Frommer's Costa Rica [With Pocket Map] [Paperback]

What is up with all of the glowing reviews from Vine members, many who have not even been to Costa Rica!

Out of the 21 reviews, 20 are from Vine members, the only 1 star review coming from someone that actually paid for the book.

I've been planning a trip to Costa Rica for several years, and this is the best guide that I have read yet.

Not only does Frommer's Guide cover the basics, e.g., getting there, eating, lodging, and transportation, the book is loaded with illustrations, photos, insightful comments, and helpful diagrams.

Travel Guides often fail because of one of two extremes being too inclusive, or being so general as to not give specific enough guidance.

The Frommer's Guide takes an excellent middle of the road approach.

While all travel guides try to convey where to go, the Frommer's Guide for Costa Rica is also willing to tell you where to avoid.

As a frugal traveler who values personal safety, I appreciate that. (Sadly, there are many areas in Costa Rica that are dodgy now that were perfectly safe a few years back, but I would rather know than be caught in a risky situation unaware.)

I found the nightlife descriptions and the shopping sections for each area to be the most unique and helpful in the Guide.

Pick up this book and prepare to enjoy the Pura Vida of Costa Rica!

In service,

Rich
The Original Dr. Games since 1993

My wife, 18-month-old son and I were able to get this book a few weeks before we left for a trip to Costa Rica, so I was able to compare information in this book to other information I found on-line, and to "on the ground" information once we were in Costa Rica.

I need to draw a VERY solid line before this review continues: If you're the type of person or group that feels comfortable with going to a new place and simply partaking of whatever "easily-accessible" activities or attractions there are, and not going too far off the beaten path, you'll have no problems with this book. If anything, this book will actually have more information than you actually need, so be sure you know what you expect from your trip before you simply read a travel book cover-to-cover.

That said, the only thing I can honestly say about this edition is that it's inconsistent. To be fair, Costa Rica feels a lot bigger than it is, and there are all sorts of awesome little things tucked away around the next corner, so there is NO way for someone to compile travel information that will cover every single type of traveler and every single slice of life in a country. With that in mind, this book does pretty well with giving you the general vibe/feel of an area, and tries to point out some good must-sees in just about every area.

Traveling with a toddler wasn't hard, but (not surprising) this book didn't cover that aspect. I really didn't expect that, though, as we're not exactly the target demographic of Costa Rica travelers (I'm guessing). As an aside: A LOT of friends and family asked us, "You're taking a TODDLER to COSTA RICA? Isn't that DANGEROUS?" To be honest, we felt more safe in Costa Rica than we did here in California. The book has some great safety/planning information, so that is a definite plus if you're not used to traveling in countries like Costa Rica.

Obviously, more popular places will have more information. Other super-awesome places that are off the beaten path won't even get a nod. The other problem is determining the starting-point for very subjective reviews: Some eateries we tried were recommended, but they were simply "gringo-style" Tico food, so we thought they weren't that good. Other eateries, however, barely got mentioned, and they were WONDERFUL. It's all about what you expect.

So. For an overall-vibe-get-to-know-Costa-Rica book, this is definitely a good start. When it comes to planning the perfect trip, however, you'll definitely need to diversify your sources.