Costa Rica 10W Packing Suggestions


Check International Travel Baggage Restrictions before packing at: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/default.aspx

The golden rule: Do not bring anything you do not want to lose (expensive clothes and jewelry, laptops, big digital cameras, etc).

Important documentation that you will need:

  • HAVE YOUR PASSPORT and AIRLINE TICKETS in hand (not in your luggage) when going and returning from Costa Rica
  • Bring at least one additional photo ID
  • Make copies of all documentation (passport, tickets, credit card numbers, traveler's checks, etc.) -- Leave one copy at home and bring one copy with you packed separately.
  • Do NOT buy a phone card in the US. Only cards bought in Costa Rica work in Costa Rica.
  • Take some cash, some traveler's checks. DO NOT BRING ALL CASH.  -- A credit card (mainly VISA) or an ATM card can be used; be careful of bank fees.  CALL all banks and credit card companies before departure to let them know you will be in Costa Rica so they do not freeze your card(s).

General:

  • Bring as little as possible -- JUST what you need. 
  • PACK LIGHT -- there are extra charges on luggage especially luggage that goes over the weight limit.
  • Space on buses and planes is limited as well as taxis and personal cars. (Try to bring only ONE suitcase and ONE knapsack or carry-on)
  • Remember to pack leaving space to bring things back with you.
  • Mix and match your clothing.  Remember darker items do not show dirt as readily as lighter colored items.
  • Your wash will be done for you once a week so there is no need to pack your whole closet for one month.  Take enough clothes for 7-10 days.
  • Make sure to pack some underwear and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag just in case your luggage is lost.
  • Pack only wash and wear items.
  • Dress is generally casual but nice.

Essentials:  (Remember the weather will be hot and cold depending on time of day and location / Avg. temperature is approximately 73 degrees)

  • ONE backpack or carry-on to be used to carry your clothes for week-end excursions
  • Comfortable walking shoes (sturdy) – we do a tremendous amount of walking in Costa Rica
  • Sandals or shoes you do not mind getting wet; they can also be used as slippers.
  • Note - sandals and sneakers should not be worn in museums and government buildings as it is considered disrespectful so make sure you have a pair of closed toed shoes as well.
  • Light water-resistant jacket that will keep you warm on a cool evening or dry during a downpour.  This is especially important for our visit to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
  • Three or four pairs of pants.  Be careful not to bring too many pairs of jeans (wear one pair down to save room in luggage).  Jeans take up a lot of room and weigh a lot.
  • One or two pairs of shorts (not too short-same with skirts) -- Although shorts are real popular in the beach areas not too many Costa Ricans (ticos) wear shorts in Heredia.  You will draw attention to yourself as a tourist if you wear shorts around town.
  • One outfit for going out -- a dress or nice slacks and a dress shirt
  • Five or six shirts/t-shirts in varying colors.  Remember dark colors show less dirt.  Be careful not to wear any T-shirts that advertise that you are a tourist.  You will want a couple long-sleeved as well as short-sleeved shirts.
  • One sweater or jacket (suggestion wear this to the airport; it will be cold in the U.S.)
  • A bathing suit
  • Socks and underwear
  • Sleep wear
  • Books for your classes - Purchase these in Delaware before departure.   (Notebooks, pens/pencils can be purchased in Costa Rica)
  • a disposable rain poncho for the La Paz Waterfall Gardens trip
  • Travel alarm clock
  • Gift for host family

Also recommended:

  • A hat or sunglasses
  • Travel book on Costa Rica (like Insights, Lonely Planet,  Moon, etc.)
  • Umbrella (small)
  • Flashlight (small-pocket)
  • Kleenex in small packages (pocket-sized)****
  • Camera and plenty of camera cards and batteries (camera cards and batteries are extremely expensive in Costa Rica)
  • Extra batteries for anything that may need batteries
  • Chargers for any equipment you bring.  Outlets are the same as US.
  • Hair dryer – share with your roommate to save luggage space
  • Beach Towel(s) (thin/cheap -- one that you would not mind throwing out) -- This will make more room in your luggage to bring items home.  You can also buy one in Costa Rica.

Some toiletries/suggested medications:
Toiletries can be purchased in Costa Rica but may cost more.  You also may not find the brands you are used to.  If you prefer a particular item, take it with you.  These items will take up room in your suitcase on the way down but can easily be used up or thrown out to make room to pack souvenirs for your trip home.

  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Comb / brush
  • Nail clippers (pack in luggage not carry-on)
  • Sun block at least 15 SPF - the tropical sun is strong / Sunburn salve like aloe vera gel
  • Prescription medicines (always bring a copy of your prescription written in chemical terms not common names - don't pack prescriptions with the medications)
  • Soap, shampoo and shaving products
  • Aspirin or other pain killer / Pepto Bismol / Imodium / Dramamine / antacids / throat lozenges / Band-Aids
  • insect repellent / anti-itch cream in case of bites and rashes
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Needle and thread