean the dishes, even if there is a dishwasher.

Does the rental have a washer and dryer? If so, you will not have to take as many cloths with you. Will the maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of clean cloths is certainly a benefit.

Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will the owner have essential items in the refrigerator for you, before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates, utensils, pots, pans and other essentials for eating and meal preparation – or will you have to bring your own?

Does the rental have air condition or do you have to depend on the winds to comfort you?

7. Inquire about restaurants, events and activities and other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here’s where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions, calendars and restaurants on the website of your Costa Rica vacation rental.

8. Are the owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7?
Owners are a wealth of information about the area and can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren’t in the guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment and comfort while at their villa.

This can make a huge difference; especially should something need immediate attention in the villa. There’s nothing worse than calling the rental company about a stopped-up toilet and getting somebody’s bored teenager who’s manning the phones for the summer.

9. How long has the owner been renting vacation rentals?
If the owner has worked with rental properties, they know what tenants expect and how to get things done.

If this is a new venture, beware. The owner may be in it for “fun” and have no idea how to prepare the villa so that you can have a great vacation.

10. And last, when you look at the pictures, can you see yourself having a great time there?

If the pictures make you want to go right now, and the answers to the questions above meet your satisfaction, you’ve found yourself a great Costa Rica vacation rental!

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/10-tips-for-selecting-the-perfect-costa-rica-vacation-rental-1536955.html

Costa Rica Travel Brochure~10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental

Things to know when traveling to Costa Rica

Costa Rica Travel Brochure~Things to know when traveling to Costa Rica

Before traveling outside your native country to another country you should prepare yourself. Learning about the country before you go can prevent common problems or confusion. Cultures vary throughout the world and sometimes a simple misunderstanding can become a big deal. Learning about the basic life, culture and laws of a country you are traveling to can help you to be prepared and have an enjoyable vacation.

The basic things you need to know include how to get around, business hours and various other points. Once you get to Costa Rica you need to know how to get around from place to place, especially if you are not within walking distance of your destination. Buses are the main form of transportation. It is the most cost efficient and easiest way to get around. Do be aware that the buses in Costa Rica are small and sometimes cramped. You will not be able to take along luggage and if you need a lot of legroom you will be in trouble. Another form of transportation is a rental car. They are quite more expensive and you need to have insurance that will cover the rental car in case of an accident. Also know that most rental cars are standards, so if you do not know how to drive one you may be out of luck. Business hours in Costa Rica are much like that in the United States. Typically they run from 8 or 9 AM to 3 or 5 PM. Everyday a lunch break takes place between noon and 2PM. Also on Sundays most places will be closed. Costa Rica runs on Central Standard time, which means some of those traveling from the US may get to avoid jet lag all together. The health care system in Costa Rica is very advanced. They have an excellent system that offers up-to-date medical care in modern hospitals. You can most often find doctors that speak English as well. These basic facts will help you to get used to life in Costa Rica, but there are some more things you should get to know.

In Costa Rica there are some legal things you need to know. If you are renting a car be aware that Costa Rica is a good place to have an accident. Drivers here rank low for auto accident rates. The speed limits are posted either on signs or painted on the pavement and you should always be aware of them. The speed limits range from 45 to 55 MPH in general. Costa Rica laws require that all luggage is screened through customs and declarations must be filled out for certain items like food and anything valuable. Alcohol is legal for those over the age of eighteen. Also be aware that prostitution is legal in Costa Rica for those over eighteen. When you are ready to leave Costa Rica you should know you will be required to pay an exit fee approx. 27.00. These helpful hints about legal do’s and don’ts will help you avoid problems while in Costa Rica.

It is always nice to know about little things that are often overlooked on travel websites or in brochures. The water heaters in hotels in Costa Rica are not like those in the United States. You will find they are mostly plastic tubes with an electrical gadget in the nozzle. This means hot water may not always be hot. The busiest time in Costa Rica is during what is called the high season. The high season is between December and May. You may find that getting reservations can be difficult during this time. You usually do not have to tip while out in Costa Rica. A 10% tip is added to your bill. Another good thing to know is that the sewer systems can handle toilet paper unlike those in other countries. The water system in Costa Rica is treated and safe to drink. The electricity in Costa Rica is the same as in the United States. They do not use the grounding prong in some locations, so be aware of the need for adapters for this reason. Dancing is big in Costa Rica and you can find dance clubs all over. Laundry mats are not common in Costa Rica. Most people send their laundry out to be washed. Some vacation rentals offer a washer/dryer as an amenity. These helpful little hints can help you get through your vacation without a mishap.

Costa Rica is a lovely, peaceful country. There is a lot to see and do. Once you have decided on Costa Rica get to know a little more about the country so you can enjoy everything it has to offer.

http://www.articlesbase.com/find-articles.php?q=Costa+Rica+Travel+Brochure

Costa Rica Travel Brochure~Things to know when traveling to Costa Rica