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Costa Rica is safer from what I've read in other travel websites. How long are you planning on going?

Also depends on whether you're planning on staying at resorts or go "native".

tunisia :)

Where are you based? That matters a lot because 1) ticket prices and 2) your passport.

I can start helping you out with this link, but with that info I can help you better! https://steemit.com/travel/@borderedge/how-to-find-the-cheapest-flights-from-anywhere

I'm based in the U.S., basically this will be my first time leaving the states

According to Skyscanner prices for Costa Rica (San José) are about 20 euros cheaper (183 vs 204) and the cheapest ones are both direct flights from Miami. So if you come from the south it doesn't make much of a difference between the two, if you're based elsewhere it depends, even though Costa Rica seems slightly cheaper. I've never been to either country but I guess Costa Rica is a good start.

I appreciate the input! I think Costa Rica will be my first foreign trip now!

Costa Rica