Costa Rica: No gypsies and hippies allowed

It is not easy to be a backpacker these days.

I was buying air tickets from New York to Costa Rica (but out of Panama City) over the phone yesterday, using a free voucher. I am glad that I did it over the phone, otherwise I would have been spared this brilliant conversation.

After booking, the Continental operator informed me that a yellow fever vaccine was recommended and that I should have access to $500 in cash. OK, I think I can manage that.

Then, she said I will not be allowed on the plane in New York unless I can prove how I'm getting from Costa Rica to Panama. What? Isn't the fact that you have no idea how you'll travel around the entire point of backpacking?

To take it even further, she recited that in Costa Rica "entry is denied to gypsies or those with hippy appearance." I kid you not.

Are they for real?