What I learned from my trip to Costa Rica
My big lesson here was about accommodation: I thought I would save money by booking an Airbnb, but that choice ended up costing me precious time. Ultimately, when my Airbnb wasn't up to par, I was stuck inside looking for safer, cleaner accommodations when I really wanted to spend my time enjoying natural beauty from Costa Rica. In the future, I'll book a hotel instead: even if it costs more, it will be worth it to avoid the hassle and inconsistency of Airbnb.
During my trip, when I wasn't dealing with Airbnb issues, I really enjoyed the unplanned things that cost little or nothing: walking around town, observing sloths and other wildlife, chatting with locals and traders, wake up to see a rainbow. to the Arenal Volcano and end the trip with an impromptu salsa lesson. I learned that it's definitely worth leaving unplanned time for these moments, which ultimately reaffirmed for me that travel doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful. I certainly lacked time and money, but I was open to adventure. And it paid off in a priceless way.
How to Save Money in Costa Rica
Food costs add up quickly, so when traveling to Costa Rica, I recommend choosing hotels that include a free, hearty breakfast to fuel you up for the start of the day. When dining out, look for small, local restaurants called sodas, where you'll usually find home-cooked food, reasonably priced, and large portions.
Rental cars can be expensive, so if you're traveling alone, opting for shared shuttles and group tours can save you money (and take the stress out of driving, so you can sit back and enjoy the view!). Peak season in Costa Rica runs from November to April, when the Pacific coast in particular is populated with sun-seekers and vacationers. So consider traveling during the “green season” from May to November, when more regular rains arrive in much of the country and prices drop slightly.
