Want To Know More About Costa Rica?

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As we speak Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel and Bookpleasures is happy to have as a visitor Erin Van Rheenen, professional on journey to Costa Rica and the creator of Residing Overseas in Costa Rica.

Good day Erin and thanks for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.

Norm:

Please inform our readers one thing about your self and your experience pertaining to Costa Rica.

Erin:

I have been travelling since I can bear in mind, beginning on the age of three, when my mother and father moved us from Portland, Oregon, to Lagos, Nigeria. That dwelling overseas stint lasted two years, and since then I’ve lived in lots of locations, together with Eire, Mexico, New York (a overseas capitol in its personal proper), Guatemala, Ecuador, and most not too long ago, Costa Rica. I’ve traveled all through the Americas and Europe, and have a operating record of locations I nonetheless need to go to.

I am additionally the creator of Residing Overseas in Costa Rica, a information for people who find themselves considering of transferring to that nation. The primary version got here out in Winter 2004, and offers readers candid and complete info on actual property, immigration, the enterprise local weather, non-public and public faculties, expat social life, and Costa Rican historical past and tradition. I describe intimately the assorted elements of the nation, attempting to offer individuals an concept of what it could be wish to dwell there.

I have been interviewed on CNN and on a number of radio applications, have made many bookstore appearances, and run a facet enterprise serving to individuals plan their escape to Costa Rica. I really feel that having lived in many various international locations offers me a broader perspective–I can higher recognize what’s distinctive to Costa Rica, like its political and financial stability, and the truth that practically 25% of its territory is put aside in nature reserves and nationwide parks.

Extra full info (together with my High Ten Favourite Locations in Costa Rica) will be discovered on my website, Residing Overseas In Costa Rica.

Norm:

The place is Costa Rica and the way straightforward is it to journey from the US, Canada or Europe to this nation?

Erin:

Costa Rica is correct in the course of the Americas, on the northern finish of the slender isthmus that connects North and South America. Of the seven international locations that make up Central America, Costa Rica is the second smallest (El Salvador is the smallest). Regardless of its diminutive dimension (it is concerning the dimension of West Virginia), Costa Rica has two stunning coastlines (the Pacific and the Atlantic, additionally known as the Caribbean), lush rainforests, lively volcanoes, and nice journey journey choices like rafting, mountain climbing, and browsing.

It is simple to get to Costa Rica from North America. It is a three-hour flight from Miami, 5 hours from New York Metropolis, seven hours from Los Angeles, and eight and a half hours from Toronto. You need not apply for a visa–a legitimate passport is enough. If you arrive in Costa Rica they routinely stamp your passport with a visa good for 90 days.

Norm:

Would you think about Costa Rica a sensible choice for a romantic getaway or marriage ceremony and honeymoon vacation spot? Why?

Erin:

I am unable to think about a greater place for love. Costa Rica is secure and cozy however nonetheless splendidly unique. You may’t beat it for pure magnificence, nice climate, and that laid-back vibe that makes the whole lot much more enjoyable.

The vacationer infrastructure is developed sufficient that you’ll understand your each whim. Wish to get married barefoot on a white sand seaside at nightfall, torches lighting your solution to the altar? Not an issue. I’ve heard of {couples} marrying on the base of thundering waterfalls, the spray so drenching the marriage celebration that everybody wound up of their underwear. Or individuals tying the knot in a jungle lodge, close to the rim of an lively volcano, or a whole lot of ft above the treetops, clipped into zip strains on one of many ever-popular cover excursions. I even heard of 1 couple who married in matching toucan outfits. With these beaks, it should have been arduous for the groom to kiss the bride.

There are numerous resorts, resorts, and tour corporations that provide marriage ceremony packages. You may prepare issues your self, however it’s good to have another person deal with the small print.

Costa Rica is also called a gay-friendly setting, and a few locations focus on homosexual and lesbian dedication ceremonies.

Norm:

What’s the finest time to go to Costa Rica from the perspective of climate, prices, crowds, and the supply of flights from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia, and many others?

Erin:

By way of climate, there are two seasons: from early December by means of the tip of April is the dry season, typically known as summer season, whereas Could by means of November is the moist or “inexperienced” season. Totally different elements of the nation have barely totally different climate patterns. The Caribbean (Atlantic) coast, as an example, has extra rainfall total, and its driest month is usually September, when the remainder of the nation is absorbing heavy rains.

Vacationer excessive season coincides with dry season (Dec – April), with a second mini-high season throughout the Northern hemisphere’s summer–June July, and August–when children are out of faculty and households take their holidays. Round Christmas and New 12 months’s is what you may name a hyper-high season, with costs capturing up and availability happening. In the event you plan a marriage or getaway round Christmastime, be sure to’re planning ahead–more than a yr forward for a few of the hottest areas. Easter is a vital native vacation, and the week main as much as Easter Sunday sees the nation all however shut down, as Costa Ricans head for his or her glorious seashores and nationwide parks.

Some resorts, tour operators, and automobile rental outfits supply inexperienced season (Could-November) reductions, and also you’re more likely to discover the crowds scaling down a bit throughout these months. The rains will be prodigious, though they usually come and go shortly, leaving the remainder of the day so that you can benefit from the open air.

Quite a lot of flights from North America, Europe, and Australia can be found yr spherical.

Norm:

How secure is it to journey to Costa Rica?

Erin:

There may be far much less violent crime in Costa Rica than there’s in, say, the US, and political violence is sort of remarkable right here. Costa Rica has a historical past of pacificism that dates again to the abolition of its military in 1949. In contrast to neighbouring republics, the nation has no guerrillas, no political prisoners, and no army coups. It’s recognized for its stability and its relative prosperity.

Nonetheless, petty theft is on the rise, as it’s in lots of vacationer hotspots, and vacationers have to be cautious. By no means depart your baggage unattended, and be sure to park your automobile in a secure place (most resorts have guarded heaps).

Norm:

Might you give our readers an concept of the prices concerned if journey originates from the USA or Canada?

Erin:

Airways are including extra flights from North America to Costa Rica each day, and costs preserve coming down. Commonplace flights from Miami run round $300, from Texas count on to pay $400 – $500, flights from New York Metropolis can be $500 – $600, and from Los Angeles you may pay round $600. However as seasoned vacationers know, there are at all times offers available. The opposite day at a bookstore studying I used to be bragging a few $350 roundtrip fare I would discovered from San Francisco – Costa Rica, and a reader handed me a flier for a $200 flight on that very same route. Plan forward, store round, and you will find some amazingly low costs.

Norm:

In the event you had to decide on 5 unequalled venues in Costa Rica for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or marriage ceremony vacation spot, what would they be and why?

Erin:

*Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano

Only some hours” drive north of San Jose, the Arenal space is lush and inexperienced, because of fertile volcanic soil from close by Arenal Volcano. The volcano woke from a two-century nap within the Sixties, and has been lively ever since. For rooms the place you possibly can lie in mattress and watch the volcano go off, try Arenal Observatory Lodge (www.arenal-observatory.co.cr), an previous vulcanology analysis station revamped into a cushty lodge with intensive grounds.

* If you wish to sit in sizzling springs whereas the volcano rumbles above you, strive the Tabacon Scorching Springs, with or with out its close by resort.

* For a peaceable lake view that may make you assume you are in a tropical Switzerland, strive the La Mansion Inn , a Belgian-run enclave with de luxe cabins, glorious meals and repair, and free boating and horseback using. Additionally they have a superb resort in Handbook Antonio, on the central Pacific Coast.

Northern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula (Guanacaste)

The northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica has probably the most solar and the best number of lodging choices.

You will discover the whole lot from beachfront Mattress-and-Breakfasts–the intimate Sueño del Mar close to Tamarindo focuses on weddings–to all-inclusive resorts, just like the Paradisus Playa Conchal, proper on a seaside made up solely of tiny pink and white shells.

* For enjoyable, you possibly can take an evening tour and see big Leatherback sea turtles lay their eggs, go on a cover tour, strive your hand at browsing, or simply laze on the seaside or in your suite. With the airport in close by Liberia receiving increasingly more worldwide flights, you possibly can skip the flight to San Jose and the four-hour drive to the coast. Flying into Liberia means you are lower than an hour from the seaside.

Southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula

There are some nice alternative-flavored seaside cities right here, like Montezuma and Mal Pais/Santa Elena, which have an interesting mix of rustic and luxurious. You story the ferry from the mainland, bounce down a rutted dust street however find yourself at a 4-star resort, like Flor Blanca , with its glorious restaurant and celebrity-studded visitor record.

For individuals who do not need to spend a 4-star fortune, strive Tropico Latino, an enthralling little beachside assortment of well-appointed cabins that, final time I used to be there, was getting ready to host a big marriage ceremony celebration from the U.S. Montezuma is simpler to get to (the street is paved many of the manner) and is barely extra developed, although surfers will higher recognize the breaks at Mal Pais/Santa Elena.

Between the place the ferry docks (Paquera) and Montezuma you will discover a standard all-inclusive resort known as Bartelo , close to the city of Playa Tambor.

The Caribbean Coast

If every of Costa Rica’s seven provinces seems like one other nation, the Caribbean zone qualifies as one other universe. Even the climate is different–with dry season within the early fall, when it is raining in the remainder of Costa Rica. Take a look at the quirky seaside cities of Cahuita or Puerto Viejo, or tie the knot at a riverside lodge overlooking one of many nation’s finest nationwide park (Tortuga Nationwide Park).

The venerable tour outfit Costa Rica Expeditions runs a lodge Tortuga Lodge and presents marriage ceremony packages.

Perhaps you’d wish to seal the deal amid the peace and great thing about a yoga retreat with a ocean view.

Take a look at Samasati Nature Reserve , however bear in mind, you and the marriage celebration higher have 4-wheel drive if you are going to make it to this church of nature on time.

One other nice yoga retreat the place you possibly can prepare to be married is within the Central Valley, only a 20-minute drive a from the San Jose airport.

The Osa Peninsula

Nationwide Geographic calls this fabled land “probably the most biologically intense place on earth.” It is Costa Rica’s Amazon, a tropical rain forest the place tall bushes drip vines, scarlet macaws screech, and the nation’s remaining jaguars roam.

There are a number of luxurious lodges on the coast between Puerto Jimenez (which you’ll fly into from the worldwide airport in San Jose) and Carate, on the border of Corcovado Nationwide Park. It takes a while to get right here, however when you arrive, you will really feel such as you’re in the course of a paradisical nowhere.

On the opposite facet of the Peninsula is Drake’s Bay, close to glorious diving and snorkling at Caño Island, and with some very luxurious, remoted lodging, like Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, which you’ll solely attain by boat. Casa Corcovado has marriage ceremony and honeymoon packages obtainable.

Norm:

What ought to individuals find out about celebrating a marriage in Costa Rica from the perspective of necessities, expertise of the assorted resorts, and many others.

Erin:

Getting married in Costa Rica is simple, until you are a girl who has divorced inside the final ten months (see #8 beneath). In any other case, bride and groom simply want legitimate passports (which in fact you will additionally want to go to the nation). Beginning certificates usually are not needed, and there’s no minimal keep required–you can get married the day you arrive when you’re in a rush.

Many resorts and tour corporations supply marriage ceremony packages that deal with all of the authorized particulars, arranging for the marriage certificates to be despatched to you when you get dwelling (it takes a number of months to be processed in Costa Rica). However whether or not you get assist or do it your self, you will want two witnesses, who can’t be household as much as the third diploma. As this excludes the bride’s and groom’s mom, father, sister, brother, grandparents, and most cousins, your finest wager for witnesses are both buddies you deliver alongside or native strangers you entice into being part of the marriage celebration.

No notarized paperwork are required, as a result of all information will likely be included in a sworn assertion which bride and groom signal the day of the marriage. The assertion should embody the next info for each bride and groom:

1) Full identify

2) Occupation/Occupation

3) Present deal with (dwelling deal with)

4) Passport quantity and nationality

5) Date and native land – (metropolis, state or province, nation).

6) Full identify of Father and Mom and present citizenship – (no initials, and you will want to supply your mom’s maiden identify).

7) Mailing deal with — That is the deal with the place the ultimate documentation will likely be despatched. (It may take as much as three months for the Costa Rican civil registry to course of the appliance.)

NOTE: As soon as the couple receives their marriage doc from Costa Rica, they have to register it in their very own metropolis of residence. It’s best to name metropolis corridor, city corridor, municipality or equal to inquire the place marriages are registered, and take the doc as proof of marriage. Costa Rican marriages are acknowledged all around the world.

8) Marital standing – if divorced, you will have to record the date, metropolis and state and the identify of Court docket that decreed the divorce, plus the ex-spouse’s full identify. If in case you have been widowed, you will have to record the time and place of your partner’s loss of life.

NOTE: Costa Rica legislation stipulates that if the bride is divorced, her divorce date have to be not less than 300 days prior the date of the upcoming marriage ceremony. This law–archaic however nonetheless in effect–is designed to keep away from youngsters from a earlier marriage being born into the subsequent marriage. If the bride does not need to wait 300 days between divorce and remarriage, she should bear two being pregnant assessments by two totally different medical doctors, have them certify the unfavourable outcomes, have the certification translated by an official translator, and run by means of the required chain of signatures ending within the Secretary of State (or equal, relying on the nation), and the Costa Rican Consulate. This have to be introduced to the officiating notary previous to the ceremony. Finest to simply wait out that ten-month interval, regardless of how keen the couple.

Norm:

How far prematurely ought to a pair put together themselves for his or her honeymoon, romantic getaway or marriage ceremony in Costa Rica?

Erin:

It is dependent upon how large the marriage celebration is, and the way elaborate you need the ceremony to be. In the event you’re going all out and also you need one of many extra standard locations throughout excessive season, I would plan as much as a yr forward. For smaller, easier weddings, a number of months forward ought to do it.

Norm:

What sources can be found on the Web pertaining to weddings and honeymoon holidays in Costa Rica?

ERIN:

Many of the resorts and businesses I record above have marriage ceremony packages obtainable. And there is not any scarcity of corporations that might love that will help you out–an web search will web dozens.

Norm:

Is there anything you want to add that now we have not lined?

Erin:

I simply need to warn people who they could fall head over heals in love–not simply with their companion, however with the nation of Costa Rica. Lots of people go down and discover they do not need to depart. In the event you endure the identical destiny, check out my e-book, Residing Overseas in Costa Rica (www.livingabroadincostarica.com), to see that relocating to paradise is simpler than you assume.

Thanks Erin.

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Source by Norm Goldman