Top Costa Rica travel tips

A woman with a severe peanut allergy says she endured humiliating treatment from an airline on a journey from London to Costa Rica.

For many Americans, “global warming” has become a charged term. It’s splashed across headlines and the subject of dinner table arguments: There’s a clear divide both here and abroad about climate change. But one Central American destination is decades past asking questions about global warming, and is leading the way in sustainable travel and ecotourism.

Fully vaccinated and planning your summer vacation? American travelers can go ahead and add Europe to the list of potential destinations for summer 2021.

Planning international travel? Be aware that the new rules for travel to the United States will take effect on November 8, as the U.S. ends the pandemic travel ban on foreign visitors. In addition to allowing in foreign travelers, the reentry rules to the country will also be changing for U.S. Citizens and permanent residents.

There are thousands of surf schools in the world that can get you up and riding for the first time. They teach the basics, and then for the most part, set you off on your own. For aspiring pros there are high-level surf coaches, but what about the rest of us?

If traveling to Europe is on your bucket list for next year, you better make a checklist too. 

Costa Rica is one of the most visited international destinations, and for good reason. With lush tropical rainforests, dramatic volcanic hot springs, and endless waterfalls thanks to the verdant jungle and surrounding mountains, it’s no wonder that travelers go to Costa Rica to experience some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. In fact, it’s home to the tallest waterfall in Central America, El Salto del Calvo. As 25 percent of the country is protected for conservation, most cascades are located within some of the 32 national parks and have entrance fees, but that shouldn’t stop you from checking them out — they’re well worth a few bucks. Here are the 14 most amazing waterfalls you should go chasing while in Costa Rica.

Panama is famous for its canal (of course) and, increasingly, for its Old City. But there is much more to this Central American country than shipping and history – it’s also a tropical paradise to rival neighbouring Costa Rica. Here’s our list of the 10 best wildlife adventures in Panama.

We recently caught up with budget travel expert Matt Kepnes, best known through his blog, Nomadic Matt. Since 2008 Matt has been chronicling his travels and sharing carefully researched information on how to travel better, cheaper, and longer — aka on a budget. His new book, How to Travel the World on $50 a Day, compiles years of budget travel wisdom into one place.

Indigenous communities in Costa Rica are relatively unknown and often overlooked, so visiting them makes for a truly fascinating and authentic experience. In the remote Bribrí village of Yorkín, men and women are equal and sustain themselves through farming, fishing and hunting. Rough Guides writer, Anna Kaminski, met the woman behind the collective.

While you might not be able to go anywhere right now, there’s nothing to stop you planning your next trip – or simply indulging in a spot of armchair travel. We’ve got hundreds of fantastic titles available to download covering places as diverse as the Norwegian fjords, Japan’s high-tech cities and the idyllic Greek Islands. If you’re wondering what to choose, here are some of our most popular and enduring guides, plus some inspiring new titles.