ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼

Costa Rica is giving away 15 free vacations to residents from the US and Canada, who deserve a well-earned rest. The sun-drenched trip for two includes accommodation, return flights, insurance and meal vouchers.

Costa Rica has reopened to travelers. Here's what it's like to visit

As travel restrictions are lifted in Costa Rica, the tourism board has launched a campaign that awards 15 individuals with trips for two to Costa Rica in 2021. The competition is open to residents in the US and Canada. To enter, you just need to vote for a loved one whom you think deserves a getaway next year. Someone who has made a meaningful difference in your life this year, or in the lives of others. Fifteen vacations for two people are up for grabs.

The seven-day trip for two people includes accommodation, return flights, ground transportation, travel insurance (including COVID-19 cover), and US$200 meal vouchers. The approximate retail value of the competition is about US$5200 but winners will enjoy it for free.

"Since March, we’ve heard a lot about essential workers - who is essential and what is essential. Parents have served as teachers, teachers have served as private tutors and others have stepped into new roles during the pandemic," said a Visit Costa Rica spokesperson. "The small Central American country known for its Pura Vida lifestyle, values family and community above everything, and reminds us during these challenging times that everyone is essential to someone."

The Who Is Essential to You competition opens today and runs until January 31, 2021. Participants are encouraged to share a unique story about the person they're nominating when entering the competition.

Costa Rica was named Most Accessible Destination in the Diversity category in ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼'s Best in Travel 2021 awards. "Stitching together deep virgin rainforests with smoldering volcanoes, cowlicks of soft, seashell-pink sand and cities sparkling with colonial architecture, Costa Rica really has it all," judges noted. "A law which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and enforces a degree of accessibility in hotels and public places means it’s a fantastic accessible-friendly destination too."

As of November 1, Costa Rica's borders have opened to all international travelers. To learn more about the Who Is Essential to You competition, see , and to enter, see .

You might also like:

Costa Rica removes COVID test requirement as it opens borders to all international visitors
Costa Rica for first-timers: top 10 spots you must visit