Costa Rica is one of the most extraordinary destinations you can visit in Central America, with its dense rainforests, exotic wildlife, rich vegetation and exhilarating activities for thrill-seekers. With peak tourist season in Costa Rica quickly approaching, we thought it would be worthwhile to provide some useful tips for making the most of your travels in the breathtaking country.

Let yourself linger in the moment

There are so many beautiful sights to see in Costa Rica that you can’t possibly experience them all on your trip. In light of this, it’s important to let yourself relax and fully take in each special moment during your travels.

When we spend too much time worrying about rushing to the next destination, it makes it harder to have a truly stress-free vacation and becomes all too easy to miss out on the small moments that matter most. While zip-lining through the jungle can be unforgettable, simply watching the sunset from the beach can be just as memorable.

Carefully plan your budget

You may be surprised to learn that Costa Rica is actually one of the most expensive countries in Central America. With this in mind, it’s important to carefully plan your budget for everything from accommodation and transport to food and activities before hopping on the plane.

Will you be taxi-hopping or do you plan to use car rental in Costa Rica? How many activities do you plan on doing and how much luxury do you expect from your hotel? These are all things that should be contemplated before you arrive.

Safety first

While Costa Rica is a relatively safe place to travel, it’s always important to ensure that your adventure is as safe as possible. Here are a few key tips to remain safe and secure while having fun:

• Keep a watchful eye on your belongings and lock them in a safe at your hotel
• Avoid driving after dark
• Steer clear of rough waters
• Pack the right equipment for activities
• Bring a copy of your passport in case you lose it
• Ask your hotel for safety tips about the area

Pack accordingly

Chances are you won’t be able to find exactly what you need in Costa Rica if you didn’t think to pack it beforehand. Make a checklist that includes everything you might need on your vacation.

You’ll want to pack comfortable clothes, both for relaxing and more strenuous activity such as hiking. Also, be sure to bring all the toiletries you may need, as well as good sunscreen and bug repellant.

Conclusion: have fun

Perhaps the best piece of advice we can give is to have as much fun as possible. Make sure your itinerary is sufficiently full of national park sight-seeing, shopping the local areas, learning to surf, winding down in hot springs and more.

This may be your only chance to bask in the magnificent beauty of a country like Costa Rica, so you should use every opportunity you have to be doing something noteworthy. Finally, document your trip in a diary and with a camera so you can have wonderful memories to look back at once you’re back home.