Costa Rica on LESS than $100.00 a day Canadian?

Yes, it can be done. I did it! Here is how, for those who are interested in the dollars and cents - the  facts, all in CANADIAN dollars.

Rental of my little bachelor villa from March 1, to March 30th. = $1,150.00
Air Canada Rouge ticket from Bathurst, NB Canada, to San José, Costa Rica = $635.00
That fare included my aisle seat for the long haul from Toronto, to San José, which I picked.

I paid $80.00 - the cost each, for four of us to hire a private shuttle to take us from our hotel in Alajuela, to Playa Chiquita.

Hotel in San José, on return leg $80.00.

The following expenses all came out of the $1,070.00 I had in cash with me for my month long stay.

One night stay at Villa Pacande, shared room with my sister - $23.00
Shared shuttle to return to San Jose -  $68.00

I traveled February 28th, and returned home at midnight, March 30, so I was gone 31 days.

My cash was used for food, transportation, souvenirs, outings, taxis, bicycle rentals, and of course, alcohol.  If you are a teetotaler, knock off a good couple of hundred dollars right there! :)  Bear in mind, that had I been home in Canada for that one month, I would easily have spent $250.00 anyway, per week, on food, gas, entertainment, drinks, toiletries etc.

While traveling, I do not buy food in airports nor on planes. I brown bag, or bring food from elsewhere, ie. Subway.

I admit I am a major "frugalista!"  In Costa Rica, most of my meals were eaten at my villa, but I also ate at some good restaurants, more than a few times a week. A delicious lunch can be had, ie. two tasty pulled pork tacos, for less than $10.00.

A decent supper?  Main course and glass of wine, plus tip? $25.00.  Lou and I shared a large pizza which she bought for $20.00. We had it for supper, and then for two lunches each, with a side salad. Fruits and vegetables are fresh, cheap and plentiful.

I didn't go on many excursions... which can be expensive. It was my third visit to this beautiful country, and I had gone on many outings during my first two visits. I was there to rest and relax, A LOT, this time.

My point? You don't have to be RICH to travel. You just have to be SAVVY, FRUGAL AND A BIT INTREPID!! 

This "calzone", in the restaurant of my hotel in San José, was packed with meat and veggies, and was the size of my HEAD!

Cost? $9.60   Don't ask me how much my wine cost.  It was more than double the cost of the calzone. Want to really travel cheaply? Do NOT drink. :)

My actual cost per day, for my month long stay? $97.50 per day.

By the way, I am always looking for travel partners, for someone to join me on my adventures.  I haven't had to resort to "travelbuddy.com" YET!