Properties in Costa Rica Blog

One of the most important decisions you’ll ever make is investing your hard-earned money in a house and designing it for comfortable living for you and your family.

That said, designing your home that suits your family’s size, lifestyle, and needs can be challenging. But with some careful planning and preparation, you can build a home of your dreams where your family can live comfortably for years to come. Given below are 6 factors you need to consider when designing your house:

1. Make sure the land and location are right for you

Figure out if the site is ideal for constructing your dream home. This is particularly important because the soil conditions can affect the design of your home, which could increase the construction costs. The fact of the matter is, the flatter your site, the more economical it is to build on it. Avoid rocky areas or slopes if you don’t want to spend a fortune on home construction.

Since a home is a long-term investment, you need to give serious consideration to the location of your house. It should not only be closer to your kid’s school and easily accessible to your job but also flexible enough to accommodate the changes you’ll have in your life over the years.

2. Ensure the home design is family-friendly

The structure and design of your home should meet your aesthetic and functional needs. If you have kids, you have to consider their play areas to their risk of playing. How do you want your kitchen and washrooms to be set up, what should be the size of the rooms, how the furniture will be placed are some of the things you need to consider while designing a home.

Making a home plan can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Various virtual staging companies can help you create a real estate floor plan that best fits your family’s needs.

3. Create your budget in advance

If you are going to build your house, you have to come up with a budget. Knowing your finances is critical to the success of your home-building process. Some of the expenses you need to consider are:

• Construction, materials, labor

• Appliances, fixtures, etc.

• Architect, survey, geotechnical, etc.

• Furnishing

• Municipal or County fees

• Moving

Try to budget an additional 15% – 20% over your project cost for emergencies and unforeseen expenses.

4. Determine the best direction of the house

The direction your house faces is an important aspect you should not overlook while designing your home. Bedrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms should face in the right direction to ensure optimal comfort during the summer and winter months.

Determine the direction your house should face to ensure you are making the most of the elements you are exposed to.

5. Pay attention to outdoor home design

Don’t overlook the outdoor spaces of your home because these spaces have the potential to affect the value and versatility of your home. For example, in the future, if you have plans to extend, your well-thought outdoor home design will make sure that you have enough room for your kids to play outdoors.

6. Consider flex rooms

The rooms need to have the flexibility to transform seamlessly as per the needs of the family. So when designing your home, make the rooms multifunctional with transforming furniture. Another advantage of flex rooms is concealed storage options, which is definitely a plus point for families with children.

If you have worked out the details of your home design in your mind, it’s time to get a real estate floor plan ready. Because if you don’t, executing your home design can be a challenge. You may want to take help from professionals who are experts at transforming your home design ideas into a reality.

Many people dream of a holiday where they can enjoy their time in a peaceful hammock with a stunning view of the ocean; well, for Digital Nomads, whatever setting they choose can become their workplace if they have their laptop and good internet access. Digital Nomads have become a post-COVID reality and Costa Rica has thus been a place where they find comfort and are able to experience the famous ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle while they maintain their businesses or jobs from afar.

Ever since Costa Rica reopened its doors back in November 1 2020 to all 50 states, Digital Nomads have been packing their bags  (and laptops) and flying to the different beach towns the country has to offer.  Be it  Nosara , Santa Teresa, Tamarindo or the Limón coast, people have no problem staying in these places for many months and still be in touch with their duties , and that is why this law will have a mayor impact in the number of expats wanting to come and live in Costa Rica.

This past Monday in Costa Rica’s legislative assembly, the first debate regarding the passing of the law to attract Digital Nomads ended  with a 41 to 1 voting in favor. The “Law to Attract International Workers and Remote Service Providers”, or Law No. 22215, is still under revision, but its main goal is to allow Digital Nomads to legally stay in the country for a year with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional year in case it suits them. Moreover, the beneficiaries will be exonerated from local income tax payment and any import taxes that can result from bringing personal devices that are necessary to do their jobs. In case you want to rent a car while you are here, don’t worry, your valid foreign drivers license would  be accepted while you enjoy your stay in the country.

One of the restrictions that must be noted is that people who are under this condition will not be able to do paid work in the national territory different from the one that  has been registered once the expat has arrived.

After the first debate, the legislative presidency has now fixed a date for the second debate taking place Tuesday the 13th of July. Stay tuned for more news regarding advances of the law.

Living near a golf course is a dream come true for avid golfers. Imagine waking up in the morning to a scenic view, a relatively quiet neighborhood, and being a few steps away from your favorite sport.

Buying a house in a golf estate sounds pleasing to the ears. In fact, you might just find your dream house near a lush green field. Well, Costa Rica boasts some of the best golf estates. Whether you’re an avid golfer or someone who appreciates being near lush landscapes, here are some reasons that will make you want to purchase your own home in a golf estate in Costa Rica:

Reduced chances of having rowdy neighbors

One main concern of house buyers is how their neighbors would be. In fact, bad neighbors are a common red flag among home buyers. Since your home is located near or in a golf course, the likelihood of having noisy, rowdy neighbors is reduced.

However, it is still imperative for you to do research on the neighborhood. Homebuyers who do their research well are more satisfied with their decisions and are less likely to suffer from buyer’s remorse.

A long-term investment

From an investor’s perspective, buying into a residential golf estate is a smart move. Golf property only accounts for less than 4% of the total real estate, and its exclusivity makes them stand out in the marketplace. Having a property near a golf course is a factor that quickly enhances residential values, such as waterfront setting, the overall atmosphere, and elevation.

And if you’re thinking of reselling the property, best believe the resell value is high because of its high-quality residential values!

Beautiful views

Who says living near a golf course would only benefit golfers? Anyone will love to live with a well-maintained view. Golf courses pride themselves on their green grounds, clean ponds, tree-lined fairways, and the like, so best bet you’ll have a lovely sight to wake up to every day.

Play golf anytime

If you’re an avid golfer, you will primarily benefit from this feature. Imagine waking up to the view of the field every single day! When you come to think of it, you just have to prepare for a few minutes, pack your golf iron sets and other essentials in your bag, and spend a few minutes walking to the fairway. It’s so easy, stress-free, and convenient!

If you’re a beginner, it will allow you to try a new sport. If you want to get into golf, you can check out this great list of beginner-friendly putters.

Some golf clubs allow membership for the residents in or around the golf course, while some offer memberships at a discounted price. Make sure to look into this possible perk.

Justified pricing

Most people think that living in a residential golf estate is an unattainable luxury. But what they don’t know is that properties on residential golf estates are only a bit more expensive than homes in neighboring suburbs. We believe it’s better to pay a little more for a home that promises a happier lifestyle, more peaceful neighbors, and a breathtaking view.

Bottomline

Owning a house near a golf course has a lot of perks. If you think these reasons have convinced you enough to purchase a home in a golf estate in Costa Rica, make sure to discuss your plans with your real estate agent.

Perhaps one of the best honeymoon destinations and places for a peaceful and wonderful life is Costa Rica. If you crave flawless beaches, mesmerizing nature, and a fabulous getaway, then be sure to go to Costa Rica on your honeymoon.

Our life is gradually adapting to new rules. It is easy to find your love with the best dating sites review, but when it comes to honeymoon destinations, COVID-19 has made romantic adventures challenging. However, it is still possible. And one of the magical ideas for your honeymoon is Costa Rica.

An incredible view will open to you surrounded by Nicaragua and Panama: nature, culture, and beach holidays. A big advantage of such a romantic getaway is short distances. One day, you can see many beautiful places, and you do not have to spend a lot of time on the road.

Small and even tiny Costa Rica connects North and South America. It occupies only 0.3% of the territory of our Earth. However, despite its size, it concentrates 5% of all flora and fauna of our planet. Therefore, people worldwide come to see the striking priceless beauty of this place, considering it one of the best honeymoon destinations. The main attractions of Costa Rica are waterfalls, mountain rivers, volcanoes, and underwater caves. Read on to discover this paradise on Earth and enjoy an unforgettable honeymoon.

The Romance of Magical Beaches

65% of the country is the Pacific Ocean’s coastline and the Caribbean Sea, which has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Although Costa Rica is a very small country, you can observe a rapid change of landscapes even in a few hours of traveling through it. Here you will see volcanic wastelands, savannas, mountain slopes with rain forests, coffee plantations, rivers, and waterfalls, as well as a large number of historical places and architectural monuments.

Manuel Antonio beach is considered one of the most beautiful honeymoon destinations for 2021, not only in Costa Rica but in the whole world. Imagine horseshoe-shaped coves with white sand shores, blue-green waters, and jungle hills. Here you can snorkel, scuba dive, surf, kayak, hike, and fly over the treetops on the zip-line, but remember to relax from time to time and admire the beauty around you.

What are Good Honeymoon Destinations in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has many unique natural performances. If you want to see a truly Costa Rican fragrant and fantastic nature, you need to come from May to December. At this time, all this bird and insect, forest and sea world leads a rather lively and energetic lifestyle. Besides, hotel prices drop significantly during the rainy season.

Visit “Jurassic Park,” created on the basis of Spielberg’s movie. The park’s mountain landscapes and relic plants growing there have remained almost the same as they were millions of years ago. Tourists travel in special open-top minibuses among the jungle and funny rubber sculptures imitating different breeds of dinosaurs.

Attend the famous Turtle Island. On a sunny morning, turtles crawl ashore. Local kids sometimes drive on their shells and boulders. But such activity is prohibited for adults—the law and armed patrol guard the turtles.

The Irazu volcano is one of the best honeymoon destinations you can drive to. The air near the crater is saturated with all sorts of fumes and, according to the guides, is very healing. The main thing is not to overdo it. It is not recommended to stay at the very top of Irazu for more than an hour – too much evaporation can damage your health.

Also, do not forget about the capital – San Jose. The city fascinates with its striking appearance, which mixes the traditions of Spanish architecture with modern trends. There is a museum of the pre-Columbian gold, an amazing children’s museum where you can feel like a kid because you can touch everything and join many other performances. Near San Jose, there is the town of Alajuela, where you can visit a butterfly farm.

Conclusion

As the name suggests, Costa Rica is a coast rich in everything at once: two oceans – the Pacific and the Atlantic, exotic black sandy beaches, nature reserves, volcanoes, and mountains. It is one of the best honeymoon destinations during a pandemic.

You can choose a plan for active people who are passionate about adventure. Rafting on mountain rivers, walking in the jungle, the Arenal volcano, swimming in thermal springs, relaxing on the Pacific coast in the best hotels, and pleasant surprises – all this will make your trip ideal and give you the most vivid emotions.

Have you been to Costa Rica before? Are you considering this trip for your honeymoon? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Author’s bio:  

Miranda Davis is a freelance writer in the relation and psychology area. Miranda is interested in such topics as building healthy relationships between people, love/sex compatibility, and how to find the right balance in life in general. She is currently doing specific research on the topic. Miranda loves cooking and long-distance walking.

With the purpose of attracting foreign investment and reactivating Costa Rica’s local economy , 35 legislators out of 45 have voted in favor of a bill aiming to reduce the total amount of money required to obtain a Costa Rican residency in the case of foreign pensioners or rentiers . Primarily, the bill considers a drop in the minimum sum of investment to 150 thousand US dollars, applicable towards investments related to  real estate, registrable assents, shares, securities, and productive projects or projects of national interest, all of which have to be properly demonstrated and in line with Costa Rican law to be able to opt for the a 10- year residency. Furthermore, vehicle import free of import and tariff taxes  for  investors and  pensioners has been increased to 2 cars instead of only 1. Some other benefits to keep in mind are the following:

• Exoneration (for a single time) of import customs taxes on household goods
• Monthly pension received from abroad is free of income tax
• The falsification of documents would result in the  payment of the exonerated tax and a sanction equivalent to 10% of the taxes exonerated.

Even though there is still room for improvement in Costa Rica’s foreign attraction policies and laws, Costa Rica’s deputy of the PLN party Silvia Hernández reminds us that the “attraction of investment cannot be limited to a single element, which is why the bill includes other mechanisms to enhance this objective. Additionally, the country needs to urgently address different areas, such as the simplification of procedures, among others ” (Hidalgo, 2021).

Be it in the central valley capital city of San José or the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines , Costa Rica is constantly working to enhance all expats experience around the country; and, more importantly, these changes in its law facilitate the ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle you’ve finally come to enjoy  .  Stay tuned for more information regarding the final approval of the bill.

Costa Rica often referred to as the Switzerland of Europe, is one of the most naturally beautiful countries in Central America. Because of its warm climate, decent rainfall, rolling hills, and active volcanoes, the country offers some of the most diverse wildlife one will find in the peninsula. On top of this, the Costa Ricans, or Ticos as they are affectionately referred to, provide a warm and exciting culture.

Unfortunately, compared to other countries in the area like Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras, Costa Rica can be quite expensive, and travelers need to watch their budget a little more carefully, a topic we will explore in greater detail below.

Visit Less Travelled Places

When it comes to visiting Costa Rica, many people end up in places such as Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Playa Samara, and Tamarindo. As beautiful as these places are, they are also some of the most visited and most expensive.

Travelers looking to reduce their overall budget should consider visiting some of the lesser-known beaches or sites. For example, there are a number of beaches in the Guanacaste province that are much more wallet-friendly than the ones mentioned above. Those who are feeling a little bit more adventurous may consider visiting the Caribbean side, which aside from Puerto Viejo and some areas of Limon are much more affordable.

Get Off The Beach

As many will expect, the most expensive places in Costa Rica are the beaches. If you’re looking to reduce your overall budget, consider spending only a portion of your time at the beach and the rest enjoying one of the other amazing spots in Costa Rica. “Aside from beautiful beaches on both the Pacific and Atlantic side, the country also offers amazing rainforests, cloud forests, volcanos, and mountains. For those who are looking to be somewhat active, there is plenty of hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and other activities available,” writes Jessica James, a travel writer at 1 Day 2 write and Write my X.

For those who like the idea of getting off the beach to save money, some places to consider include:

Rincón De La Vieja: An active volcano in the Guanacaste province.

La Fortuna: A beautiful mountain town with rivers and hiking trails in the surrounding area.

Monteverde: One of the most attractive cloud forests in Costa Rica.

Bajos Del Toro: A beautiful eco-lodge located in the middle of a cloud forest.

Eat Local Food

Besides accommodations, food can take up a major chunk of your budget if you stick to hotel restaurants. Throughout Costa Rica, little restaurants called ‘Sodas’ can be found, which offer local dishes at a fraction of the cost of the most popular tourist restaurants. At these Sodas, the most common dish people will find will be rice and beans served with either chicken, beef, or fish.

Stay In Hostels

Another way to save a good chunk of money is by staying in Hostels. Over the years, many hostels in Costa Rica have improved dramatically in quality, and they are no longer only for backpackers. “Aside from the savings one will enjoy, Hostels are a great place to meet new people and gain travel tips and perspective. In fact, Hostels offer a type of travel experience that resorts and 5-star hotels simply are not able to,” writes Tom Smith, a lifestyle blogger at Brit Student and Next Coursework.

Travel During Rainy Season

When it comes to tourism in Costa Rica, there are two major periods, the rainy season and the dry season. These two seasons are also referred to as high season and low season because the country sees many more visitors during the dry season than during the rainy season.

This is important because hotels usually have two prices, one for high season and one for low season, and, as one may have guessed, the prices for low season are noticeably lower. If you’re worried about the rainy season, don’t fret too much – while it does rain more during this period, which runs from May to November, it is not the type of rain one would expect to see on the pacific west coast. Generally, it will rain hard for 35 minutes then stop.

One benefit of the rainy season is the vegetation is much lusher and greener and is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities or simply enjoy the beautiful nature the country has to offer

Michael Dehoyos is a health writer and editor at Phd Kingdom and Essay Writing Services. Throughout his career, Michael has assisted a number of companies in developing and implement marketing strategies. In his spare time, Michael enjoys writing for online health and marketing publications. Many of his writings can be found at Origin Writings.

1.Identify the property you want to purchase through your real estate agent. Here the Properties of Costa Rica team, being the experts in the field, can surely and professionally assist you through all the process.

2.Coordinate with the selected escrow agent in order to have them on board in regards to the custody of funds that will be required for the upcoming transaction. Attorneys can assist in providing a qualified escrow agent duly licensed by SUGEF (the government entity which provides the licenses for companies that are involved in the financial and banking line of business).

3.Once the SPA is signed, then have your attorneys initiate the Due Diligence process during the term established in the SPA for said tasks to take place (a thorough review of the current standing of the property, which includes among others, a checking of the property taxes, HOA, etc).

4.We recommend constituting a corporation through which the investor will hold ownership of the property.

5.Once the earnest money deposit has been confirmed by the escrow agent, and the term established on the SPA has elapsed, then the public deed through which the title of the property is transferred can be signed by the parties with the assistance of a Notary Public.

6.At the same time, the final payment is coordinated to be canceled through the escrow agent.

7.Next, the public deed testimony is sent by the Notary Public to the Public Registry in order, to begin with, the inscription and registration process of the property transfer. This stage entails the payment of the property transfer tax, the National Registry legal stamps, duties, and registration expenses.

8.Finally, once the National Registry finishes the inscription and registration process of the property transfer (it may take between 2-4 weeks), the purchased estate will now appear at the National Registry under the name of the new owner. Therefore, based on the registration and publicity principles that support the Costa Rican real property rights, the new proprietor has now full ownership over the estate and the government protection that comes with said title.

It is important to confirm that the property can be purchased even if the client cannot attend closing physically. The way for that to happen is through an extra step in which the buyer would grant a power of attorney to a representative in Costa Rica that will be enabled to specifically sign the purchase public deed in name of the buyer’s corporation. This extra step is a service that an Attorney can and usually provide to a client, both by preparing and coordinating the power of attorney, plus by providing the representative that will execute the purchase in name of the client´s corporation.

In conclusion, these are the main stages that a real estate purchase transaction will be facing in Costa Rica. Of course, if there are further legal questions or instructions on your behalf, please feel free to let us know about them so we can help out clarifying. In the meantime, We wish for you to have a sensational experience through the phase of looking for the right property in which your dream to invest here in Costa Rica becomes true.

Article Provide by RE&B Attorneys

Jose Alejandro Martínez-Castro

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If You Have a Relationship With a Costa Rican, Read on!

There are many factors you need to consider if you want to marry a Costa Rican. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will get you started on the right path.

Costa Rica is a peaceful and small country located in Central America. It is full of everything you may look for in an adventure journey – steamy hot springs, volcanoes, lush jungles and rainforests, and mighty rivers. The country’s landscape has a topographical variation of the entire continents – three mountain ranges, snowy cloud forests, incredible national parks, and pristine Pacific beaches.

There are many things to see when you visit Costa Rica. In fact, foreigners believe that relocating to Costa Rica may be the answer to life struggles. Many singles from different parts of the world are already communicating with Costa Rican men and women,hoping to marry them. Read these life-changing facts if you are thinking of marrying a Costa Rican woman or man.

The Basics

If you have ever thought of how to marry a Costa Rican girl or boy,this article is a must-read for you. There are a lot of changes that you will see in your life after marrying a Costa Rican man or woman. The first is the family.

Whether you are looking to marry a Costa Rican man or woman, you need to realize that it is more than just getting a spouse – you will end up getting the whole family. In Costa Rica, there is a lot of love floating around. For a Costa Rican, their family is a reliable and steady source of support in this uncertain world.

It is recommended to set up boundaries. This way, you will be able to protect your heart and peace of mind.

Ticos

When it comes to families, Costa Rican men and women have different approaches. Ticos are men, and they mostly have a strong bond with their mothers, which reflects most of the family matters. Additionally, they also count on their mothers for everything related to cleaning, cooking, etc. Therefore, ensure that your potential spouse is not looking for someone to fill up those shoes.

Ticas

When it comes to Costa Rican women, they are known to be extremely smart. They are also strongly attached to their families. It is recommended that you look for women that fit your age bracket. Also, don’t focus on physical intimacy only. Women tend to be submissive and often stay home and do chores.

Pure Love

Costa Rica is a country where people mostly do not have accounts on the best dating sites like Tinder and OkCupid. They prefer the old fashion way – football games, restaurants, bars, outings, etc. When you marry a Costa Rican citizen, you will be impressed with their loving personalities. Of course, couples are not ashamed of expressing their love in public (kisses and hugs).

What Are Some Life-Changing Facts When YouDecide to Marry a Costa Rican Citizen?

1.   No Physical Intimacy

While you are dating, and even before your marriage, you cannot have physical intimacy. However, this rule is fast-changing for the better. Still, most Costa Rican men and women refrain from engaging in sex. If yourpartner is a religious individual, it could mean that you will only get sex after marriage.

2.   No Friends

It may be possible that you will have to bid farewell to your friends. If you are in a serious relationship, your partner should always be your priority. Jealousy is the top reason behind it.

3.   Jealousy

From the above, it can be concluded that Costa Rican men and women tend to get jealous easily. Or, you can also call it distrust. While some things like hanging out with your friends (especially of the opposite sex) may seem normal to you, your better half may think differently.

4.   Divorce

When it comes to divorce, you may have to pay for your children until they are 25 years old. This is because Costa Rican families are very protective of their offspring and think that foreigners tend to be extremely rich.

Final Thoughts

Can you legally get married in Costa Rica? The answer is yes, you can! However, your life can change significantly after that. Hence, you need to figure out everything before deciding to settle down with a beautiful spouse from Costa Rica.

What are your thoughts on this? Are you looking to marry a Costa Rican? Let us know in the comments!

Author’s bio:  

Miranda Davis is a freelance writer in the relation and psychology area. Miranda is interested in such topics as building healthy relationships between people, love/sex compatibility, and how to find the right balance in life in general. She is currently doing specific research on the topic. Miranda loves cooking and long-distance walking.

If you’re thinking of buying a vacation home with easy access to mountains, beaches and forests, then Costa Rica may be the place to shop. While this Central America country does have a rainy season, it’s beautifully temperate and offers a relaxed style of living.

Do the Legwork

To buy in Costa Rica, consider setting up a corporation that will own your home rather than putting it in your name. If you’re planning to retire there eventually, you can own it for now, rent it out to other vacationers, collect the rent to pay off the property, and enjoy the tax protections of your corporation.

Rent First

While it may be tempting to buy immediately and customize your family getaway. However, since most expats in Costa Rica live in the city, renting first can allow you to get a feel for each region of the bigger cities in the nation.

The cities of Costa Rica tend to have the nicest and most stable neighborhoods near the universities and technical colleges. Depending on where you buy, you may be dealing with a very active nightlife, or you could be in a quiet zone. Each city has its own flavor. If you want a vacation home there, consider renting for a few weeks each trip in different cities to find the one that suits you best.

Choose Your Favorite Activity

If you’re a surfer or have a family that’s keen on learning to surf, consider a home near Purerto Viejo de Talamanca. There’s terrific surfing at Salsa Brava and a black sand beach to enjoy with your family.

Bahia Drake is a lovely small town with a large beach. This city is quite small and offers visitors the chance to get away from the city lights and bustle of bigger metro areas such as San Jose.

Consider the Basics

How do you like to live? Do you enjoy living in the city? You can find an apartment to purchase and enjoy as a vacation home in many of the larger cities of Costa Rica. This may mean that travel to the beach will require a car, or that your pool access is shared with other residents in the apartment complex.

If you prefer a quiet vacation home away from the lights and bustle, you may want to look for a home in a coastal village. Like a lot of the rest of the world, both urban and rural living have their benefits and drawbacks. A home in a coastal village means quiet and privacy, but groceries will be more expensive and public transport will be limited.

An apartment in a bustling city will put you close to the nightlife and public venues, but you may be dealing with more noise than you want to be exposed to on your vacation.

Food and Water

Costa Rica has a large expat community and is becoming very popular among retirees as a place to live well on less. If you’re planning to turn your dream vacation home into a retirement home, be aware that you can live quite well on much less in this Central American country.

A grocery comparison indicates that basic foodstuffs such as ripe produce are quite a bit cheaper in Costa Rica than in the United States. Anything that takes a lot of processing and packaging will cost more. Finally, while Costa Rica has a thriving seafood industry, the majority of it is exported. Animal-based protein will not be cheap in Costa Rica.

Water can be a concern, depending on where you’re looking at buying your vacation home. Investing in a good quality filter or finding a delivery service may be the most effective choice for your family. As a general rule, boiling water for coffee and tea will reduce the impact of any harmful critters; freezing will not. If you want ice in your drink, make it with bottled water.

Language

Learning Spanish will make life easier. Additionally, learning Costa Rican Spanish will be quite simple once you’re settled in; there are many local teachers who can help you brush up on this particularly gentle pronunciation.

Safety Considerations

A great deal of Costa Rica is quite safe. That being said, there are areas of the larger cities that most residents avoid at night. Gang violence, such as you’d find in any large American city, is always a concern in crowded urban places.

The country of Costa Rica benefits from the expats and dual-citizens that are building and buying there. Take the time to rent in a few spots to make sure you buy property in a region that suits you best. Check out those necessities that make your life easy, such as the local shopping, restaurants, and walking paths, before buying.

Solo travel is one of life’s great pleasures, and it’s made even more fun when your pooch can come along.

However, if you want to explore the world with your furry pal, you’ll need to do a lot of preparation and planning beforehand.

You can’t be as spontaneous when you have a canine companion, and if you’re crossing borders, one innocent misjudgment could place you both in a difficult situation.

Planning your trip in advance, while keeping your dog’s needs in mind, is the best way to ensure a great travel experience. Check out these six tips for solo travel with your dog and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

1. Consider Whether Your Dog is Suitable for Travel

Before packing your suitcase and hitting the road with your pooch, take the time to consider whether your pup is cut out for travel.

Are they anxious or reactive by nature? Do they get upset when their daily routine is disrupted? Or are they getting older or suffering from health issues?

You should ask yourself all these questions and more before deciding to travel with your dog. Not all dogs will enjoy the constant changing of surroundings that comes with travel, while others may struggle with disruptions to their routine.

If you’re unsure how your dog will react to travel, it’s best to do a short trial run first. Take your pup away with you for an overnight stay or weekend break to see how they get on before committing to a longer trip.

2. Plan Your Trip Ahead

A popular travel quote is “travel is about the journey, not the destination”, and this is especially true when traveling with your dog. Before heading off on your adventures, make the time to plan your route in detail – with the needs of your dog in mind.

If you’re traveling by car, you should choose an itinerary that has plenty of dog-friendly stops on the way, so you can punctuate the journey with shady walks and toilet stops. Your dog will be much more relaxed if they have frequent opportunities for a leg-stretch and some fresh air.

You should also make a note of all the vet clinics and pet supply stores along the way, just in case your pooch needs some medical help during your trip.

If you’re flying with your dog, triple-check the airline and arrival country requirements before you book. The last thing you want is to turn up at the airport with the wrong size of airline carrier or a missing vaccine stamp on your dog’s paperwork.

Airlines are very specific about which carriers are allowed, including requirements as minor as the bolt material and locking mechanisms. You should also check whether your dog is small enough to come into the cabin, as the hold can be an extremely stressful experience.

Most airports have areas where you can walk your pup and allow them to relieve themselves before boarding – so be sure to factor this time into your travel plans.

3. Pre-Book Dog-Friendly Venues

While more venues are pet-friendly nowadays, you cannot assume the next hotel on your route will allow you to bring your pooch. Being stranded with nowhere to stay is bad enough when you’re on your own, let alone when you have your furry pal.

To avoid this situation, make sure to research dog-friendly hotels and restaurants along your route and book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Some hotels may offer pet-sitting services, too – so you can nip out for essentials and leave your pup in safe hands.

The good news is that there are many dog-friendly hotels in Costa Rica. You’ll need to search for the area you’re visiting, but some examples include:

• Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica (Papagayo.) This hotel allows pets of any size for no additional fee, making it an excellent choice for larger dogs.
• Hotel Poseidon Y Restaurante (Jaco.) Unlike the Four Seasons, this hotel only allows dogs up to 15kg, and you’ll need to pay a small deposit.
• Casa Conde Hotel and Suites (San Jose.) This hotel allows dogs up to 20lbs with a daily refundable deposit.

4. Bring All the Essentials

Whether you’re traveling by air or overland, you’ll need to bring lots of supplies to keep your dog happy and healthy during the journey.

For road trips, make sure there’s plenty of space in the car to bring everything your pup needs and keep it within easy reach for your rest stops. Items such as a crash-tested travel crate, collapsible water bowls, poop bags, wipes, snacks, blankets, leashes, and harnesses are essential, and I recommend you also bring a comfy bed (The Dog Clinic has some good travel options,) their favorite toys and a first aid kit.

If you’re flying with your dog in the cabin with you, be sure to bring comfort items such as toys, blankets, absorbent pads, wipes, snacks, and a collapsible water bowl. If your dog is anxious on the plane, you may want to bring a calming supplement recommended by your vet.

5. Keep Copies of all Your Documents

If you’re planning to cross borders, you’ll need to have all your dog’s health and vaccination records ready. These are checked by border officials to make sure your dog is healthy and won’t bring any diseases into the country.

Countries have different entry requirements, so it’s crucial to research these thoroughly before traveling. Some countries will require a rabies vaccination and blood test results to prove it. If you arrive and you don’t have the correct documentation, your dog could be taken away and placed into quarantine.

Alongside the original documents, make sure you make several copies and keep them somewhere safe. Officials will usually want to make copies of the documents, so if you have some ready, this will save time and make the entry process much easier.

It’s a good idea to have some copies saved digitally, too, so you can still access them should the hard copies get lost or damaged.

6. Make Use of Dog-Friendly Travel Apps

Essentially everyone is online nowadays, so you’ll likely plan your vacation with your smartphone. Aside from browsing websites for information, you can also download dedicated dog travel apps to help you make the most of your trip.

Some of my favorites are:

• Bring Fido – this app lists nearby dog-friendly venues.
• Pet First Aid– run by the American Red Cross, this app tells you where the nearest emergency veterinarian clinics are and provides easy instructions to help you deal with an emergency.
• All Trails – this app lists more than 50,000 trails with maps and reviews. You can filter the search to locate dog-friendly walks nearby.

Summary

There you have it, my top tips for solo travel with your dog.

Organizing a trip with your pooch maybe a little more difficult than going it alone, but if you do your research and plan well in advance, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy exploring the world with your best friend!