I'm 27, blonde, blue-eyed, and planning to explore Central America and the Caribbean next year. I'm wanting to go by myself, and plan to research the hell out of where I'm going and learn basic Spanish, but wondered if you had any thoughts or feedback about travelling as a single gal? I'm sticking to the relatively safe spots...starting in Costa Rica, then heading up to Cuba and then Belize. Any things I should definitely do (and not do) beyond the obvious common sense? Suggestions for timing? Thank you so much!
2006-06-27 02:46:39 · 8 answers · asked by Sarah J 1 in Travel ➔ Latin America ➔ Costa Rica
My experience of traveling in Costa Rica, sometimes alone and sometimes with other young women from the States, varied in terms of how comfortable I felt. Being blonde could make it a little harder on you (I have dark hair, but my blonde friends often got more attention when we were at bars or other places). If you are in a big city (such as San Jose), try to find out which neighborhoods are OK to walk alone in. Many are fine, but others are better avoided.
Overall, it's true that you don't need to be terribly afraid, but to have common sense. I rarely felt nervous taking taxis alone. I took long bus trips by myself, which was fine as long as I didn't stay too long at the bus station after dark. And if anyone makes you uncomfortable (in my experience it was by being too friendly, not presenting any real threat), keep in mind that you can just tell them to leave you alone. Have fun meeting people, be well-prepared with your travel plans and maps, and listen to your intuitions about what is comfortable and what isn't.
2006-06-27 06:27:53 · answer #1 · answered by shantybird 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yo know something? Just be cool. Caribbean and Central America are just fines locations, specially Costa Rica. There's a lot of food, you should learn about spanish, but about the culture of every place your planning to go.
About the commetary of get drunk, its the same in the states, just drink the necessary, not all latinos are pshycos.
2006-06-27 02:55:28 · answer #2 · answered by lacevedo1975 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure if you're hostel-ling, you'll meet some new friends down there who are undertaking the same journey. Unless you're adamant about being by yourself, I would pair up with some of these other travellers in exploring the region, it'll be a lot easier on you.
2006-06-27 03:22:20 · answer #3 · answered by c0ch0 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be OK there.
Just stay out of most San Jose neighborhoods at night.
When you get to the airport, go to any of the shops near gate 4, and ask any of the pretty girls that work at the souvenir shops where to avoid.
Usually any of the public parks near the city center.
2006-06-27 08:43:29 · answer #4 · answered by Professor Campos 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When are you going? I'm going August 19th-Nov 25th to Costa Rica. Hit me up while there and we'll explore the city!
2006-06-27 20:01:57 · answer #5 · answered by ~∂Їβ~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure all your flights arrive early in the day - you don't want to be looking for somewhere to stay at midnight - flights can sometimes be a couple of hours late!
Wear a wedding ring.
Don't get drunk unless you're really, really sure about who you're with.
2006-06-27 02:51:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if time and money allow you, step by Bay Islands (Honduras) which is the best place by far, in the entire central America and Caribbean area to go scuba diving.
Besides, those islands are entirely for tourism.... you gonna love it!!
2006-06-27 14:36:12 · answer #7 · answered by Aldo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should go to the beaches, volcanoes and rain forest and after that you should go Party in the Bus Night Tours.
www.costaricapartybus.com
2006-06-29 13:45:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋