(ThySistas.com) When we holiday, the options available to us in terms of enriching ourselves are ones that have to be researched beforehand. There is so much more to be done on a holiday-of-a-lifetime than lounge around on the beach all day, and time which is set to be soaking up the sun can be done so whilst investing it into doing something worthwhile.
Costa Rica offers a haven of things to do if you wish to keep your mind busy but your body relaxed, or even the other way around. It has been voted the Happiest Place to live on Earth – and for good reason. Apart from living in literal bliss, Costa Ricans have one of the highest rates of literacy in the world, as well as environmental cleanliness and beautiful wildlife surrounding them to boot. Whilst holidaying in here, there is a lot to take advantage of without actually exploiting what is on offer; you can indulge in sumptuous 
food, take a hike in a rainforest or swim with turtles. You would never be able to exploit what Costa Rica has to offer because you simply cannot fit it all into a holiday timescale.
It is becoming an increasingly common option to look towards an alternative route in order to get the most out of your trip – to volunteer in Costa Rica. While it may not be for everyone, there are a range of options available to you to pick up on any niche that you may have; it could be one of the best things that you ever do. While you are working for an organisation, you can simultaneously make it work for you – in more ways than one. Anything that is picked up can be used as experience for either your next adventure should you decide to go on your travels any time soon, or used as a transferable skill in everyday life.
For example, for self-advantageous purposes as well as giving back to the community, you could offer to teach English in return for learning their native Spanish language. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, there are opportunities to work in orphanages, at day care centres and in schools; this is a fantastic option if you are looking for, or wanting to further, a career with children. It offers an insight that you would not be able to get anywhere else. Alternatively, you could work with animals or in construction; Costa Rica is your oyster in this case, rather than the World.
The cuisine in Costa Rica is enviable, and thankfully it’s not off-limits for you to learn how to create these dishes when you return home. Cooking classes are available for you to learn as you go along, and you won’t even have to venture out for dinner afterwards – your authentic Costa Rican meal will be freshly prepared in front of you, by you. You can impress your friends and family by showing that you have not only taken in the culture that was around you when you visited this fabulous country, but have also taken the time and effort to learn about it. What’s not to love about that?
Staff Writer; Lisa Jones