www.CostaRicaTicas.com

AIR

THE HARD: While you guys who live SOFLA may find airfares under 300 with ease, for the rest of us it takes a minor miracle to achieve this price. luckily I got a usair special for 260 all in with good flts(no long layovers).
took carryon only to save baggage fee.

HOTEL
THE EASY: There seems to be many good options some as low as $25. my choice was the Freebird deluxe suite, $39 per night with CRTVIP discount approx. 176 all in. Of note, the chicas didnt have a problem with the shared bath and seemed more comfortable in smaller hotel with the privacy of not having to check in and be put on display in the lobby. I can't speak on the other options but I cant see a much better room for under $50.

MISC.
INTERBUS IN $9.50
TAXI OUT $25
DEPARTURE TAX $26
TIPS $25
WEAPON OF CHIOCE 20(THIS TRIP CROWN ROYAL)
MASXMENOS 20 (WATER, MIXER)


260 AIR
180 HOTEL
115 MISC
555

This leaves you $445 dollars top play with.

Food
-KLdinner buffet @ $7 per night is $28
-on Central ave between calle 9 & 11 there are several inexpensive places with a variety of great food options for under five dollars. twice a day will call it $50 for the trip

eating three times a day leaves you with 365

a chica a day at 60 a pop with dupla thrown in (50each)
thu 60
fri 60
sat 100(dupla)
sun60
mon 60

(for those with more hearty appetites replace the 60 with your favorite mp #)

that set us back 340 and leaves $25 for a for an occasional Imperial

enjoy your trip

now if someone can spare a grand I'd like to test this theory again in june

Good job Mr.Black!

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I would rather import a Pit Viper, than marry a Russian.

Phucking KGB is always following me.

Go ahead and run with scissors, I don't care!

good post.

and save even more by staying at one of the Tico hotels like Nuevo Johnson

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The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

I dont know if NJ would be the three star level of the freebird
for me its maintaining a certain quality of life while staying under budget

note to PB, I was unable to stay on budget; shrimp at the Sl(20), eating at the rey(40), bad negotiations(200) and drinking too much outside room

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But mama, that's where the fun is

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Don't forget the departure tax.

see misc.

if anyone see's anything essential I forgot please chime in

_________________
But mama, that's where the fun is

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How about:
-condoms
-vitamins V, C, or L
-motion lotion
-trinkets for the chicas
-misc. taxis
-a little something for the beggars
-$ for Rolexs and Raybans outside the DR

Try this cheapo method:

1. Don't plan in advance. Watch Kayak or other flight discounters for a cheap fare, then jump on it.

1b. I have used F.F. miles twice now and have paid a total of $83.00 for two R/T flights from MSP to SJO. I can do this because I run virtually everything I can through my F.F. rewards credit card (in my case, and AMEX Delta Sky Miles card). It's surprising how quickly the miles add up, and if you pay your bill in full and on time, you won't even pay interest on the charges.

2. I understand Mr. Black's desire to maintain a certain quality of living while in C.R., but if you can rough it a little bit, you can get killer hotel deals You can pay less than $39.00/night even in good, safe, clean and comfortable hotels. . Paying cash and showing your V.I.P. card at some hotels can get you a comfortable, basic room for $35.00/night close to the action.

3. Get your sex from "tico MP" girls, whether on-site or back at your hotel. Speaking a little Spanish will allow you to arrange a date outside the MP, and this can be done for as little as $30.00 with a quality chica.

4. Food: Take advantage of your hotel's free breakfast. Even the basic breakfast at the Castillo can be filling enough to carry you through to supper. When you make that Mas X Menos run, buy some crackers or tortillas, some cheese, ham etc. and eat lunch in your room. Buy fresh fruits/vegetables to eat from local merchants. Produce is amazingly cheap at the feria south of the Gulch and the market can be reached easily by local bus.

5. Hand wash your laundry. If it's just a five-day trip, you can easily hand launder underwear, socks and T-shirts in your hotel room.

6. Don't give to beggars. Don't give the chicas "trinkets."


7. Share taxis with others and split the cost. Learn to use the San Jose public buses. In fact, take a bus in from the airport (bus route #200B from just behind the parking garage opposite the exit from baggage claim/customs. Less than $1.30 to get into town. It can be a pleasant walk (daytime) from where the Alajuela/airport bus stops at Parque Mercedes to your hotel.

8. B.Y.O. condoms, motion lotion, etc.

9. Throttle back your drinking. Even in C.R., booze by the drink can really add up!

10. Avoid the casinos. Avoid the HDR/Sportsmen's/KL where the girls on average want a minimum of $70.00/lay.

11. Scam other CRT'ers for drinks and meals. Just kidding...

Mr. Black, great post!

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

If it's possible for you to go a day/night in CR without getting laid, this will save money as well.

I'm talking the days where the selection is tough, you've already had a few sessions, etc..

Don't waste a nut or money if you're just not feelin' it.


Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...

This is a good post
If you can spend a few more days the per day airfair goes down
I am on a bit of a buget trip planning mode myself
12 days on$2300
I will let you know how I did
200-50 per day is very doable without slumming to bad

eating at the local sodas also cuts down on cost. and imho usually blows away SL grub

EL C you stole my responses with the byo's

JAD good call on wastin' time, but on a short trip no rest for the leery

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But mama, that's where the fun is

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comdons 24 pack $7(should last 2 trips)
v,c or l $20
taxis $20 500 col back to hotel at night ;2000 col for chica

add 43.50 to total

_________________
But mama, that's where the fun is

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You guys mean your not getting the "10" Colombians for 40$ like the rest of us?

I thinkin for even a 7 day trip can avoid the laundry if you pack smartly, may have to check a bag though, maybe not if you can also use a take a large soft briefcase on board like the ladies can get their purses on also.

Taking local buses is not only a great way to not only save $$ but see more of the real San Jose but could get robbed so to play it safe on the way in and out use a secure Taxi or the micro bus you mentioned.

I tour lots of hotels when I'm down there and in particular liked the Freedbird. Hey down there the more concertina wire the better. Seriously I would stay there felt safe to me and cozy on the inside.