Gloom And Doom Getting You Down, Partner? Time To Begin Planning Your Costa Rica Vacation

Has the world got you down, Bucko? Are you feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? World passed you by? A Costa Rica vacation may be just what the doctor ordered. Consider:

1. Airfares have not been this reasonable in years. The world economic downturn has come to Costa Rica. Tourism in Costa Rica is off by at least fifteen percent this year, presenting terrific travel deals to an informed and frugal traveler. Want luxury at an affordable price? Budget-conscious people who travel Costa Rica can rent very nice Costa Rica hostels (some with private rooms) for about $12.00. If you are a bit more flush with cash, but still looking for a deal, the Hilton Papagayo Resort is offering rates as low as $160.00 a night. Seniors can get an extra discount. Travel Tip: always inquire about a cash discount because many accommodations offer substantial price reductions for cash. And, bear in mind that the very best rates are between May to mid-November and the premium prices are over the holidays.

2. With nearly 800 miles of coast visit one or more of hundreds of pristine Costa Rica beaches. Fish off of Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, who visited the southern Costa Rica Pacific coast a decade before sinking the Spanish Armada and saving England in 1588. You can even walk the same Caribbean beach where Columbus named Costa Rica 600 years ago. Black, brown, and white sand beaches, sea shell beaches, rugged rock-strewn beaches are everywhere.

3. All Costa Rica beaches are public so you can frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches as Mel Gibson, Britney Spears and other stars. Take romantic walks or just be lazy. Be sure to bring your surfboard because some of the best surfing on the planet is found here. Most beaches are completely free but if you prefer to visit a very popular national beach park called Manuel Antonio, there will be a small entry fee.

4. Consider becoming an ecotourist. Check out Ostional National Preserve on the popular Pacific Gold Coast, where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore in massive nestings, called "arribadas," perhaps the largest remaining on the planet. Arribadas take place year-round but the biggest (sometimes involving hundreds of thousands of turtles) typically are from July through November when the moon is in its last quarter. Or, head over to the Caribbean coast and discover Tortuguero National Park, the world's largest green sea turtle preserve.

5. Think Green. Imagine the Switzerland of Latin America with nearly as many different species of birds as in the entire continental U.S., more than 900. It is a peaceful democracy with more species of butterflies than Africa---the entire continent. 10% of the species of butterflies on earth live in a place comprising just 1/10,000 of the earth's surface.

6. Hike the tallest mountain in Central America. It is called Mt. Chirrippo and is one of Costa Rica's Seven Natural Wonders. Your hike will start at its tropical forest base and, if you have the stamina, end at its frigid summit. This is not a day-walk in the hills. Bring a backpack with warm clothes as you climb this beauty to a little night time shelter that looks over remnant glacial lakes carved from ancient glaciers. You will need a permit and reservation but the cost is very modest and when you reach the top you may be reminded of the mighty Andes.