Spring Break for Grown-ups

Spring (read: January through April) is the perfecto time to visit Costa Rica. First, it's the hot, dry season (as opposed to the rainy, mud-slide season). Second, the just-completed expansion of the country's northernmost airport, Liberia, on the Pacific coast (and newly added flights by JetBlue), has made getting to the Nicoya Peninsula that much easier. Despite all the rumors of mongo hotel complexes, the Nicoya is still somewhat underdeveloped, home to deserted beaches, jungle preserves and world-famous surfing in Tamarindo and Mal País. Expect: wild parrots, wild monkeys and a free hammock waiting outside the door to your room.