Written by Maddie Trusty
So, You Think You Know Costa Rica
My landing an internship with such a well-established travel agency as ATI shocked my friends and family because… well… I’ve never been out of the country. I’m halfway through my internship and the assignment here is to tell you, dear ATInsider, that Costa Rica is worth a re-visit; but because I consider you a friend, I’m going to keep it real and tell you the truth:
Costa Rica is worth a visit, a re-visit, and a couple more after that, too.
Here’s 5 Tips I’ll Offer You From My First Time Abroad:
My first trip abroad (!!)—a weeklong adventure on the sun-soaked Northwestern coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica with my lifelong friends made in college—I wanted to share a few takeaways for other travelers, first-timers and returners alike, looking to make the most of their journey.
1. Pack Light (Seriously)
If you’re staying in a private villa like we did, you’ll find that the vibe is incredibly relaxed. You might want to pack five cute outfits a day—but you won’t wear them. I lived in swimsuits, cover-ups, and comfy lounge sets. Most meals were in-house, so there was no need to dress up. Instead, save space in your suitcase for unique local souvenirs—you’ll thank yourself later.
2. Pay Upfront & Coordinate Tips Early
Many activities require cash payment, and tipping your drivers adds up quickly. Paying for our excursions upfront to the concierge gave me clarity on how much I had left to spend. If I could do it over, I would work with a travel agent to arrange the bulk of the trip in advance. Once you’re on the ground, you can concentrate on enjoying the adventure rather than managing logistics. It also saves time, energy, and frequently money. It would’ve helped us schedule activities earlier in the week and left us with a much-needed free day to just rest and recharge. (Which is what vacation is for, right?)
Pro tip: Establish a group tipping system ahead of time. It saves everyone from those awkward “who’s paying the driver?” moments after each ride.
3. Trust Your Gut—Always
When you’re in a new place, everything feels exciting… and unfamiliar. I quickly learned to trust my instincts, whether it was choosing where to go out or deciding who to talk to. Some of our best memories came from saying yes to unexpected opportunities—like the time we made friends with locals who took us on a spontaneous motorbike tour through town. Pure magic.
4. Smile, Say “Hola,” and Be Kind
One of the highlights of my trip was how kind and welcoming everyone was. Even just saying “Hola” and offering a smile created instant connection. Making the effort to speak even a little Spanish built trust and opened doors to experiences we wouldn’t have had otherwise. Positive energy travels far — especially when you’re far from home.
5. Choose Local When You Can
While tourist-friendly spots are convenient, they’re not always the most memorable (or the most sustainable). Next time, I’ll be asking my driver where he likes to eat. Local favorites are often more authentic, less crowded, and a better way to experience the culture. Plus, supporting small businesses makes a difference.
Bottom Line
Guanacaste is welcoming, vibrant, and full of unforgettable experiences; it’s only one of many charming spots in the country. If Costa Rica is calling you—answer. Take the leap. Be open, curious, and kind. Learn a little Spanish. Talk to people. Tip generously. Pack lightly. And most importantly, let the unexpected unfold.
Pura vida, always.
