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Costa Rica is a relatively expensive destination in Central America. But a trip to Costa Rica doesn’t have to break the bank. I’ve rounded up the best money-saving tips and strategies to have a Costa Rica budget vacation.
The Ultimate Costa Rica Travel Guide
To plan the rest of your Costa Rica trip, check out the best hotels in Costa Rica, how to plan a girls trip to Costa Rica, my suggested itineraries, and the top vacation homes in Costa Rica.
Here’s how to plan an incredible Costa Rica budget vacation!
Use Travel Reward Points
I always save my airline and hotel points for when I visit more expensive destinations. Using your points to pay for your Costa Rica flights and/or accommodation means you can lower your overall budget for the trip. Or, you can keep your original budget and spend more money on experiences, food, and other things you want to do.
The Ultimate Guide To Earning Points and Miles
If you’re not already using the best travel reward credit cards to earn free hotel stays and flights, you need to start today!
Book In Advance
Prices will only go up the closer you get to your trip. So booking your flights, accommodation, and tours in advance will save you some money. Making reservations early also ensures availability because tours and hotels can sell out during the peak travel months.
Visit in the Shoulder or Off-Seasons
Costa Rica’s High Season is from December to April, when prices are at their highest. May to August are the shoulder months with lower prices, and September to November has the lowest prices of the year. You run the risk of rain when traveling in the shoulder and off-season, but you can save some serious money by traveling during these months.
Buy food from a grocery store
Eating out can be expensive in Costa Rica. So for some of your meals, shop at a grocery store and have a picnic or cook back at your accommodation. This is one of the Best Ways To Save Money While Traveling!
Eat Out For Lunch
If you are going to eat out, eat out for lunch instead of dinner. Lunch menus (for food and drinks) are cheaper than dinner menus.
Head To The Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is significantly less expensive and less crowded than the Pacific coast. So to save money year-round (and avoid some of the crowds), head to one of Costa Rica’s tranquil Caribbean beach towns.
Drink Local
Imported beer, wine, and liquor are relatively expensive in Costa Rica. So opt for the local beer brands. For cheaper mixed drinks, order cocktails made with local rum.
Don’t Pay For Snorkeling
Don’t Pay For Snorkeling
Instead of paying for a snorkeling tour, research a beach with good off-shore snorkeling and then just rent snorkel gear. Many resorts also have complimentary snorkel gear that you can reserve for a day.
Use a Refillable Water Bottle
Use a Refillable Water Bottle
Tap water is drinkable in Costa Rica, so bring a reusable water bottle instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles. Ordering “house” water (tap water) can also save you money at restaurants.
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What are other ways you can plan a Costa Rica budget vacation? Share with us in the comments below!
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This article about how to plan a Costa Rica budget vacation is not a sponsored post. And, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post about how to plan a Costa Rica budget vacation are affiliate links. And, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
