The selection by the publisher is because "Costa Rica flies the flag for sustainable tourism," it said.
/ Visit Costa Rica Tourism Board courtesy photo.

-Published: Friday, January 10, 2020-

Costa Rica one of the best destinations this year, says report


By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The London-based tour guide magazine Lonely Planet, in its recent edition, recognized Costa Rica as "one of the top 10 best destinations and sustainable travel experiences for the year."

The selection by the publisher is because "Costa Rica flies the flag for sustainable tourism," it said.

"This small country’s vast biodiversity attracts keen eyes to spot sleepy sloths in trees, red-eyed frogs paralyzing their predators and whales in the Pacific," said the magazine in the description of Costa Rica. "Costa Ricans understand the importance of preserving their slice of tropical paradise and have found a way to invite others in while living in harmony with their neighbors - from leafcutter ants to jaguars."

According to the publication, 90% of the country’s energy is created by renewable sources, and it could become one of the first carbon-neutral countries.

"Adventure lovers can hike volcanoes or ride a zip line, while those craving 'me time' can enjoy yoga retreats and spa experiences. The catchphrase pura vida (pure life) is more than a saying, it's a way of life," said the magazine.

With Costa Rica, the publication recommends Bhutan as one of the best places for traveling this year. The rest of the top countries are England, North Macedonia, Aruba and the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) in Southern Africa.

This is not the first time that this tourism specialized site recommends travel to Costa Rica.

In May 2019, the magazine put travel to Costa Rica in the "top 10 spots you must visit."

According to the magazine “dreaming of a trip to Costa Rica, with volcanoes to hike, legendary surf, thousands of beaches and endless wildlife spotting, Costa Rica merits repeat visits."

The main places to visit in Costa Rica for the first time were, according to the magazine, Monteverde in Guanacaste, Arenal Volcano in Alajuela, Manuel Antonio Beach in Puntarenas Province and Puerto Viejo Beach in Limón Province, among others.

The complete list of recommended places can be reached at the Lonely Planet site.


In December, another report mentioned Costa Rica as one of the most popular destinations for U.S. travelers in the holiday season.

"More U.S. residents than ever are traveling for their holiday vacations this year and protecting their trip investment with travel insurance," says the travel insurance broker Squaremouth.

Squaremouth compares travel insurance policies from every major travel insurance provider in the United States.

According to the report, the average U.S. trip  costs over $4,000. “Even travelers staying Stateside are spending more on their holiday trips this year, as the average cost increased to $4,068,“ said Squaremouth.

Outside the U.S., Mexico and Caribbean countries are the most popular international destinations for holiday travel.

The U.S. travelers are spending more on their holiday trip this year, with the average trip cost increasing 14% across top destinations, said the study. According to the survey, the 10 most popular destinations this holiday season are:

- México In second place with an average trip cost of $5,325

- The Bahamas in third place with an average trip cost of $4,243

- In fourth place was  Costa Rica, with an average trip cost of $8,617. According to the study, travelers saw a spike of 60% in the cost for travel to Costa Rica.

The rests of the top 10 places were Jamaica, Israel, U.K. France, Puerto Rico and Canada.

The survey methodology data is based on travel insurance policies purchased last year from January to Dec. 9.

The study classified Israel as the fastest-growing international destination, with a 94% increase in popularity compared to last year. “Israel is the most expensive destination this holiday season, with an average trip cost of $10,622,” said the insurance survey company in its statement.

More travelers are insuring their holiday trips this year with a 23% increase in travel insurance policies purchased for trips during the Christmas and New Year holidays, said the firm. “Travelers insuring domestic trips specifically increased 38% compared to last year,” according to the study.

More information on the survey can be found at Squaremouth site.



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