This is the fourth title - and the first Latin American title - in our new series of Pauline Frommer identified budget travel guides, which will completely replace the $-a-Day series by FY08. Europe-centric Rick Steves, our main competition, does not publish a comparative title. Costa Rica receives more than 1.2 million visitors every year, and tourist arrivals have increased by more than 80ver the past three years. U.S. visitors dominate Costa Rica s travel market, representing 640f tourist arrivals in the country. Compared to many high-priced Caribbean islands, Costa Rica is a bargain beach destination with a favorable exchange rate. Incoming international flights increased by 43% between April 2002 and March 2004, while the number of airlines operating in Costa Rica increased by 54%. The guide promises travelers a first-class trip on a third-class budget, with a focus on experiences to bring travelers closer to Costa Rican culture language and cooking classes, volunteering to protect sea turtles during nesting season, and more. Destinations will include the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the Guanacaste beaches, Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the thriving capital city of San Jos. Other features will include an illustrated guide to Costa Rica s wildlife as well as coverage of the country s history, culture, food, and drink.