www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Thanks a bunch for the suggestions. To answer HikerTom, the K*ds are less than 7 years old.

I have a 3-year-old and a 12-year-old and looking for a beach vacation. I'd like a beach that isn't too crowded but also offers a lot of activities like sailing and snorkeling. Also I'd really like to go on a jungle tour with the K*ds. What area is best for that?

Depending on budget - I would definitely look at Guanacaste - Paradisus Playa Conchal

Whtnot, what types of activities do you like/want to do with your family? Going to Arenal first? If so, then you're closer to the Guanacaste beaches.

The excessive rain has caused severe damage to highways and roads. There are temporary fixes, and they've brought in Bailey bridges so you can get there, but it may result in more traveling time. I've suggested to friends that they pick a region and spend time there. From Arenal you can travel to most of Guanacaste's beaches. Lonely Planet's guide has good info on almost every beach.

MA is my choice. Guanacaste generally too windy, annoying after a while, beaches not as nice, Caribbean has the marijuana and reggae thing going big time. Check out Lynch travel in Quepos, has a website they can set you up for anything at no addt charge

Always want to make sure the family has lots of weed to enjoy the vacation - expecially the little tikes!!

One word, Tamarindo. Been going there on and off for over 10 years. In Guanacaste near Playa Conchal and Flamingo. From budget to luxury hotels. Condos to houses on the beach for rent. From surfing lessons to NYC quality restaurants at night. From shopping to deep sea fishing (we released 6 sailfish one day!). ATV tours to scuba diving lessons to white water rafting. It is about the size of Jaco but much, much nicer! Not much P4P which is good for families!

Pricing varies depending on accommodations. Christmass is the highest season though. You may want to check this link (I know them but I'm not affiliated):

http://xplorecostarica.com/



Have fun!
D.

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Been to Costa Rica more times than most! Been there, done that 100fold!

I came across these offers recently:

$89 / night, under 12 stay free: http://www.dealcatcher.com/travel-lugga ... ive-resort

Flamingo Beach Resort, Monteverde and Arenal: http://www.budgettravel.com/real-deal/c ... 1039,7201/

I haven't stayed at either place so I have no idea of the resort quality - do your due diligence on TripAdvisor.

mh

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mh

Los Suenos.... everything else is second rate. www.lsrm.com thank me later

Unless the Four Seasons Resort has suddenly gone downhill, we'll thank you never:
http://www.fourseasons.com/costarica/
And others here may suggest equal or better quality resorts.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Tamarindo is a real good bet. They have any activety you could want. There is a little hotel right in town run by some real nice Italians called Hotel Porto Fino. I was there in Oct last year and my room was $ 25 a night. queen and single bed AC swimming pool. The place looked like a villa in Tuscany. They have full sevice Apts for rent also. Just a block or two to all the resteraunts and stores you would need. Everybody says Tamarindo is too big and overgrown. Tamarindo is still small and I think big enough to not be boring. If you want to step back in time and expirience the Costa Rica of 15 years ago head to Monteczuma/Mal Pais/Playa Santa Teresa. This is like what Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo was like in 95.

C'mon jazzbo i thought you were smarter than this. Four Seasons is in the middle of nowhere, not an enjoyable option.

I'd recommend Quepos/Manuel Antonio. It's ridiculous when people ask for recommendations without mentioning their budget. As for MA, do you want to stay in $60 per night rooms or $200/$300 per night rooms? If it's the latter, I'd recommend the Parador or the Si Como No (I've stayed in both of them multiple times).

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"In a nation ruled by swine, all pigs are upwardly mobile, and the rest of us are phucked until we can put our acts together; not necessarily to win, but mainly to keep from losing completely"...Hunter S. Thompson (RIP)

Have friends that asked me for restaurant recommendations in Guanacaste. They know I go to SJO often, just not what for...

I'm not familiar with the area, any one know of some good grub there?

No personal knowledge but this TA entry is sure to help:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants- ... caste.html

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED