When you mention Costa Rica, people will imagine paradise. Exotic beach, and tropical wildlife. Surfing, hiking, snorkeling, cloud forest, active volcano, and hot sandy beach are waiting to be explored. It’s heaven for every adventurer, vacationer, photographer, and everyone who loves nature and its beauty.

If you want to explore this beautiful country, the best time to visit is from December to April during dry season and summer, which locals known by the name of verano. Be preparing to get wet, because like other tropical country, Costa Rica may sometimes visit by rain. But at this season rain is less than in May at the rainy season. The price of the accommodation may get higher at this season. If you are confused where to stay, you can try the Apple Vacations Riu Hotels and Resort that just opened. If you are on a tight budget, visiting on the rainy season is also as beautiful as dry season. Just don’t forget to bring umbrella and a little patience.

If this is your first time going to Costa Rica, these are the places that you have to visit during your holiday: Monteverde and Santa Elena, the home town of cloud forests; Volcan Arenal, the famous volcano; Manuel Antonio, the most famous national parks; Puerto Viejo, where dance is the town’s breath; Tortuguero, an unrivaled eco-destinations; Mal Pais and Santa Teresa, country’s best surf; Turrialba, the source of high quality Costa Rica coffee; and also Samara’ the perfect beach.

Tip #1: Every country has a recommendation for immunization. Be sure to check with your state department when traveling abroad. A friend of mine just returned from India with a stomach virus. It was several doctor visits before she got a correct diagnosis of C. Difficile; and now she’s having a hard time getting rid of it. And my co-worker got malaria on his visit to Africa. You don’t want to catch a virus or disease while traveling abroad and bring it back to your home country. Needless to say medical costs can be expensive and there is the danger you could make others sick as well. So, be sure to get your immunization shots even if you hate needles. Bite the bullet and get it done. Staying healthy during and after your trip is the first step to a wonderful vacation.

Tip #2: Check the expiration date on your passport. While packing for my last trip to Mexico with a few friends, I pulled out my passport three days before the trip and was shocked to discover it had expired. Oh my God!

Let me tell you it is possible to get a passport in three days – but it ain’t pretty.

I live in Chicago and the only place I could get a short-notice appointment in a passport office was in Houston. I had to change flights to go to Houston first (an extra $200 cost). I had to leave work two days early (unpaid days off). While waiting in the passport office the computers went down. I waited there all day and they did not come back online. I came back the next day. System was down all day but I waited praying it would come back online. It came back at 4:00pm and the office closed at 4:30pm. Only a fraction of the 100 people waiting for a passport received them that day ($150 cost). My name was the next to last name called.

Despite my deep breathing exercises, my stress level was off the chart. That expired passport was both a time-consuming and expensive delay and it almost didn’t happen. Learn from my mistake. Make sure you check your passport and any necessary visas required for your trip weeks ahead of time.

Tip #3: When traveling abroad purchase medical travel insurance to cover you and your family members. If you’re pregnant make sure you check the policy carefully. There are some travel insurance companies whose policies do not cover pregnant travelers.

Tip #4: Be sure to check the expected weather for your travel destination. While traveling around all summer to hot locals, I forgot to check the weather in Peru, my final destination. It was winter in Peru and the temperature was in the 50′s. A little cool for my shorts and flip-flops. I had to buy sweaters and a jacket. Do not assume the weather will be similar to where you live. This is rarely the case.

Tip #5: Buy trip cancellation insurance. If you have to cancel or delay your trip at the last-minute it can be costly, so you want to be covered.

These tips can help you have a smooth and worry-free vacation. Hopefully, a romantic getaway filled with hugging, cuddling and kissing.

Here are some places in Manila you should check out:

Walled City of Intramuros

There are many historical sites in the area. You should consider going to Intramuros if you want to learn about the history and culture of the country. This is one of the oldest cities in Manila and was a major fort during the 300-year Spanish occupation. You may discover many things about the Spanish era from this city. It is also home to some of the oldest churches in the country Like the Manila Cathedra and St. Augustine Church.

The local government is doing their best to preserve historical buildings inside Intramuros. They are also implementing “Save Intramuros” campaign to preserve its historical atmosphere.

Luneta Park

Your next stop should be the famous Luneta Park or Rizal Park. Luneta is an urban park located at the heart of Manila. It only takes a few minutes to get there from Intramuros. This park is one of the major tourist attractions in Manila. People go here for family picnics, especially on Sundays and holidays.

Luneta is also one of the highlights when it comes to Philippine history. One of the things you will see here is the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero. The execution of Dr. Rizal sparked the fire of Philippine revolution against the Spanish colonizers. They officially renamed Rizal Park in his honor and his monument serves as the symbolic focal point of the park.

Malate

After learning something about Philippine history, it’s time to have a good time. If you like the nightlife, you should include Malate in your itinerary. It is one of the best places when it comes to street parties. Every night, they close the streets to give way to partygoers. Adriatico and Nakpil streets are lined with bars and restaurants frequented by weekend party seekers and tourists. The people are nice and the food is great.

How to get cheap tickets to Manila

There are many ways to get cheap tickets to Manila. One option is to book online. Check out booking websites and check the prices. Compare the rates from other sites. This will help you find the best rates from travel agencies.

Remember that it might be hard to find cheap flights to Manila during peak season, which is December to June. So it’s better to make early reservations. Keep yourself updated to find out about their packages.

The Filipinos are friendly and hospitable to visitors. You will experience this first-hand with your cheap flight to Manila.

Clearwater, FL

Many people, when looking to pick a place to retire, gravitate to warmer climates where the sunshine is bright and pleasant. If you are looking to be somewhere near the water, Clearwater, Florida is an excellent choice. It is set just on the Gulf of Mexico and the town is quiet and very laid back. There are great places for swimming, jogging, and wonderful restaurants abound. Another great thing about retiring in Clearwater is that you are only 20 miles or so from St. Petersburg. Therefore you have access to a large city where you can attend great live shows and sporting events.

Flagstaff, AZ

If you are looking to settle down in a wonderful city with nice weather, the city of Flagstaff might be just the spot for you. Flagstaff gets a whole lot of sunshine but also has the benefit of having all four seasons; winter, spring, summer, and a beautiful fall. It snows in the winter and remains pleasantly warm during the summer months. The spring is one of the nicest, too. Actually, the sun shines in Flagstaff an average of 78 percent of the year. With delectable restaurants and areas to spend an evening out with friends, Flagstaff is a good choice. Plus, there are several standout places to find housing for reasonable rates, too.

Ithaca, NY

As far as college towns go, Ithaca is definitely one of the best and brightest. The place has energy and a fun atmosphere. It can also be a great place to retire, with affordable real estate properties and plenty to do and see. As the home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College, the city is a hub for cultural events, perfect for retirees who want to remain active and attend gatherings and even speeches. There is never a lack of things to do in Ithaca, making it a vibrant place to retire and spend time.

The city is considered as a symbol of Russian supremacy and culture since both the administration and its citizens strive to preserve the heritage. Heritage hotels arrange night city tours to give the tourists a feel of the Russian culture. Yachting is a very good option in the daytime. Even a leisurely boat ride on the rivers and canals of the city is amazing since you get to see a number of memorable city sights. Many cathedrals spot the city. Do visit them for their elegant architecture.

Sardinia, a luxurious destination on the Mediterranean Sea is one of the most sought after beach resorts in Europe. You will get the best information on the shopping destinations, restaurants and sightseeing right from the hotel lobby. Sardinia hotels offer special holiday packages throughout the year. You get the best seafood dishes and high quality wines at the restaurants. Hotels in Sardinia will arrange all the necessary equipment for surfing, yachting and other water sports. Night life has lot to offer to a tourist here. Most of the pubs and hangout are open throughout the night. Sardinia beach hotels also offer special packages for historical sites like Bastione San Remy, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, the archaeological museum and over 20 underground caves for you to visit

This island is strongly is recommended for those who are fond of unadulterated relaxation with tranquility all around. There is not much chaos in the pubs too as the people enjoy their drink and soak in the musical ambience. St Petersburg bed and breakfast is just another attraction of the place. As a foodie you must not miss this island with so many culinary delicacies to choose from.

Porto Cervo, the capital of Costa Smeralda in north western Sardinia offers pristine beaches of Liscia Ruja, Romazzino and many others. The visual opulence is mesmerizing with luxury villas, hotels, golf courses, design boutiques, tranquil evenings and an enchanting night life. Porto Cervo hotels have been the centre of attraction for the Italian elite for long. The beaches and resorts are always packed up with the wealthy on their pleasure trips. So, if you are planning a trip to Russia this summer, just get online now. List of Sardinia beach hotels are there to accommodate your presence to the city. Go through their details and find the best comfort within your affordability.