Las Vegas, Where Luck Shines on the Fortunate Few

At one time Las Vegas was little more than a tiny town in the desert, then came the boom time of the big casinos and the reputation of being a fun place to visit began to grow.  Today, many of those original big casinos that once boasted performers such as Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, have been torn down and in their place stand entertainment complexes that are part hotel, and part theme park. 

Today the Las Vegas strip is a strange place by day; an imposing array of awkward looking high storey hotels on either side of the road.  But as the ugly ducking transformed into a swan, these buildings transform into a magical land of colored lights and fancy special effects once darkness falls.  Each of the main hotels has it’s own signature and often these are programmed to run at set times every night, so check with your hotel concierge if they have a list of the times – or visit the websites for each hotel prior to starting your vacation.

As the best time to see the strip is after dark, keep the daylight for taking part in the various other activities such as shopping, museums (such as Liberace’s), and even taking a peek in one of the famous wedding chapels, but make sure you save most of your energy for once the sun goes down and Vegas really comes to life.

Gambling at Vegas is almost mandatory – not by the establishments, but by human nature!  To make sure you get home in one piece, set a limit to how much you can afford to lose in any one night, and don’t go over that amount.  Pace your budget by taking in a dinner show at one of the hotels – check the local listings to see who’s appearing where during your vacation, then ask your hotel reception if they can get you tickets.

Las Vegas is more than just casinos, but if you enjoy bright lights, cabaret and the sound of poker chips being restacked, then there’s no better place to spend your vacation.

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The Street of Stars- Hollywood Boulevard

Anyone visiting California who is even remotely interested in movies and celebrities can’t fail include a visit to Hollywood Boulevard on their itinerary of holiday activities.  But the reality of what Hollywood Boulevard falls quite a long way short of most people’s expectations.  The main problem is that when people think about this famous location, they immediately associate it with the glamour of the celebrities whose stars adorn the footpath.  They don’t associate the area with the movie industry work place where make up, costumes and scenery take shape.  That’s not to say that you won’t bump into a celebrity on the Boulevard, it’s just that if they are in their “street” clothes as opposed to their celebrity uniform that adorns magazine covers, you might not recognize them!

Over the years Hollywood Boulevard has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, but more recently the area has started to be transformed once again so that there are now a number of things for tourists to do.  One of the more fun things is a look around Fredericks of Hollywood’s Lingerie Museum.   Here you’ll find an exhibition of undergarments that have been worn throughout the ages, as well as some more modern examples that have been worn by some of Hollywood’s familiar faces.  For those who are interested in television sets, a tour around the Hollywood Entertainment Museum will reveal familiar sets from shows such as the X-files, and Cheers.   If you go to Hollywood Boulevard for the purpose of having your photo taken next to your favorite actor’s “star”, then you will probably find it saves you quite a bit of time if you buy a map which tells you where each celebrity “star” is located.

There is still a touch of old style glamour on Hollywood Boulevard however.  No trip to this area would be complete without a visit to the Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards.  You’ll need to get there early to make sure you get a ticket to go inside, but once you’re in, it won’t matter what you thought of the Boulevard itself – the charm of the theatre is everything a movie lover could hope to find, and more!
http://travelexcitingplaces.blogspot.com/ 

Summer Vacation Destinations for Couples

Each year, millions of families take a summer vacation together. Vacationing with your family is nice; however, there are times when you and your partner may just need to be alone. If you are interested in scheduling a romantic getaway with your spouse, you have a number of different options to choose form.

When selecting a romantic summer vacation destination, you will need to consider what romance means to you. For many individuals, there are certain activities, settings, or events that may ruin the mood. To find the perfect romantic getaway destination, you are encouraged to examine what you need and want to get out of your trip.

If you are looking for a romantic vacation that offers a beautiful tropical climate, you are encouraged to examine Barbados. Barbados is an island located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is an eastern Caribbean island. Barbados is well-known for its amazing coastal vacations. These coastal vacations are ideal for romantic summer vacations. In addition to its beautiful coast, Barbados has a collection of unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Tahiti is often referred to as “the most beautiful island in the world.” Located in the Pacific Ocean, just below the Equator, Tahiti offers romantic summer vacation getaways like no other. The environment in Tahiti is almost always warm, inviting, and romantic. With a large number of romantic resorts, restaurants, and themed activities just for couples, you are sure to enjoy a romantic getaway in Tahiti.

The Pocono Mountains, located in Pennsylvania, is another popular summer vacation destination for couples looking to escape their daily activities. Pocono resorts are most often known for their wintertime activities; however, the resorts are open all year long. While the temperature may not be tropical, Pocono resorts are ideal for those looking for privacy.

Similar to the, above mentioned, Pocono resorts, Paris, France is not considered a tropical destination. Despite Paris’s weather variations, it is often considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. Once you arrive in Paris, you will see that romance is in the air. In addition to hotels with a romantic theme, you will find a number of amazing tourist attractions. The Eiffel Tower is a place where many couples reconnect and reaffirm their love for each other.

Tahiti, the Pocono’s, Paris, and Barbados are just a few of the many popular summer vacation destinations that are designed for lovers. In addition to visiting a specific destination, you can schedule a romantic cruise. A large number of popular cruise lines offer cruise ships that are designed specifically for couples. Aboard a cruise ship you are likely to find a number of exciting, relaxing, and romantic activities.

In addition to on board activities, cruise ships often dock in a number of ports. A cruise ship with a romantic theme is likely to select ports with romantic settings. Depending on the cruise ship in question, you are often allowed a few hours or a whole day to explore the port. For many couples, this exploration often feels like a whole separate experience.

The above mentioned locations are popular summer vacation destinations for couples. If these locations are out of your reach, do not worry. There are thousands, if not millions, of other summer vacation destinations for you to choose from

Popular Destinations for Summer Vacation Camping

Each year, a large number of individuals make the decision to take a summer vacation. Summer vacations are decided on for a number of different reasons. Their main purpose is to experience excitement, fun, and something new. If you love the outdoors, you could choose a summer vacation destination that allows you to relax in your element.

When it comes to outdoor summer vacation destinations, most individuals make the decision to go camping. Camping is a fun, outdoor activity that many people enjoy. Unfortunately, when it comes to summer vacation ideas, there are many individuals who feel that camping does not qualify. This is simply not true. If you are interested in spending your summer vacation camping outdoors, you may be wondering what types of vacation destinations are available to you.

In the Untied States, camping is not as popular as it used to be. Despite the decline in popularity, a large number of individuals and families still enjoy camping. To tailor to those individuals, a large number of public campgrounds have been developed. If you are searching for a popular vacation destination, you are encouraged to examine public campgrounds.

When examining public campgrounds, you are likely to find that there are a number of campgrounds in or around the area that you live. This is because there are a large number of campgrounds in the United States. If you wish, you can make reservations with a local campground. For added excitement and a change of scenery, you may want to consider making reservations at a campground in another city or state.

Before deciding on a particular campground, it is important to examine the layout of the grounds. Unfortunately, a large number of public campgrounds have close corridors. This means that you and your family could be a few feet away from other campers. If you wish to experience camping, but privately, you may want to consider selecting a state park as your vacation destination.

Selecting a state park to vacation at is a fairly easy decision. The only problem with doing so is the number of choices that you will have. A number of states have at least twenty or more state parks. If you are interested in choosing a state park, you are encouraged to consider the amount of distance you are willing to travel. Since state parks are located all around the United States, you may be able to find a local state park. If traveling is not a problem, it may be a nice getaway to visit another area of the country.

Whether you choose to select a vacation destination at a state park or a public campground, you are encouraged to keep the onsite activities in mind. Without a large number of activities, you could find that camping can easily become boring. You are encouraged to look for campgrounds or state parks that offer boating, swimming, hiking, biking, outdoor sports, and other outdoor activities. Most state parks and campgrounds will have a number of these activities, but it is still advised that you verify so ahead of time.

To learn more about the activities available at a particular campground or state park, you can individually search a number of these destinations. As previously mentioned, in the United States, there are a large number of states that have public campgrounds and state parks that allow camping. Popular camping destinations include Upstate New York, California, Oregon, Texas, and North Carolina.

In addition to being able to research a particular campground or state park online, you may be able to make online reservations. During the summer months, camping becomes fairly popular. To ensure that you are able to select the perfect campground site, you are encouraged to make your reservations well in advance.

If you’d rather be camping in the outdoors then why spend your summer vacation elsewhere? With a large number of summer vacation destinations available for campers, you are sure to enjoy your summer camping experience.
For more camping information: http://bit.ly/tentcamping

San Diego Wild Animal Park

Aside from the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Wild
Animal Park is the best place in San Diego to see
animals. Over the spread of 1,800 acres, the animal
park gives animals the room they need to roam and
play. The animals here play just like they do in
the wild, which almost makes you feel as if you
are in their native of Africa and Asia.

Throughout the 30 year history of the animal park,
the Noah's Ark symbol of endangered species has grown
to dozens upon dozens of animals. Now, every Arabian
Oryx found in the wild is the descendant stock from the
San Diego Wild Animal Park.

In the park, there are many different paths you can
take to visit the smaller animal exhibits. Although
the smaller animals are a sight to see, the main
thing to see is the hour long trip on the Bush Line
Railway. Along the railway, you'll see animals that
you'd never get the chance of seeing anywhere else,
such as the white rhino and the rhinoceros.

If you plan to visit the park in the summer, it's
always a good idea to visit early. On a normal summer
day, ten - fifteen thousand people will visit the
park. During the winter, the ratio is down as
normally 2,000 people will visit. Although it's much
colder in the winter, the park is less frequent with
people looking to see the animals the park offers.

You can find the animal park 32 miles north of
Escondido in San Diego. The park is in a peaceful
area, which makes things a lot better for the animals
that live there.

When visiting in the summer, it's a great idea to walk
a while, then take the railway. After you have took
the railway a bit, you can walk some more. It's also
good to take plenty of sunscreen with you as well, as
summer at the park can get very hot. Water is great
as well, simply because the summer in California can
be a bit of a scorcher.

The San Diego Wild Animal Park is ran by the San Diego
Zoological Society. The society also runs the San
Diego Zoo, which is one of the most popular animal
parks in the entire world. With the park and the zoo,
the society does more than its part to bring the
best of seeing the animals to you.

The next time you are in San Diego or if you are
visiting for the first time, the Wild Animal Park is
a great place to visit. You can check out some truly
endangered species and learn more about the types of
animals that you'll see in this once in a lifetime
opportunity.

San Diego: Ocean Beach

Located in the Ocean Beach Community, Ocean Beach is
actually just south of the entrance to the Mission
Bay channel. Located at 1950 Abbott Street, the beach
is a very popular location in the summer. During the
winter months, couples like to walk the beach and
just bask in the presence.

The Ocean Beach is wide in structure, about a mile
long. Along the north end of the beach, you'll find
a volleyball court. During the summer, the court is
always teeming with people playing volleyball while
the sand around it is teeming with people watching.

At the south end of the beach you'll find the Ocean
Beach Municipal Pier. The Pier is open to the public
with plenty of walking and fishing available. Located
on the pier is a bait and tackle shop along with a
restaurant. Although you don't need a fishing license
to fish off the dock, catch regulations are enforced.

If you walk to the south end of the beach you'll find
many restaurants, surfing shops, and many other commercial
shops and establishments. Although you can travel to
the north end of Ocean Beach, it's mostly bordered by
residents of the ocean area.

The unique part of Ocean Beach is the Dog Beach, located
at the north end. This sandy area is where dogs can
run and play without a leash - anytime - day or night.
Although dog owners are responsible for their dogs and
the clean up of them, Dog Beach is actually pretty
nifty for anyone who owns dogs.

For your protection along the beach, lifeguards are
out each and every day, year round. They are generally
on duty from 9 AM until dark although you can check with
them for their specific hours of operation. They are
there for your protection and very willing to answer
any question that you may have.

Keep in mind while on the beach, California beaches do
experience powerful rip currents. It's because of these
currents that beaches in California experience over
1,000 rescues by lifeguards every year. To be on the
safe side while in San Diego at Ocean Beach, it's
always a good idea to swim near a lifeguard.

For those who like surfing, surfing is permitted at
Ocean Beach in designated areas. Scuba isn't recommended
however, because of the lack of undersea life, heavy
rip currents, and the surf.

For swimming or enjoying the California lifestyle, Ocean
Beach is a great place to go. It is a very popular
place in the summer, drawing hundreds of thousands of
people. If you long for a taste of the California
lifestyle, make sure you visit Ocean Beach in San
Diego.

Bannack Days, Montana

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Bannack Days, Montana

San Diego: Harbor Bay Tour

As vast as the San Diego harbor is, a simple walk
around it doesn't do it justice!  To partake in the
beauty that is San Diego Harbor, you need to take a
tour of the bay.  San Diego Harbor Excursion can
help you do that, as they are the most established
tour company throughout the bay.

As a guest, they will treat you with as one of them,
helping to bring your cruise to life.  There are
a few parts to the tour, ensuring that you get the
most out of your time on the cruise. 

Tour of the North Bay
On your tour of the North Bay, you'll see the North
Island Naval Air Station, Shelter Islands, and even
the Naval Sub Base.  If you look closely, you'll
also be able see the Cabrillo National Monument as
well.

The tour of the North Bay is around 12 miles in length
and lasts about an hour.  This is a fine tour for
anyone interested in the Navy as well.  During your
tour the guides will explain everything to you as
you see it.  This way, you'll always know what's going
on.

Tour of the South Bay
Your tour of the South Bay consists of the Star of
India, the Naval surface fleet, Coronado Bay Bridge,
and the shipyards.  This is a very busy and hectic
area, which makes a tour excellent to see everything
that this area has to offer.

The tour of South Bay is roughly 12 miles in length
and also lasts around an hour.  The guides will explain
things here to you as well, ensuring that you know
exactly what you are seeing.

Tour of the Bay
Those of you who are looking to see it all should go
for the deluxe tour of the entire bay.  You'll see
everything covered in the North and South Bay, along
with everything else the bay has to offer.  The tour
is around 25 miles in length and lasts around 2 hours.

To get started on your tour, all you need to do is
contact the Harbor Excursion.  The price for the tour
is very reasonable, considering everything you'll be
seeing. 

If you happen to live in San Diego, taking the tour is
easier than ever.  Those of you who are visiting or on
vacation should give the tour a shot as well.  This way
you'll get to experience everything that San Diego Bay
has to offer you without having to walk around.  And
best of all - tour guides will explain the sights to
you - so you'll never miss a second.

San Diego, California: Things to Experience

Visiting San Diego for the first time can be quite overwhelming,
especially when you consider that there are so many things you
can do.  Deciding where to go and what to do can be quite time
consuming, which is where we can help.  Below, you'll find the 8
best spots in San Diego - things you simply must experience.

1.  Hitting the beach.
    No matter what season you visit, the beach is one area that
personifies the entire San Diego lifestyle. Whether your watching
the tide come in or soaking in the sun, the beach is where the
action is.  From Mission Beach to the Belmont Park roller coaster -
make sure you hit the beaches here.

2.  Trying a fish taco.
    Although it may sound a bit weird, the fish taco is one
of the best foods in San Diego.  Deep fried, battered fish encased
in a corn tortilla is one of the foods that once you try it the
first time - you'll crave anytime you come back! 

3.  Going to Mexico.
    It's no secret that San Diego borders Mexico, with Tijuana
being a metropolis in its own right.  Visting Tijuana or Baja Mexico
is perfectly safe day or night, no matter what you have heard.  Keep
in mind that they have their own laws, bring your passport, then
enjoy everything that this foreign paradise will provide you with.

4.  Take a ride on the trolley.
    San Diego doesn't have the best public transit system, yet
they do have the well known trolley.  The highways here can be quite
intimidating, making the trolley the ideal way to travel.  If you
want to learn more about the city, simply buy an all day trolley
pass - you'll see more of San Diego this way than you ever thought
possible.

5.  Visiting the Pandas.
    While Sea World and Lego-land has their share of animals, the
San Diego zoo is no stranger to Pandas.  The zoo is a tourist attraction,
with the baby Su Lin, which is quite a feast for the eyes.  When you
visit the San Diego Zoo, visit in the morning - when the pandas are
most active.

6.  Balboa Park.
    After you check out the pandas, take a trip to the jewel of
the city - Balboa Park.  The atmosphere is breathtaking here, no matter
when you visit.  If you visit on Tuesdays however; you'll find that
most museums have free admission.  After you visit a while, dine at the
Prado Restaurant and experience great food in a great setting.

7.  Gas lamp and the nightlife.
    The Gas-lamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is the place to be
for dancing, eating, or just people watching.  You can experience the
best of life in San Diego here, with food to fit every taste.

8.  The Old Town.
    While historical San Diego isn't always apparent, a visit to the
Old Town State Historic Park can bring back the past.  There are snippets
of Old San Diego found everywhere you look here.  Although there are many
fine restaurants here, make sure you visit the Old Town Mexican Cafe, as
it serves the best Mexican food around San Diego.

Costa Rica: Where To Go

When you are planning your vacation it is good to know a little about the area so you can choose what suits your fancy. The locals refer to themselves as Ticos and they are warm and welcoming wherever you visit in Costa Rica.

My friend and I plan to visit all areas of Costa Rica but you may have to consider what to put in your itinerary if you have only 7 days. The following is a list of the various regions and what they might offer in the way of entertainment. Pick and choose whatever combination you like.

 San Jose Most museums and art galleries in Costa Rica are found in San Jose. The central part of San Jose is noisy and crowed as the capital of any city will be. The airport is located outside of San Jose and you may come into Costa Rica via San Jose anyway, why not check it out while you are visiting.  I have been told that you step of the curb carefully in Europe or get run over. Pedestrians do not have the right of way in San Jose either so watch yourself when you cross the street.

The Northwest Arenal and Monteverde are located in the Northwest. Arenal is the Volcano located in this area and it is a game of wait-and-see to get the opportunity to view the cone of the volcano spew hot lava. Arenal is one of the only active volcanoes in the world that can be safely viewed by tourists without the threat of bodily harm. I have lived in the Pacific Northwest, also in the shadow of Mount Rainier so volcanoes don't bother me.

The road to Monteverde runs from the small town of Santa Elena to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve with hotels, nightclubs and restaurants. This area is usually very dense with tourists. Originally settled by Quakers this area now has a thriving eclectic artist community. Quakers are also reported to be great cheese makers in this area. I just love cheese and Quakers are cool too so I gotta plan to visit the cheese farm.

Although this is one of the busiest this region offers many day trips and interesting things to do. Nicoya Peninsula While the Costa Rican government would certainly welcome the revenue from more tourists, for the moment the beaches of Nicoya remain somewhat of a secret. Beaches are still relatively deserted. If golf is your thing the course at Playa Conchal is renowned.

This would be the vacation for you if you have water sports in mind. There is snorkeling, swimming, diving, surfing, fishing, and even kayaking. The drive from Carrillo to Mal País by 4-wheel drive is simply amazing. This area is also surfer heaven. Horseback riding is also offered by most of the hotels. Quepos & the Central Pacific This area is known for beaches and water sports. There is an abundance of quiet beaches to choose from while you do see surfers frequently the beaches are not crowded and it is easy to relax. Along their Pacific Coast Highway there is a vast array of lodging anywhere from the seedy to the luxurious and in between. This area is a wonderland for any beach lover with diving, fishing, golf, and horseback riding, kayaking and even surfing.

I want to try the Titi Canopy tours. A canopy tour is like a ski lift going from tree to tree like the monkeys. If you are afraid of heights this is not for you! Osa Peninsula & Golfo Dulce This area is much more remote, however there are several luxury hotels.

Drake Bay has whale-watching tours and you can often spot dolphins playing around your boat. Corcovado National Park offers tours that are teaming with wildlife to see and take photos of. In Golfo Dulce the are 2 botanical gardens, Casa Orquideas Botanical Garden and Wilson Botanical Garden. South Caribbean Miles of banana plantations can be found here.

Some believe these to be the most beautiful beaches in the country, although it is much more humid. The culture here is more Caribbean in it's inhabitants. The usual water sports can be found here.

Costa Rica: Vacationing

When you're seeking an exotic spot to vacation or honeymoon Costa Rica is a beautiful country located in Central America nestled between Nicaragua and Panama and is just a few square miles smaller than West Virginia. According to reports done on this country you can find the beauty and tranquility in one small little place with a huge appreciation for life and the pursuit of relaxation. Covering just less than 0.1% of the Earth's land mass and is home to 5% of the world's biodiversity.

There are 26 national parks and protected areas spread out across the country. Costa Rica offers a lot of great ocean views since it's got the Pacific Ocean to the West and the Caribbean Sea to the East so those who want to catch a wave can stay in hotels along the Pacific Ocean side and those who want that tranquil island breeze can stay on the Caribbean Sea side.

There's so much you can do while on a Costa Rican vacation and the activities are endless where you can do like looking at the rare wildlife like macaws, leatherback turtles, morpho butterflies, and the central American squirrel monkey. They offer tours of the rainforests there and even jungle safaris. You can also get an opportunity to see migrating whales, various dolphin species, sea turtles, and manatees when they migrate through the area at specific times of the year.

There are 3 volcanoes in the country and you can view one of them that's currently active and that's the Arenal, which is located in the northern part of the country, the other two are just to the midpoint and southern end of the country. Many people also love to go soak in the hot springs near the volcano. Much of the most lush and beautiful plant life is near the volcanoes because of the ashes it gives off actually works as a fertilizer since the lava had burned away old plants giving new growth nutrient rich soil to grow from.

Many people come from far and wide to spend a few days basking in the sun and taking in some of the culture and language since Costa Rica's national language is Spanish. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April which is the period of the dry season and May through November when they go through the rainy season. Usually it's best to visit when the weather isn't very hot and humid since Central America is only mere miles from the equator, which borders the northern end of South America.

  Tourists should be aware of all natural disasters and who they tour the country with because if you don't know the area or language you're stuck and many Americans have gone missing in foreign lands because they go off with people they don't know very well so to make your trip a memorable experience to do your homework thoroughly before you plan a trip to Costa Rica so you know all the important details of how long you're staying and where you'll be staying at in terms of hotels or resorts.

Costa Rica: Traveling Safely

Costa Rica is a country that has had a comfortable democracy for quite some time.  Even though her neighbors have been torn apart with political strife, Costa Rica has remained peaceful and with little or no political upheaval.  It seems to have created a genuinely happy group of people.  However, human nature being what it is, there is some amount of crime that does exist.

The usual warnings apply.  Stay out of any red light districts there may be and always travel with groups in well-lit areas.  Keep your money in a hidden pocket somewhere in your clothing but do not carry a wallet.  It is advised that you keep a credit card or travelers checks.  Both are insured and when you are on vacation if you are mugged you can get them replaced. 

Don't leave your drinks unattended and don't make change or flash your cash.  It's not difficult just handle your transactions discreetly.  Stifle the need to wear expensive jewelry it's overdone in this environment anyway.  It has been suggested that visitors keep photocopies of their return plane ticket and their passport.  Keep an extra stash of cash in your hotel room just in case of an emergency.

If you drive your rented car out of a gas station, grocery store, your hotel, or just about anywhere and it ends up with a flat tire.  Don't let the inevitable Good Samaritan help you that comes right along as soon as you have broke down.  In the past there have been tourists that allowed this nice guy that just happened along, to help them change the tire while he has you distracted his buddies sneak into the other side of the car and steal you belongings.

The roads are usually paved and easy to travel but occasionally you have to go down some rough dirt road.  If you are unsure of the roads don't drive them.  As a matter of fact, it just isn't good sense to rent a car.  The cost of gas is terrible and you have to stress out about figuring out where you are going.  It would be smart to set aside a bus/taxi fare when you plan your trip.

If someone spills food on you move quickly away from them as they try to help you.  Wiping ketchup off of you is a way to grab you and pick your pockets.  This is an old ploy that is used all too often in many ports of call, not just Costa Rica.  Many people come to Costa Rica looking for photo opportunities.  Shutterbugs just love their equipment and it is a big tragedy when their cameras get stolen.  Get vacation or travelers insurance for your camera and equipment. 

If you do get equipment stolen or your wallet stolen, call 911 and follow through with getting a police report.  You will need a copy of the police report in order for your camera to be replaced.  Chances are that you will never have to use any of this advice, but it never hurts to be safe.

Costa Rica: Time line Of A Typical Tour

The average tourist spends anywhere between 7 to 10 days, but many tour companies are offering full 10-14 day tours. One Costa Ric-an-based company called Costa Rica Tours t offers tourists an 11 day tour where you're doing different things for the entire 11 days and it's very well planned out because you're seeing a lot of the country on their itinerary.

The first night is usually when you're getting settled into your hotel and then day 2 is when you start off by visiting a coffee plantation since coffee is one of the products produced out of Costa Rica that is also a mainstay in their economic background. Day 3 you're visiting a village in Cartago to where the tour guide gives you some background information about a young girl witnessing an apparition (she testifies bearing witness on seeing the Virgin Mary) and then the tour continues on to another town where you spend the night at a plantation overlooking Lake Angostura.

Day 4 Your journey takes you to the small village of Tucurrique for a short cooking lesson from the natives in making tortillas and other authentic Costa Rican cuisines. Day 5 is a hiking adventure in learning about the Costa Rican indigenous people called the Kekoldi and you get a tour by a Kekoldi leader and you will spend a night at a hotel that's just steps from the Caribbean Sea. Day 6 is a leisure day spent swimming, hiking, and even seeing wildlife on the Gandoca Wildlife reserve near the hotel.

Day 7 you'll board a flight from Limon to Guanacaste to where you get to tour some of the most spacious ranches and beaches and spend a night at 4 star hotel near the town of Tamarindo. You're on your own after the days' activities which many people take it upon themselves to go sightseeing or soaking up rays and taking in other tours before continuing with their main tour group.

Day 8 is going on a tour of the artisian village of Guaitil where you can try your hand at some authentic pottery making with the Chorotega Indians who's centuries old tradition of pottery making is still the mainstay of this particular group of Indians. After you spend a good deal of time making a few pots and learning about pottery, tourists are encouraged to go check out the little gift and pottery shops in the town of Guatil. Day 9 takes you on a tour of Santa Rosa National Park which is home to the dry rain forest and a historical landmark for two important battle conflicts.

The tour makes a stop in the town of Liberia-the center of Costa Rica's agricultural region to the northwest part of the country and later staying a night at a Las Espuelas a working cattle ranch. Day 10 You will return to San Jose to spend overnight at a luxury hotel in the downtown part of the city. Day 11 The tour wraps up with tours of the Gold Museum, National or Jade museum-this depends on the itinerary that's planned at the time a tourist arranges a trip through Costa Rican Tours.

Costa Rica: Scuba Diving And Snorkeling Trips

Many people who are experienced divers and snorkelers pick Costa Rica as one of the prime locations for scuba diving and snorkeling because of the beautiful crystal blue ocean waters. Costa Rica's environment makes it premier in the idea of snorkeling and diving in some of the best waters in the world.

Not only do tour companies do regular tours, weddings, but also they do have special tours for those who wish to spend a week diving at various beaches around the country. Many people who are new to diving are strongly advised to undergo training and certification prior to their travel plans because it can get expensive if you come and get certified by an instructor down there and certification standards are different in the United States and Caribbean.

It's easier to do that so you can be prepared and have yourself together. It's ideal to be an experienced diver when you visit places like Costa Rica so you can travel with your own equipment since airlines usually allow divers to travel with their tanks and gear depending on who permits it since it's considered extra weight on flights.

They have packages for how long some people wish to go diving and usually the average times people go on diving trips are about 10-14 days. Divers depending on the tour company you go with will allow you to customize your trip and usually if you're traveling in a group, it's a lot cheaper and you get more for your money when you book as a group. Rates for snorkeling go by how much you're charged per day to rent a boat to go out on the water.

The rates are also priced by the season meaning it can cost more if you're going out during the high tourist season and it's cheaper when you're going on the low tourist season. Usually peak travel seasons are when it's the most expensive to travel to Costa Rica. It's cheaper to visit on the off-season because you can get a good rate for travel with airfare and hotel since rates go down in the off-season. That's why it's ideal to plan your trips in advance so when you come across a good deal you can book it ahead of time to get the rate that you want.

Google can pull up countless websites for travel agencies that offer diving travel packages so people can customize their vacation packages for their specific need and budgets since not everyone wants elaborate, but want to go low key and inexpensive. Everyone wants to have a good time, but you want to also save some money in the process of it all.

Planning the ultimate diving excursion with friends and family who are into diving can be a lot of fun and having quality time with loved ones and friends is what makes a vacation worth every penny spent. Researching your vacation options early ensures that you get what you're paying for in advance.

Costa Rica: Romantic Getaway

For those who are married or dating and are looking for a nice romantic getaway Costa Rica has vacation packages for those who want an intimate getaway for two. Costa Rican Tours Inc. offers romantic getaways for 11 days/10 nights and the itinerary consists of mostly remote hiking, rafting and overnight stays at upscale resorts and hotels with a spa session to relax and pamper you.

Packages such as this usually aren't that expensive since one price can cover two people and these are perfect for the couples who want a romantic getaway for Sweetest Day or Valentine's Day where it's breaking with tradition of the 'Hallmark Holiday'-greeting card overkill, chocolate, and flowers. The website Resortflamingobeach.com does this package deal called 'baby-moon' which is a special package designed for parents who want that special getaway kind of like second honeymoon for parents.

The cheapest time to go on a getaway is during the summer when the rates are cheaper since it's more expensive to go in the fall when rates go up.

Some romantic getaway packages can be tailored to include spa sessions for a nominal fee and even some horseback riding on the beach and strolls along the beach during a sunset or even a sunrise for those who are early birds.

Some hotels and resorts have the all-inclusive option which means you pay one price for all you can eat meals, snacks and drinks which is actually a great value for couples on set budgets and they can get more for their money which is good for those who want to have a good vacation for a good price and value. It's important to plan your trip so that you're not going to overspend and going over budget. Romantic getaways are just the kind of rest and relaxation many couples need to reconnect and bond with each other in a loving and caring way.

Many couples find it exhilarating to wake up to smelling fresh air and looking out on the beach when they sit out on the terrace of their hotel room having breakfast or that first cup of coffee in the morning like many people have when they get up in the morning to start their day. Looking onto the ocean is a nice feeling first thing in the morning you're waking up to the birds chirping and the crashing of the waves and the smell of the ocean air and not waking up to the rustle and bustle of urban city life.

This is a change of pace for couples who spend so much time on a job or some occupation that often leaves them stressed and worn out and a romantic getaway to someplace tropic can be an adjustment to one's attitude when they're stressed and burned out from all the things that everyday life brings them. Once you come away from one of these getaways you'll be a normal person who got some rest and relaxation away from the insanity that everyday life brings to people.

Renting Villas in Costa Rica

Instead of renting a high priced hotel room, you can go and rent yourself a villa for $1500 a week which is cheap. Comparing to a hotel room costing that much, and with a villa you can get more like a eat in kitchen and actual bedrooms not just a single room. You can rent out up to 6 bedrooms if you have a group of 12 of more.

Costa Rican vacation rentals provide some upscale properties you can rent by the week and is in perfect view of the oceanfront. The homes are privately owned so you don't have to worry about waking up to dealing with hundreds of other hotel and resort guests. You can wake up in a normal home environment exactly how many people are used to on a daily basis. It's feeling like you're at home. Costa Rican vacation rentals also offer amenities like tours around the area, car rentals, social activities, recommending local restaurants and taverns, and more. The management team that is on-site is committed to assisting you through your stay.

All the homes come fully furnished complete with a full kitchen, DVD-CD stereo, satellite television, private pool with waterfall, and central air conditioning. Dishes and beds are maintained with maid service the company provides during your stay. This is what some people call a great vacation because having a house over a hotel room or resort, is actually much more peaceful than to just deal with annoying hotel guests.

And you can wake up and have a cup of coffee without the hustle and bustle of a hotel having to wake up at once to make it to breakfast. Basically you can shower and relax as you were at your own home. Renting a house is actually much better if you're planning to bring family and friends, so it's a lot more relaxed and stress free and nobody dealing with having their rooms all screwed up where as everyone has a room and is comfortable.

The nice thing is that honeymooners would appreciate renting a house because it's much more private than a hotel or resort and it's putting the romance back into the environment. When you have your own space and not having to deal with anyone outside of the confinements of your villa. What's even more convenient is that all the properties in the area are within 20 minutes of the Liberia International Airport, when you depart to fly home which is nice because the staff will ensure that you get to the airport to catch your flight home. Too many places where some people are just too far away and have to leave super early just to make it in time for check in, and have enough time to get to the gate so they can get their boarding passes.

At least this place you can relax and get to the airport on time and still make your flight on time. According to the website people who loved staying there left comments about coming back which says a lot for the company's reputation.

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Costa Rica: Fishing Vacations

Those of you out there who love to fish will enjoy the vacation packages that are set up for people to get a 5-day vacation and 2-day rental of a boat with all meals and equipment included. The hard-core fisherman will be in paradise when they're out there fishing in some of the cleanest waters in the world. And some of the best fish like tuna, which is the most popular of fish to be caught.

Costa Rican laws are restrictive to the types of fish caught and ones they stipulate are asked to be released back into the waters since they have to maintain some conservation of specific non-edible fish to keep the population stable and to lower the pollution that excessive gaming and fishing brings to the waters of Costa Rica. The fish are of better quality than you would find in the United States since the waters aren't as clean and well kept as the waters down in Costa Rica are.

You can sit out on the boat with all your meals and drinks included in the price you paid to rent the boat with a crew, but you get your money's worth when you get out on the boat starting at 8:30am and return at 4:30pm and for the price you get to spend the whole day out on the boat and for about a grand and a half. You can get plenty of time on a boat to relax with breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks for the whole day.

For the price many pay for an entire day out on the ocean fishing, in absolute tranquility is probably the best grand well spent. You get your choice of heavy and light fishing gear and tackle so it's easy for the amateur and experienced fisherman to partake in their favorite pastime.

It's pretty expensive in the states to even rent a boat for fishing, but to know that in Costa Rica it's one price and you get all your meals except dinner. This is what many avid fishers enjoy about their experience fishing and having a positive experience out on the ocean. Some of the other package options also include ground transportation so you get all your rides to and from the boat and from the hotel to the airport.

Which means you won't have to fork out money for a taxi when you need to get to the airport, when you are leaving to go home after spending a week relaxing on the ocean with friends and family if you bring them to have fun fishing on the ocean and chilling out in a peaceful place where relaxation is the key for a trip to Costa Rica. Costa Ricans take relaxation and their love of fishing seriously, because fishing is also a part of their livelihood and culture. The ocean symbolizes tranquility and peace since much of the environment is very tropic and exotic which fits like a glove on many of the people who visit the country looking to kick back for a few days and enjoy a full vacation of fishing and forgetting about the stress in their lives.

Costa Rica: Vacation Packages

Most of the tour companies and even the major airlines have packages tourists can look through brochures and pick out a tour package that fits their budget since many run someone back around $1500-2000 for the average 5 to 7 day tours and a little more if you're doing the full 10-14 day tours.

You can Google up Costa Rican vacations and you'll pull up countless tour companies that offer everything from student to specialized tours for people with disabilities. There's a package for everyone and the budgets they wish to spend since some people want to keep it simple and some want it to be elaborate. Most of the tours usually feature tours of ancient ruins of Costa Rican indigenous people.

Always go for tour companies that are experienced and know everything from A to Z about Costa Rica. Inexperienced tour companies are not up to par with issues that many tourists ask questions about such as the full cost of an actual tour and any other information pertinent to you booking or otherwise.

You want to get the most out of your money when booking a vacation package and make sure that what is stated in the literature matches what you see because those who book with companies that don't have a good reputation should be aware and it's ideal to check them out through consumer protection websites to see if they're accused of pricing unfairly or misrepresenting something in their literature about the tour(s) they're advertising. Many companies even allow tourists to design their own packages by giving them a choice of different things to mix and match and come up with a price that's satisfactory to the customer's budget needs.

A good solid package if someone's on a limited budget between $490-900 for 3-5 days, or if someone's wanting an elaborate type of tour package of 10-15 days could spring up $3500-5000 depending on what the tourist puts in their package which determines the cost of the trip in total.

Most packages include your airfare, meals, and hotel costs, and all gratuities (tips), but some of them don't include airfare or meals or hotel costs so it's important to research this before you put a down payment on the trip. It's cheaper to do packages because if you had to cover the cost of airfare, meals, and hotel stay separately you would be looking a lot of money.

This is why packages are important to tourists, so they can get more out of their money and not have to spend more than they are wanting to do just to have a vacation that's relaxing and fun. Investigate all travel companies and agents through word of mouth if you know anyone who's used them for a vacation tour package and the major airlines have a travel bureau.

That you can look at since many travelers who use the same airline can rely on their carriers information, but the only downside is that they don't provide extra details such as issues with personal and public security, and knowing how to convert currency. Travelers are advised to consult with the Costa Rican consulate for any information surrounding security and conversion of currency so you're getting the right and correct information.

Costa Ricans: Their Attitude Towards Outsiders

Costa Ricans And Their Attitude Towards Outsiders

The average Costa Rican is usually laid back and friendly and Americans are treated with respect and shown hospitality and are almost well liked. Aside from the current social standards of today, Costa Rica has soured relations with the United States in terms of some it's social policies. Such as the Tradado de Libre Comercio which is a trading agreement that stipulates, that the United States only trades with specific places.

Yet Costa Ricans consider the United States a friend and ally and acknowledges the contributions made by Americans, through various things and tourism is what makes up the bulk of their gross national product is the number of Americans who visit Costa Rica annually and contribute to the country's economic growth. Costa Ricans also have their opinions of certain cultures mainly American and European cultures, where some people are not ideal about using deodorant or conducting some kind of hygiene will be looked down on by native Costa Ricans. And that's why Americans should visit with a clean and fresh appearance since they are pretty hardnosed about those who don't partake in bathing or washing.

Most of the time Costa Ricans actually are some of the most well-rounded, friendly people around. They love those who share the same values as they do which makes them really good to get along with. Usually, most Costa Ricans are pretty open to anyone no matter what color you are which makes them a versatile kind of people to associate yourself with. Much of their structural system has been tailored more and more like Americans and Europeans since they live identically, but yet the country is more known for its scenic beauty and the friendly people. According to reports written ever since the advancement of technology it's become a symbol of the people in Costa Rica since their attitude is more like they want to be up there with the rest of the world who own cell phones and other devices and partaking in the same things and virtually becoming a melting pot in a lot of ways with the ethnicities that are making up the bulk of the country's population.

Most of the time many different ethnic groups have pretty much harmonized together and racism isn't really a huge issue in Costa Rica. Versus some areas of the world that aren't really accepting of other ethnic groups outside of their own social and racial circles. It's always wise for potential tourists to do a lot of reading on the culture and the people before visiting. So that you can do a comparison to what you read to what you were exposed to, so that it gives you some idea of how Costa Ricans are towards those outside of their inner circle.

Tour companies usually tell you that the people are very open to non Costa Ricans and others and because everything is identical to American southern hospitality, you'll be right at home since tradition and family values are the most important things to a native Costa Rican.

Costa Rica: Environmental Tours

For some of you who are supporters of the environment there's a tour just for you that you can book through some travel agencies who offer environmental tours for those who are looking to enhance their experience with an educated filled itinerary of places that are protected and are in danger due to urban sprawl and pollution. College and graduate students who are studying the environment and are looking for an educated vacation will certainly find themselves on a group tour of like-minded people who are concerned with the environment. Science tours, eco-tours, and eco-tourism is now becoming a more prominent thing among the supporters of the environmental community and those who have visited Costa Ric-an waters know they are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Many who value and appreciate the environment come down to take part in boating expeditions and visiting wildlife reserves to go on safaris and getting an educated filled week on things they usually wouldn't learn in a science class.

Many travel agents today do have student tours which are done at certain times of the year so it's inexpensive to go and you can either fly or take a boat out on the ocean for a week to catch a few rays and to just chill out with others like you who came to learn about the environment for a week. It's a matter of doing your research to find the best group deals around. Usually most excursions like this are about 5-7 days long and you leave from one place and you begin the tour and then conclude back where your starting point is at.

Costa Rica offers a lot of breathtaking views of wildlife and if you like to dive to go look at fish that can be added to a tour for a nominal fee per person. Those who like to dive will have some really breath taking photos if they have an underwater camera. The pictures can be used for research on how the waters and the fish of the world look like and can provide a visual record of how beautiful Costa Rican waters really are from down below.

Very few people get a chance to dive down and look at some of the most unique fish around and to take back pictures to show people how clean and clear the water really is. Tours such as this are usually beneficial for those who are studying ecology and the environment to get a general feel of their field of study in the form of a vacation while learning about the world at the same time. Tours like these are ideal to take during the summer months because usually it's a lot less hectic since not all college students are able to afford the $2500+ price tag for 7-15 days.

It's ideal to go with an experienced travel company because when you're dealing with college students it's necessary to give them solid information on security and where and where not to hang out in town and to stick together as a group. Student tours like this are good for those who are getting their degrees in Environmental studies, Ecology, Biology, and any other science that studies animals and plants since some colleges and universities will give credit to students when they take excursions like this as a part of their coursework.

Costa Rica: Tourism

The tourism in Costa Rica is identical to what you see if you toured the Bahamas or the Cayman Islands. The activities tourists took part in ranged from rafting to scuba diving and snorkeling. The things people did were things done out of relaxation and exposure to a new culture and a new way of life that many aren't used to seeing. Costa Rica isn't as ritzy as Mexico and the West Indies, yet in terms of those who enjoyed a secluded romantic getaway would find it in Costa Rica because of the endless resorts this small nation offered on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides.

Since surfing is one of the most popular sports and many who like to catch a wave in the pristine waters of Costa Rica will find their paradise on the endless stretch of beaches. Some who want to experience a tropical romantic environment will find it in some of the private resorts that offer people the chance to swim in their natural hot springs. Many tropical places are known for their beautiful sunrises and sunsets on the beach or balcony of your hotel or resort.

Some other activities for those who are the outdoorsy types would value hiking in the lush rainforests around the area and even doing some of the hiking by canopy, which is riding across a single area by wire cable. There are tours fit for all kinds of tastes some people like to go and visit small villages and learn about pottery and cooking where some would like to take in the shopping and nightlife of the city. Costa Rica is full of life and fun when you want to experience a whole new life in this Central American country.

Most people come because of the beauty of the countryside that's what people are drawn to because color and atmosphere brings out the tranquility of a single country. Some people will even spend months in Costa Rica since you're allowed to spend up to 90 days in the country on a visitor's visa so those who love the tranquility and beauty so much can go down and rent a home and spend the next 90 days in opulent luxury and returning to the states in a blissful state of relaxation and looking someone fresh from a spa treatment.

If you can afford to rent the house and all the amenities you can have what many celebrities spend good money on which is a complete and total rejuvenation of the mind, body, and spirit. Change of scenery is what makes people function and live better when they're taken out of the hustle, bustle, and everyday stress in life and allowed to recharge and rejuvenate their battery. So they're able to think and function clearly when they return to their everyday life. This is why a vacation to a tropical paradise is recommended for those in high stress jobs.

And Costa Rica is among the most chosen of places for those to surround themselves with fresh clean air and colorful plants, flowers and breathtaking wildlife to stimulate the senses and refresh the soul.

Costa Rica: Destination Weddings

If anything's more fun it's a destination wedding and many couples that want to experience a real tropical paradise can arrange for their wedding to take place in Costa Rica. Some of the more experienced tour companies have special rates for wedding/vacation packages for couples that want to have a destination wedding and vacation for their wedding party and incorporating a honeymoon at the same time. Some packages are cheaper when booked at the group rate so it's cheaper for members of your wedding party, friends, family, and other guests to be able to travel at a cheap rate.

Costa Rica has some really scenic tropical beaches and hotels and resorts that are priced right for someone's budget whether it's big or small. The idea of having a destination wedding is kind of for those who like to get away from the ordinary church/hotel weddings and being able to enjoy a different kind of scenery where the sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking and enjoying a peaceful kind of setting that really makes getting married worthwhile.

There are many tour companies that offer wedding/honeymoon/vacation packages Costa Rican Tours Inc. that is based in Costa Rica offers wedding packages for at least $500-1000 since in most cases all you have to do is handle the legalities and paperwork to get married in Costa Rica. The U.S. Embassy or Costa Rican consulate will have the required paperwork needed to marry in a foreign land.

Usually, the only thing that you have to provide is that you are single or divorced (You must provide a copy of your divorce or annulment decree) will prove your marriage was legally dissolved in a court of law in the United States. The cost you pay can go to cover the flowers, food, and entertainment since many hotels provide this for one price to make it less expensive since it's not cheap to fly to Costa Rica at certain times of the year since airfares can be super high during the high peak travel season and not everyone can travel for a destination wedding especially if your guests have to take off from school and work to attend.

Most who are getting married in destination weddings usually don't have a lot of people attending because not everyone can afford to jet off to some exotic location for 5 days and usually many who do this are usually eloping because of the fact that not everyone can come to the wedding.

Usually many couples who do destination weddings don't regret it because it was a positive experience with less of a hassle dealing with ungrateful relatives and friends and just being with the person they love and not having to worry about the expense many couples face after a wedding for at least 2-5 years depending on how long it takes for them to pay down their debt from the wedding. Usually destination weddings are inexpensive, but it's the airfare and hotels people who go to them worry about since they're not cheap to book.

Costa Ric-an Culture And The Diversity

Costa Ric-ans are actually a close knit people who are home bound until they get married or leave home for college. Many events like baptisms and weddings are prominent among native Costa Ric-ans because this is where they have the largest turnout of family and friends. Traditions are also gender based and many tourists learn about that when they visit the country. What makes Costa Rica different from other countries is their practice of a lukewarm approach to Catholicism that combines a strange ritual of parties and religious celebrations during the time mostly Catholic and Indian traditions.

Tourists would be lucky to catch natives engaged in rituals common to them. Most of the things that natives do that tourists are lucky to catch are mostly religious based since Costa Ric-ans are Catholic and it's all church or family based when they celebrate special occasions. Even the most non-traditional tourist will get the feeling they're right at home when they visit Costa Rica since much of the lifestyle there is all based on generous hospitality.

This is kind of like the American south where hospitality is the way of life and tourists who visit get the feeling like they're at home with nice people. That's the feeling tourists get when they're at home with Costa Ric-ans who make you feel like you're one of them. The traditions of family, and religion go hand in hand with many different kinds of people and the diversity of the cultures that partake in the spirit of family and religion. Music is also a huge thing in Costa Ric-an culture and most of it is based on ancient Mayan influence and a mix of Afro/Cuban/Caribbean bringing the east and west together to make what they call tambito and punto. Costa Ric-ans also pioneered their answer to the funk music movement of the 1970s identical to what the American genre that was popular among teens and young adults.

The food is a mix of Mexican, Spanish, Caribbean, and Southern American influences so many Americans who come to visit Costa Rica feel as if they're right at home since the culture is so diverse in ethnicity even though the national language is Spanish so anyone who visits who's pretty fluent in Spanish will be able to communicate and fit in with the people even as a visitor.

The food many tourists are encouraged to try is 'Gallo Pinto'-Spanish for 'Spotted Rooster', but there's no chicken in this dish. That consists of black beans and rice seasoned with cilantro, onions, garlic, salt, and a locally made condiment 'Salsa Lizano', and this dish is typically a traditional meal eaten for breakfast with eggs, meat and sour cream.

Another traditional Costa Ric-an cuisine is 'Arroz  con pollo' (rice and chicken), the dish has bite sized chicken chunks mixed with rice and diced vegetables of carrots, peas, corn and garbanzo beans (known in America as chick peas).  Which is typically made as a weekend meal is called 'Olla de Carne' which is a soup made up by boiling water, meat usually chicken, and whole to large pieces of vegetables and seasoned with spices.

Making this dish is time consuming since the bulk of the meal consists of preparing the vegetables. Experiencing a multitude of flavors in Costa Ric-an cooking will make a tourist leave there with the flavor of home on their mind

Costa Rica: Cruises

Some people want to take the slow boat to China deal by doing a cruise to Costa Rica leaving out of Ft. Lauder-dale, Florida with stops in Costa Maya, Limon, and Colon, Costa Rica and you can spend 8 days on a Carnival Cruise down to Costa Rica and experiencing port of calls along the way. This is a lot more exciting than being cramped on a flight when you can spend all the time relaxing and having a good time before you get to the ports of call, which is on days 3,5 and 6. Each stop is approximately one day long and there's only one stop in Costa Rica that is on day 5 of the trip.

You can just sit back and look out on to the ocean and take in the next breath of air so clean you forgot you're not in the city. Par t of the fun about a cruise is the nighttime sky when you can walk out on to the deck and look at the clearest sky around. Most tourists enjoy that where they can go walking around the deck at night and the cost doesn't come cheap you're looking at about $3-5 grand for a week and a half or longer that's why tourists need to plan their trip well to make sure you can get the most of out of it financially.

Carnival cruises is one of the lines that does have stops in Costa Rica as their port of call and usually there's a trip through the Panama Canal, but it's just straight down south winding your way through the Caribbean islands and stopping in some places, but you spend more time out on the water than you do stopping on land. Sailing instead of flying just buys you more time to relax comfortably instead of being squashed up inside a plane for a few hours when you can spend a few days chilling out on the deck and enjoying a drink while taking in some rays. There are a lot of cruise ship websites out there that can tell you when you should book your trip since like the airlines prices change quickly in a matter of a day.

So it's ideal to get email notices about the fares so you can book them quickly. Doing your homework can ensure you get the best fare possible for your money since it's not exactly cheap to go on a ship. The average person spends a couple years saving up for a cruise and booking when the price is not so high since like flying cruises are costly at certain times of the year.

Booking a year early is your best bet in getting the dates you want so you're not paying full fare when the reduced rate is offered to you in advance to give you a chance to book your cabin. Cabins are booked by level and are priced differently. The most expensive would be towards the front.

Costa Rica: Conventions and Conferences

Large companies and corporations sponsor destination business meetings and Costa Rica is one of prominent spots to have a conference and conventions. Exotic locations combine business and vacation at the same time and give a fresh look to business. When you want to bring some relaxation to your company and employees having it in an exotic locale like Costa Rica it's offering employees a chance to kick back and relax and take advantage of getting in some quality time to go fishing, swimming, horseback riding, golf, tennis, or taking in getting a body massage and spa treatments.

Some companies host their annual company trips to exotic locations for a chance of scenery and environment and to give people a chance to get in some vacation time without actually taking off and holding business meetings and conventions. Most resorts have special packages for companies to book a specific number of rooms and have arrangements for all budgets and to have someone on hand to help with the arrangements of the convention or conference.

This actually is a great way for employees to get out of the office and yet do something fun and not feel stressed. Most companies who do something to take the employees out of the office tend to have less stressed out workers because a change of scenery is usually good for someone not to feel burned out. Getting in some sun, hiking, horseback riding, diving, fishing, tennis, snorkeling, swimming, soaking in the hot tub, and taking in a full body massage and spa treatment is key in lowering someone's stress level because it's a way for someone to relax and cool out.

Some social organizations plan their annual trips to exotic locations as a way to change the scenery too and to give their people a chance to relax and do something fun instead of the same stuff. Flamingo Beach Resort has a staff that handles groups and events and can help plan out the stay exactly specified to your instructions and meeting your budget restrictions.

You can go on their website and request information for catering and planning your group event to Costa Rica and the resort can hold meeting space for up to 190 people which is ideal for people planning moderate sized events. The catering menu can serve everything from elegant to international cuisine and casual poolside.

This is what you call an awesome business meeting you get to spend it in a foreign country and getting in your vacation without exactly taking off since you're actually working at the same time. You can even have the planning staff plan mixers, welcome receptions, and themed ice breakers to get employees to interact with each other if some of them work in different departments and aren't around others from the same office. Group discounts are given if 10 or more rooms are booked. An event like this will make one feel rejuvenated and refreshed after a week in a luxury hotel and being in a peaceful environment.

Costa Rica Tourist Traps

Costa Rica has a great tourist industry.  They are welcoming and friendly and in most cases they are honest and genuine.  But human nature being what it is, sometimes we end up getting less than we bargained for.  The following are just a few tips on what to look out for before you pay out of pocket.

In most cities these days, when the local cops aren't busy they park in a discreet spot and scrutinize drivers to see if they can catch them in an infraction.  One person I read about got stopped for speeding and the cops told him that it was an expensive ticket.  The cop told them that for $100 he would look the other way.  Later he was told that he could have settled the ticket at any Bank of Costa Rica. 

This is a great example of why you should take the bus and taxi whenever possible.  You may think you are free with your own vehicle but you won't be very free if you are stuck in a hole on a dirt road in a foreign country.  Just figure into your budget, taxi and bus fare.   Always hide extra cab fare on you somewhere just in case of emergency. 

Another trap is that using travel agent doesn't always pay off.  You could end up paying as much as $50 a night more on your lodging because of the travel agent's cut.  Go ahead and book your own rooms and make payment arrangements.  Also try to find out the distance from your hotel to your destination.  Why pay a cab to drive half a mile when you can walk it, unless it's raining of course. 

This next thing isn't necessarily a tourist trap but you should know about this ahead of time.  In the Monteverde Cloud Forest there are the attractions of the Sky Bridge and Canopy tours.  A sky bridge is a bridge made over the tops of the trees.  Canopy Tours are like ski lifts, the canopied car moving on a cable from tree to tree.  The idea being, that you are able to see a great variety of wildlife from this vantage point.  I hope you don't have vertigo. 

You are walking off into a bridge into the trees and the clouds, or your are taking the Canopy ride through the clouds but your purpose in doing this is to be able to see the wonderful wildlife.  You will see nothing unless the clouds clear.  It does cost you money to get across the bridge and to ride the Canopies but why pay the money if you can't see anything.  Better to wait until you have a clear day.

The next one is really important.  Look before you sit when using the restroom in remote locations.  One lady said that someone had stolen the toilet seat and she had no place to sit.  To make matters worse there was no toilet paper.  So my advice to you is to always go to the restroom in a store or restaurant if you have the chance before going into on tours and always, always take some toilet paper