Living in the capital can be exhausting. You wouldn’t be aware that Washington is a bubble until you step out of it. Suddenly, people are not always talking about what Congress or the White House did—or will do—instead, they rather chat about the meaning of life. In DC, we live bombarded by politics and bureaucracy, vacation is a necessity for many of us.

Though working for governments seems glamorous, we know the job quite stressful. Popular opinion thinks politicians or government officials do not work much, but according to Movoto, people in DC work an average of 40.1 hours a week and came third compared to the other fifty states.

U.S. Census’ American Community Survey for 2008-2012 has ranked DC as the most stressful city in the United States, followed by New York and Miami. No doubt that vacationing to a place that is rather US-politics-free can be a great and refreshing change.

Where in the world could that be? Answer: Costa Rica. It needs to be on your vacation-list this year. Here is why:

1. It’s not that far

A flight to Costa Rica is only going to take you around five hours. Most flights from DMV airports will have to make a stop in Florida (either Miami or Fort Lauderdale), which will take about 2,5 hours. Another 2.5 hours is needed to fly from Florida to San Jose (with an extra hour on time difference). It’s like driving to New York City from DC but the difference is that you will be in a new tropical country!

Some of the colorful and picturesque buildings in downtown Costa Rica

2. It’s affordable

You can get a return ticket as cheap as $238 (depending on the dates) with a low-cost airline from BWI. An apartment with living room, kitchen and a terrace only Costa Rica, especially in Puerto Viejo (a youthful Caribbean beach area), costs $60/night. A four-hour ride return bus tickets from San Jose to Puerto Viejo costs $20. Food is quite cheap too. A good, typical Costa Rican breakfast at Tortillería Y Café costs $7. For example, a full-plate of Pintortilla Madurada which consists of handmade cheese tortilla (it’s a Costa Rican twist of tortilla), beans, Natilla (Costa Rican term for sour cream), cheese (Costa Ricans love cheese!), egg, and plantain. The coffee is served in a traditional Costa Rican coffee maker named Chorreador. For lunch, a good Caribbean chicken dish in Soda’s Lidia costs $10. It really is affordable!

Typical hostel in Puerto Viejo.

3. You don’t need a visa

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of U.S., as long as you have a valid U.S. visa and valid passport, you can enter Costa Rica. Costa Rica also waives visas for diplomatic and service passport holders for some countries. Interestingly, many people think Americans need visa to visit Costa Rica.

 

4. It’s a great getaway from Politics

Remember that saying, “Politics is power”? Costa Rica is one of the few countries that doesn’t not have a military. It was formally abolished in 1948. No wonder Costa Rica has been dubbed as one of the happiest place on Earth! You may see a few police officers in downtown San Jose, but nothing better than Latino-European looking police officers who are trying to keep the city safe. You can say sayonara for now to the Secret Services, Pentagon, and special security forces that are everywhere in DC.

Chorreador is a traditional technique of Costa Rican coffee-brewing.

5. Great Coffee and Chocolate

Costa Rican coffee is very good. Though Costa Ricans may not have the sophisticated roasting ability like Italy, their coffee is very pure and taste like caramel. Good coffee can be found pretty much anywhere especially in a tortilleira that offers breakfast. Many vendors and restaurants also sell edible cocoa seeds and chocolate bars. Perfect energy source for your power breakfast!

Costa Rican breakfast.

6. A great way to Practice your Spanish

Spanish has become a necessary language to learn when living in the United States.   Costa Rican Spanish is easy to understand compared to other accents from Spanish speaking countries.  It might be the “Midwest English” of American English. People are also very friendly since Costa Ricans in general are.

7. Understanding the meaning of PURA VIDA

The word “Pura Vida” or pure life has become part of the Costa Rican identity. But a word is just a word when it is not given a meaning. In Costa Rica, the words “Pura Vida” teach you to live at the moment, live with no rush, and always think positively. Just live. You don’t need to lobby all the time. The real most example is when you can’t make it to the 10 AM bus from San Jose to Puerto Viejo, don’t bug about it! Take the noon bus. Do not worry too much. Costa Rica will change the way you see life, especially if you explore the country with locals who will make you see how Costa Ricans live their life.

What are you waiting for? The “Pure Life” is waiting for you in Costa Rica!

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For a great local tour guide, contact http://www.cr-art.com.