We've all heard about the Coronavirus Outbreak. It's natural to become uneasy hopping on airplanes while travel restrictions are on the rise.
For Travel Junkies, it's tough to even consider putting travel on hold for ANY reason, but I understand the concern.
With that being said, my fam and I still jumped on our flight to Costa Rica... and we had a BLAST!😜 (details below)
To be honest, the trip was booked before the panic started, and it was pure luck that Costa Rica had low confirmed cases of the virus.
So let's look at this logically...Do we have to STOP traveling? NO!
Do we have to be cautious? Most Definitely!
4 Tips for traveling during the Coronavirus Pandemic
1. Purchase Travel Insurance: Most Travel Insurance Policies cover trip cancellations, medial emergencies, medical evacuation, travel delays, and lost luggage. Deductibles and coverage vary based on the provider, read the fine print before making your decision. Trust me, it's worth it.
Tip: Some Credit Cards include Travel Insurance Coverage. I personally use the Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card with coverage up to $250k, Lost Luggage Reimbursement up to $3k, Trip Cancellation and interruption insurance up to $5k.
2. Read Travel Advisories - Refer to US Department of State Travel Advisories and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention before choosing a destination. By pure luck, Costa Rica had no cases of the Coronavirus, so there was a low chance of contracting the virus, and a low risk of a travel ban being implemented.
3. Wash Your Hands! - It goes without saying, but PLEASE wash your hands and the filthy phones that stay in your hands all day. Purchase hand sanitizer for daily use, and clorox wipes to clean your seat prior to sitting down on the airplane.
4. Enjoy your Trip and Relax!
Stress is the worst thing that can happen to your body. Don't spoil your trip by worrying about the "what if". Use normal hygiene practices: wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, sanitize, wipe, spray. Most of all, Enjoy your vacation because you deserve a break.
Enough about safety...Let's talk about Costa Rica!
Jaco, Costa Rica:
Jaco is the closest beach town to San Jose International Airport. It's a popular base for tourists visiting other areas in Costa Rica. Known for having some of the best waves in the country, Jaco attracts visitors from all over the world looking to soak up sun and surf for their vacation.
It’s an excellent destination for first time visitors because it’s not too far from San Jose International Airport with easy accessibility, has a lively nightlife and is close to many natural attractions.
1. How to Get There?
I rarely double back to destinations, but Costa Rica can be enjoyed by families, couples, friends, or solo. It is a tropical paradise filled with exotic animals, beautiful rainforests, volcanoes, and wide selection of beaches.
I was beyond thrilled when my niece chose Jaco for her 13th Birthday Celebration during Spring Break.
JetBlue has 2.5 hr direct flights from Fort Lauderdale, FL to San Jose International Airport starting at $300 Round Trip. On this particular visit, we stayed in Jaco (Ha-Ko) due to it's easy accessibility from San Jose Airport AND it's a good base for traveling to other areas in Costa Rica.
Transportation Options to Jaco:
Rent a Car - Driving in Costa Rica can be slightly intimidating, but it gives you the freedom to stop and go as you please, opening up a world of possibilities.
The roads from San Jose to Jaco are well paved two-lane highways with occasional pot hole ridden dirt roads.
- Requirements: Valid Driver's License and Passport
- Street Signs are written in Spanish
- Speed Limits are in kilometers
- Request a vehicle with 4 wheel drive
- GPS is a MUST. Check with your service provide for international data rates, or rent the GPS from the rental car agency.
Tip: Most hotels offer free self and valet parking on the property. It may be more cost effective to rent a vehicle because Taxis are not easily obtained in some areas.
Carib Shuttle - www.caribeshuttle.com
Shared Shuttle: $88 Round Trip
Private Transfer: $330 Round Trip
Note: Uber is available in Costa Rica, but it is ILLEGAL. I do not recommend using their services.
2. Hotel Recommendations
Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort
As a Marriott Rewards Member, I naturally lean toward hotels under the Marriott umbrella. Los Suenos Marriott did not disappoint, it was absolutely stunning. Our room had ocean and mountain views that captured the essence of Costa Rica.
Highlights
Direct Access to the Beach
10 minutes away from Jaco City Center
Excursion Pick Up and Drop Off
Free Self and Valet Parking
Multiple Pools on the Property
Restaurants on the Property
Crocs Resort and Casino
If you're looking for an All Inclusive Option, I recommend Crocs Resort and Casino. The food options are "okay", but the views and the service are top notch. I stayed at this Jaco property during my first visit to Costa Rica and had a blast. It's actually where I made my first Drone Video.
Highlights
Direct Access to the Beach
In Jaco City Center
All Inclusive Options
3. Must Do Excursions
Adrenaline Junkies! Los Suenos Adventure Park is your one stop shop to test your limits. The park offers ATV's, Ziplining, Horseback Riding, Hiking, Buggies, Chocolate Tour, and Waterfall Rappelling. You could easily spend 2 days there and enjoy every moment.
Greedy Tip: Purchase the Lunch Add-On. The food is delicious and there is live band entertainment while you wait for your next excursion.
Note: White Water Rafting is offered by many tour companies. Check with your hotel prior to booking.
Tortuga Island Day Trip
Feel your worries float away during a 45 minute cruise to Tortuga Island. The island is surrounded by white sand beaches that invites you to soak up the sun, snorkel, banana boat, hike, eat a freshly grilled lunch and enjoy the island vibes.
Highlights
Roundtrip Transportation from Jaco and San Jose Hotels
Live Band on the Beach
Snorkeling, Hiking, and Banana Boat are included
Freshly Grilled 4 Course Local Lunch and Tropical Fruit included
Unlimited Soft Drinks, Water, Rum Punch, and Margaritas
Greedy Tip: During Oyster Season, fishermen sell fresh oysters
4. Greedy Tips
Food is LIFE in Costa Rica. Pescatarians, Vegetarians, Carnivores, and Vegans can enjoy local dishes. Exotic fruits grow locally and vendors can be found on every intersection.
We purchased the sweetest mangos on our way back to San Jose. The mango didn't last 5 minutes in the car; the smell was overwhelming.
If you're in doubt on where to eat, try any place with the name "Soda". Soda is another name for "local restaurant" and the average price of a plate is $5.
Soda Jaco Rustico $ - This was by far our FAVORITE restaurant in Jaco. Other blogs mentioned this soda (restaurant) and I had to check it out.
We were hooked after the first meal and upset that our stomachs couldn't keep down another bite.
Try the Fried Snapper, Stewed Chicken, Stewed Pork, Red Beans and Rice, and the veggies. Of course I didn't get a chance to try everything, but if I had the time, I would have sampled every dish.
Soda Garabito $ - No question, this is the place to go for local food at a reasonable price. Incredible selection and easy on the pockets. On my first trip to Jaco, we went 3-4 times during our 4 day trip and never had the same meal twice.
Order the Comida Tipica, and try to order in Spanish and pay in colones. Otherwise you'll pay the tourist price. The sea bass was my favorite, with a side of chayote squash and a refreshing lemon tea.
Graffiti Restro Cafe $$$ - For high end dining or a romantic dinner, Graffiti Cafe is the perfect option. Reservations are needed, since the restaurant is in a tourist area and known to be packed every night.
The portion sizes are huge, and the drinks are amazing. Just be aware, this restaurant is americanized; local dishes are not their speciality.
Taco Bar $$ - Fresh Fish Tacos, Burritos, and all you can eat salad bar with dessert. The Taco Bar is in a prime area to take in the scene and enjoy time with friends and family.
I hope this helps you plan your next vacation to Jaco, Costa Rica. Drop a comment if you have any questions and thanks for reading :)
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