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As an attractive alternative to the often crowded and costly Caribbean, Costa Rica has gained a reputation for its diverse landscapes and outdoor activities. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, this small country provides thousands of miles of sandy beaches for relaxation as well as volcanic mountains and lush forests for the adventurous.

Transportation: While flight prices from the East Coast range from $300 to $500 on average, the cost of vacationing in Costa Rica during "The Green Season" is relatively low. The Green Season can entail more rain, but the storms often quickly come and go, allowing for a full experience with lower prices. Between May and November, most hotels offer discounts of up to 40 percent on their nightly rates. Lodging prices range from $70 to $200 for four-star hotels in the San José area. Bed and breakfasts on the coast are also recommended for their affordable prices and spectacular beachfront views.

The cheapest way to get around Costa Rica is their efficient bus system, where the longest rides out of San José cost around $10. Rental cars and taxis are also affordable options. The travel time from coast to coast by car is three hours, so exploring vastly different regions of the country is feasible in a short period of time. Domestic plane flights within Costa Rica can be as cheap as $100 and offer an aerial sightseeing experience.

Activities: Consider visiting Marino Ballena National Park for snorkeling, surfing or whale watching and Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can witness spewing lava and unwind in nearby hot springs. There are also numerous caverns, mountains, animal conservations and rainforests to be explored. The cost for entering National Parks in Costa Rica is $7 per adult, though many parks do not collect the fee; some parks also include a guided tour with the entrance fee. Also worth visiting is the capital city of San José that is home to many museums, restaurants and a lively historical district.

Costa Rica offers a multitude of outdoor activities that can suit every traveler. Bicycle tours in the mountains cost $12 for a half-day of riding and golfing can be as inexpensive as $100 a day. For the more adventurous tourist, scuba dive for as little as $30 and try windsurfing for $50 a day. Regardless of the type of the activity you enjoy on vacation, the price will be right in Costa Rica

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For more information, refer to Costa Rica's Official Tourism website, www.visitcostarica.com.