edit One thing you learn fast about Costa Rica is it is very very humid and very very hot. It is like a steam room, Your clothes will stick to your back, your makeup will run and your hair will get greasy and wet.
I think it depends on what you are looking for. Costa Rica is not as safe as Ireland but a lot safer than say New Orleans or Baltimore so safety should not be a major concern. The only place where crime is serious is the city of Limon-- but there really is nothing of much interest there no reason to spend time there.
You are right about choosing the Attlantic side in September (so the post about a wedding package is irrelevant). The area is hot and tropical and there are not really resort type accomodations in the area-- but there are smaller boutique like places. It will be hot an muggy but the area is an interesting mix of Afro-Caribbean, Latin and indigenous cultures. The area is quite rural and is not that touristy.
if you want to visit an exotic place, where many American and European expats have bought houses (if you like Rammstein, the singer from that band has a house in Guanacaste )because of its beauty, food and people, you should go to Costa Rica. It is not true that is not touristic, or that is always hot like a hell.
I′ve been there on holidays and I can tell you that is an awesome country!
http://www.govisitcostarica.com/travelIn...
and here are the list of celebs that vacation in Costa Rica or have properties there:
http://www.costaricapages.com/blog/trave...
Costa Rica is wonderful!
I now like there.
I know a really good spot for honeymoon package in Costa Rica.
I give you the link here:
http://www.cristalazul.com/honeymoon.htm...
Congratulation for your futur weeding!
My fiance are getting married September 14, 2013. (Yay!)
Originally, we had intended on going to Ireland, but lately have been having second thoughts and are really interested in Costa Rica. I am seeking advice from people who have been to one or the other (or both), understand the climates in each country that time of year, things to do etc.
I can tell you that we both enjoy hiking and sight seeing. We both enjoy drinking and kicking it back etc.
Here is our hold up:
Ireland...
The pros... Ireland would be great because we are both of Irish descent. Also, we both have always wanted to visit the Emerald Isle and think now is a good opportunity. We would of course look to see St. James Gate and get a pint of "the black stuff", tour Jameson distilliery, see the countryside (Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moor etc.)
The cons are that we're uncertain of what the weather will be like there in mid-September. 60 degrees and some light-mist rain isn't a deal breaker, but it's not exactly something you get thrilled about, especially when you're from Chicago. Could we expect to see any sun? The other issue we see is the stress of constantly having to be on the move. Ireland is small and many of its gems are all over the country. Therefore, we are thinking we would be sleeping in a different place every night...
Costa Rica...
We would look to go to Puerto Viejo on the Atlantic/Carribean side. I understand that in September, this is the relatively only dry part of the country. We would pick a resort there and do all the tropical stuff... hiking, kyaking, beaches, and snorkeling. My finance has never been to a tropical place so this is appealing to her. Also, there is a sloth sanctuary near by in Penhurst that we would almost certainly visit. What's not to like about Costa Rica?
The cons are mostly what you expect, it feels kind of bland. Of course we feel like we'd have fun there, but in hindsight, we may regret not going to a more unique place. Tropical climates seem to be where all the newlyweds go. We're also put out by the fact that San Jose is 3.5 hour drive from where we would look to stay. When it is on top of a 8 hour trip (there are no direct flights from Chicago), we don't know if it is worth it. Also, we're uncertain on crime in Costa Rica, is it safe?
Is this evaluation accuate?
What do you think?
