Need to take wife and 3 grown kids on a short getaway at xmas this year.
Loved Costa Rica in '05. This time, paying for 5 people...need to know where the bargains are.
Thanks

I'm guessing that traveling to CR at Xmas time is like traveling to the Carribean and Mexico - prices are at their absolute highest and there are no bargains.

The Christmas period usually is one of the highest rate-wise, plus many places have minimum stay requirements. Where/what are you looking for, as far as beach, volcano, etc?

Would love to return to CR, but frankly....anywhere would do. Just need to relax and enjoy being with each other for a few days. It has been a LONG year.

Should I investigate Mexico?
Thanks

On the Carribean side of Mexico, the best places are already sold out - and keep in mind, prices are almost double of regular prices.

What kind of place are you looking for? There are some areas that aren't as heavily traveled that may have some avail.

As everyone has mentioned, X-mas time is about the highest priced travel period of the year, not only hotel rates but airfare too.

One option might be to investigate renting a house or condo for a week. While the X-mas rates for that rental period may also be high, they should still be less than hotel rates. Also, you may want to look into some smaller towns, instead of well known resorts. Maybe places like Zihuatanejo, Loreto, Puerto Escondido or some spots near Tulum.
Buena suerte.
Tengo