Budget-busters

 If you’re setting out for a round-the-world trip, an extended sabbatical, or the nomad life, you might want to pad that budget a bit to account for all the unexpected expenses you weren’t counting on. Otherwise, the nasty surprises could mean your money will run out before your trip plans do. Let’s say you’ve done …

Costa Rica is just a little dot on the map in Central America, smaller than many U.S. states, but it’s one of the most popular international destinations for Americans, getting close to two million of them each year. If you’re a budget traveler though, that’s not a good thing: Costa Rica travel prices are the …

“Yes, we’re very excited,” said the woman holding onto the cart with four large suitcases. “This is our first real vacation in four years.” Apparently they needed a lot more clothing than me for their trip to Los Cabos, a place that rarely dips below 75F degrees at night. But extra baggage fees weren’t the …