Retirees or anyone living in Costa Rica can save money by taking a staycation
Posted by Adam Sax on Thu, Aug 09, 2012 @ 09:43 AM
Reposted By: Jesse Montgomery, Live In Costa Rica
You are probably asking , What is a staycation? A staycation is basically a vacation where you stay at home or close by and enjoy what the area you live in has to offer. For example: parks, restaurants, movies, shows, plays, museums, hikes, art exhibits and other interesting activities. Staycations are all the rage lately for one reason: They’re a lot cheaper than regular vacations. If you are a retiree on a limited budget, consider staying home and living like a tourist in your own city, town or nearby for a few days. This is much more affordable than spending thousands of dollars on airfare, hotels, car rentals, restaurants, entertainment and a whole lot more.
Costa Rica is a perfect place to take a staycation. Although the country is small it is jam-packed with many places to see and things to do. If you are a nature lover you’ll really have a ball. The country has countless beaches form which to choose. Towering volcanoes and mountains that you can visit and explore. Costa Rica’s rainforests teem with all sorts of exotic plants and animals. Birdwatchers have a field day here.
One word of caution about local travel. If you do have to spend the night away from home, some lodging is very expensive. However, if you have residency you can get a better price than the average tourist. It is best to check on line before you take a trip away from your home base so that you can get the best deal on lodging. By the way, residents also get a discount at national parks.
Costa Rica also has quaint towns and villages that you can explore. Each one seems to have a unique feature. For example, the town of Sarchí is famous for its wooden furniture and handicrafts. Monte Verde is surrounded by a tropical rainforest and is a nature lover’s paradise. La Fortuna is another town to visit. The nearby hot springs, Lake Arenal and town of Tilarán are also a “must.” All of these places are located only a few hours from the Central Valley by car or bus.
Retirees don’t even need to venture out of San José and vicinity to take a staycation. Everything they need to do can be found in the metropolitan area. Just look at the entertainment section of the Tico Times or La Nación newspapers to find a variety of activities and entertainment.