More than two million tourists flock to Costa Rica each year. While some just want to swim and sunbathe on a gorgeous white-sand beach, others have more action-packed plans in mind. Nature enthusiasts are sure to be dazzled by the region’s exotic flora and fauna, from crocodiles and sharks to eye-catching sea turtles and vibrant orchids. For adventure seekers, surfing, hiking, cliff diving and deep-sea fishing are just a few adrenalin-pumping activities to look forward to. Vacationers looking for a relaxing retreat can indulge in luxury spa resorts and golf courses. But no matter what type of vacation you have in mind, over 1,000 miles of coastline sprinkled with palm trees, rocky shorelines, and soft sand beaches are sure to keep you happy for at least a couple weeks.

Montezuma Beach is a jewel lying on the inner side of the Nicoya peninsula, and acts as a melting pot for locals and travelers. Beachgoers can expect to be accompanied by exotic wildlife like capuchin monkeys.The remarkable aspects of this beach are the three natural waterfalls, the most prominent one known as El Chorro, which spill into the PacificOcean. The most famous surfing spot is Playa Grande, which the locals say is haunted because it is the location of an ancient burial ground. Despite the spooky history, Montezuma Beach attracts a large number of tourists because of its nightlife, one of the prominent hubs being Chico’s Bar. However, this beach is difficult to visit during the rainy season, May to November, when the roads leading to the beach and much of the coastline itself turns into a thick mud.

Manuel Antonio National Park offers an array of tropical scenery intertwined with its beaches. It is made up of mangrove swamps, lush forests, and exotic lagoons. The park’s twelve isles are home to an extensive wildlife of dolphin and whale populations, gaining the park the international title as one of the most bio-diverse areas. The jewel-blue water compliments the fluorescent greens of the surroundings forests, with strips of white sand stretching across the four main beaches located in the park: Playita, Escondido, Manuel Antonio, and Espadilla. The many walking trails expose tourists to an array of wildlife in the forests, while scuba diving reveals the colorful coral reefs leading out to Caño Island. The many hotels around the park also provide nightlife and many options for fine dining. Ponce de León first discovered Manuel Antonio in 1519while he was searching for the fabled Fountain of Youth, and it is a spot where many tourists go for ultimate beach relaxation and rejuvenation today.

Tamarindo Beach is one of the most-visited beaches in Costa Rica, offering travelers first-class accommodations, dining, and nightlife. Surfers of every level can test their skill on the Playa Tamarindo’s waters. Many locals and sport fisherman have enjoyed record-breaking catches, with species of fish ranging from tuna to marlin and snappers.  One of the primary residents of this beach is the giant leatherback turtle, which nests between October and March, and is a large attraction for visitors. Travelers looking to see more of what Costa Rica has to offer can enjoy the Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge, which stretches across more than a thousand acres and boasts many hiking trails. Known locally as one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, those looking to indulge in the tropical sun only need to find a secluded hammock to enjoy the idyllic ocean views.

Samara Beach is the perfect location for tourists looking for a smaller, quieter, and more private beach experience. Situated in the center of Nicoya peninsula’s western coast, it is nestled between Tamarindo Beach and Playa Carrillo, but still offers the same attractions like surfing and hiking. The beach has a unique coral reef and deserted tree-covered island, Isla Chora. The beach also offers nightlife from bars to discos. Reflecting the traditions of Costa Rica, the beach is dotted with cowboys, fishing boats, fruit farmers, and cattle drivers. It is also a popular location for those looking to invest in Latin American beach real estate. Considered one of the more laidback beaches, Samara Beach provides tourists with a chance to explore any whim – boat tours, horseback riding, sport fishing, snorkeling, bike riding, yoga classes, and even Spanish lessons at the local Intercultura Samara Language School that overlooks the ocean.

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Check out Costa Rica’s all-inclusive resorts. Or, click here or information on preserving the environment by traveling green.

Anna Patrick is a Communications major at Boston College and a frequent commuter between Boston and the Washington DC metropolitan area in Northern Virginia. A seasoned traveler, Patrick has lived in London and traveled extensively throughout Mexico, Canada, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, the Czech Republic, Greece, Scotland, England and Turkey.

So you finally did it:  You quit your job, sold your home and bought a one way ticket somwhere south of the U.S/Mexico border. Fast forward a couple months and you’re living the so-called dream life somewhere near the Equator but it’s not exactly the glamorous new existence you’d been anticipating. Sure, your apartment is nice and you love X country, but…you don’t have much in the way of friends or a social life and you really don’t know where to get started.

If you’re shy like me, meeting people in a foreign country can be a slow and daungting process, but it’s not impossible. The odds are, if you could make friends back home, there’s no reason you can’t make friends in your new home.  I’ve moved abroad twice: Once to Panama City and then to Bogota, so I know how it feels to be alone and lonely in a foreign country. You tell everyone things are fantastic and you’re absolutely sure of your decision, but inside, you can’t help having those nagging doubts that maybe you were wrong; maybe you just can’t make it work in X country. So what do you do when you’re alone in a foreign country and don’t know anyone?

(1) Look into expat resources. I know that most of us move abroad because we want to assimilate in the local culture and make Panamanian/Costa Rican/Mexican friends, but I’ve found that expat groups are a really great way to meet people going through some of the same things. Everyone who joins these forums or groups is looking to meet people and socialize, and many of these groups are also open to non-expats who are interested in language/culture exchange. If you’re in the under 40 demographic, Coachsurfing.org  is a fantastic resource; aside from hosting meet-ups at local bars or parks, most Latin American countries also have sub categories meaning that if you  want to learn French, go hiking or get involved with the local gay community, there’s likely a group for you. Aside from Coachsurfing, most Latin American countries will have at least one social group catering to expats, and the Internet is your best resource for finding out more about these.

(2) Join something. For months after moving to Colombia, I complained to anyone who would listen (in the U.S. because I didn’t actually have anyone who would listen in Colombia) that I wasn’t meeting anyone. It then dawned on me that meeting people takes effort and it wasn’t going to happen if I sat around my apartment all day working in front of my computer and didn’t join any clubs or grups. So I moved my home office to a local cafe, joined a gym and am considering buying a bike and joining a weekend biking club. Soccer is huge in Latin America, so if you’re interested in “futbol”  joining a local soccer league is a great way to meet people with similar interests. Many countries also have ultimate Frisbee and baseball/softball leagues, as well as birdwatching, hiking, reading, poker groups and more. Join something that interests you.

(3) Live with people. Even if you’ve lived on your own for 10 years and the thought of having roommates fills you with dread, living with other people is one of the best way to feel connected to your new country and build a social network. Latin Americans are notoriously  friendly and outgoing, and will usually make an effort to include you in activities. Plus, roommates will introduce you to friends who will introduce you to other friends.

(4) Resist the urge to say no when people ask you to come out. As I mentioned, I’m a very shy person so the thought of going to a party with just one person I know (they might go talk to someone else and leave me standing awkwardly alone in a corner!) is terrifying.  But I always push myself to say yes and I nearly always have a good time. Yes, maybe I’m standing awkwardly on my own for a few minutes, but it never takes long before I’m talking to someone new. Even if you don’t make lasting friendships at bars or parties, these activities provide a social outlet and an opportunity to learn more about the culture and customs in your new country.

(5) Take a group Spanish or Portuguese class. If you’re already fluent in the local language, pick up another language. Group language classes will give you the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. If you’re under 30, sign up for a class at a university, where you’re bound to meet other young people interested in getting to know you and learn more about your culture. If you’re a little older, language institutes and academies often hold night classes for professionals that cater to a 30 plus crowd and even language classes aimed at retired folks.

For more on my travel experiences, check out my blog. For additional travel information, take a look at my pros and cons of visiting Latin America. Or, check out Adriana Harvey’s story about her experience studying abroad in Cuba.

I live in Bogota, what I would classify as a middle income city with a middle-of-the-road cost of living. One of the most frequent questions I get as an expat is: Do you think I can live on X amount of money per month in X country? My answer is always that it depends how you want to live and where you want to live. If your idea of retirement is living a simple life in a small house far outside any major city, then yes, you can probably live on $1,000 a month. Of course, if you want to live in a nice apartment in a nice part of town in a large city, your cost of life goes up. But the truth is, it’s really quite hard to answer this question because some countries are more expensive than others and some cities are pricier than others; you can live like a king on your social security check in rural Bolivia, but in Sao Paolo, you may find yourself struggling on a single retirement income.

However, in an attempt to better answer this question more scientifically, I’ve been keeping track of my expenses for the last few weeks here in Bogota, and it breaks down like this:

(1) Rent (1 bedroom with cable, Wi-Fi, electricity, gas, water and once-a-week maid service included in a “nice” area of town): $225.00

***Of course, if you are 60, you probably don’t want to live in a 5-bedroom apartment with a bunch of 25 year-olds, so I called some rental agencies in a variety of middle upperclass neighborhood and found that a 1-bedroom (no utilities) apartment runs between $250 and $1,000.

(2) Utilities in an upper middle-class neighborhood (electricity, gas, Internet, cable, water) if you decide to live on your own: $195 per month

(3) ”Typical” Meal in a middle class neighborhood: $3.00

(4) Nice meal in Bogota’s most upscale dining district (without appetizer or wine): $10.00-$17.00

(5) Gym membership in a nicer gym (per month): $30.00-$100.00

(6) Bottle of water: $0.75

(7) Taxi, 65 city blocks: $4.50

(8) Typical monthly grocery bill at a “higher-end” chain store: $80.00-$100.oo

(9) Gallon of gas: $3.00-$4.00

(10) Normal bus: $0.65; Transmilenio bus: $0.80.

(11) Cocktail at a high-end bar: $7.50-$12.50

(12) Beer at your average bar: $0.90

(13) Coffee at a casual bakery or cafe: $0.50-$1.00

(14) Skim milk frappaccino with light cream at a “fancy” cafe: $2-$4

(15) Health Insurance (I have my own in the U.S., but I’ve called around and a policy, depending whether you get public or private, runs anywhere between): $35-$120 per month

(16) Misc (because I always seem to spend money and have nothing to show for it): $150.00

Total Expenditures in Bogota:

Total: $764.00

Total Expenditures in the U.S:

Total: $639.00

So basically, I need $1,303 to live every month. Obviously, this figure doesn’t reflect leisure travel, home-insurance, car insurance, car payment or savings, but this budget should give you an idea how much you need to get by and have a few nice dinners and drinks along the way.

For more on my experiences in Latin America, check out my blog. And for additional information on Latin America, check out more reasons to visit.

This is the ideal place for a romantic getaway. Weather permitting, it has probably one of the most amazing sunsets on the pacific coast. You can’t beat a  cold drink accompanied by a 180 degree panoramic view from the infinity pool peering over trees, tropical plant life and exotic flowers.

Rooms:

There are many different room types at the Hotel Mariposa. You’ll want to make sure that you  get a room with a view. Name room types and amenities (hot tub). 56 rooms.

The hotel has older and new rooms that were added in the last several years.

Restaurant:

I read some of the reviews on trip advisor and people were critical about the food. For lunch I recommend the Tuna burger. A fat slab of seared tuna (tasted like a steak) on a sesame seed bun, fresh tomatoes, pickles and onions. Every day the chef prepared fresh ceviche (corvina) right around dinner time which I couldn’t resist every night. The food was less expensive than other restaurants in Manuel Antonio. The menu was a bit limited, but the overall pretty good. The cocktails however were mediocre at best.

Staff and service:

The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. I have traveled to many countries in Latin America and Costa Rica probably is the best when it comes to service and hospitality. I actually mentioned that it was my wife’s birthday and they left a large bouquet of flowers in our room. Also, as soon as we got settled they called our room and asked if we preferred red or white wine. They treated us to a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile (Casillero del Diablo).

Other observations:

The hotel has wireless, but you have to sit in the reception area to get a good signal.
The pool is pretty amazing. It wraps around the main deck area with a view of the entire Pacific.
You can also book tours from the hotel like zip lining or a trip to the National Park. The activities are a bit expensive, but worth doing.

Photos courtesy of Jvalena

Traveling by car is the best way to see a country. You can stop when you want…pop into that road side grub station if your heart or stomach desires and take any route you want.

This is my seventh trip to Costa Rica., but only the second trip where I have had my own car. The last time I drove most of the country, but it was almost a decade ago. I was pleased to see some new highways on the pacific coast. Costa Rica is one of the top destinations for tourism, but 10 years ago, Guatemala’s or Belize’s roads seemed to be in better shape. On the Pacific, things have apparently changed and we were able to speed down to Manuel Antonio rather quickly on the toll road. You can even pay the toll with USD dollars, but they give change in Colones at a pretty weak exchange rate.

We did have a bit of a snag at the car rental place. I had made my online reservation and received an email confirmation that told me I had to pay at the airport car rental. Just past immigration I walked into Budget and handed over my confirmation number. The agent couldn’t find it in the system. He made a few calls and reassured me that he would get the SUV that I had reserved. We filled out a form and everything seemed to be set. He handed me a receipt with some scribbles on it and as we walked out I realized that I didn’t have a total price on my receipt. My confirmation from the Budget website had been $140 for 3 days including taxes and liability insurance. I went back and asked the agent how much I was paying and he pulled out a calculator and started negotiating the price. Having received a quote prior to my arrival I told him that I wanted to pay the price I was quoted for on the website. He then told me that his system was down and that I could discuss it with the agent where I was to pick up my car. 20 minutes later the bus came and picked us up.

When we arrived to the car rental I spoke with the manager and he reassured me that he would hold the price that was on my confirmation. When we looked at the receipt it showed that I was being charged almost double from the first agent. The manager wrote over the old prices with the price I had expected to pay.

Having lived in Latin America for close to 1/3 of my life I can say that this is not the first time I have been given the “Gringo price”. The lesson here is to double check things, bring receipts and pay attention whether your renting a car, signing up for a tour or taking a cab.

Photo taken from Flickr courtesy of kirkh

Probably the best place to stay for the money in Costa Rica. Charm, hospitality and the quintessential “PURA VIDA”

Things totally started off on the right foot pre-arrival to this cozy boutique inn. My wife was having trouble getting her VISA (Colombians need a VISA to travel to Costa Rica) and I urgently called Jan and Greg so they could send me the hotel confirmation with my wife’s name on it. They sent it over in a flash. I also asked Jan to if she could drop into town and pick up some flowers to be left in our room (delivered). Jan showed us our room and with a warm smile told us she decided to upgrade us to a bigger suite free of charge.

Unfortunately it was a short stay at Aparhotel Vista Pacifico, but I highly recommend this place for a quiet stay just 5 minutes driving from downtown Jaco. It has a quaint quinta-like feel and sits atop a hill overlooking the pacific ocean. It’s not a stuffy hotel, but more like your second home in Costa Rica. We hit duty free on the way in and the balcony was the perfect place to unwind after a long day of traveling with a bottle (or 2) of vino. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable. It had a kitchen, fridge, stove, silverware, glasses and pretty much anything you need.

In the morning, I woke up to fresh fruit, tasty pastries, coffee and yogurt with granola. Jan sat with us going over a map pointing out different beaches or places to checkout during our way down the pacific coast to Manuel Antonio. She has the vibe of someone that truly cares about leaving a positive impression on you and that’s exactly what happens. I would definitely go back and regret that we couldn’t stay longer.

The hotel is a bit of a walk into downtown, but you can take a 5 minute cab ride (we had a car so we drove). I actually preferred to not be smack in the middle of the main strip because it was much more tranquilo. Despite being more secluded, you’ll find all the necessary amenities and you can even check your email from the wifi connection while you snack on some fresh fruit or sip your morning coffee poolside.

If you’re not the type who enjoys planning bus rides, booking hotels in different cities and finding the best tours and excursions, an all-inclusive resort may be the way to go, especially if you’re just looking to relax for a a week or so. Besides, why not let someone else do all the work for once? Known for adventure travel, protected rain forests and idyllic beaches, Costa Rica is Central America’s most popular tourist destination, so it makes sense that this tiny, peaceful country boasts a number of impressive all-inclusive resorts. So sit back, dial a few numbers and prepare to let yourself be pampered and catered to an one of Costa Rica’s luxury all-inclusive resorts.

Barcelo Playa Langosta: Situated in Tamarindo on Costa Rica’s popular northern Pacific Coast, the Barcelo Playa Langosta is a 4-star, eco-friendly resort offering guests amenities such as a full-service spa, jacuzzi, fitness room, business center, entertainment theater, conference rooms, boutique jewelry shop, casino and pool. The Barcelo offers children’s shows and babysitting as well as large suites, so it’s a good option for families with young children. (www.barcelolangostabeach.com; (506) 2291-1027 Ext. 283 / 284 / 274 / 729; vacacionesbarcelo@barcelocr.com)

The Barcelo Playa Langosta

Paradisus Playa Conchal: An all-suite luxury resort also located on Costa Rica’s Pacific northwest, the Paradisus Playa Conchal is a good lodging option for couples looking for a romantic, upscale vacation getaway. The resort is conveniently located close to beautiful beaches and pristine rain forests, and offers guests amenities such as lagoon-style pool, fitness center, nightly entertainment, 18-hole golf course, full-service spa. cooking classes, wine-tastings, bird watching excursions and other jungle/adventure excursions. (www.paradisus-playa-conchal.com; 1-888 741-5600)

The Lagoon pool at the Paradisus Playa Conchal.

Hilton Papagayo: Another good family option, the Hilton offers standard guestrooms, suites and bungalows and is situated in the Guanacaste region on Playa Arenilla. Guest amenities and services include children’s activities, business center, fitness center, beach access, pool, water sport activities, excursions and conference rooms. The Hilton Papagayo is located near Tamarindo Beach, Arenal Valcano, dozens of beaches and Santa Rosa National Park among other attractions, making it a fun family lodging option.  (www.hilton.com/en/hi/promotions/hi_papagayoresort/index.jhtml; 506-2-672-0000)

Around the Papagayo Resort.

Turtle Beach Lodge: A jungle resort situated just five minutes outside the town of Tortuguero, the Turtle Beach Lodge also offers access to a secluded beach and is best for travelers looking for an all-inclusive travel adventure rather than travelers looking for an uber upscale getaway. Activities include jungle tours, canopy tours, bird-watching, turtle-watching excursions and more.  The Turtle Beach Lodge’s cabins are rustic  but airy and comfortable and can house 2-4 people each. Hotel amenities include a turtle-shaped pool, gardens, restaurant and bar. (http://www.turtlebeachlodge.com)

A cabin at the Turtle Beach Lodge.

Villas Sol Hotel and Beach Resort: Also situated in the Guanacaste region, the Villas Sol Hotel and Beach Resort offers affordable rates and standard guestrooms, one, two and three bedroom villas. Guest amenities include full-service spa, water sport activities, jungle tours and excursions, souvenir shop, fitness center and convenience store. The Villas Sol Hotel and Beach Resort offers rock bottom rates as low as $70 per person during low season, and is a good lodging option for both couples and families with young children. (www.villassol.com; (506) 2257 0607)

For more information on the beauty of Costa Rica, check out its best beaches.

View from the Villas Hotel and Beach Resort.

People often ask me what motivated me to leave the U.S. for Colombia. Most of the time, the askers are Colombians themselves, many of whom would do pretty much anything to get a visa to the U.S. or Canada and can’t understand why someone would willingly choose to move to the “disaster” (their words not mine) that is Latin America. And I do sometimes ask myself, what kind of person abandons the comforts and stability of the developed world for the relative chaos of the third world? Many of the Colombians and Latin Americans I’ve met along the way even look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them I actually like living here. But Latin America does have its perks, otherwise, why would hundreds of thousands of foreigners leave their old lives behind to come live down here?  Below are some of the most common reasons expats have given me for deciding to move to Latin America.

A lower cost of living. The cost of living in Latin America is often a fraction of what it is in the United States, Canada and Europe. I hesitate to call this a positive because the price of this lower cost of living is often an exploited, underappreciated workforce, but it’s hard to deny that this is one of the top reasons foreigners decide to move south. Basically, you can have a higher quality of life here for less.  You can live comfortably in most Latin American cities with $1,500-$3,000 a month.  In Bogota, you can get your nails done for $3.50-$5, you can have a daily maid who cooks and cleans for the equivalent of $300 a month and a good meal at a high-end restaurant will rarely cost you more than $15 . Plus, you can rent yourself a decent two-bedroom apartment for $400 a month.

Nature. In one word, nature in Latin America is spectacular. Unlike the U.S. where you have to drive at least a few hundred miles to notice any significant temperature or geographical changes, climate and vegetation changes by altitude rather than latitude here. In two hours, you can go from freezing snowcapped mountains to sweltering, tropical lowlands. Whether you want beaches, jungles, plains or mountains, it’s usually just a short drive away.

A happening party scene.  I don’t think I’m being subjective when I say Latin Americans know how to party. In fact, I’ve talked to a lot of expats who decided to move down here exclusively for the party life.   Whether you’re into salsa, rock, techno, heavy metal or hip-hop, most mid-sized cities have something for everyone. And unlike the U.S. where 30 seems to be the cut-off age for all night partying and debauchery, grandma and grandpa like to get down just as much as the twenty-something crowd and they’re not opposed indulging – or overindulging – in a little rum or aguardiente. Many Latin Americans I’ve met strongly believe that partying is as essential to a happy, fulfilled life as say, a job and friends.

A more laidback pace of life. It seems like every other weekend in Colombia is a holiday weekend, and this goes for most of Latin America. Unlike the U.S. where workaholics are a common occurrence, relaxation is accepted and expected here. Somehow, the days just seem to last longer and there’s time for more. Some bigger cities are taking a more U.S.-based approach to work, but small town shops still sometimes close down for lunch.

People are nice. They often go out of their way to help you. Sure, there are some bad apples just like anywhere else, but for the most part, people do their best to make you feel welcome and at home. They worry about and fuss over you and do what they can to give you a good impression of their country.

Business opportunities. I’m no business woman, but Latin America definitely offers incentives the entrepreneurial among us. Foreign investors often benefit from low corporate tax rates, a cheaper workforce and a growing middle class with increasing purchasing power.

But none of these is the reason I decided to move here. My reasons are more intangible. I  can’t even really articulate them to myself: Almost my entire family lives 3,000 miles away, I’d be making more money in the U.S., I’d have  a familiar social network and 24-hour convenience stores for when I get a late night junk food craving. So what made me leave all of this behind to move to Bogota, where I had no job lined up and a social network consisting of my 78 year-old grandmother and her equally elderly friends? For sure, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies: There are times I seriously consider going back home. Sometimes it’s lonely, frustrating or seem like it’s more trouble than it’s worth.  I miss my family and my friends and wonder what kind of life I’d have back home. So I don’t really have an answer for why I moved here, expect that somehow, I’m happier here than I was in the U.S. Maybe it’s just a phase, maybe I’m looking for my roots (my parents are from here, after all) or maybe it’s just a better fit for now– After all, I do get by working just three or four hours a day doing what I love . All I know is that right now, it feels right.

For more of my experiences in Latin America, check out my blog. For information on places to visit in Latin America, check out my articles on Brazil, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Or, take a look at the negative side of Latin America as I see it.

I’ve been living between Bogota and Panama City for the last three years, and for the most part, it’s been a fantastic experience — so fantastic, in fact, that I’ve only been back to the States a couple times in the last few years. But there are times when I get nostalgic for the motherland and can’t help thinking to myself, “This would never happen in America!” Yes, these moments of desperation are few and far between, but they do exist. So here it is, my list of the top ten negatives of living in Latin America, in no particular order:

1.) Unsolicited advice and nosiness. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left the house feeling great only to be greeted by people — often people I barely know — telling me about some great weight loss pill or program I could really benefit from. Or that I’d really look better as a blond, that I’m wearing the wrong kind of jeans and that my career choice is all wrong. In Latin America, you can expect unsolicited advice on a relatively frequent basis. And you may find your neighbors are a little more involved than they are back home. Some call it human warmth, others call it nosiness, but whatever you want to call it, accept the fact that people, whether they know you or not, often have no qualms about asking you how much you make, why you’re dating the guy you’re dating, how much your purse cost, et cetera. Often, refusing to answers means getting labeled as cold and rude. Or in the best case scenario, a weird foreigner.

2.) Children living at home until they’re 40. This might not bother you if you’re a retiree living abroad — and it does go to show that families in Latin America tend to be close — but as a 25 year-old single woman living in Bogota, it’s never been my romantic fantasy to date a 30-year old guy living still living at home and with no imminent plans of moving out any time soon. I completely understand that wages are lower in Latin America and cultural differences mean it’s normal for kids to stay home until they get married, but being American, I have a hard time getting excited about a guy who goes home to mom’s everyday for lunch.

3.) Inefficiency. Anyone who’s ever tried applying for a business visa or gone through any other legal or immigration process in Latin America knows what I’m talking about. Person A sends you to person B who sends you back to person A who then sends you off to some remote office to talk to person C who then tells you your papers are all wrong and you’ll have to start the process all over. It can be exasperating, so mentally prepare yourself for a long and arduous paperwork journey.

4.) Men thinking catcalls involving the word “gordita” are somehow flattering. Imagine walking down the street in the United States and a construction worker yelling out “Hey fatty, looking good today!” And said construction worker grinning like he’s just given you the best compliment ever. Now imagine that happening every day. I have to admit these catcalls have grown on me a little, as some are particularly creative and inspired, but overall, being compared to one of Botero’s paintings on a frequent basis does not bode well for one’s self esteem.

5.) Deadly fear of the common cold. In the U.S., I usually caught at least one or two colds every winter. However, during my time in Latin America, I’ve realized that people seem to fear the common cold like people in the United States might fear Ebola or Mad Cow Disease. In Bogota, a cold often involves multiple doctor visits, exaggerated scarf usage and serious pneumonia fears. My grandmother (who is Colombian) cannot comprehend that I would go outside in a short sleeve shirt without a jacket or scarf, never mind that it’s a balmy 75 degrees outside.

6.) Pollution. Unless you decide to live in the countryside, pollution will become a part of your daily life. I’ve gotten used to stepping outside and a potent aroma of diesel, fried goodness, perfume and cigarette smoke filling my lungs. In fact, this smell has become so associated with Latin America in my mind that whenever I go back home and happen to catch a momentary whiff, I’m filled with a sense of nostalgic longing and am instantly transported back to Panama City or Bogota. But as a former suburbanite used to crisp, fresh air, it took me a while to get accustomed to the smog. And get used to people honking their horns for sport.

7.) The cult of beauty. So this might not be a negative if you’re a guy, but as a girl, it can get tiring. My grandmother often says she doesn’t understand how women in the United States go out in sweatpants and disheveled ponytails. She thinks everyone in the U.S. walks around looking a mess. As a woman who used to thoroughly enjoy sweatpants and disheveled ponytails, I’ve had to change my ways. Here, it seems that women are expected to get their hair and nails done at least once a week, hit the gym to fix any slight problem areas (or head to the plastic surgeon if the gym doesn’t do it), and rarely go out looking anything less than perfect. For example, take the gym: While I’m sweating profusely and looking definitively unsexy in my baggy sweats and t-shirt, the woman next to me is looking great in form-fitting spandex and casually running 6.5 miles an hour,  not a hair out of place.  I can’t compete with that kind of perfection. Now, I’m not saying all women strive to look perfect ALL the time, but beauty is definitely a bigger priority, at least in Colombia, than back home. And foreign guys will have to abandon the shorts and flip-flops unless they want to be the perpetual gringo.

8.) A serious aversion to the word “No.” Latin Americans are nice. So nice, in fact, that they hate saying no. Or telling you they don’t know. Maybe you’ve asked directions and have been confidently pointed in a particular direction, only to realize, 20 minute later, you’re going the wrong way. Or maybe you meet some friendly people and promise to get together soon but it never materializes. Just keep in mind that a “yes” in Latin America doesn’t carry the same weight as a yes in North America. Otherwise, you’re bound to be perpetually disappointed. And stood-up.

9.) Cities aren’t quite as “pretty” as back home. The roads have massive craters; the sidewalks are falling apart and uninspired concrete grey buildings from the ‘70s stand next to dilapidated colonial-era structures. Sure, there are perfectly attractive neighborhoods and districts, but for the most part, Latin American cities can be overwhelming and unorganized. It takes a while to be able to see the beauty beyond the chaotic façade, but if you look hard enough, you’re bound to see it.

10.) Social inequality and poverty. One of the hardest things about living in Latin America is having to deal with poverty on a daily basis. Economic contrasts are a much bigger part of daily life here than in the United States or Europe. While some CEOs take home six figure incomes, live in posh penthouses and go to Paris and Miami just for the shopping, maids and security guards often have to get by on $10 or $12 a day. In Colombia, 60% of the population lives below the poverty line and a strict, traditional social system means things are changing at a painfully slow pace. Frankly, the unfairness and difficulty of daily life for many of Latin America’s inhabitants can be downright depressing. But maybe one of the good things about the influx of expats moving down south is the spreading of more egalitarian social notions.

Keep in mind this list is written from the point of view of an expat woman living in Colombia. If you have a different opinion, something to add or think I’m completely wrong , I invite you to be a guest contributor and let LatinWorld know what you think.

For more of my opinions on Latin America, check out my blog or my article about reasons to visit.

Want a smaller nose and smoother skin? Need a new smile but can’t afford hefty dental bills at home? Well, move over, L.A.; Latin America is taking over as the world’s new plastic surgery mecca.

Over a million Americans travel abroad every year to seek medical treatment, most for elective procedures.  Latin America offers patients affordable elective and non-elective medical and dental procedures, usually at one third to half the cost of the same procedure in the United States or Europe.  As the name implies, medical tourism allows patients to combine medical treatment with a relaxing, tropical vacation south of the border; in fact, most medical tourism packages include excursions to nearby attractions and guided sight-seeing tours.

Because plastic surgery is so prevalent in Latin America (it’s estimated that up to 70% of middle and upper class women in some Latin American cities have had at least one cosmetic procedure), Central and South American plastic surgeons provide some of the most advanced and cutting edge surgical techniques in the field, usually in first class rate hospitals with better after-care than most U.S hospitals.

Medical tourism is booming in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico, perhaps with Brazil and Colombia among the world leaders in elective cosmetic procedures. In a a continent where so much importance is placed on beauty (particularly female beauty) Latin American surgeons have honed their skills and helped develop some of the most innovative surgical techniques in practice today. But plastic surgery isn’t the only thing boosting the medical tourism industry in Latin America; even those seeking non-elective procedures such as fertility treatment, joint surgery or organ transplants will likely find more affordable treatment options than at home.

Although Latin America is generally considered the third world, it boasts many excellent clinics, cosmetic centers, and hospitals.  However,  it’s important to make sure that the chosen hospital, clinic and doctor has international healthcare accreditation. The majority of doctors who participate in medical tourism packages were trained in the United States or Europe or at the top universities and clinics in their respective countries. Unless the patient is very familiar with the country of choice and the doctor who will be performing their procedure, it’s a smart idea to go through a Medical tourism company, which will arrange everything from the hospital, to lodging, meals, the operative doctor, aftercare and post-operative excursions.  Keep in mind  that although there are plenty of first rate medical facilities in Latin America, there are also an equal number of subpar facilities; going through a medical tourism company can help assure quality and satisfaction. Patients should also keep in mind that a tropical climate means that there may be infections and diseases not found in Europe and the United States and patients should obtain all required vaccinations before heading south.

One of the reasons that medical care is so much cheaper in Latin America than in the United States is because Latin American health care professionals earn about 20% of what American health care professionals earn and medical malpractice suits are rare and difficult to win. Although lower wages help keep medical costs down,  if something goes wrong during or after surgery, the chances of a patient successfully suing the hospital or doctor are slim to none, a factor individuals should keep in mind before deciding to seek medical treatment abroad.

Most importantly, it’s important to do research and contact several medical tourism companies to find one that’s right for you. Medical Nomad (www.medicalnomad.com) is a great source of information in the realm of world-wide medical tourism and allows users to find accredited providers and hospitals in Latin America. In addition, the website provides plenty links to medical tourism articles and information in various countries. Some popular agencies include: Healthbase (www.healthbase.com); Medretreat (www.medretreat.com); WorldMed Assist (www.worldmedassist.com); Planet Hospital (www.planethospital.com). Most of these agencies can help potential patients arrange cosmetic, dental, weight-loss and non-elective procedures.

For additional information on Latin America, check out reasons for visiting and underrated destinations worth a trip.