We are thinking of taking our Dalls, Texas kids (9, 12 and 14) to Costa Rica for a Christmas vacation. Any advice on area and if this is a good idea would be greatly apprectiated. We would have a budget around $3000 for the week(not including airfare). I will say everyone one of us is afraid of heights so the tree swinging thing is out of the question for us. We like a nice, clean, comfortable place but we don't need anything extravagent.

The most popular combination for first timers is Arenal with Manuel Antonio. It gives you volcano time and beach time as well. Christmas is one of the most popular times to visit CR, so I'm not sure how available the hotels would be at this point. We love the Lost Iguana in Arenal. In MA, check out Mango Moon, Costa Verde, Si Como No, Villas Nicolas, Buena Vista Villas, and Tulemar Bungalows.

I concur w/ Volcanogirl that Arenal & Manuel Antonio would be great choices. We (kids 9 & 14) went for 12 days this past June. If you have a full 7 days, you could visit both places. However, if you don't, you might want to focus on 1 area and avoid lost time traveling (5-6 drive between Manuel Antonio & Arenal)...not too mention the travel cost. We loved both areas so I would hate to pick one for you. However, our family is afraid of heights and we all loved the zipline in Arenal (SkyTrek). Enjoy!

www.arenal.net

www.thespringscostarica.com

www.manuelantoniopark.com

www.tulemar.com

with your budget

www.xandari.com

around flight nights

www.interbusonline.com

or www.mapache.com

car rental better.

book quick have fun,

if above lodgings too pricy go with

www.hotelsilenciodelcampo.com

www.costaverde.com

www.thealtahotel.com flight nights