Costa Rica
Costa Rica was our number one pick for a new home country, and it became home for seven years. It lured us in with the friendly people, the nature, and how easy it was to actually live here. We built our house and our vacation rentals, Sea Casa, in Sámara — 900 meters from the beach — raised our two boys, and filmed the country from the dry northwest of Guanacaste down to the rainforest coast of the South Pacific.
Living here gave us and the boys a new perspective on what life should be — simple, honest, relaxed. It's perfect for families with younger kids, though as ours got older the lack of activities started to bore them a little. It's also amazing for retirees who want a slow pace of life and a good routine. And for travelers, it's good for just about anyone looking for adventure.
What we'd tell a friend
- Rent a car. It's the only way to see how much of the country you'd otherwise miss.
- Eat at the sodas — the little family-run lunch spots. Best food, lowest prices.
- Don't skip Sámara.
Who should come to Costa Rica?
- You love nature, hiking, and surfing.
- You want a unique trip in an incredibly biodiverse country.
- You're on a very tight budget.
- You don't do well in the heat.