Best Vacation Destinations? Costa Rica one of them, says Travel + Leisure

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In what appears to be a growing international trend, Costa Rica was once again hailed as one of the world’s top vacation destinations. 

This time, Travel and Leisure, the New York-based travel magazine, published 12 Reasons Why Costa Rica Is One of the Best Vacation Destinations in the World.  The magazine/ travel agency/ global vacation advisor is considered one of the leading international travel guides on the market, third only to Condé Nast Traveler and National Geographic Traveler. 

The media giant boasts a whopping 4.8 million readers annually and is renowned for its World’s Best Awards featuring hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, islands, cities, and other categories of interest for the leisure traveler.

Listed among Costa Rica’s most alluring features are its national parks, volcanoes, wildlife, beaches, adventures, and more. 

“The beautiful country, filled with rainforests, beaches, river valleys, and biodiverse wildlife as well as restaurants, bars, and luxe hotels, has always been a great place to take a vacation, but it has gained popularity as an amazing destination in the last few years.” claims the author, Andrea Romano.

Above all, the country’s proximity to the U.S. and the growing number of international airlines flying here have resulted in cheaper airline tickets and an abundant selection of carriers and flight times for visitors to choose from. 

But what really resonates as Costa Rica’s most attractive attributes are its Pura Vida mentality and the fact that the country is a veritable playground for young and old alike. This relatively minuscule nation is jammed packed with ecological biodiversity and outdoor opportunities. River rafting, canyoning, surfing, biking, hiking, birding, ziplining, horseback riding, kayaking…. The list goes on.

Add to that list 12 environmental and geographical life zones harboring close to five percent of the world’s biodiversity – from stunning coastal landscapes to mysterious verdant cloud forests and grumbling volcanoes, there’s literally something for everyone. 

In the last decade or so, eco-luxury started making waves in the country’s hotel industry; and today, travelers have a wide choice of lodging options, including five-star headliners like the Four Seasons on the northwest Pacific Coast, to remote jungle eco-paradises like Lapa Rios on the Osa Peninsula, or Aguas Claras on the Caribbean Coast.  

“With such lovely beaches, rainforests, and hot springs at their fingertips, Costa Rica isn’t just a rugged vacation for adventure seekers. It’s also the perfect place for a relaxing spa getaway.” 

The country’s growing reputation as a foodie-draw also made Travel and Leisure’s list – perhaps for the first time in the nation’s history. Craft beers, Latin fusion, and an eclectic mix of world flavors cooked up by the diverse international population living in the capital, San José, and the Central Valley are starting to attract outside attention. In addition to its robust gourmet coffee industry, chocolate cultivation, and even the local sugar-cane liquor, Cacique.

Three Sixty Boutique Hotel

No wonder Costa Rica’s considered the Happiest Country in the world for life expectancy and wellness of its inhabitants, according to the Happy Planet Index. Thanks Travel and Leisure!