puerto rico vs.costa rica
 

last year we vacationed in p.r.wife,myself,2kids 11&15.we stayed 7 nights mostly in san juan.It rained 4 days out of 8 so needless to say it didnt allow us to do certain things.Anyway my wife hated it she felt like it was a run down slum & did not feel safe.Im trying to get her to go to costa but shes a bit leary thinking its just like p.r.Any one outthere can try to persuade her id appreciate it,I would really love to experiance costa rica,thanx

I've been to Puerto Rico 2 times and Costa Rica once and even though I had a great time in PR, Costa Rica was by far a better destination. SOOOO much more to do in CR - much more diverse If you're into adventure CR can't be beat and if you're into beaches CR has plenty(from family resorts to beaches that start where the jungles end-amazing stuff) Go to CR once and I would bet you couldn't wait to go back again.

I have never been to PR, but my husband and I have been to CR 3 times. Our 4th trip is coming up soon. We loved it SO much that we bought property there. We usually go during the rainy season and have never had a problem. Our experience has been if it does rain, it usually lasts for no more than an hour. Some areas are slumlike, yes. But most areas are not! It is very safe there. You just have to be careful like you would be at home. I take it you live in Phila. Well, I work there! The people in CR are very friendly, the country is beautiful, and there is MUCHO to do! DO NOT HESITATE!! GO!!!!

P.S. - I have also driven by myself at night and felt perfectly safe doing so. I drove 2 hours from our hotel to Tamarindo and back to see the turtles nest. Most people will advise you not to drive at night because of the lousy roads. But my point is that I felt safe doing so.

If she's worried about safety etc, then another suggestion would be Panama - you can do all the things CR is famous for but with less tourists and in a more compact area. Better infrastructure (roads, most modern city in Central America) etc and very safe for tourists taking the usual precautions. And for the kids it's a great place too.
You can email me if you want details.
Cheers,
Andrew