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It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned traveler or a traveling newbie; One of the first things you should do before booking airline tickets to a new destination is to check the U.S. Department of State website.
The U.S. Department of State issues important travel advisories for each country based on safety and security conditions.
These change regularly.
This means that countries once considered safe could suddenly need a little more caution and planning
The The US Department of State issued a statement a new travel advice for Costa Rica. Here’s what you need to know.
Level 2: Be extra careful Travel advice for Costa Rica
The travel advisory for Costa Rica has been updated to Level 2: Be extra careful due to crime.
According to the update, petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica. Violent crimes, including armed robbery, murder and assault, also affect tourists.
There are things you can do to minimize the risk of becoming a victim of crime. In reality, these are the same precautions you should take when walking anywhere, including where you live.
They include being aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night if your route involves poorly lit streets or beaches.
If you are the victim of a robbery, do not resist it. And when exploring the country, avoid any obvious displays of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches, jewelry or designer labels.
Is Costa Rica safe?
It’s worth noting that while this update may sound scary, Costa Rica is generally a safe destination.
There are four travel advice levels. These are Level 1: Take normal precautions, Level 2: Be extra careful, Level 3: Reconsider travel, and Level 4: Do not travel.
That Costa Rica has been given a Level 2 safety rating means it is considered as safe as visiting France or Belgium, the Bahamas or the Dominican Republic.
A level 2 advisory rating means you should be aware of increased risks to safety and security when visiting a destination.
There are no serious risks to safety and certainly no life-threatening risks (these are the risks associated with level 3 and level 4 advice)
In short, a level 2 advice does not mean that you have to reconsider your travel plans!
This is good news, because there are plenty of reasons to visit Costa Rica now.
Why visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a great place for some winter sun.
Its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity make it one of the fastest growing destinations in the world.
You can choose from beaches on the Caribbean, Atlantic or Pacific coasts, as Costa Rica is surrounded by all three.
The Caribbean coast is your best bet for beautiful white-sand beaches, while the wilder Pacific coast, with its peninsulas, gulfs and bays, is full of incredible scenery.
The Pacific coast is also a good choice if you enjoy water sports and surfing. Iconic Tamarindo has a vibrant tourist scene with many hotels, bars and restaurants.
But it’s also home to some of Costa Rica’s most epic surf spots.
Beyond the beaches, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise, and winter is the best time of year to explore the rainforests, wildlife, waterfalls and even volcanoes.
Don’t miss the Arenal Volcano National Park, which covers a huge area of 29,692 hectares. Made up of 16 nature reserves between the Tilarán and Guanacaste mountains, it is an exceptional and beautiful place.
Tickets to enter the park independently cost $16.95 per non-resident adultbut if you want to hike several of the trails available here, consider booking a guided tour instead.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
