Traveling solo in Costa Rica is a great way to see the country at your own pace.You can see the sights in the volcano region, watch wildlife in Manuel Antonio, or relax on the beaches of the southern region.You will be more likely to try new things when you are on your own.Costa Rica is ranked the safest country in Central America and the Caribbean.Getting a passport, planning your itinerary, and packing are some of the things you have to do before you leave.You will be ready to explore Costa Rica, meet new people, and enjoy your trip.You might want to keep your memories in a journal or a book.
Step 1: You need to apply for a passport.
This process may be different in your home country.You will need a suitable photograph, evidence of your citizenship, a valid photo ID, completed application, and payment for the passport.You must be visible in the photo that is required for your passport.It's not a good idea to smile in this photo.Passport photo services are offered at most drug stores.A regular US passport book costs $110 plus an execution fee of $25 and is valid for all international travel.It is best to get your passport as soon as possible as it can take some time for it to be processed and issued.Standard processing can take up to 6 weeks.Expedited processing can take up to 3 weeks.
Step 2: Get a medical checkup.
It's a good idea to see a doctor if you have a preventable bug on your trip.Make sure that your inoculations are current.You might want to get a flu shot.Traveling in Costa Rica will allow you to be in close proximity to others.It increases your chance of being exposed to the flu.Get a shot for hepatitis A.This infectious disease can be easily caught through contaminated food or water, regardless of where you are staying or the quality of lodgings/restaurants.Get a shot for a disease.typhoid can be caught through contaminated food and water, so it's recommended for most international travelers.
Step 3: Take a look at some Spanish.
Many Costa Ricans who are involved with tourist activities and who live in tourist friendly areas can communicate in English.When Spanish is spoken, it is helpful to review some simple Spanish so you are not completely lost.Pick up a Spanish phrase book at your local library, or purchase one from a bookstore or online.The books are written for travelers and non-fluent speakers.
Step 4: A general itinerary is something to plan.
You can do whatever you want on your own.Having a general idea of what you want to do will help prevent you from feeling lost when you arrive.An itinerary will give you peace of mind and will help you budget for your trip.Travel guides are a great way to find out what to do before you arrive.Popular sights, resorts, hotel listings, and other attractions can be found here.
Step 5: Make a budget for your trip.
Depending on your plans, you can make ends meet in Costa Rica.Your daily budget can be as low as $25 to $35 if you buy from and visit local establishments.A budget of between 45 and $50 would be comfortable.A single night's lodging in a typical hostel costs $10 to $18.If you prefer a private room or hotel, you can expect to pay between 25 and 40.
Step 6: Pack the necessities.
You also need to pack your prescription medicines and supplemental items, like a power transformer.If your devices have a 3-prong cord, you will need a conversion.Bring comfortable, durable footwear for daily activities, and a pair of something slightly more comfortable (like flip-flops) for relaxing.If you have a weak stomach or are uneasy flying, you may want to bring travelers' diarrhea antibiotic and altitude sickness medication with you.It's a good idea to bring spare medical supplies, like glasses, contact lens, and a medical alert bracelet or necklace, just in case.Costa Rica has an average temperature of 70 to 81F (21.2 to 27.2C), but it can be rainy at times and quite cool in the highlands.Light layers and rain gear are necessary to cover your bases.
Step 7: Your home currency can be converted to CRC.
Costa Rican coln is the country's national currency.It can be expensive to change currency at the airport or hotel.You can save money by exchanging your home currency with a bank.It is best to shop around when using a moneychanger.Favorable exchange rates and service fees are what these businesses make their money off of.Moneychangers may be more economical than others.Don't use your card to make purchases abroad.It can take days before the charge is removed if an error is made.It is common for thieves and fraudsters to target debit cards.
Step 8: You can explore the environment.
You can do whatever you want when you are traveling alone.This can be overwhelming at first, but let your interests lead you.You might want to change your travel itinerary to make time for something that catches your attention, like a local festival, natural feature, or museum exhibit.If you want to make the most out of your day at the beach, you can either pay for individual surf lessons or attend a weekend surf camp.National parks and wildlife tours are a great way to learn about the flora and fauna of the country.These places are great for pictures.
Step 9: Public transportation can be used.
Local public transit is less expensive than tourist buses and has multi-lingual staff.Buses can get you to most places without a hitch.Renting a car will allow you to visit sites that are off the beaten path.If you can't find an automatic transmission, you might want to practice driving stick shift before you leave.
Step 10: Get out of your comfort zone.
Unless you want a photo album full of selfies, you will have to reach out to strangers to have pictures taken of you.To prevent the theft of your phone or camera, you may want to purchase a cheap digital camera or a disposable camera to give to strangers.Locals and travelers should be reached out to at eating establishments, cafes, and bars.You may be surprised at how often you meet a new friend.
Step 11: Friends can be made through group activities.
There are a lot of opportunities to get to know your fellow travelers on guided tours.It is possible to use this tactic when visiting famous sites, such as the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the Poas Volcano.If you're a solo traveler, you may be able to find a traveler group online or on the internet.
Step 12: You can use your alone time to relax.
It is likely that there will be times when you are all by yourself.Use this time to relax.When you have time, bring a book or a digital book reader.You could bring a handheld game, like a Gameboy DS or PSP, so you can spend time playing it and setting new high scores.You should bring a notebook and some pens.It can be inspiring to be completely out of the ordinary.You never know when you will want to make a sketch or jot down a thought.
Step 13: In less affluent areas, keep your wits about you.
It is not always true that people without money are more likely to steal.If you find yourself in a less affluent, rundown, or dangerous part of town, don't stop walking.You should act like you are calm and know where you're going.You can either call for a taxi to pick you up or ask for help in a public place.
Step 14: It's a good idea to avoid suspicious food and water.
Some visitors to Costa Rica will not have a problem drinking water from the tap or eating street food.You could catch any of the diseases from any source.It's likely that tap water, street side food vendors, and less sanitary restaurants are culprits.You should only drink water that has been boiled first.General antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor before you leave to help fight gastrointestinal distress.
Step 15: Stay hydrated
It is easy to become dehydrated while you are enjoying yourself and making new friends.The activities on top of the high temperature can lead to heat exhaustion.You should keep a bottle of water or a thermos on your person at all times.You'll have water when you're thirsty.
Step 16: Write something on the internet.
In your travel adventures, you can involve your friends and family in the process, both those you see daily and those who live far away.If you have a travel laptop or tablet, you can use it to record your experiences.After you return, you might want to record a few significant things at the end of every evening or the beginning of each morning, then complete and post the information on your website.If you are not comfortable traveling with technology abroad, you can use a notebook to write down notes and then use them later in your post.
Step 17: A journal is a good way to keep track of your travels.
A pen and paper journal is a good way to record your travels.You will be able to tape physical items into your journal that you might want to use in the future for a scrapbook or to make a souvenir of your trip.You do not need anything fancy for your journal.In case one stops working or gets lost, bring a couple of extra pens.
Step 18: You can make a book.
If you have collected souvenirs, newspaper, informational pamphlet, programs, tickets, and similar items over the course of your trip, this is a great idea.These can be used to make a visually appealing record of your trip to Costa Rica.A coffee table book could be made from this.Friends and family can see your journeys when they have free time.