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Prepare your bag - Trip tips

Suggested gear

No matter how great the itinerary may be, you won’t enjoy it if you’ve packed the wrong things. A great trip starts with good packing.

Rule number one: Pack as light as possible! You will be carrying your luggage each time you change locations. You are suggested to bring two bags in total: one suitcase or big backpack, and one carry-on such as a small backpack, handbag or a small duffel bag. When you are finished packing, try walking around the block with your bags; you may want to leave a few things behind! Think about keeping it simple and using travel size supplies.

Remember to put your name in every suitcase or bag.

Pack your belongings in a plastic bag, so they will not get wet if the suitcase gets wet during transportation.

Pack some change of clothes in your carry-on luggage in case the airline looses your suitcase temporarily.

Pack outfits that you can mix and match, and avoid materials that wrinkle easily. Plan to wear each outfit at least twice; you’ll save a lot of space in your suitcase. Layers are essential for full days of sightseeing because weather can change significantly throughout the course of the day, so you need to be prepared for cold weather in the morning and humid hot in the afternoon.

Review all aspects of your itinerary and plan your outfit accordingly: light clothing, sun protection and lightweight footwear for beach areas, sturdy shoes and warmer items for colder mountain areas / clothing for hiking and clothing for going out at night.

There will be very few occasions for dressing up during the tour, especially if the whole group is under the age of 18 (legal age in Costa Rica for voting, driving, getting into clubs, and drinking) so one or two dressy outfits should suffice.

Be absolutely sure that your walking shoes are comfortable. If you plan to buy a new pair, wear them at least twice before you leave.

Remember to allow extra room in your suitcase for any gifts and souvenirs you may end up purchasing abroad.

Buy film before you leave; it’s less expensive than purchasing it abroad. Also be sure to pack film in your carry-on bag as it can be damaged by the X-Ray machines used for checked luggage.

Carry-on bag: when packing your carry-on bag for trip, remember to include a change of clothing and all necessary items needed in the unlikely event of temporary luggage loss. Include your passport, valuables, and essentials such as medicines, cash, checks, credit cards, camera, film, binoculars and jewelry. Please keep in mind that this bag must fit in an airplane’s overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Besides your personal belongings, customer should bring the following items to make his trip more enjoyable:

Clothing, shoes, accessories
Shorts, sandals, bathing suits, towel, and other beachwear
Lightweight pants and long sleeve shirts
A sweater or sweatshirt
A poncho, waterproof jacket or windbreaker which can be tied around your waist
Light cotton hiking trousers, and bring an extra pair of long pants, and socks in case we get wet or muddy on the trails or tours, jeans okay, but not recommended, because of weight and drying time
Hiking boots or rubber boots
Hat, sunglasses, flashlight, sunscreen and insect repellent
Sleeping bag (for camping trips only)
Personal items : toothbrush and paste, toiletry articles, and medications (asthma, diabetes, prescription lenses, and such)
A lightweight day pack to carry and ALWAYS KEEP HANDY: camera, lots of film, medications, binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, jacket, poncho in case it rains and anything that I recommend the day before our tours.