Through midnight tonight (9/24), purchase discounted round-trip tickets to San Jose, Costa Rica. American Airlines has slashed rates to under $400 to this popular weekend adventure destination.

The rate of $376 is offered on Friday-Sunday departures started on or after Nov. 2. Trips must be finished on or before Feb. 21, 2013.

The rate permits a minimum stay of any three nights, or up to 30 days. However, the sale rate is not valid on these blackout dates: Dec. 15-28 south; Dec. 28-Jan. 9, 2013 north.

American serves San Jose with one connection in either Miami or Dallas-Fort Worth.

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica? May through November is considered the “green season” or the rainy season. The most ideal time to visit is from mid-November through May.

Plan your visit at the official tourism website: www.visitcostarica.com.

Bookit.com is offering stays on winter visits at savings of up to 60 percent. Check it out at www.bookit.com/costa-rica.

Sale airfares are always subject to change. Every seat on every flight is not offered at the lowest rate. Since only a limited supply of seats is available, act quickly to make your purchase.

I recommend starting the search for available seats at Kayak.com vs. calling an airline directly. You can also search for the sale at travel websites such as Expedia or Travelocity, etc.

— Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.