I have been traveling extensively throughout Central America for the past 5 years and some from the greatest family vacations you can take are to be found nearby in U.S. friendly Costa Rica. Because Costa Rica has no army, and because of its treaty with the U.S., you will not discover the political turmoil that exists in other Latin American countries such as Nicaragua and Honduras. This is important when traveling and particularly when traveling with your loved ones. You want your family to become as safe as possible and when you travel to Costa Rica you do feel protected most of the time.
You still need to be wary of thieves, pickpockets and druggies on the streets, and particularly at night. Travelers sometimes get lulled by the relative safety of a place like Costa Rica because they see a lot of tourists and Americans and they think that nothing bad can happen to them. So if you plan it correct, a trip to Costa Rica could end up becoming one of the greatest vacations you've ever experienced.
I recommend the beaches of Guanacaste, particularly the lovely Playa Hermosa as your destination, it is among the greatest family vacations you can find. There are many small hotels which are reasonably priced and the water at the magnificent beach is calm and safe for kids. You still need to be careful, nevertheless, with smaller children and make certain they have life vests on at all times and are watched diligently by adults.
Should you really want to splurge, then I suggest you book a room at the Four Seasons Papagayo about a half hour away from Playa Hermosa. There's a championship golf course there unlike any other that I have ever seen and it sits on a peninsula with breathtaking views that juts out into the Pacific. Get ready to be pampered like an "A" list celebrity whenever you stay there. You will find 5-star restaurants with five-star costs in the facility.
A fantastic time awaits you and your loved ones and you can be assured of having one of the greatest vacations you will ever have when you travel to beautiful, tropical Costa Rica.
Author: By Tom LaTolla