Frequently Asked Questions
Funding
There are many options from crowdfunding and social media to organizing a fundraising event such as a spaghetti dinner. Mytravelanthropy.com is a great source of ideas and suggestions to help you raise the money you need for your trip.
Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended and can provide coverage for your trip expenses, well-being, and personal belongings in an emergency. You can receive reimbursement for your trip deposits and airline tickets in the event of illness, injury, emergency, or death of a close family member. CNBC rated AXA Assistance and USA Travel Insurance are the top overall choices for travel insurance.
Travel medical insurance is recommended. It can protect you in the event of an illness or injury when traveling outside of your current health insurance network. Travel medical insurance can bring peace of mind. Travel health insurance can be obtained for less than $3 a day from International Medical Group insurance or many other providers.
Documentation
You must obtain a current passport or travel document to enter Costa Rica and provide proof of a prepaid ticket with information showing when you plan to leave the country.
According to the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington D.C., it depends on your nationality. If you are traveling from the United States of America, a visa is not necessary. For more information visit costarica-embassy.org
Costa Rica does not require shots when coming from the US or Canada. However, it is recommended by the CDC to be up to date on your routine vaccines including Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Flu, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, and Shingles. It is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider and obtain any routine vaccines at least 10 days before traveling. Check the CDC’s page for up-to-date traveling information.
Technology/Electronics
The short answer is “yes” but it will require some leg work and pre-planning on your part. There are several options that you can choose from. You can use your local carrier, obtain a SIM card when you arrive, obtain an eSIM, or use local free Wi-Fi where available and communicate through WhatsApp.
Most carriers will offer an international plan. When you reach out to your carrier, be specific about traveling to Costa Rica. You might find that it will work without adjusting your current plan. If not, you can request to be on an international plan that will allow you to pay a daily fee to use data while traveling abroad. This could cost an additional $10 per day and you would want to call and change this as soon as you return.
Obtaining a prepaid local SIM card once you arrive in Costa Vida is also an option. This option will require making sure your phone is unlocked by your carrier before you leave. This can take up to two weeks. This option is usually less than $10 per day but would require you to find a local store to set this up on your phone.
Using an eSIM is another option you might consider. First, check with your provider to see if an eSIM is an option for your phone. An eSIM card can be obtained through Airalo. This usually costs a little more than the prepaid local SIM card option.
Taking a break from data usage and using the local free Wi-Fi is also an option. This would be the most inexpensive option if you can be flexible with usage and availability. WhatsApp is the best way to use Wi-Fi to make both local calls and texts and stay connected with home while you are away.
The outlets in Costa Rica run on 110 volts, which is the same in parts of South America, North America, and Japan. There are inexpensive power adaptors available that can provide added protection from power surges and easily fit in luggage.
Personal Needs for Retreats
Packing for an international trip can seem intense but we recommend keeping things simple and lightweight. Below are some of the basics you may need but it is not a comprehensive list. More information on what to pack or not pack can be found on travel blogs such as Fullsuitcase.com.
Clothing should be lightweight but durable as much of the humanitarian work is physical in nature and you will want good clothes for exploring. Quick-drying clothes are recommended, as well as at least 1 swimsuit and a sun hat. A pair of long pants, a rain poncho and a sweatshirt are also recommended.
Footwear – Heavy footwear is not recommended. However, given the nature of the humanitarian work you are doing, a pair of closed toed shoes such as sneakers are recommended. You may also want to bring a pair of sandals or flip flops for the beach.
Personal Care – Be sure to bring any personal medication, as well as sunscreen, bug spray, hygiene products, toothbrush/paste, hair brush, deodorant, and after sun care.
Electronics – At the very least make sure to pack your phone charge and power adaptor. You may also want to bring an E-reader if you are planning to read at the beach.
Miscellaneous – It’s a good idea to keep a dry bag with you as well as your phone. You will want to have some cash on hand. Bring sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a travel towel.
Volunteers should have access to laundry facilities during their stay. However, some travel blogs like this one, recommend bringing a travel clothesline for drying out wet clothes.
Traveling
Every airline has their own policies for unaccompanied minors. It is recommended that parents learn the policies for each airline their child will be traveling through.
Parents should also run through the scenarios with their children multiple times so they know what to expect.
Unaccompanied minors should have a phone number in case they need to call their parents or another trusted adult, and a special place where they can keep all of their travel documents safe.
For more information or for a more detailed checklist see Lifehacker.com
Volunteers can expect a combination of service and pleasure. There will be service projects for the local communities on some of the days. Other days will focus on local excursions such as to the beach. Food accommodations will be provided, as well as on the ground travel. Airfare is not included.
Flights from the United States to Costa Rica can be long so make sure you have something to do on the plane and in the airport in case of layovers. All volunteers will be picked up at the Liberia airport and transported to their accommodations by Brighter Community Resources.
In general, Costa Rica is considered a safe place to travel. However, as with all travel, travelers should take precautions, particularly against pickpockets. For more tips on how to stay safe while traveling, see travelsafe-abroad.com or Worldnomads.com
Costa Rica has a reputation for being one of the happiest places in the world and individuals there are very welcoming. “Pura Vida” is the motto and way of life for most Costa Ricans. It means “pure life” and contributes to their peaceful and kind nature.
The dry season in Costa Rica is December – April. During the dry season, temperatures are typically between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. The wet season is from May – November. During the wet season, temperatures are typically between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity will make it feel a little hotter. Packing clothing that is light and breathable will be most comfortable and always bring sun protection.
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. The English language is frequently spoken in Costa Rica, and many locals love to practice their English. However, taking some time to learn a few Spanish words will go a long way. The locals love it when you try to speak their language, so don’t be afraid to try. You can start practicing your Spanish for free on Babbel or Duolingo now.