Costa Rica is a great place for a family vacation. We like it so much that we took 2 family surf trips there this year with our children ages, 10, 8 and 3. Check out the list below to learn a few things that I wish I had know the first time we visited.
You may want to consider spending the night near the airport on either the way into or the way out of the country if your final destination requires a long drive. Travel math doesn't always add up as planned if you get stuck on the runway or encounter a traffic jam on the way to your final destination.
Use the restroom before you go through customs. The bathrooms at baggage claim always have a very long line.
If you are coming from the USA, you don’t need to exchange money. Dollars are accepted everywhere. If you pay for your tours In cash you can avoid the 10% surcharge for cards. If you plan to do this, bring cash from home. It can be hard to withdraw large amounts from the local ATMs.
The roads can be bumpy and/or curvy. Take dramamine and pack a few plastic bags just in case someone feels carsick on the drive. Dramamine does come in a kids non drowsy tablet form.
Remember to bring plenty of cash to tip your drivers and tour guides. Recommended tip is 10-15%. If someone treats you well, consider tipping 20%. This goes a long way for the locals.
Remember that food service is slower than in the United States. Bring a few card games or drawing materials for the kids when you head out to eat. Also, double check your restaurant bill to see If any gratuity has already been added.
If you rent a house, be aware that It Is common to only have AC In the bedrooms. The rest of the house typically uses fans and open doors for breeze. You can check with your rental listing to confirm.
The sun is very strong in Costa Rica. Plan to put on sunscreen even if you are out walking around at 8 am. Our kids like the Blue Lizard stick for the face and the lotion for the body. Along the same lines, wear bug spray after dark, especially on your lower legs/feet.
Bring a head lamp or small flashlight. This is handy if you plan to walk down the beach to dinner, and also if you encounter a power outage. If a power outage does happen, its usually not for long.
If you are taking a transport to a rental house, ask the driver to stop at a grocery store on the way and get a few snacks and drinks to get you through night one. Remember to pick up bottled water, as its not a great idea to drink from the tap.
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