Kicking Off the Costa Rica Adventure

Our first day in Costa Rica set the tone for the trip: lush landscapes, friendly locals and endless possibilities. We landed in San Juan, loaded our rental car and headed straight to a nearby soda for plates of gallo pinto. The kids marveled at the different money and practiced their Spanish greetings. There’s nothing like the buzz of starting a new adventure with the whole family and knowing dozens of experiences await.

Family travel tip: When you arrive in a new country, take time to acclimate. Exchange some currency, learn basic phrases and savour your first local meal. Ease into driving—Costa Rican roads require patience and attentiveness. Embrace the unknown with curiosity.

What rituals do you have for the first day of a big trip? Tell us about them! If you’d like a step‑by‑step guide for launching a stress‑free family adventure, our travel planning service covers everything from airport pickup to your first empanada.