How to find the best vacation deals in Costa Rica
It may be a small nation, but Costa Rica is a tourist paradise that attracts 1.5 million visitors each year and is surely worth seeking out vacation packages for. Adventure travelers, wildlife and marine life enthusiasts, honeymooners, and family groups flock to this tiny nation for their Costa Rica vacations. The rise in tourism has ensured that Costa Rica is no longer as affordable for budget travelers as it used to be. However, the savvy traveler should be able to overcome this hurdle.
Accommodation is one of the great expenses of travelers to any part of the world. However, when traveling in Costa Rica, it is possible to control hotel and resort costs by looking at vacation rental deals. Even a basic search online turns up numerous great results for vacation rentals in Costa Rica. There are cheap deals available. However, you may need to shop around a bit, rather than pick the first available deal.
Tips for Finding an Affordable Vacation in Costa Rica
1. Decide your vacation itinerary: Make a list of all the things you want to do and all the places you want to visit before you start looking for suitable vacation homes. Rentals may be readily available in some areas, not so much in others. Do you want to visit the cloud forests of Monteverde? Then look for rentals in Santa Elena, or perhaps in San Luis or San Gerardo. If your heart is set on visiting Arenal Volcano, look for places closer to the area to cut down on travel time. Beach lovers can try Tamarindo rentals. There are many other options for beach vacation rentals. Costa Rica is home to many beautiful beaches, such as Playa Dominical, Santa Teresa, and Manuel Antonio.
2. Review the descriptions of the houses for rent: Carefully read the descriptions of the available vacation rentals. Costa Rica has become a popular tourist destination over the years. As a result, many homeowners are looking to make a quick buck by advertising their properties as vacation homes. Rents may differ for different properties, but in case you find an unbelievably cheap deal, study the description. Do you lack basic services? Is this the first time this property is for rent? Do your research before finalizing any deal.
3. Find photos: Beachfront properties, villas near the jungle, or even places in the heart of San Jose can be beautifully showcased on travel websites. But in the absence of photographs, it may be a good idea to avoid a certain property. You wouldn’t want to fly away for your vacation and find an unsanitary, stuffy, and cramped home. Remember, photos can also be misleading. So make sure you read the fine print.
4. Ask about the available services: Rentals are not hard to find. However, finding a comfortable and affordable vacation rental home can be a difficult task. Before you start, think about all the amenities you need. Since these are not hotels or resorts, you can’t take even the basics like air conditioning and laundry for granted. Some Costa Rica vacation rentals may not have all the basic amenities. However, many will. If you’re hoping for a more enjoyable vacation, you can even find luxury vacation rentals at reasonable prices. Costa Rica is home to hundreds of high quality vacation villas. It may take you some time to find them.
5. Be flexible about your vacation schedule: The best vacation homes in Costa Rica tend to be booked months in advance. Eventually you will find other houses for rent that suit both your needs and your budget. However, if you’re looking for one of the more popular options, whether on the beaches or in busy San Jose, Costa Rica vacation rentals might require a more flexible schedule. It is a good idea to reserve three or four blocks of dates. Your preferred vacation home should be available for booking on at least one of those dates.
6. Contact owners directly: If you’re looking for deep discounts on your vacation home bills, look into vacation rentals by owner. Vacation rentals in Costa Rica could be cheaper if you contact and negotiate directly with the owner. You will get additional information about the property itself. A friendly and helpful owner is a blessing when it comes to vacation homes. Plus, you can get special travel tips from a local that can help make your stay in Costa Rica vacation rentals even more fun.