Do you have a taste for adventure? Are you interested in improving your Spanish? Have you ever considered teaching English as a foreign language? Maybe all three? Whether you’re looking to relocate more permanently or simply hoping to have the time of your life for a few weeks, Costa Rica has a lot to offer prospective travelers from all walks of life.
For the avid eco-travelers among us, Costa Rica’s reputation likely precedes it. Not only is it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, but its tropical climate also draws visitors year-round. From dense rainforest to sun-soaked coastlines, there’s a reason Costa Rica is the most visited country in Central America. The government has even established an extensive national park system.
Unsurprisingly, Costa Rica is a hub for outdoor recreation, as well as wildlife and environmental volunteering. The lifestyle is relaxed and the people welcoming, also making it the perfect place to fine-tune your Spanish. And better yet, the country has a reputation for being one of the safest places to travel in Latin America. So really, what’s holding you back? Costa Rica is an ideal destination for adventurous travelers!
If you’re about to set out on a solo trip, however, your friends and family might be a bit worried, particularly if you’re a woman. In my experience, it’s best to take these concerns with a grain of salt. Don’t forget to pack your common sense, but also don’t let others’ fears discourage you. Traveling alone is the ultimate growth experience, so don’t cancel your flight. Rather, let’s look at how you can make the most of your Costa Rican adventure.
Planning Ahead
One of the best ways to enjoy solo travel without sacrificing your personal safety is to plan in advance! No sleeping on the airport floor or getting into strangers’ cars when they swear they know a place you can stay the night. Organize your accommodation at least a few days ahead of time. If you’re moving around a lot, booking hostels is a great way to make the most of your money and meet other travelers at the same time.
If you’ll be putting down roots for a few weeks, organizing a homestay with a local family is another great way to travel safely and economically. A host family is an excellent resource! Not only will your Spanish improve if you live with locals, but you’ll also have someone to turn to for reliable advice. Ask them where to buy groceries, what bus line to take if there are any areas of town to avoid.
However, when I suggest you plan, keep in mind that conceptions of time are pretty loose in Costa Rica. Plans are rarely hard and fast, so you’ll have a better time abroad if you take a flexible approach. Simply be prepared in a broader sense. Have an idea of where you’ll be staying and what you’ll be doing. This is also an important piece of successful solo travel: set out with a purpose!
Being Involved
You are more likely to enjoy traveling on your own if you set intentions for your time abroad. So, what sorts of things can you do to bring greater meaning to your travels? Get involved in the community! If you become part of a volunteer project or take a Spanish course, you’ll have an anchor to shape your trip around, and it’s more than likely that this will help you meet like-minded people on the ground.
And though San José may not be on your bucket list as far as Costa Rican destinations are concerned, it makes for a great homebase. In addition to holding the title of the country’s capital, San José has an international airport, so even if you plan to explore the whole country, you’ll likely find yourself in San José first. Because such a large percentage of the population resides here, it’s also your best bet for educational and professional opportunities.
Finding “purpose” will look different for everybody. The Maximo Nivel institute, located just 10 minutes from downtown San José, orchestrates a wide range of volunteer, internship, Spanish immersion, and study abroad programs. Some of these offerings, as well as the TEFL certification course, are also available at Maximo’s other Costa Rica site in the beautiful beach town of Manuel Antonio. So why not stay a while? There’s no reason you can’t go to both!
Seeing Costa Rica
Once you have a rough plan and know your motivation for traveling, you can fill in the rest of your time with some sightseeing! You’ll be in a country that borders both the Caribbean and the Pacific; so needless to say, there’s a lot to explore. And traveling alone can feel very liberating. It encourages you to make new connections and try things that you might not have with a familiar friend in tow.
Just remember to be mindful of your surroundings. Catcalling is common throughout Costa Rica, but it doesn’t usually amount to anything, so try not to react. It’s best not to feed into the attention. Avoid going out alone at night and stick to recognized modes of transportation like the public bus system or Uber. It’s also wise to keep your valuables out of sight. When traveling alone, it’s especially important to be vigilant.
And other than that…sit back and enjoy the ride! Costa Rica is a natural paradise, and for many, traveling there is the chance of a lifetime. From the Monteverde Cloud Forest to Manuel Antonio National Park, there are so many attractions in Costa Rica unique to the rich biodiversity of the country. So don’t miss out! Plan. Go. Grow.