Hello! I really want to go to Costa Rica to spot sloths in the wild, I want to bring my teenage daughter who is 14 with me, and I’m a single Mom, so have to make sure we’re both looked after.
I want to know:
Is it general safe to travel round (if we go to 3-4 different spots by bus)?
Are there any scams I should watch out for?
Where are the safest beaches for swimming? (my daughter loves the ocean!)
Costa Rica is definitely safe! You’ll both have a great time. I didn’t take buses myself but booked private transfers, you could also book a tour so you don’t have to worry at all and can take a seat back and relax so you can have some time off too.
In terms of swimming I was on the Pacific coast and it was nice but more waves and surfing on that side. I’d suggest sticking to the Caribbean coast where the waters are calmer.
They had a great time, it was the first time she had taken a tour (my recommendation) and said it was so much easier for her to travel just her and her daughter, having everything arranged and local contacts and guides assisting throughout. They had a great time spotting wildlife! I know they were relaxing on beaches too as I’ve seen the pictures