Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [8]
Costa Rican cuisine is simple and hearty and somewhat bland (beans and rice and grilled chicken or steak are omnipresent), making it acceptable for even the most finicky eaters. Special kids’ meals are not normally offered in restaurants, though some fancy lodges do them. However, most local eateries will accommodate two children splitting a meal or can produce child-size portions on request. If you’re traveling with an infant, stock up on milk formula and baby food before heading to remote areas, and always carry snacks for long drives in remote areas – sometimes there are no places to stop for a bite.
Tired of juice and water? Here are some local drinks that your kids are sure to love: batidos (fresh fruit shakes), either al agua (made with water) or con leche (with milk); coconut milk (sipped through a straw straight from the cracked-open coconut); horchata (cinnamon-spiked rice milk). And don’t worry too much – generally speaking, tap water and ice cubes in Costa Rica are safe for foreigners to consume.
Some additional tips and resources:
Children under the age of 12 get a 25% discount on internal air travel, while children under two fly free (provided they sit on an adult’s lap).
If you’re traveling with an infant, bring disposable diapers, baby creams, baby aspirin and thermometer from home, or else stock up while in San José.
For a complete resource on traveling with kids, get Lonely Planet’s Travel with Children guide.
Return to beginning of chapter
TRAVEL LITERATURE
While you’re in the midst of predeparture planning, check out the following recommended titles to start developing your sense of Costa Rica.
Naturalist in Costa Rica (Dr Skutch) – an icon among bird-watchers, Skutch weaves his philosophies into his beautiful descriptions of flora and fauna in this enchanting memoir and natural history guide.
Around the Edge (Peter Ford) – a story of the author’s travels along the Caribbean coast from Belize to Panama, on foot and by boat.
Green Dreams: Travels in Central America (Stephen Benz) – an astute analysis that questions the impact visitors are having on the region and its people.
Green Phoenix (William Allen) – an absorbing and inspiring account of the author’s efforts, alongside American and Costa Rican scientists and activists, to conserve and restore the rainforest in Guanacaste.
Ninety-Nine Days to Panama (John and Harriet Halkyard) – a retired couple’s detailed and entertaining account of driving an RV (complete with pet dog Brindle) from Texas to Panama.
So Far from God: A Journey to Central America (Patrick Marnham) – the winner of the 1985 Thomas Cook Travel Book Award gives an insightful and amusing account of a leisurely meander from Texas to Panama.
Traveler’s Tales Central America (eds Larry Habegger and Natanya Pearlman) – a collection of striking travel essays on the region from renowned writers such as Paul Theroux and Tim Cahill.
Walk These Stones (Leslie Hawthorne Klingler) – this Mennonite service worker writes about her experiences living, working, praying and sharing in the small village of Cuatro Cruces.
Return to beginning of chapter
INTERNET RESOURCES
CIA Factbook (www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook) An excellent overview of Costa Rica’s political, economic and environmental standing.
Costa Rica Guide (www.costa-rica-guide.com) Nicely organized website with detailed maps and travel information on each region.
Costa Rica Tourism Board (www.visitcostarica.com) The official website of the Costa Rica Tourism Board (known as the ICT) is a great introduction to the country. You can research your trip and organize accommodations,