Fishing Frenzy

For a number of years, tiny Costa Rica has been a favorite vacation destination for Americans, Canadians and, increasingly, Europeans. Merely as big as West Virginia, its many attractions are world-famous: more than 780 miles of uncrowded coastlines on two oceans; parks and reserves covering 25 percent of its land area; and an incredible diversity of plants and animals.

Volcanoes, great angling, some of the best surfing anywhere, whitewater river rafting or family rafting adventures, ziplining high up in the tropical forests, and, of course, Costa Rica's famous adult nightlife. What happens here stays here, unless you want to brag about your exploits in Twitter.

There is a Costa Rica vacation fitting everybody's budget. For those having the means , there are places like the Real Intercontinental Hotel, Papagayo Four Seasons Resort and Los Suenos Resorts. But, if these are out of reach, you can travel Costa Rica quite nicely on a smaller budget. Here is how.

1. Prudent tourists can save 20 percent on accommodations by traveling off season

a. If you are on a budget, avoid Peak Season. Christmas through New Years week (December 15-January 5) and Easter Week are Peak Season, not only for foreign visitors but for Costa Ricans, as well. Schools here close for summer vacation in December, many governmental agencies and businesses close, and tens of thousands of men, women and children flock to the most popular beaches. They will find the best deals. You will not. Expect to pay the highest prices, but still way less than in America or Europe.

b. After Christmas comes High Season which coincides with winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Many vacationers travel Costa Rica between January to the end of April because of the sunny tropical weather, a fact not lost on hotels and resorts. If you are a Snowbird, expect to be plucked a bit more during High Season, just like you would in sunny Florida.

c. The prudent bargain travel hunter will take pains to travel to Costa Rica during the Green (Low) Season because the very best travel and accommodation bargains occur then. Unfortunately, some travelers mistakenly take it for granted that it rains every day though, in fact, most days are sunny and warm. Typically showers last an hour or so and occur in the afternoon or early evening. Many college students and families from the northern countries visit between June and mid-August but prices are good and accommodations available in most places. For the very best travel (airplane) and accommodation prices come between September through mid-November. Savings of 20-35 percent off High Season prices are commonly found.

2. If you plan to rent a car, think ahead and save $25 a day

If you rent a car on the internet like so many others, you may be surprised to learn upon your arrival that the rental agency wants to charge an additional fee of $25 or more per day for liability insurance! Rule 1: If your automobile policy at home provides liability coverage, that insurance is good in Costa Rica. Recommendation: take a copy of the policy along with the fax and email of your insurance agent and save that money for your vacation. Rule 2: Many credit cards offer a little known benefit: liability insurance coverage for rentals when the card is used. Contact your credit card company before you travel for best results.

3. Pay with cash instead of credit and save another 5 percent or more

Many Costa Rica merchants prefer to be paid in dollars over credit cards and when asked for a cash discount will offer 5 percent or more. You need to ask :"Que (pronounced "K") es discuento por efectivo?" which means "What is the discount for cash?" Be sure the bills are new and not defaced with even a tiny tear. And, bring $20 and $50 bills. Many restaurants, merchants, and hostels cannot break a $100 bill.

4. Do not accidentally pay two tips in a restaurant and save 10 percent

You will learn that a lot of dining rooms, particularly those catering to foreign Costa Rica vacationers, automatically include a 10 percent tip (called "servicio") on a bill. They are required by law to advise patrons on the menu but few places do so and so are rewarded by unknowing foreigners who leave a second tip. If you pay attention to your bill, you might save yourself paying two tips. And, remember, when in doubt, ask if the tip is included on the bill.