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ContentsCosta Rica expects a busy winter seasonThe latest travel alarm raises eyebrows: tourists are being harmedCosta Rica’s other warning doesn’t pass the sniff test

It doesn’t take the brightest piece of chalk in the box to understand why 99% of travelers don’t visit countries like Ukraine or Russia, but when it comes to some of the most beautiful winter sun destinations, what would it take to put you off?

Even according to the latest statistics2 consecutive travel warnings for Novemberwon’t stop travelers from venturing to one of Latin America’s most paradisiacal destinations, especially with reliable sunshine in the coming months.

Whether it’s wonderful wildlife, perfect surf spots, luxury resorts or jungle excursions,vacationers are still booking trips to Costa Rica at a higher rate than last yearsaid the Costa Rican news source Tico times.

It’s true, even though U.S. officials are careful to use very specific, detailed incidents to inform American tourists of the risks.

So is Costa Rica too good to pass up, or are these recent advice exaggerated? Let’s dive in!

Costa Rica expects a busy winter season

We at Travel Off Path claimed earlier this year that Costa Rica may have lost its luster, and this was backed by a host of safety issues, higher than usual prices and declining visitor numbers.

We’ll touch on safety again soon, but Costa Rica has clearly regained its popularity, at least as a relaxing winter getaway.

Both of Costa Rica’s main entry points, Liberia and San Jose,boast average highs of 78 degrees or higher from December through March.

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Far removed from icy roads and cold roadsides (oh wait, that’s just my ex), Costa Rica offers an array of attractions and experiences that are incredibly fun to explore in a diverse tropical playground.

While it remains to be seen whether your winter getaway will match the country’s famous ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle, some would argue it’s more marketing jargon than the current way of life right now.

That said, there’s no denying that Costa Rica is truly one of the most fascinating destinations close to the United States – as long as it’s safe.

Home to luxury resorts such asSecrets Papagayo(where I’ll be vacationing soon), little-known beach towns along pristine coasts, and impeccable rainforest adventures with vibrant wildlife and natural wonders, Costa Rica will always be a draw, and the expected influx of 300,000 compared to last “high season” proves this.

The latest travel alarm raises eyebrows: tourists are being harmed

As if one travel warning wasn’t enough, Costa Rica said, “Wait a minuteImperial“.

The latest warning from the US embassy is about crime, and tourists are feeling the brunt of it.

Unlike nearby El Salvador, which has cleaned up its act,Costa Rica is seeing a spike in the wrong direction.

That’s why the embassy highlighted three events that directly impact visitors as they simply go about their business:

• Criminal groups have targeted foreign-owned businesses and homes for crimes such as robberies, burglaries and extortion
• Criminal groups have targeted travelers and forced them to withdraw significant amounts of cash from ATMs or initiate wire transfers
• Tourists have reported home burglaries and armed robberies at their Airbnbs (and other rental properties).

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As a resultthe US Embassy urges Americans to follow these helpful tipssuch as:

• Set daily withdrawal limits for your debit cards/bank accounts
• Avoid traveling alone, especially after dark
• Avoid booking Airbnb properties with reviews that mention security incidents
• Buy travel insurance that includes coverage for loss or theft of valuables

Costa Rica’s other warning doesn’t pass the sniff test

Just before the embassy issued its second alert for the week, the advance alert was a real doozy!

In case you missed it, this one is a lot less worrying because you can beat it to the punch, unlike an ATM robbery out of the blue.

This advice was actually categorized as a health warning. The concern revolves around the triggering of a commonly used pesticidealuminum phosphide poisoning.

The good news is that even though it is a colorless gas, it emits a noticeable odor in two forms.

The embassy recommends that if you smell a whiff of garlic and/or spoiled fish, you do socouldare in danger.

It is also important to note that moving to another part of your home or vacation rental where there is no odor can still be just as dangerous. It’s best to get rid of it altogether, just like aluminum phosphide.canbe fatal, or at least cause severe respiratory symptoms.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.

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