Lauricelli

We're planning a trip to Costa Rica and it turns out the only time our friends can go is the week between Christmas and new years. I've read that this would be the busiest time of year. Is it worth it to bite the bullet and go or try to go some time next year like Memorial Day or fourth of July? How busy is busy? Thanks for your input.
Laurie

MNP

I couldn't tell you how busy busy is...
But I will say I know things get booked up very quickly and very early for the Christmas/New Years time. Another thing to take into account is prices are jacked way up at this time.

TripleSecDelay

Yes. Avoid travel to any location during that location's high season. Save yourself the stress and receive far better service and discounted rates = go another time.

Jayneann

Hi Lauricelli,
If it is truly the only time you can go with your friends and you all want to go, then go for it! I travel during peak season most of the time, because it's usually the only time we can travel with our family and friends.

My friends and I all work in public education and cannot get any time off during the school year. Plus my kids go to college, high school, and play numerous sports, so often the only time we can get together are during the school breaks. In fact, we are going to Costa Rica this Christmas. Sure, I would prefer going another time, hotels have increased prices and minimum night stays but at least we are going to see CR together!!!! We always have a great time and maybe someday we can go during a slow month, but until then, we will continue to travel whenever we can. We go with the mindset that, yes, it is going to be crowded but we are going to have a wonderful time anyway! So far, I've never regretted it! Actually, I've never been on a vacation that I haven't enjoyed!!!
Jayne

linedweller

Hi Laurie- we spent the Christmas holiday in CR in 2003. We had a great time and didn't feel crowded anywhere. We didn't go to Manuel Antonio or the Guanacaste. We did book our accomodations well in advance though. We visited Arenal, Monteverde and then drove south to Dominical. The beaches south of Dominical were practically empty. On Christmas morning we had breakfast at a roadside soda on the way down from Monteverde and we were the only people there. My kid's favorite picture from the trip is them drinking Coke from the bottle wearing Santa hats! On the 26th we had Playa Ventana all to ourselves and then went to Playa Uvita where we did see other people in the distance. The more popular beach destinations like MA and Tamarindo will probably be hoping during the holidays. I think Costa Rica is a great Christmas destination, but you should book your hotels now. Tours can be arranged when you are in country. Have a great holiday. Ruth in Maine.

owa

I agree with Jayneann--go. Christmas is the only time my family of 10 can go together because of school, sports and work. After my mom died 10 years ago, I decided that we weren't waiting around. My youngest grandson was a few months so we stayed in the states, but now I feel better about traveling to Mexico, etc. I volunteer at a Cancer Center which only reinforces my thinking that life is short. My husband and I, along with our l5 year old grandson, will spend two weeks in CR this August at language school. It will give me a good chance to see where I want to take the family in CR. I'm spending our money with my children and grandchildren rather than leaving them to do it without me. Have a great Christmas. Owa

jenneepoo

My sister works for a travel agency and the hotels they represent in Costa Rica have been sold out since March for the Christmas season. If that's the only time you can go, do go, but make your decision quickly as there are people from all over the world who also have that time off.

schmerl

WE just booked a trip to the Riviera Maya for Christmas week and a lot of the hotels were already fully booked. I too, work in public education and can only travel during holidays. I know that the prices are REALLY jacked up that week and places will be crowded, but we always manage to have a great time!! As previously stated, life is short---go and have a great time.