Thursday, November 5, 2009

Costa Rica - Tips To Avoid Health Problems

Author: John Grimes

Source: articledashboard.com



Costa Rica is undoubtedly one of the top travel destinations in the world. That being said, it is a destination where you can run into health problems if you are not careful.

Costa Rica - Tips To Avoid Health Problems

Costa Rica is a stunning country in Central America. It is definitely one of the top destinations for travels the world over. The country is unique in that it offers a little bit of everything from pristine beaches to soaring mountains to incredible rain forests. Whether you want to surf, hike to see exotic animals or do a bit of wind surfing, Costa Rica can offer it all.

When people travel to the country, they often forget that the country is different than there home. While beauty is certainly one of the aspects, the climate and geography is also unique. Simply put, we are talking about heat, humidity and nasty little creatures like mosquitoes and spiders. If you are not careful, you can run into health problems and ruin your trip. While the medical care in Costa Rica is very good, it is not available everywhere. Care is more than available in San Jose, the capital, but spotty in other areas of the country.

The number one issue you will run into in Costa Rica is dehydration. This may sound somewhat odd since the humidity can be over the top, but it is true. If you are hiking or even just loafing, drinking water is a must. Getting dehydrated out on a trail or secluded surf spot is bad news. Always make sure to keep plenty of water with you.

Another potential problem in Costa Rica has to do with bugs. It is hot and humid, so you know what that means - mosquitoes. Lots and lots of mosquitoes. Frankly, they seem to consider DEET to be a happy hour cocktail. If you want to avoid endless hours of scratching, make sure to keep lathered up with insect repellent. Remember, insect repellent does not repel mosquitoes, it hides you from them. If you leave any exposed spots, it can get ugly very quickly.

Costa Rica is definitely one of those countries you need to visit in your life. To get the most out of your trip, make sure you prepare correctly so you don't run into any health problems.