Costa Rica Travel Tips for Senior Travelers

In Costa Rica, seniors are often respectfully referred to as "ciudadanos de oro," which translates to "golden citizens." As this moniker suggests, older people are often treated with great respect. Seniors traveling through Costa Rica can expect to enjoy this particular privilege, whether they're touring the museums of San Jose or exploring the country's beautiful landscapes. In addition, many of the country's most popular destinations and attractions offer senior discounts, so keep your eyes peeled for generous money-saving promotions.

Many tour companies cater to seniors and offer tours and excursions with older individuals in mind. Many activities in Costa Rica are ideal for older travelers, including chartered cruises, guided tours of Costa Rica's 26 national parks and wildlife refuges, and lounging on the country's stunning beaches. With unparalleled natural diversity, many nature tours focus on the incredible wildlife of Costa Rica, particularly impressive birdwatching. 

Amateur ornithologists will be in their element here. Several areas boast an astonishing variety of bird life that has to be seen to be believed, such as Los Quetzales National Park, home of the resplendent quetzal. 

Seniors who want to soar above the rainforest on a canopy tour won't be disappointed. In addition to Costa Rica's famous canopy zipline tours, some wildlife reserves offer special tram car tours of these magnificent nature reserves, enabling seniors to see the jungle from a bird's eye view in comfort.

One of the best things about being retired is being a lot more flexible with your travel plans. This can often mean significant savings, especially if you are free to travel in either May or November, as this is the turning point between the high and green seasons, and prices can be much lower.

As the adage goes, "He who travels lightest travels farthest," and this most definitely applies to seniors. Therefore, resist the temptation to pack everything, including the kitchen sink, and instead pack one or two bags. Opt for a suitcase with wheels, making navigating the airport much more manageable. Remember – the less you fill, the less you have to carry around with you! However, when packing for a Costa Rica vacation, remember to bring essential items like a light raincoat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes and pants, and a sweatshirt for cooler nights.

Something else to bear is that although many pharmacies in larger cities have English-speaking staff, they may not carry your particular brand of medication if you're taking any. So be sure to notify your primary care physician before you travel and bring an adequate supply of prescription drugs with you. Also, note the generic names of any medicines you take, just in case you have to refill at a Costa Rican pharmacy.

Although Costa Rica is well known for its high standards for medical treatment at a lower cost than you'd likely get back home, investing in travel insurance may be worth considering, as Medicare may not pay for medical attention overseas. Even a minor accident such as a slight fall could be costly. Before departing, discuss your plans with a travel insurance professional to see whether third-party coverage is right for you.