Costa Rica w/4 children -- is it doable?
Dec 29th, 2006, 07:17 PM
#22
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I can't thank you all enough for all of the information. It is wonderful to hear everyone's opinion!
I think yes, we might be a little tentative. Part of it is getting a little out of our comfort zone in going to a different country, where they speak a different language, wondering how we'd get help if we needed it... I'm hoping to find an area that's not too touristy, but has lots of adventure and some different kinds of things to see (I don't mind the AI or the villas, but would like much more adventure than Florida).
Right now, I'm willing to try any place with adventure, so long as we don't get eaten by any animals (isn't that funny that thought did cross my mind), and we have a place w/running water - oh, (smile) where we can wash clothes 1/2 way through our trip. And staying away from the crime-ridden areas would be nice. But as long as someone can convince me that we can do it...I'm game. That's why it's so great hearing from all of you!
People coming up to you trying to sell you things really bugs me if it gets too much... I've heard of some places where they follow you everywhere you go. One time when I was a little girl, we drove into Mexico for a day, and the people literally hung all over our station wagon as we drove into the country. I remembered how it scared me, but I just think they were trying to sell something. I've also experienced having a billfold stolen in Nice, France while someone was asking for "un franc." They worked in pairs. I was in college back then... Anyway, for some reason, having hoards of people come up to me to sell something makes me nervous. I hope it's not like that in South America. However, we would like to stop by an orphanage and bring toys. And I don't mind an occasional person stopping by to sell something so long as you don't feel pressured if you bought something already 3 hours ago.
We are thinking about South America b/c we want something different than Florida, etc. I'm tired of the same ol', same ol' and I am hoping that Costa Rica has something different to offer. We are tired of the crowds, and tired of restaurants holding your car keys while you wait an hour to be seated in a restaraunt. We are looking for something different than what Florida or Sandals can offer. We still don't mind the AI's, but would like to venture out...
I think yes, we might be a little tentative. Part of it is getting a little out of our comfort zone in going to a different country, where they speak a different language, wondering how we'd get help if we needed it... I'm hoping to find an area that's not too touristy, but has lots of adventure and some different kinds of things to see (I don't mind the AI or the villas, but would like much more adventure than Florida).
Right now, I'm willing to try any place with adventure, so long as we don't get eaten by any animals (isn't that funny that thought did cross my mind), and we have a place w/running water - oh, (smile) where we can wash clothes 1/2 way through our trip. And staying away from the crime-ridden areas would be nice. But as long as someone can convince me that we can do it...I'm game. That's why it's so great hearing from all of you!
People coming up to you trying to sell you things really bugs me if it gets too much... I've heard of some places where they follow you everywhere you go. One time when I was a little girl, we drove into Mexico for a day, and the people literally hung all over our station wagon as we drove into the country. I remembered how it scared me, but I just think they were trying to sell something. I've also experienced having a billfold stolen in Nice, France while someone was asking for "un franc." They worked in pairs. I was in college back then... Anyway, for some reason, having hoards of people come up to me to sell something makes me nervous. I hope it's not like that in South America. However, we would like to stop by an orphanage and bring toys. And I don't mind an occasional person stopping by to sell something so long as you don't feel pressured if you bought something already 3 hours ago.
We are thinking about South America b/c we want something different than Florida, etc. I'm tired of the same ol', same ol' and I am hoping that Costa Rica has something different to offer. We are tired of the crowds, and tired of restaurants holding your car keys while you wait an hour to be seated in a restaraunt. We are looking for something different than what Florida or Sandals can offer. We still don't mind the AI's, but would like to venture out...
Dec 29th, 2006, 10:01 PM
#24
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Panama, Belize, and Costa Rica are all good places for a first time in Central America. I think Costa Rica does have some of the best options for families. The tourist infrastructure is very good there without it being a Cancun kind of place-yet. We used to spend a lot of time in Cozumel but it is too crowded there for us now. We loved Guatemala after our first trip last year and are looking forward to a second trip this Feb. Belize of course adds to peoples comfort level because they speak english. I was not comfortable around Belize City but felt okay up in the Pine Forest, Placencia, and San Ignacio. There are a lot of english speaking people in Panama and Costa Rica as well.
I am terribly saddened by the news of so many problems in the northern area of CR. Since we started going to there regularly in the early 90's we have been hearing more and more about the rise in theft but personal attacks were still not that common.
We finally decided to buy in a more out of the way area in the south central part of the country so hopefully we will be able to fly under the radar. It isn't as expensive an area as up north. We never wanted to live in a gated area but decided that it would probably be the best for us at this time. It is a small development but there will be a full time caretaker. We want to use Costa Rica as a jumping off point to travel to more CA and SA countries. We have wonderful friends in Argentina that we want to get back to visit but that 12 hr direct flight from DC was more than I can stand. My husbands cousin wrote the Moon guide to Honduras but we have never been. I hope we can make it there as well.
I guess what I am saying is that CA is a fascinating place with so many diverse things to see and learn about. My point in telling you about us buying property is to show you that we still think it is a country well worth going to. Your older children will be just fascinated and it will really open their eyes to a different way of life if you take them around even just a little to some smaller towns.
As I mentioned, we have been going to CR since the early 90's. We spend several weeks a year there and it is not unusual for me to spend a week or two by myself traveling around after my husband leaves. We have never personally felt threatened or scared.
If you get going on it you should be able to get your passports in time. I just renewed mine and it took 4 weeks. It is coming up on the busiest time for passports and with the new rules regarding travels to Mexico and other places where they were not needed before it is probably going to get backed up.
BTW my 4 grandkids arrived today with their mom and I have a real respect for your courage in traveling with all of your children
http://www.vrbo.com/5993
I am terribly saddened by the news of so many problems in the northern area of CR. Since we started going to there regularly in the early 90's we have been hearing more and more about the rise in theft but personal attacks were still not that common.
We finally decided to buy in a more out of the way area in the south central part of the country so hopefully we will be able to fly under the radar. It isn't as expensive an area as up north. We never wanted to live in a gated area but decided that it would probably be the best for us at this time. It is a small development but there will be a full time caretaker. We want to use Costa Rica as a jumping off point to travel to more CA and SA countries. We have wonderful friends in Argentina that we want to get back to visit but that 12 hr direct flight from DC was more than I can stand. My husbands cousin wrote the Moon guide to Honduras but we have never been. I hope we can make it there as well.
I guess what I am saying is that CA is a fascinating place with so many diverse things to see and learn about. My point in telling you about us buying property is to show you that we still think it is a country well worth going to. Your older children will be just fascinated and it will really open their eyes to a different way of life if you take them around even just a little to some smaller towns.
As I mentioned, we have been going to CR since the early 90's. We spend several weeks a year there and it is not unusual for me to spend a week or two by myself traveling around after my husband leaves. We have never personally felt threatened or scared.
If you get going on it you should be able to get your passports in time. I just renewed mine and it took 4 weeks. It is coming up on the busiest time for passports and with the new rules regarding travels to Mexico and other places where they were not needed before it is probably going to get backed up.
BTW my 4 grandkids arrived today with their mom and I have a real respect for your courage in traveling with all of your children
http://www.vrbo.com/5993
Dec 30th, 2006, 10:49 AM
#25
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You'll be amazed at how comfortable you will feel in Costa Rica. And you should know that the Costa Ricans are a very helpful people--most will do whatever it takes to help you out. We've been amazed and had our hearts warmed time and time again.
The problems that you hear about are development problems that would happen anywhere with the right mix of elements.
You'll also be amazed at how "un-Central American" Costa Rica feels! It's very civilized down there! LOL!
I hope you'll decide to go. I am always torn between wanting everyone to experience its beauty and wishing everyone would stay the heck out so it can maintain its reputation as a peaceful and beautiful place!
If you decide to visit the Guanacaste area, check out Flamingo Beach Resort for your family. I think they offer adjoining rooms. . .good value as well. Nice central location for the North Pacific area.
The problems that you hear about are development problems that would happen anywhere with the right mix of elements.
You'll also be amazed at how "un-Central American" Costa Rica feels! It's very civilized down there! LOL!
I hope you'll decide to go. I am always torn between wanting everyone to experience its beauty and wishing everyone would stay the heck out so it can maintain its reputation as a peaceful and beautiful place!
If you decide to visit the Guanacaste area, check out Flamingo Beach Resort for your family. I think they offer adjoining rooms. . .good value as well. Nice central location for the North Pacific area.
Dec 30th, 2006, 11:16 AM
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http://www.resortflamingobeach.com/s...cfm#SpringFall
kippy6--above is the website to Flamingo Beach Resort. This particular page is for one of their specials--the bed and breakfast special.
This is one one we do because it's so darned reasonable! You can get a poolside room for $79 now through April. If you had 2 rooms together (adjoining or not), I think it would work out fine for your family. Their breakfasts are okay--as I said, we didn't care for the restaurant--not because it was bad, but because there are other places we know are better.
Check it out--see what you think!
kippy6--above is the website to Flamingo Beach Resort. This particular page is for one of their specials--the bed and breakfast special.
This is one one we do because it's so darned reasonable! You can get a poolside room for $79 now through April. If you had 2 rooms together (adjoining or not), I think it would work out fine for your family. Their breakfasts are okay--as I said, we didn't care for the restaurant--not because it was bad, but because there are other places we know are better.
Check it out--see what you think!
Dec 30th, 2006, 11:35 AM
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joeschmo-shillimac>
i havent lived in Playa Hermosa for 6 months now and wouldnt go back.
lovely beach and a good stop for a couple of nights if youre flying into Liberia.
yeah a lot of the problems are undoubtably to blame for a lot of the crime, but believe me, the locals do their bit!!
the 'private' security firm in Hermosa is a PR exercise for the property developers- who allow the illegal building workers to stay on site in the middle of Hermosa-wont make any difference they only patrol premises that are part of the scheme and have no legal powers and the local police dont give a hoot about gringos getting robbed.
and yes tourists and residents who 'flash their cash' can hardly be surprised when some of the locals dedide to 'redistribute the welath'.
the whole Guanacaste beach area is definitely turning into an outpost of expat Americaville!
kippy6- CR is still a great destination and is still relatively- compared to Latin America or USA- safe!
and hawkers arent a big problem here, its 'No Gracias' and they move on.
Brazil does have crime problems in the citiers, no doubt about that. but outside in the country and the southern and far northern beach resorts no problems and of course you vhave the magnificent Icazu Waterfalls, Pantanal wetlands, beaches that will blow you away, music, food, culture,....beauitiful women hahaha
CR is 'easier' but it comes nowhere near Brazil as a travel experience.
Belize could be good if you dont speak Spanish, its English speaking!
i havent lived in Playa Hermosa for 6 months now and wouldnt go back.
lovely beach and a good stop for a couple of nights if youre flying into Liberia.
yeah a lot of the problems are undoubtably to blame for a lot of the crime, but believe me, the locals do their bit!!
the 'private' security firm in Hermosa is a PR exercise for the property developers- who allow the illegal building workers to stay on site in the middle of Hermosa-wont make any difference they only patrol premises that are part of the scheme and have no legal powers and the local police dont give a hoot about gringos getting robbed.
and yes tourists and residents who 'flash their cash' can hardly be surprised when some of the locals dedide to 'redistribute the welath'.
the whole Guanacaste beach area is definitely turning into an outpost of expat Americaville!
kippy6- CR is still a great destination and is still relatively- compared to Latin America or USA- safe!
and hawkers arent a big problem here, its 'No Gracias' and they move on.
Brazil does have crime problems in the citiers, no doubt about that. but outside in the country and the southern and far northern beach resorts no problems and of course you vhave the magnificent Icazu Waterfalls, Pantanal wetlands, beaches that will blow you away, music, food, culture,....beauitiful women hahaha
CR is 'easier' but it comes nowhere near Brazil as a travel experience.
Belize could be good if you dont speak Spanish, its English speaking!
Dec 30th, 2006, 11:39 AM
#28
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CORRECTION>
yeah a lot of the problems are undoubtably to blame for a lot of the crime, but believe me, the locals do their bit!!
SHOULD READ>
yeah a lot of the ILLIGAL IMMIGRANTS are undoubtably to blame for a lot of the crime, but believe me, the locals do their bit!!
yeah a lot of the problems are undoubtably to blame for a lot of the crime, but believe me, the locals do their bit!!
SHOULD READ>
yeah a lot of the ILLIGAL IMMIGRANTS are undoubtably to blame for a lot of the crime, but believe me, the locals do their bit!!
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