Hey there, parents and soon-to-be adventurers! ✈️🌴

So, you’ve booked an amazing trip to Costa Rica—hooray! But now comes the fun (and slightly tricky) part: explaining this big adventure to your curious 5-year-old. How do you paint the picture of an exotic destination filled with nature, wildlife, and fun without getting a blank stare or endless “but why?” questions? Here’s how:

1. Make It Magical

Start with something they love. If they’re into animals, tell them Costa Rica is a magical place where monkeys swing in trees, sloths nap all day, and colorful frogs hop around like tiny superheroes. Show them pictures or videos of these animals to get them excited.

For a little extra fun, call it “the jungle where the animals have vacations too!”

2. Talk About the Big Adventure

Explain that Costa Rica is like a giant outdoor playground where they’ll get to do cool stuff like:

  • Play on beaches with sand to build castles.
  • Walk through a “real jungle” where they might see waterfalls.
  • Hear howler monkeys that sound like dinosaurs (trust us, they do).

Frame it as the ultimate adventure where they’ll be explorers.

3. Keep It Simple

Instead of saying, “We’re going to Costa Rica,” try:
“We’re going on a trip to a place with warm beaches, cool animals, and lots of sunshine!”
Simple, colorful descriptions work best. Save the geography lessons for when they’re older.

Family at airport

4. Tie It to Something Familiar

If they’ve been to the zoo or a park before, you can say, “It’s like the zoo, but the animals live in the trees, and we’ll see them in their homes!” Or, “It’s like going to the beach but WAY bigger, and the sand is super soft.”

5. Make Them a Part of the Plan

Kids love feeling involved, so let them “help” prepare.

  • Show them pictures of where you’re staying or the beach you’ll visit.
  • Let them pack their own little backpack with toys or snacks for the trip.
  • Talk about flying in an airplane and how they’ll look out the window to see clouds.

6. Sprinkle in Pura Vida

Teach them Costa Rica’s famous phrase, “pura vida” (pure life). It means enjoying the little things, like splashing in the ocean or spotting a butterfly. Tell them they’ll hear it a lot and can say it back—it’s fun and friendly!

Before you know it, your little adventurer will be just as pumped as you are. Costa Rica is a dream destination for all ages, and with a little prep, your 5-year-old will be ready to embrace the pura vida spirit.

Now, go pack those swim trunks and tiny hiking boots—it’s time for a family adventure!

Pura vida,
The Xturi Team 🌴✨