Destinations
Captivating Costa Rica
Pura vida – the fullness of life contained in two words! In many ways, this oft heard phrase from Costa Rica captures the essence of this country, whose people are said to be the happiest on earth. What better place to explore on a family vacation?
Planning an overseas trip, particularly with small children, can be quite challenging. You do want them to have loads of fun, but as a thoughtful parent, you’d also like to add more value to their experience by inculcating respect for ecologically fragile regions and helping them to appreciate cultures vastly different from their own.
With its stunningly beautiful and varied landscapes and fascinating mix of peoples, Costa Rica makes for an action packed, yet insightful holiday experience. In the normal course, it’s the adults in the family who plan vacation details. For once, why not involve the kids?
With a little help from Muddy Shoes, you’ll be astonished at how much your children can contribute to the planning process. Written in a friendly, easy-to-know format, the guide is targeted towards 8 to 12-year-olds. Readin about what they can expect to see and do builds up anticipation and interest. There is also a sense of pride in organizing themselves for the trip,
The general section introduces young readers to Costa Rica’s geography, climate, population, people, languages and culture. It’s peppered with quirky nuggets of information that help children connect what they read with what they see around them. While you get busy with visa applications, flight arrangements and other nitty-gritties of travel, the kids would have boned up on basic Spanish for travelers, the wonders of Costa Rica’s national parks, best surfing spots, fiestas, bullfights and how to cook gallo pinto! The book also has plenty of practical information – time difference, what to pack, how to avoid falling ill and all important toilet facts.
For facts about Costa Rica click here.
The later sections elaborate on the different geographic regions of Costa Rica, with particular emphasis on attractions that families will enjoy. The guide suggests fun, non-polluting ways of going around, from biking, walking and horseback explorations to Segway ecotours. Reading along, children will pick up related tidbits on local arts, cuisine and more (a sampling: how to play the marimba, what to expect for dinner, the difference between rainforests and cloud forests and facts on pre-Columbian tribes).
All through, Muddy Shoes stresses the importance of responsible travel. Young readers are especially open to suggestion and will quickly grasp the importance of eschewing destructive practices like beach littering, wasting water and power, or buying products made from endangered animal and plant species. Tips on what constitutes right behavior and being respectful of local traditions sensitize child travelers to cultural diversity.
For tips on responsible travel click here.
With an embarrassment of riches to be explored, you’ll be hard put to pick and choose your itinerary. A rainforest tour is a given – do it the fun way, by gliding through the greenery strapped into a cable harness! Costa Rica is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire; here’s an unmissable opportunity to see an active volcano! Ticos, as Costa Ricans like to call themselves, are warm, gracious people with deeply ingrained family values. In our troubled times, how wonderful to visit a country that boasts of more teachers than policemen!
