Recession is Easing, Get Out There !

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said that aggressive efforts were currently being made to safeguard U.S. dollar investments around the world, first discussing the topic in Saudi Arabia, and afterwards in Paris. "Given the dollar's role in the international financial system and the significant impact of the U.S. economy on global economic conditions, we fully recognize that the United States has a special responsibility to play," he said in a delivery to the Jiddah Chamber of Commerce. "The force of the global recession is receding," he continued. He said that the $787 billion U.S. economic stimulus program will boost demand over a two-year period and make a great impact in spending over the next six months. Doesn't this sound like the hopeful news we need to start planning another vacation? We think so!

When you still need to watch your spending carefully, vacationing in Central America might be the ticket. The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is located at the tip of Peninsula Papagayo, very close to the Liberian international airport, and is also close (40 minutes) to San Jose. Sparkling water and stunning views are priceless, but we know for a fact you won't be spending away when you come to Costa Rica—it's easy to save at a resort that offers Exclusive Complimentary Perks through WhataHotel.com. The low-rise buildings don't interfere with the area's natural beauty and interesting sandy sunning spot below, and there are public areas interspersed with the expected natural scenery of gardens, open areas, and walkways. Guanacaste, Costa Rica is also home to the Hotel Punta Islita, which is an upscale resort environment set along natural coastline. If you'd like a place near natural Costa Rica flora and fauna, and you love eco-adventures with a touch of thrill, this could be the place for you. Families are welcome at this location, right along with honeymooners and wedding parties.

If you have a chance to book a Costa Rica vacation, you should definitely look into going on a guided Land Cruiser through the underbrush, and you can even drive one yourself if you are familiar with operating a manual car! If you're feeling the adventure vibe after you zip through the forest, book a catamaran trip or a sailing on one of the beautiful blue bays of Costa Rica. There are so many different tour operators from which to choose, so be sure to cruise through the recommended offerings to find one that suits you and your family. Surfing classes are a great option for even the most board shy, because these classes are geared to those of us with few, if any, surfing skills. If you're going to head out on a longer vacation in Costa Rica, you might like to check out one of the Spanish schools in the Guancaste province, so that you can quickly pick up the lingo of the area. Other activities include snorkeling, pottery classes, local crafts shopping, surf shop browsing as well.

Have fun in Costa Rica-- your budget will go far.