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Last week, I took my first ever solo trip. I wrote this trip in my bucket list book years ago, and this past week, I was able to cross it off my list.
I traveled to Costa Rica for four nights and five days, and it was a fantastic experience.
WHY A SOLO TRIP
I believe growth exists when you step out of your comfort zone. Being in a foreign country where I could barely speak the language was very much out of my comfort zone. Before this trip, I’ve gone on many solo dates and outings, so I knew I could make this solo trip. I love spending time with myself and sparking up conversations with strangers.
Above all, I love stories. Meeting people from different cultures and learning their stories helps me become a better storyteller.
ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR COSTA RICA
Due to Covid, there are some restrictions for entering different countries. For Costa Rica, here are the requirements.
- Acquire medical insurance: travel medical insurance is required. You can purchase your insurance through any travel insurance provider such as IMG for as low as $20. I bought mine through a Costa Rica insurance provider (Blue Cross Blue Shield). I paid $61 for my entire stay.
- Complete the Health Pass Online Form: You need to get the insurance before completing the form, and the form can only be completed 72 hours before your flight. Once the form is completed, you’ll be given a QR code. When you arrive in Costa Rica, they will ask you for that code in Customs.
Resources:
Here is the link to the health form HERE
Here is the link to learn more about the entry requirements HERE
ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR THE US
As for the US, you’ll need a negative COVID test to check-in for your flight. The test must be taken no more than 72hours before your return flight.
Many hotels throughout the country offer COVID testing ranging from $100 – $140.
I flew back on from the Liberia Airport. The Airport provides a rapid test for only $69, and you get your results within an hour. They highly suggest you schedule your test four hours before your flight.
I scheduled my test for 8 am. I got to the airport at 7 am and was able to get tested and received my results via email by 8 am. The entire process was super easy and quick.
If you have the time, schedule the test at the airport instead.
WHAT I DID, WHERE I ATE, AND WHERE I STAYED
DAY 1: FLY-IN
When I purchased my flight, I had no idea where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. So I bought my ticket to San Jose, Costa Rica since it’s the country’s capital.
After much research and talking to others who have traveled to the country, I realized I didn’t want to stay in San Jose.
If I could go back, I would’ve booked my flight for a full seven days and stayed in San Jose for a minimum of three days, and travel to the coast for the remaining time.
I booked a beautiful Airbnb in San Jose and wished I got to enjoy it longer.
Since I flew in really late, I wanted to ensure my transportation to my Airbnb, so I booked a driver through AirportShuttle. I paid about $70 for the driver, and it was a fantastic experience.
Very Important: Costa Rica currently has a 9 pm curfew.
Once I arrived at my Airbnb, I wasn’t able to go out, so I ordered dinner through UberEats. Yes, they have UberEats there, and the food arrived in seconds.
DAY 2: TRAVEL TO TAMARINDO
On day two, I had to get up super early to get to my next destination. My second Airbnb is located in Huacas, Guanacaste. Huacas is located in between two major tourist cities (Tamarindo and Flamingo). It took a 15-minute drive to get to either city.
San Jose is located about 5 hours from Tamarindo. There are two ways to get there. Take a public bus for about $7- $10 or book a private driver for up to $250.
Because I was going for an authentic experience and wanted to save money, I chose to get to my destination on a public bus.
I met some people and had some great conversations during the ride.
Once I got to Huacas and settled into my GORGEOUS Airbnb, I got ready for dinner.
During my bus ride, I met a wonderful woman who happened to be staying in Tamarindo. We decided to meet up for dinner that night.
For dinner, we went to Portofino Restaurant. The restaurant is located right along Tamarindo beach. The food was delicious, the drinks were amazing. This is the perfect spot to dine and watch the sunset. Ohh! They also have a DJ.
We got to meet the owner and had a great conversation with him.
There are many other restaurants along the beach and around the area, so if you’re looking to hop from bar to bar, this is the perfect place to start.
The area is filled with young tourists from all over the world.
DAY 3: CREATING CONTENT
On day three, I spent my morning creating content around my gorgeous Airbnb. Afterward, I met Maria Jose again for lunch, and we went to another restaurant along the beach called El Chiringuito. The food there was excellent. I had a whole snapper with fries and a salad.
After lunch, we went to a food truck park to get some freshly made Churros. The food truck park is located 2 minutes outside of El Chiringuito.
Although I am a photographer, when I travel, I love to partner with local creatives. Before my trip, I reached out to Shade to see if she could shoot some content for me.
After our deserts, we met up with Shade to shoot some beach content.
Quick Tips for Finding a Photographer While Traveling
- Check Airbnb experiences for photographers.
- Search “Costa Rica Photographer” on Instagram
- Look at their work and make sure they’ve worked with people that look like you.
After my shoot, we ended the day back at Portofino.
DAY 4: ATV TOUR & ZIP LINING
Day 4 was all about the excursions for me. I booked an ATV beach Tour & Zip lining through Airbnb experiences.
The spot was only 10 minutes away from my Airbnb, so one of the instructors was able to pick me up and drop me off.
This was my very first time driving an ATV, and I was a bit nervous.
The entire experience was AMAZING! The instructors made sure I was safe the whole time. I Highly recommend booking with them.
After a fun-filled day and getting wet in the rain, I stopped by a Soda, located across from my Airbnb, for lunch.
In Costa Rica, soda are normally small, mom and pop open air restaurants that serves only traditional Costa Rican food.
The food was exactly what I needed after my activities.
After a long nap, I decided to end my last night in the country with a fancy dinner.
I went to Coco Loco, located in Flamingo beach. This restaurant is a very touristy spot due to all the nearby resorts. The food was excellent, and many people told me it’s the best place to watch the sunset.
DAY 5: FLYOUT
My last day in Costa Rica was very quick. I booked my return flight out of Liberia airport, which is about 1hr from Tamarindo. My driver made sure I got the airport safe in sound, and I was able to have a traditional Tico breakfast at a nearby rest stop.
My driver was AMAZING! He drove me around throughout my entire stay in Costa Rica and was very helpful with restaurant recommendations. If you’re ever in Costa Rica, reach out to Anthony via What’s app (+506 8674-7554). He travels all throughout the country and speaks English.
I hope this post helps you out if you are looking to visit this beautiful country. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.
As always, thank you for reading.
Check out my trip to Cuba Here
