5 reasons to go on holiday in Costa Rica

• The Central American hotspot is more attractive than ever for British travellers.

Costa Rica is one of the hottest destinations to visit after British Airways launched the first direct flights from the UK to capital San Jose in May 2016. But is this small Central American country worth the 11-hour flight?

We're here to help you make up your mind. If you love abundant wildlife (adorable sloths, fascinating sea turtles and colourful hummingbirds are just the beginning), amazing adventures in the land of rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls and beaches, there are many reasons why you will fall in love with Costa Rica...

1. There is a Caribbean and Pacific Coast. Choose from the laidback Caribbean side famed for its idyllic black sand beaches or the spectacular sunsets and upscale hotels of the Pacific beaches.

2 . It's one of the happiest countries in the world. Costa Rica consistently ranks high in the happiness index based on life satisfaction, average life expectancy, sense of purpose, social relationships, financial situations and community involvement.

3 . Thomson and British Airways are bringing Costa Rica closer to UK tourists.Thomson launched the first direct flights from London Gatwick to Liberia in November 2015, while BA's direct flights to San Jose commence from May 2016.

4 . There is no army. Costa Rica's military was abolished in 1948 and today, the budget previously assigned to its army, navy, air force and heavy weapons is dedicated to security, education and culture.

5 . It's the hummingbird capital of the world. There are more than 50 species of the vibrantly-coloured and energetic birds famous for their rapid-beating wings. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Los Quetzales National Park are some of the country's hummingbird hotspots.

• https://www.aol.co.uk/travel/2016