Costa Rica
Best Countries That Are Warm in December (Perfect for a Family Getaway)
A look at my favorite countries that are warm in December I’m often asked about good travel destinations when families are looking to escape the cold. Now, since I’m from San Diego, the winter months aren’t nearly as miserable for me as they might be for others. For most people, when December rolls around, it means cozy sweaters, shorter days, and dreaming about sunshine instead of snow. But that’s why December is such a great month to travel. While some families are bundling up for winter activities, you could be packing swimsuits and flip-flops and heading somewhere warm. And, if you’ve been searching for countries that are warm in December,…
The Best Warm Winter Destinations When You’re Over the Cold
Currently most of the country is experiencing extreme weather conditions, so I can only imagine that people are rapidly getting out their passports and trying to decide which warm-weather winter destination they can escape to the fastest. If winter where you live means gray skies, bulky jackets, and counting down the minutes until spring, you’re not alone. I usually embrace the cold through the December–I love the cozy feeling of the holidays. But by the time January rolls around, I start daydreaming about sunshine, warm sand, and wearing sandals without regret. That’s usually when I start searching for the best warm winter destinations—places where winter feels more like an extended…
Your Guide to Manuel Antonio Beach & National Park
When I started planning our trip to Costa Rica, I quickly learned that Manuel Antonio National Park was a must for our Costa Rica itinerary. The city of Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular destinations in the country, but no visit would be complete without visiting the national park–especially for first-time visitors. Visiting Manuel Antonio beach and park is truly one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. Nestled on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the country’s most beloved natural treasures. Despite being one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica, it’s arguably the most popular — thanks…
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…
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 winter escape, there’s something extra special about kicking off the year with a trip that helps you reset, recharge, and…
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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…
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…
