How did I know you'd be the first (or possibly only) one to respond? I'm not concerned in any way by the cost of Costa Rica, it's more of a climate thing (political and geo). I don't think I've much interest in anywhere else in central america, but possibly somewhere in the Caribbean area. Mostly I'd just like to avoid as much of the tourist-trap-all-inclusive-walled-resort-with-children-running-around-screaming thing as I can and chillax on the beach for a week or so during the holidays.