Spring Break: Costa Rica & Panama

Complete Your Checklist Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Travel Documents

• Passport: We recommend that your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond the date you return home. For specific passport validity rules, you can refer to the US department of State, Government of Canada, or Countries consulate website.     
  Visa: U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Costa Rica without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 90 days. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.       
• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.
• Health Insurance: You will need to carry your primary insurance card with you while overseas. This is a critical item in the event of a medical emergency.

Tour Preparation

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.
• Traveling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, though charges may apply and it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

Flight Preparation

Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. Using your 6-digit reservation code, you can reserve your seat (this is typically available 30 days to 24 hours before departure) and check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport that’s okay, too. Regardless, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

All flight information is online (e-ticket) via your account and the airline’s website. You will not receive a physical paper ticket from us.

• If your flight is canceled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancellations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time
• If you sleep in and miss your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.

Arriving in San Jose Pura Vida! Welcome to Costa Rica! Now that you have #landed, you will want to grab your luggage and pass through customs and immigration. (Yay! Passport stamps!)

Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!

If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.

Getting from A to B Transfers between cities via bus, ferry, and flight can take anywhere between 2-6 hours. If you're prone to motion sickness, be sure to pack some medication. In addition to the ferries, the roads can also be winding.

It’s a good idea to download a few movies or shows to watch sans Wi-Fi/ Cellular Data, bring a great book with you to read, or listen to music to pass the time. Download the Latino Vibes playlists on Spotify to get in the mood!

Fact: Travel is exhilarating. And FOMO is real. So, we understand why you don’t want to miss a second of the action. But there’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon siesta, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Stay hydrated: During this trip, you’ll be zip-lining, white water rafting, and spending a fair amount of time in the great outdoors. With the tropical climate, it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Tap water may not be safe to drink at all locations. Pack a reusable water bottle and check with your Tour Director where it's safe to fill up and where you may need to purchase bottled water.
• Sunscreen: You are not stronger than the Latin American sun. Wear sunscreen even when it seems like you may not need it.
• Bug spray: You're never too far from jungle and Bugs. Are. Everywhere.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a couple mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • MindShift: Focused on anxiety management, this app has an array of cognitive behavior therapy features including journaling, goal-setting, calming audio, and a community forum.
  • Ten Percent Happier: Filled with videos and guided meditations intended to help with everything ranging from sleep to stress reduction.

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart: 

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry. 
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind! 
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later. 
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi or Uber, and always have cash on hand. In most areas, you’ll find both marked (legal, by the book) taxis and private cabs. For your safety, only take marked taxis. Throughout most of the country these are easy to identify, as they are red and have a yellow triangle painted on the doors.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone:  +1–617–619–1411

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• Please note, your airline ticket does not include a checked bag.
• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!

Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour.

Budgeting We recommend budgeting $60-$80 per day for meals, gratuities, shopping, and free time activities. But you know your spending habits best. If you’re looking to #treatyourself to the max, you may want to budget a little more.

Managing Money U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica and Panama, so you are not required to exchange money before you depart. If using U.S. dollars, please be sure to only bring small bills. ATMs are also available to get money while in, so make sure to talk with your bank and credit card companies to let them know where and when you are traveling and to go over any international transaction fees. It’s always smart to bring more than one form of payment while traveling and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.

Do you have a credit card that offers zero international transaction fees? If so, bring that bad boy to save some money for purchases abroad.

Tipping

• We recommend tipping your Tour Director $10-$12 per day at the end of the trip
• Bus Driver: $2-$3 per day
• Local Guides: $2-$3
• It’s standard to leave 10-15% tip in restaurants, and no tip for taxis.

It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, Spanish! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Hola
• How are you? ¿Cómo estás?
• Goodbye: Adiós
• Thank you: Gracias
• Please: Por favor
• I’m (your name): Soy (your name)
• I’m from (your country of residence): Soy de (your country of residence)
• How much does this cost? Cuánto cuesta?
• Where is the...?: Dónde está...
  • bathroom: el baño
  • bus stop: la parada de autobús
  • pharmacy: la farmacia

Download Duolingo or some language-learning podcasts to practice your skills, and use Google Translate to help you while on the road!

The locals in Costa Rica and Panama are known for being vibrant and welcoming. As you prepare to spend time in these new cultures, here are some tips to help you understand the ins and outs:

• Pura Vida! Pura vida – pure life – is more than just a phrase. It’s a mantra that defines the Costa Rican way of life. It’s something you live by, and you’ll hear it as a greeting, an acknowledgement, and more as you make your way through Costa Rica.
• The people of Costa Rica often refer to themselves as "Ticos", though you may also hear this tacked onto the end of the words to give them a more affectionate meaning.
• Life in Costa Rica and Panama tends to be unhurried, so things may take longer than you're used to.
• With Spanish colonial influence, close proximity to a number of Caribbean islands, and growing immigrant populations, Costa Rica and Panama are both notably diverse.
• Both countries are very proud and protective of their ecosystems. In fact, Panama is actually one of three carbon-negative countries in the world.

There's a fair amount of overlap in cuisine between Costa Rica and Panama, and you’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip. Read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Rice and Beans: Commonly eaten for breakfast as gallo pinto, this combo is popular with scrambled eggs and fruit. For lunch, try Casado, which adds salad, plantains, and meat to the mix.
• Ceviche: A marinated raw fish dish served chill. Best alongside a cold beer.
• Plantains: They look like bananas, but plantains are starchier, savory, and served a variety of ways.
• Tamales: Squares of cornmeal stuffed with chicken, pork, or beans and vegetables, THEN wrapped in plantain leaves, THEN steamed over open fire, THEN devoured by everyone.
• Tres Leches Cake: This three-milk cake is a sweet ending to any traditional Costa Rican meal.
• Hojaldra: Served with a variety of toppings, this fried dough commonly appears in Panamanian breakfasts.
• Refrescos: In the land of fresh fruit, you must try the fresh fruit juices! Try cas (sour guava), maracuyá (passion fruit), tamarindo (tamarind), guanabana (soursop), piña (pineapple), sandia (watermelon), mora (blackberry), fresa (strawberry), and more!

  If you did not purchase EF Ultimate Break Optional Excursions before the trip began, you can log into your Online Account and do so on tour. You can also talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can help you get enrolled. If you’d like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time. 

Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account here for available add-ons.