This was my second time in Costa Rica. I traveled over the President’s Day holiday for a 5-day trip with three full days. We booked through Costco which was actually the best thing ever if you want reasonably priced, a beautiful location, and zero thinking or planning required while on vacation.
Perfect weather all week. 90s and sunny (think UV 12).
My friend and I went into this trip with one intention: to relax. We didn’t want plans. We wanted sunshine and ease. And we got exactly that.
Once we figured out we needed to snag pool chairs early, we slipped into our routine and made friends with other guests and our bartender Halbert.
Change into swimsuits for a quick swim and sun session
Sunset and drinks on the beach
Dinner at a casual resort restaurant
Immediate exhale.
Day 2:
Workout at the resort gym
Breakfast (included in stay and very good)
Grab pool chairs (first full day was a beach day for us)
Lunch at the pool grill
Beach walks and ocean swim
Watch the sunset
Dinner at the resort restaurant
Simple. Easy. Exactly what we came for.
Day 3:
Grab pool chairs (early bird gets the good spots)
Workout at the resort gym & walk on paved trails
Breakfast & coffee
Beach walks and ocean swim
Lunch from our pool chairs
Make friends at the pool
Make friends with Halbert (bartender) free drinks appear
Accidentally wore aloe instead of sunscreen all day… whoops
Watch the sunset
Dinner at the resort restaurant
The sun in Costa Rica is no joke. Label your sunscreen.
Day 4:
Grab pool chairs
Beach yoga (included in the resort package)
Breakfast & coffee — discovered the make-your-own smoothie bar in the downstairs breakfast area (why did we find this on day four?)
Beach walks and ocean swim
Lunch from our pool chairs
More time with Halbert — free drinks and upgraded chairs
Shuttle to Tamarindo from the resort (~30 minutes)
Stopped to see monkeys on the way
Walk around Tamarindo
Dinner at Namu — right on the beach, live music, great drinks and menu
Watched the sunset over sailboats
Walked around town
Shuttle back to the resort
Tamarindo was fun and lively, but noticeably busier. More vendors. More bugs. It made us appreciate staying in Guanacaste even more — the beach there wasn’t crowded, no one was selling anything, and we had zero bug issues.
Day 5:
Workout at the resort gym & walk on paved trails
Breakfast & coffee
Depart for airport (~2-hour drive)
Notes + Things I’d Tell You:
Book through Costco.
Ocean + pool view room is worth it.
Two beds + balcony.
$25/day food credit.
Shuttle included to and from the resort.
Flights, resort, and transportation all bundled.
Low maintenance. No thinking required.
Stay in Guanacaste if you want ease. The beach is quiet and peaceful compared to Tamarindo.
Resort dinner food (aside from breakfast) isn’t amazing. It gets repetitive and expensive. That said, we were shocked our total food bill for the week was under $200 for two people. (Shoutout Halbert for sneaking me free drinks.)
Breakfast included at the resort is great.
90s and sunny all week.
Save your chairs early or you’ll end up on the outer beach rows.
Water from the machines at the resort is safe to drink.
Sparkling water with a squeeze of lime was my go-to. But a skinny marg or Paloma absolutely slaps in 90-degree sunshine.
Mind your breakfast when eating outdoors. A bird stole my omelet one morning. Nature is humbling.
Label your sunscreen vs. aloe. I cannot stress this enough.
All in all, this was the perfect, easy girls trip. No pressure to explore. No itinerary to follow. Just sun, saltwater, workouts, long conversations, and early nights.
Pura Vida remains a state of mind.
Thank you sun, beach, and fresh air for bringing me back to life. 🤎
If you want to feel empowered and independent, take a solo trip.
Less than two months ago, a significant change in my life completely altered my summer travel plans. Determined to embrace adventure and not let these changes deter me, I decided to have my European girl summer—solo.
The Solo Adventure
One of the best things I did for myself was taking a solo trip to Europe. It was empowering and healing all at once. When I got uninvited from a 10-day Europe trip that was less than a month away, I was heartbroken. I sat in that grief for a moment, then decided to take action. I researched places I might want to go and made a list. I asked a few friends if they could join me, but none could get off work on such short notice. This led me to take a solo trip.
I landed on Copenhagen, Denmark, for no other reason than Delta had a good flight deal and I heard it was safe. Ticket booked, leaving in 20 days. Boom. Hotel booked, boom. Those two things—flight and hotel booked—were empowering in themselves. The day came, I boarded the flight for my solo venture. Although traveling solo on planes was not new to me, going to Europe alone was a new adventure.
The Lesson Learned
This trip taught me that I am indeed smart, empowered, and capable of doing things on my own. Heartbreak had made me doubt myself, but this journey showed me that I could navigate the world solo and come out stronger. It also reminded me that life is full of unexpected connections and moments of joy; we just have to be open.
Here’s what I learned on my solo trip:
Embrace the Unknown and Be Open to Surprises
Let Life Surprise You: Traveling alone teaches you to embrace the unexpected and appreciate the beauty of spontaneity. The best moments often come unplanned.
Be Open: Keep your mind and heart open to new experiences, people, and places. Openness invites opportunities and enriches your journey.
Personal Growth and Empowerment
Discover Your Inner Badass: Solo travel empowers you to trust yourself and realize how capable and resilient you are. You can navigate anything life throws your way.
Empowerment in Solitude: Traveling alone isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about proving to yourself that you can thrive independently.
Life Goes On: No matter what challenges you face, life continues to unfold beautifully, just as it should. Keep moving forward.
Connections and Community
Right Place, Right Time: Serendipitous encounters can happen anywhere. You never know who you’ll meet and how they might impact your life.
The Universe Has Your Back: Trust that everything happens for a reason and the universe is guiding you to where you need to be.
Connections Await: The world is full of amazing people waiting to cross paths with you. Stay open to making new friends and connections.
The Right People: You’ll encounter mature, kind, and inspiring individuals who can positively influence your journey. They might be your airplane seatmate, you never know.
Joy in the Journey
Exploration Is Infinite: The world is vast and full of wonders. Keep exploring and expanding your horizons.
Savor Your Own Company: Learn to enjoy and find comfort in being alone. Solo dining or exploring can be a liberating and joyful experience. Remember, you’re not alone, you’re with yourself.
Travel Renews the Soul: Travel has a unique power to refresh, enrich, and transform your spirit. Every journey is a step towards personal growth.
Be Spontaneous: Allow space for unexpected adventures. Sometimes, the best experiences are those you didn’t plan for.
Experiences Over Things: Cherish the experiences you have over material possessions. They create lasting memories and personal growth.
Practical Tips for Solo Travelers
Master Public Transport: If you can navigate a new city’s public transport system, you can handle just about anything.
Everything Is Figureoutable: Challenges may arise, but with patience and resourcefulness, everything can be figured out.
Be Safe and Smart: Trust your instincts and stay aware of your surroundings. Safety is always a priority but don’t forget to have fun.
Trust the Process
Trust Yourself: You’re smarter and more capable than you think. Have confidence in your decisions and abilities.
Be Flexible: Plans may change, and that’s okay. Adaptability is key to enjoying your journey.
Be Brave and Bold: Step out of your comfort zone and embrace new challenges with courage and optimism.
Let Travel Transform You: Every trip leaves a mark on your soul. Allow each experience to shape and transform you.
Finding Joy and Fulfillment
Enjoy the Solo Journey: Appreciate the freedom of traveling on your own terms and timeline. It’s a unique and empowering experience.
It’s Okay to Be “Just One”: Whether it’s booking a table for one or joining a tour solo, embrace being your own best company. Plus, you’ll find a lot of other people who are traveling solo.
Notice Your Feelings: Pay attention to how you feel in your own company. Solo travel is a time for introspection and self-awareness.
Explore with Joy: Have fun exploring on your own. It’s an opportunity to do exactly what you want, when you want.
The Beauty of Connection
Be Open to New Connections: Whether it’s a fellow solo traveler or the person sitting next to you on the plane, be open to meeting new people.
Impactful Encounters: Everyone you meet has the potential to leave a lasting impact on your life. Embrace these connections, no matter how brief.
Solo travel is a journey of empowerment, discovery, and profound personal growth. It’s about learning to trust yourself, embracing the unknown, and finding joy in your own company. So, go alone, be brave, and let the world surprise you.
Another year, another island. Providenciales, Turks & Caicos did not disappoint. Perfect weather, excellent food, good shopping, and endless white sand and turquoise water beaches.
Travel:
Embarking on your Providenciales adventure offers flexibility in travel options. While direct flights from MSP can be costly, American Airlines provides reasonably priced flights to the island, and Delta offers a convenient Saturday direct flight back to MSP. Anticipate a potential wait of about an hour in customs upon arrival, unless opting for a fast pass. Plan for a total of two full days dedicated to travel, suggesting an optimal stay of 6-8 days depending on your preferred activities and budget. If you’re staying outside of the Grace Bay area, it would be good to rent a car. Note, driving is on the opposite side of the road.
Accommodations:
We opted for an AirBNB at Northwest Point Resort, with a stunning beach view. However, it came with a slight trade-off- approximately a 30-minute drive from the bustling Grace Bay Area, our primary hub for most of the trip. Notably, there were no restaurants within a convenient 20-minute drive, making it essential to plan ahead for meals and activities. If tranquility and seclusion are your preferences, this location is perfect. Just be prepared to exercise patience and careful planning if you intend to explore restaurants and other beaches. An added perk was the entertaining spectacle of numerous windsurfers gracefully navigating the waters, providing a delightful scene to enjoy during our stay!
Beaches:
Providenciales unveils some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve visited. The crystalline turquoise waters and velvety white sands redefine the coastal experience to a whole new level. Each beach carries its unique charm:
Northwestern Point: Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of our Airbnb, this beach exuded a serene ambiance. While perfect for a leisurely stroll and known for its tranquility, it’s not the ideal spot for swimming due to the winds. We enjoyed long quiet walks to the national park and pulling conch shells out of the sand.
Grace Bay Beach: A personal favorite (obviously), Grace Bay Beach stole my heart with its pristine white sand and inviting turquoise waters. Ideal for swimming and buzzing with activity, we found ourselves returning to this spot multiple times.
Bight Beach: Offering a different yet equally enchanting vibe, Bight Beach boasts picturesque beauty with slightly more waves than Grace Bay. Rumors of excellent snorkeling opportunities right off the beach added to its allure.
Sapodilla Bay Beach: Nestled near Chalk Sound, Sapodilla Bay Beach lured us with its breathtaking scenery and inviting waters. While we didn’t stay long, it appeared perfect for a refreshing swim, bustling with activity, and offering a rent-a-chair style experience. However, note that amenities like public restrooms were scarce, replaced by numerous tent vendors contributing to the atmosphere.
Eats:
This may be a first, but I had no complaints about any of the food we had in Providenciales.
Lemon 2 Go: A cherished haven with the friendliest baristas, Lemon 2 Go became our go-to coffee spot. Beyond exceptional coffee, their green smoothies, protein bites, and breakfast offerings were delightful. The staff’s kindness is reason enough to visit – don’t forget to grab a t-shirt! Ask for a drink punch card on your first visit; trust me, you’ll fill it by week’s end. We spent hours on their front patio.
Beans & Leaves: Another popular coffee shop. While enjoyable we found ourselves visiting Lemon 2 Go more frequently.
Da Conch Shack: Situated right on the beach, Da Conch Shack promises good vibes, delectable food, and impeccable service. Look at their website to find out which night they have live music. The rice and peas were a hit.
Cocovan: A unique lunch spot housed in an old airstream van, Cocovan impressed us with their fresh carrot juice and grilled mahi mahi tacos on a lettuce wraps. Conveniently located near Grace Bay Beach public access.
Bugaloo’s: Off the beaten path, but near Chalk Sound and Sapodilla Bay, Bugaloo’s emerged as a favorite. The avocado shrimp salad was a culinary masterpiece – a delightful 10/10 presentation and easily one of the top five meals of my life.
Pelican Bay: Adjacent to Grace Bay Beach public access, Pelican Bay not only offers a great lunch but also provides restroom access. As per our friends, it boasts the best daily happy hour deals starting at 5.
Giggles: Satisfy your sweet cravings with Giggles’ ice cream and gelato, though a bit pricey at $27 for two single dishes, the taste makes it worthwhile.
Island Scoop: Another ice cream spot, Island Scoop, offered tasty treats.
Thursday Night Fish Fry: Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Thursday Night Fish Fry – a must-attend event featuring vendors, food stands, drinks, and music. Indulge in delectable lobster and a refreshing mojito; the festivities kick off at 5:30, and arriving a bit earlier is recommended, especially if you’re driving.
Castaways: Located on Grace Bay Road, Castaways invites you to unwind during their happy hour from 3-6, with a tempting 30% off on drinks.
Stores:
Providenciales offers many shops from boutiques, to surf shops, to local art shops. The main shopping was in Grace Bay area.
Island Organics: A haven for enthusiasts of natural products, Island Organics beckons with a tempting array of all-natural skincare, essential oils, locally crafted goods, and more. A visit to this store feels like an exploration of pure indulgence, and you might find yourself wanting one of everything. I wanted to take the entire store home.
Beach Monkey: Dive into the world of stylish beach attire at Beach Monkey, your go-to spot for trendy swimsuits and chic cover-ups. Elevate your beach wardrobe with their curated selection.
More: The shopping adventure doesn’t end here. There’s a plethora of additional stores awaiting your exploration in Grace Bay, promising an array of unique finds and local treasures.
What to pack:
Effortless packing is the key to a seamless beach vacation, and having navigated through numerous moves in my twenties, I’ve mastered the art of traveling light. With a consistent weather of around 80 degrees throughout the week, here’s a curated list of essentials:
Footwear: Say goodbye to tennis shoes for the entire week – a first for me! Opt for beach walks and sandals. I recommend the comfort and versatility of plastic Birkenstocks.
Swimsuits: Pack a collection of swimwear, most of my days were spent in a swimsuit and coverup if going into town or out to eat.
Exercise Clothes: If you’re inclined towards fitness, pack 2-3 sets of exercise clothes to ensure you don’t miss out on any wellness routines.
Casual Wear: Include 1-2 sets of jean shorts and tanks for leisurely strolls around town, an alternative to wear over your swimsuit.
Dinner Attire: Bring 1 nice outfit for those evenings when you plan to dine at a more formal setting.
Pajamas: Ensure a good night’s sleep with 1-2 sets of comfortable pajamas.
Skincare Essentials: Prioritize skincare with a comprehensive selection including sunscreen, aloe for post-sun care, hydrating lotions, and indulgent sugar scrub. Embrace the radiant glow even under the Caribbean sun!
Other Notes:
Weather: Consistent 80-degree sunshine, although occasional winds.
Driving: Drive on the left with a right-side steering wheel, encountering numerous roundabouts but no streetlights or stoplights.
Language: English serves as the primary language, ensuring smooth communication.
Outlets: Power up effortlessly with American-style outlets.
Recommendation: Opt for accommodations along Grace Bay Beach, eliminating the need for a rental car and enhancing the beachside stay.
Currency: American currency, acknowledging the expected expense associated with island living, albeit slightly pricier than other Caribbean destinations.
Snorkeling: Don’t forget your snorkel gear! Explore the underwater wonders off various beaches, a missed opportunity I regretted.
Driving Distance: The island spans a 30-minute drive from end to end, with a rush hour around 4-6 or 7 p.m.
Safety: The island is very safe, but exercising common sense.
Location: Part of the British West Indies (BWI). Many visitors from Europe, Canada, and the U.S.
Cleanliness: Very clean island with the occasional dog or goat sighting.
Airport: Brace for a bustling airport experience, as flights seem to converge simultaneously. Patience is key.
Groceries: Multiple grocery stores on the island. We frequented the Graceway IGA which offered most essentials.
Water: Our Airbnb host said the tap water is fine for her as a local but recommended bottle water for drinking.
Things we didn’t get to:
Boat tour of other islands in TCI
Kayak in the mangroves
Snorkeling off the beach or by boat
Visit beaches in bay areas near Chalk Souns
Walk rescue dogs at Potcakes Place K-9 Rescue
The big question:“would you go back?”
1,000 times yes. Easy travel destination. Great weather, good food, excellent swimming. To be specific, I would go every three years and explore new islands in between.
For more pictures, check out the “TCI” highlighted on @gifted_with_grace.
Gifted with Grace 