Decide which dates work best with your work schedule at holiday time. Vacationers are often charged full rack rates for the peak travel time of the week between Christmas and New Year's. Take into account that specials might be offered by properties and tour companies for those who can travel the week before Christmas. The vacation can still encompass the Christmas holiday and draws in business for these companies prior to the peak week.
Set a budget for travel expenses. When determining the amount of funds needed for the vacation booking itself, keep in mind departure taxes and facility charges are often not included in the advertised package special.
Browse online visitor information websites such as Vacations Costa Rica to search through trip itineraries in order to become familiar with popular sites and locations that are frequented by visitors to Costa Rica. See which attractions require the most visiting time and use that information to plan a personalized itinerary. Search the Web for vacation deals available for those specific attractions to build that personalized itinerary.
Compare pricing for tour packages through an online travel website such as Expedia. Booking hotel accommodations in conjunction with flight tickets can net the traveler additional savings and online-only holiday specials are often available. If no preset itinerary seems to match your travel needs, research owner-offered condo listing sites such as Vacation Rentals by Owner for a rental house or condo. Book Christmas vacation accommodation dates at least six months in advance to ensure the best selection of available lodging types and savings.
Purchase the tour package or book the individual itinerary components of a personalized itinerary before restriction dates set in, if possible, to save money. Many individual attractions and tour companies offer the convenience of online booking with printable and e-mailed receipts for the vacationer's records. Telephone booking is also available through most travel website's customer service departments, with a telephone contact number available on the Web page.
Utilize the document checklist that accompanies the itinerary purchase receipt. Obtain all up-to-date entrance documentation necessary for traveling to Costa Rica so that traveling to the international destination proceeds smoothly. Travelers to Costa Rica are required to possess a round-trip plane ticket as well as a current passport, which should be valid for 30 days after the expected exit date.
Check that your traveler's health insurance covers international travel. Purchase travel health insurance if no coverage is available. Traveler's health insurance for international travel is conveniently available through tour companies and travel websites such as American Express Travel. Vaccinations should be up-to-date but no proof is required for entry to Costa Rica.
Keep identification papers with you at all times during your Christmas vacation in Costa Rica. Enjoy the holiday festivities while there and find out in advance which businesses will be open at Christmastime to avoid disappointment when you get there.
