Thinking about your next vacation? Costa Rica might just be the perfect spot for you. Or it might not. Despite the destination being very well-loved by most who travel there, it may not be the right fit for your next adventure.
Having traveled to Costa Rica twice, I can say I’m a huge fan and will gush about the destination to anyone who will listen. But instead of simply gushing about why I am personally in love with the destination, I’m here to help you figure out if it’s the right fit for your travel style, so I’ll break it down using my signature travel style framework.
Why Travel to Costa Rica
Okay, I lied. I will do a little bit of gushing to first explain why anyone would want to travel to Costa Rica.
The People
Costa Rica is very accommodating to tourists, especially Americans due to the large number of American tourists and expats. The tourism industry does a great job making tourists feel safe and taken care of, and their enthusiasm with sharing their country with tourists is a memorable part of any vacation.
Accessibility
Especially for my fellow Texans and southerners, Costa Rica is super close. You don’t need a bunch of days to make the trip happen. My first trip was nine nights/ten days, and the second was five nights/six days. The proximity means airfare is also decently priced.
Tropical Paradise
Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise. Known for its rainforests, wildlife, and beaches, it’s also the poster child for ecotourism. The country works hard to ensure tourism blends with the environment, reducing the footprint rather than disrupting it. If you love immersing yourself in nature, seeing wildlife, or disconnecting for a bit, Costa Rica is for you.
Activities Galore
Your days in Costa Rica could include wildlife viewing (think birds, monkeys, and sloths), soft adventure activities like zip-lining or whitewater rafting, hiking to waterfalls, lounging on the beach or in hot springs, surfing, snorkeling, or even joining a yoga retreat. The food is incredible too, especially the fresh fruits and vegetables. And if you’re a coffee lover, you’re covered.
Vibes and Atmosphere
The official phrase of Costa Rica – “Pura Vida” – embodies the Costa Rican lifestyle, translating to “pure life” or “simple life.” It’s a greeting, a farewell, and a way of saying “don’t sweat it, no worries.” It perfectly sums up the laid-back vibe of Costa Rica.
Weather and Climate
You can absolutely expect rain on a trip to Costa Rica, but that’s part of the experience. To help you choose when to travel to Costa Rica, the destination has two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the rainy or “green” season (the rest of the year). The climate isn’t just beaches and rainforests; there are also mountains and valleys. The central part of the country features highlands and cloud forests, which can be surprisingly cool in the evenings.
Costa Rica and Your Travel Style
Everyone has a unique travel style, so not all countries are right for all people! If you want to do a deep dive into what makes up your travel style, make sure to check out the Learn Your Travel Style series on the Happy Women Travel More podcast (episodes 22-26).
My signature travel style framework centers around how you approach these four travel factors: planning, excursions, confidence, and comfort.
Let’s break it down.
Planning
Planning has to do with how you organize yourself. Do you like planning everything out in advance? Or do you go with the flow and just see what happens?
Costa Rica is laid-back, with the phrase “pura vida” encouraging a relaxed, no-stress vibe. While there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, the overall atmosphere invites you to take it easy and enjoy downtime in nature. It’s best to plan some popular excursions in advance to avoid missing out, but the vibe is perfect for those who enjoy a more laid-back pace.
Final Verdict: Elements of a Costa Rica adventure should be planned and booked in advance to avoid selling out, but a laid-back vibe should be embraced while you’re there. If you’re someone who wants every minute to be filled with activities and wants your trip to be super optimized, consider whether the laid-back vibe would annoy you.
Excursions
Next up: excursions, aka what you’re going to do on your vacation. This is the piece that helps you align your vacation with your interests and spend your vacation that will leave you feeling the most fulfilled.
Activities in Costa Rica are mostly nature-oriented, from wildlife viewing to soft adventure to more thrilling adventure sports. It’s also great for social travelers looking to make new friends or just hang out and relax at the pool, beach, or natural hot springs. Sightseers can enjoy nature’s landmarks, and introspective travelers can connect with themselves or friendly local interactions.
Final Verdict: Costa Rica is primarily a nature-based destination, so if you have no interest in doing outdoor activities or immersing yourself in nature, then there are better destinations for you. If you love active and adventure-filled vacations, Costa Rica is a dream. Likewise, if you are looking to do some relaxing or soul searching in nature, Costa Rica is a perfect match for that.
Confidence
The third piece is your confidence traveling in a foreign place. This piece considers the selection of travel providers for your trip that will allow you to show up and feel safe and confident, such as joining in on a pre-arranged tour that includes transportation, or choosing to rent a car and travel around independently.
Costa Rica is very accommodating to tourists, especially Americans. Most people in the tourism industry speak English, and US dollars are widely accepted. There is an abundance of tour operators with eager guides ready to take you on adventure if you want to join in with a group or lean on a private guide.
If you’re confident and comfortable traveling independently, renting a car and exploring on your own is totally doable as long as you’re aware of the potential for rough roads, depending on your route. If not, hiring a tour guide or driver can make the experience easier and more enjoyable.
Final verdict: A trip to Costa Rica can be a match for the traveler who wants to rely on travel providers or the confident and independent traveler who wants to go around on their own. Discretion should be given to when to transportation and tour selections depending on your confidence.
Comforts
Things like your lodging and the service you receive from travel providers on a vacation matters, too. While some travelers want more catered and luxury experiences, others don’t care about luxury.
There’s a wide range of lodging options in Costa Rica, from luxury all-inclusive resorts to eco-friendly jungle lodges. Understanding your comfort needs is key to choosing the right accommodation. Whether it’s air conditioning, WiFi, or a more intimate resort experience, you’ll find something that suits your preferences.
Final Verdict: Even luxury travelers who require top-notch amenities and services can find accommodation that fits their travel style in a lush natural setting. Travelers who prefer more quaint and authentic accommodations also have plenty of options.
Plan a Costa Rica Vacation
Remember, Costa Rica can offer a variety of experiences tailored to your travel style. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, or a bit of everything, Costa Rica has it all.
As a Costa Rica specialist, I can work with you to design a custom vacation that meets the unique travel styles in your family or group of friends. If you book my Ultimate Adventure service, I will be your right hand girl to plan and book every detail of your trip.
