Act fast for Costa Rica at $188 R/T

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

Airfare deals simply don't get much better than one offered today (and likely today only) from Continental Airlines.

If you cannot take advantage of this special, pass the word on to friends, family and colleagues that are crazy about playing on pristine Pacific and Caribbean beaches, exploring rainforests or watching an active volcano from a luxurious resort (Hotel Arenal Kioro is one suggestion).

A round-trip deal of $188 to San Jose, Costa Rica ($276.42 inclusive of all taxes, fees, surcharges) is a true bargain considering that other airlines price this top tourist destination at around $450 round-trip.

This deal requires a three-day advance notice of travel, yet is permitted seven days a week (providing "L" class seats are available) on trips finished on or before Sept. 17, 2010!

A two-night minimum stay is required.

Do you need more incentives to buy this deal? This rate has no blackout dates. If you cannot find availability over key year-end holidays, book today for next year's celebration dates such as school spring break dates, Easter, Mother's Day, July 4th, birthday, anniversaries or honeymoons.

This special deal has no ticket-by date. Act immediately to buy tickets.

Be warned. This rate is quite elusive at Continental.com. So try searching for this rate first at a travel web site. I like Kayak.com.

First, enter your city pairs (ATL-SJO).

Next, start to fill in your travel dates. You should instantly see a calendar pop-up on the right side of your monitor with the $276 sale price indicated on specific dates.

If you don't see the special rate, try changing your dates/month of travel using the pull-down months shown just above the calendar. If you still don't see this rate, it is highly likely that the rate no longer exists.