Where is The Best Place to Vacation for Thanksgiving? Welcome to Costa Rica!
Black Friday is fun but, let’s admit it, it’s also crazy. So you might be looking for the perfect escape, a way to avoid the shopping hustle and to enjoy a slice of calm(er) paradise. There is no better place for you than Costa Rica, a tropical paradise in Central America. With beaches, volcanoes, and delicious plantains, this country has a lot to offer. And, best of all, you can celebrate Thanksgiving in peace, away from the crowds.
Costa Rica, the Home of Pura Vida
You might have wondered, “where is the best place to vacation for Thanksgiving?” Perhaps you don’t want to go to Florida, just as Black Friday crazy as the rest of the US. And you might not want to go to Mexico, where everyone else is going. Costa Rica is the right place for you. A tiny country, but mighty and breath-taking. This is the home of the slogan “pura vida,” pure life, which describes the way of living here: peaceful and cheerful.
Thanksgiving break is the perfect moment to travel to the CR, since temperatures aren’t too unbearable and you will be able to enjoy adventurous hikes or relaxing days by the beach. After all, this is one of the happiest countries in the world. It’s time to find out why.
Places you Can’t Miss in Costa Rica
Need help planning your trip? Here are 5 things to do, to see, and to enjoy to make sure your vacation in Costa Rica is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of.
- The smallest park in the country is also the most beloved one. It’s Manuel Antonio National Park, where you won’t get bored. Keeping in mind that the park is closed on Tuesdays, even during the holidays, you will be able to enjoy a unique experience among its beaches, flora, and fauna. This is the ideal destination to swim without any crowds around, to go bird watching, and to bring your kids to the Planet Dolphin Catamaran.
- Costa Rica is the land of volcanoes. In fact, there are six active volcanoes and another 61 dormant or extinct ones in the country. The most popular one is the Arenal Volcano, surrounded by plantations and forests. Also a national park, this destination includes over 850 species of birds. And you will find as many Thanksgiving vacation rentals as possible.
- If you are looking for fun and relaxation, everything at the same time, then Tamarindo is the right place for you. It’s a surfers’ paradise, but also a destination for anyone who loves a good beach and doesn’t want to give up nightlife and music. And, if you are looking for the ultimate luxurious villa, that’s where you will find our Thanksgiving vacation rentals.
- The charm of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve is its mystery. Moody and foggy, this destination in Costa Rica is almost magical. And, if you only see one thing at the preserve, make sure you make it the colorful, charming hummingbirds.
- Costa Rica is a destination for nature lovers. So, if you don’t like tropical beaches and lush forests, this isn’t the place for you. Just think of the Parque Nacional Corcovado, where you can walk among lagoons, rivers, 367 birds, and 140 mammals.
So, this country offers beaches, national parks, volcanoes, and simple beauty. It’s the authentic beauty, the one still untouched, made for solo travelers, couples, and families. The perfect Thanksgiving getaway, indeed.
Eat and Drink in Costa Rica
While the sights and the views are the country’s top attractions, there is more to Costa Rica than meets the eye. Literally. Here are 5 must-try for a traditional and delicious meal.
- The casado can be described as the national dish. In theory, it’s just black beans and white rice. In reality, local restaurants and food stalls prepare it with meat or seafood, fried plantains, and a side of salad. Which makes casado perfect even for vegetarians.
- The gallo pinto is similar to casado but it’s more of a breakfast meal. With rice and beans, this traditional dish also includes vegetables and the salsa lizano, a sweet salsa with a touch of spice from cumin and black peppers.
- Tired of rice and beans? There is no better place for ceviche than Costa Rica! Made with fresh ingredients, savory and full of flavor, this is a must-have.
- Costa Rica isn’t a country of sweets and desserts. This is the country of tropical fruits. While you will find gelato and ice cream all over, you can’t go back to the States without trying mango, papaya, passion fruit, and the pitahaya, aka dragon fruit.
- Since local wines aren’t an item in the CR, the drink of choice is the Guaro, a liquor that will burn your guts -in a good way. However, if you prefer something lighter, you can always order a pina colada, refreshing and delicious.
While you might not find turkey and gravy during your Costa Rica getaway, you will find a culture rich in food, drinks, and flavors. With seasonal and fresh ingredients, every dish is a highlight.
Useful Information for US Travelers
American citizens traveling to Costa Rica don’t need a VISA to enter the country if they are staying for less than 90 days. What they need is a return flight ticket to show upon arrival. The official currency is the Colon, which is around $0.0018. You can change your US dollars at the airport, otherwise many hotels will be able to guide you to the most convenient currency exchange shop.
Thanksgiving is one of the best times to enjoy the country. During this season, the weather in Costa Rica is almost perfect. Thanks to lower temperatures, you can travel around most of the country without hitting any storms. While you might have to bring a light, waterproof jacket (just in case), you won’t need any gloves or scarves. By the way, the official language is Spanish so practice a few more words besides “pura vida.” Wink wink.
Have We Convinced you Yet?
If you are still wondering where is the best place to vacation for Thanksgiving, then we haven’t convinced you. So, why should you go to Costa Rica for your break? This is a budget-friendly destination, especially if you are flying from the US. It’s perfect for every type of traveler, nomads and families alike. Costa Rica is also an LGBTQI+ friendly destination, which is definitely another reason to love this country. With beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and delicious food, there is always a reason to visit Costa Rica. especially during Thanksgiving.
