My family of 4 (2 kids, ages 8 and 11) are planning to travel to Costa Rica in August and want to know when is the best time to purchase airfare, I don't want to pay too much. We would be traveling from Newark, NJ and would like a direct flight, prices as of today the fare is $390 ($472 with all taxes and such) for round trip direct flight, is this a good price? Should I book up now or wait?

We would like to only drive 1.5 hrs or so after we arrive in Costa Rica does anyone know of any good hotels that are inexpensive and nice on the drive up to the Arenal Area? Or what we should stop to see?

We will then be staying at the Lost Iguana for 5 days.
Thanks!

IMO that is a pretty good price. One thing to consider is that as the price of oil goes up, so will the price of airfare. A ticket under $500 from USA - CR right now is well worth it and you might want to jump on it.

That's a steal. I'd grab it now.

I agree...book it now!

spirit.com cheap deals also

might have a look there for deals

but yours is good.

puravidahotel.com

landsinlove.com

servicecarrental cheap rentals.

Have a blast!

2 nice hotels on the way to arenal.net

On Spirit finding mid late august flights

from $102-130 each way LGA to SJO via FLL.

You can get their World CC FREE club membership FF miles etc.

Awesome values do this a lot several FREE off peak flights

So might check that out carefully also to save a lot.

Usually can upgrade to first class with them from $25-50

GIANT big front leather seats.

Happy Hunting,

Thanks all, I booked the direct flight from Newark on Continental I checked Spirit and they were more expensive with a stop over. I am also checking out puravidahotel.com
thanks!!

Pura Vida hotel is a great choice - but you might look at a couple of others. Orquideas Inn is one to look at - it gets excellent reviews.

If you are heading north from Alajuela (to Arenal, for instance), then there are two that I can recommend - Airport B&B and La Rosa de America. These two are on the northwest side of Alajuela so if you spend the night, the next morning you will be able to avoid all the traffic. Each of these is close to the PanAmerican Highway.