Costa Rica
Ultimate Guide to La Fortuna: Activities & Accommodations
When we visited Costa Rica, we knew we wanted to spend at least half of our time in the La Fortuna area. La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most beloved towns — and it’s not hard to see why. Tucked in the lush rainforest near the majestic Arenal Volcano, this vibrant destination is a playground for adventure seekers, wellness travelers, and nature lovers alike. Think waterfalls, hot springs, zip lines through the jungle, and sunsets over volcanic horizons — all bundled into a laid-back, “pura vida” vibe you’ll want to stay in forever. If you want to spend time at the beaches too, I highly recommend splitting your time…
The Best Vacation Destinations in January
January isn’t typically the month that comes to mind when you think about taking vacation. Most people’s minds go straight to the warmer summer months, spring break or the holidays for some extra family time. But January is actually a great time to travel. Some of the best vacation destinations tend to be less busy in January, after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Plus, you could probably use the extra rest after the past two busy months. Whether you’re craving a winter wonderland or a warm, sunny escape, there’s something extra special about kicking off the year with a trip that helps you reset, recharge, and start…
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The Top Travel Destinations for Families in 2026
Top Travel Destinations for Any Kind of Family Planning a family vacation is exciting—but it can also feel a little overwhelming. Do you pick one of the best family beach cities where the kids can splash all day? A city packed with history and culture? Or maybe an adventure in nature at one of the best national parks for kids? The truth is, there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to family travel—but there are definitely destinations that shine when it comes to balancing fun for kids with relaxation (and maybe a cocktail or two) for parents. Here are some of the top travel destinations for families that…
Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica La Fortuna is a dream destination for travelers looking to experience the magic of Costa Rica. With beautiful views or the Arenal Volcano and so much wildlife, it’s one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. We spent the first 3 days of our Costa Rica trip here, and it was amazing. You can check out my full 8-day Costa Rica travel itinerary to see everything we did on that trip, including where we stayed. Or check out this complete La Fortuna guide, with recommendations on where to stay as well. La Fortuna is a vibrant…
Best Hotels in Manuel Antonio
The Best Hotels in Manuel Antonio: Where to Stay in Paradise We just returned from an amazing trip in Costa Rica, where we split our time between La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. You can see our entire 8-day itinerary for that trip here (it was pretty amazing!). We ended up renting a house in on the second leg of our trip. But if you prefer to stay in a hotel versus a house in Manuel Antonio, I have you covered. I’ve listed out the best hotels in Manuel Antonio, no matter what type of getaway you’re seeking. Staying in Manuel Antonio puts you within walking distance to many shops, restaurants…
Costa Rica Travel Itinerary
Pura Vida: Our Family’s Costa Rica Travel Itinerary from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio We just returned from the most amazing trip ever. We spent 8 nights in Costa Rica with our family of 5 and another family of 4. I spent months planning out this trip and had high expectations, and yet it somehow still exceeded them every single day. Here’s our exact Costa Rica travel itinerary that you can copy or modify as you see fit. I’ll share what I would change if I were to do it again as well. The kids with us ranged in age from 5 to 13, and everybody was able to do…
Best Things to do in Costa Rica
The Best Things to Do in Costa Rica (and Where to Do Them) Costa Rica is one of those magical places that truly has it all—lush jungles, active volcanoes, postcard-perfect beaches, and more wildlife than you can imagine. We recently visited with our whole family, and I can honestly say this was one of our best family vacations ever. It’s just so different from anything we’ve ever done as a family, and we loved every second of it. There was a lot we wanted to do while in Costa Rica, but there was a fine line between wanting to see it all and also having time to relax and just…
Los Lagos Hotel: Hot Springs and Fun for Families
A Recap of Our Stay at Hotel Los Lagos When I first started planning our family vacation to Costa Rica, I knew I wanted to spend at least a few days in La Fortuna. This area of Costa Rica is full of rainforest, animals, and the Arenal Volcano. And there is a ton of fun stuff to see and to there. There were quite a few hotel options in that area that had accommodations that would fit our family of 5. But the price points were all over the place. When I stumbled across Hotel Los Lagos, it sounded too good it be true. Not only did the pictures look…
Hotels in Costa Rica With Hot Springs
The Best Hotels in Costa Rica with Hot Springs: A Relaxing Getaway If you’re like me, you want to do all the Costa Rica things when visiting Costa Rica. Exploring the rainforests, seeing exotic animals and soaking in some natural hot springs. And, thanks to its geothermal activity, Costa Rica is home to some of the best hot spring resorts in the world. If you’re looking for natural hot springs surrounded by lush rainforests and stunning volcano views, I’ve got just the resort for you. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay or a more budget-friendly option, one of the following hotels is sure to do the trick. Here’s a…
Costa Rica Resorts That Will Blow You Away
The Most Beautiful Costa Rica Resorts for an Unforgettable Stay Costa Rica is a dream destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and luxurious resorts. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family-friendly retreat, or an adventure-packed getaway, Costa Rica has stunning resorts to suit every type of traveler. We’ve only traveled to Costa Rica with our kids, so I’ve spent a ton of time researching the best Costa Rica resorts for families. However, my friend just returned from her 7th or 8th trip there, and filled me in on all the most beautiful Costa Rica resorts to stay in. Some of these are adults-only…
