There aren't many surfing destinations that are better than Costa Rica. This Central American paradise is a favorite of many for its beautiful beaches, flora and wildlife. Here are a few helpful tips for planning your next surfing excursion:
Costa Rica is one of the most popular surfing destinations.
Choose a camp
If you plan on staying at a surf camp, it's best to select one well in advance. Camps drastically vary in terms of quality and accommodations, so give yourself ample time to research your options. First and foremost, you want a camp with instructors who are certified in lifesaving procedures like CPR or Emergency Medical Training, said Dominical Waverider. Surf accidents happen, and you want a trained professional on hand.
Narrow down your list of camps by looking for ones with smaller class sizes and all the equipment you need. Also, it's a good idea to go with a camp that's involved in the local community. These surf schools are usually more dedicated to preserving local beaches and wildlife.
Prepare your budget
As The Costa Rica News indicated, this beautiful country is one of the most expensive vacation spots in Central America. Thankfully, it also means you have your pick of airline carriers, so shop around for a good deal. Book your flight three months ahead of your departure date, and try to leave during the rainy season. You'll encounter a few thundershowers, but the payoff is a cheaper flight and fewer tourists.
Consider travel insurance
According to The Washington Post, a survey from Boston University found about a quarter of travelers had to cancel or change their plans because of health issues. Zika virus is still a concern, according to a recent update from the Public Health Agency of Canada, and a storm can come out of nowhere.
"Wherever you are, you would ideally like to have a rough plan so that if there were some catastrophe, you wouldn't be completely without access to any health care," Albert Wu, an attending physician at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told The Washington Post. "You should try to be pessimistic for a minute and think about what could go wrong and if you would be OK with that."
At this point, it's a good idea to look into your travel insurance options, including trip cancellation insurance. A bad accident or inclement weather can put you on the first flight home, so be prepared.