www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Greetings everyone! Recent lurker and first time posted.

I'm in the process of planning a two week solo vacation in Costa Rica in late January. The primary purpose of this trip is rnr. I've already booked one of those Costa Rica "Adventure Vacations" with a reputable firm. The trip itinerary start on Monday, January 18 in San Jose and wraps up on Wednesday, January 27, back in San Jose. I thought I would add some "fun" to this vacation. This is my first trip to CR, but I have traveled a fair amount throughout the Caribbean (Belize, Puerto Rico, USVIs).

Rather than head to Jaco with another day of travel, I'm think I'll just stick to San Jose a few days before and/or after the adventure trip. I've read many of the postings and advice on this board - thanks to all the contributors. Based on my research in this board, I'm inclined to just book a few days at SL, but checking out HDR is tempting. LA seems a little too low key based on my personality and style.

Before I post my questions / trip options for feedback, a little about me.... 40 SWM, recently single, very fit and athletic, good looking in my opinion, active swinger back home but not much mongering (ok, maybe a little ), enjoy an equal balance of bustling night life as well as more chill activity. I lean more on the extraverted side; but I enjoy peace, quiet, and comfort, as well. I have a basic College Level 101/102 understanding of Spanish. Not sure if any of this really matters. Anyway, I'd like some honest thoughts and comments on some options I'm considering:

Option 1: Arrive Sunday, 1/17, stay at SL one evening. Do my adventure trip 1/18 - 27; return to SL for Wednesday, 1/27 - Friday, 1/29 (checkout / fly home on Friday). No HDR overnight with this option

Option 2: Arrive Sunday, 1/17, stay at HDR one evening. Do my adventure trip 1/18 - 27; check in at SL for Wednesday, 1/27 - Friday, 1/29 (checkout / fly home on Friday)

Option 3: Arrive Sunday, 1/17, stay at SL one evening. Do my adventure trip 1/18 - 27; check in at HDR for Wednesday, 1/27 - Friday, 1/29 (checkout / fly home on Friday)

Option 4: Arrive Sunday, 1/17, stay at HDR one evening. Do my adventure trip 1/18 - 27; check back in at HDR for Wednesday, 1/27 - Friday, 1/29 (checkout / fly home on Friday). No SL overnight with this option.

***Wildcard*** fly in either one day early (Sat, 1/16) and/or stay one more day on the back end, going home on Saturday (1/30).

I guess I'm just looking from some general comments and suggestions. I know there are a bunch of options and variable here, so I apologize if I am long winded, asking too much, or providing too much. I have "sort of" a budget. I don't want to break the bank, but I'm not a tight wad either. Everything in moderation as they say.

Thanks so much in advance!

I would suggest to fly in earlier and have your fun before the "adventure" because I assume that it will include some rigorous physical activity after which you will be tired to chase chicas. The risk with this plan is that you may like it so much that you'll cancel your adventure; or you'll be miserable thinking about the chicas you could be banging instead of staring at overweight gringas all day. It has happened before.

Also, why do you say NO HDR, or NO SL on day 1 and 4 I think? These 2 places are within walking distance of each other, you can check both out. I assume you are referring to not staying there. I guess you want to stay at each to experience the difference or whatever. I would choose to stay at SL if I had to choose between the 2. The newer rooms are nicer than HDR. Also, admittedly I have never stayed there, but I would think that HDR gets to be too much at some point.

As for "budget", that adventure vacation is probably costing you a shitload. You can book PuraVisaTransport to show you most of what you will see without staying at the overpriced bug infested hotels and eating their food for half (if not less) of the cost. And you'd be back to SJ for dinner each night, if you chose to do day trips.

Orange - thanks for the quick comments and advice. I've already booked and paid for the adventure trip, so I believe I have a cancellation penalty now.

Yes, you are correct when I say "No HDR" or "No SL" I meant not staying there.

My initial thought was to bookend the adventure trip with some fun times. I don't tire that easily.

Tip #1 - Don't overplan.

Tip #2 - See Tip #1.

mh

P.S. I personally detest the HDR, but for a n00b in your situation I'm inclined to suggest you stay at HDR your first night. If nothing else, you'll experience the belly of the beast immediately and get that out of your system.

Then stay at SL on the back end leg.

mh

_________________
mh

I will be in SJ from 1/27-1/31. Staying at HDR first night, then 3 nights (Thurs, Fri, Sat) at SL. I like the craziness of the HDR, but only for one night. Then on to the camaraderie of SL. Other nearby hotels might be better deals money-wise but SL is the best overall for me. If you do stay at SL on Thursday night, I'll buy the 1st round.

I have traveled through a great deal of C.R. and you'll love it. Fantastic little country.

BTW, I am a swinger also. Wife heading to Antarctica and she told me to go to C.R. How could I say no?

JP99 - thanks for the feedback. I think I may stay at the HDR the Sunday night I fly in for one evening, just to experience it first hand. I'll then likely check in to the SL for Wednesday, 1/27 - Friday, 1/29. Perhaps we'll have an opportunity to link up and you can give this newbie some advice.

It also sounds like you've got a great wife! I'm still looking for my unicorn.

Here my update. I'm arriving on Sunday, January 17. I decided to spend one night at the HDR just to say I experienced that hotel. My adventure tour is 18th - 26th. A few days at an Eco Lodge. A few more days down in Puerto Viejo just chilling on the beach, followed by a whitewater rafter expedition.

The tour included the last night at the Jade Hotel on the evening on the 26th. They were nice enough to accommodate me canceling this night. Instead, I'll just check into the SL on the Tuesday, January 26 and stay through Friday, January 29. This gives me one extra night at the SL, rather than spending the night of the 26th at boutique hotel.

I've been doing a fare amount of research on cell phone options. I upgraded to a new Verizon iPhone 6s a few weeks ago. I normally ebay my old phone, but for some reason, I haven't yet. Therefore, I've got an older iPhone 5s off contract that I'll take with me. After reading multiple threads, it sounds like a Kolbi SIM card will work in the older iPhone 5s. I read a thread on Apple's webpage that stated the iPhone 5s are unlocked globally and can accept SIMs without any other special modifications?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-t ... -rica.html

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/53 ... 5&tstart=0