Little Costa Rica has been a favorite tourist destination for Americans, Canadians and, increasingly, Europeans, for more than two decades. Though it is one of the smaller countries on the planet, about the size of West Virginia, its many attractions are world-famous: nearly 800 miles of uncrowded coastlines on the Pacific and Atlantic oceans; parks and reserves covering 25 Percent of its land area; and a marvelous diversity of plants and animals.

People come for its volcanoes; terrific fishing; spectacular beaches; some of the finest surfing anywhere; whitewater or family rafting thrills; ziplining high in the jungle canopy; and, of course, adult nightlife. What happens here stays here (unless you want to brag about your adventures on Facebook).

There is a Costa Rica vacation for every wallet. For the rich and famous, or those who want to vacation like they are celebrities, there are places like the Real Intercontinental Hotel, Papagayo Four Seasons Resort and Los Suenos Resorts. But, if these are a bit too much money or fancier than what you like, you can experience this Latin American country quite nicely on a more reserved budget.

Here are five sure ways to vacation big with budget travel.

1. Save 20 Percent or more on hotels and resorts: Observe travel seasons

a. Avoid Peak Season. {Easter Week and mid-December through early January budget traveler visits September through mid-November when (if you ask) there are often discounts of 20-35 Percent or more available. Imagine a seven day holiday where you only pay for five nights!

2. Save $25 a day when renting a car by planning ahead

Here is a tip that takes five minutes but can save you a lot of money while traveling.

Many tourists rent a car on the Web before they fly and are distressed to be apprised when they arrive that the rental agency is going to charge an additional fee of $25 or more per day for liability insurance! The forewarned traveler knows how save that money by observing some simple rules. Rule No. 1: If your vehicle policy at home includes liability coverage, that insurance is good when renting a vehicle in Costa Rica. Recommendation: bring a copy of the policy along with the email and facsimile and telephone number of your insurance agent . Rule No. 2: Many credit cards offer a little publicized benefit: liability insurance coverage for rentals when the card is used. Contact your credit card company before you travel for best results. Rule No. 3: Be polite but informed. And, if you do not have the insurance info when you get the car, ask for the rental company's fax and contact your agent. Over the course of a week or two, you can save a bundle of cash simply by taking a few minutes to get your insurance documents and contact information together.

3. Save another 5 Percent or more: Remember that Cash Is King

Sounds hackneyed but it is as true today as 100 years ago: Cash is King. Many Ticos prefer being paid in dollars over credit cards and when asked if they give a discount for cash will offer 5 percent or more. Ask "Que (pronounced "K") es discuento por effectivo?" which means "What is the discount for cash?" Be sure the bills are new and not defaced with even a tiny tear. And, bring $20 and $50 bills. Many restaurants, merchants, and hostels cannot break a $100 bill.

4. Save 10 Percent while dining: Do not pay two tips in a restaurant

Do you speak Spanish? No? That could cost you ten percent in lots of bars, bistros, cafes, and restaurants. Here is why. Many cafes and pubs, particularly those catering to foreign visitors, automatically include a 10 Percent gratuity (called "servicio") on a bill. They are required by law to include that information on the menu but most places ignore the law and are rewarded by unknowing foreigners who unwittingly leave a second gratuity because they do not know how to read the bill. So, here is the deal. Look for either the word "servicio" or some unexplained charge of ten percent (most likely, a disguised "servicio"). Would not that money be better spent on ice cream for the family?

5. Save 50 Percent by staying in a hostel

There are hostels throughout Costa Rica. Most mature travelers think of a hostel as a place where there are several beds in a common dorm. The fact is, however, that increasingly hostels across the country offer private rooms with their own baths, but at a fraction of the cost of a hotel room. Low Season rates are frequently in the range of $12 per person. Before you roll your eyes check a couple out. You might be surprised. And you will save lots of money.
Victor C. Krumm writes from sunny Costa Rica in his beautiful Costa Rica Vacations site. Visit here to learn more from wonderful Costa Rica Eco Tourism opportunities.