Costa Rica is fantastic. Watch the flight which go via Madrid as they can be heavy on smokers. Does Iberia still allow smoking on transatlantic flights? Once you get to CR and out of San Jose, which can be a little tricky, the living is VERY cheap and the Ticos are so friendly. I love it so much I went twice in one year. I missed your question originally as I've been away lately. Hope you get there and have a great time. If ever I go missing that's where I will be.