Traveling to Costa Rica

1. Click here for a suggested Costa Rica packing list - plus itinerary that I have put together. This will take you to my Google Drive. (This is from 2020 but 90% relevant)

2. Traveling with others (Blog by Kelly Ferguson for first time overseas travelers - includes what to pack, 3-1-1 rule, and general tips.
3. What I pack specifically: https://www.cyberproferesources.com/blog/travel 

4. You will want to check the TSA website on what is allowed as they update it periodically. Click here to access that website.  
   
   

Cell phones: My advice is to just use the Wi-Fi and avoid being charged an international fee! Sometimes the busses will have Wi-Fi but all our hotels do. If you want to be able to text at any time, and not just when connected to Wi-Fi, contact your cell phone company and ask them to hook you up with the International Plan. I have Verizon and they make it super easy. I just send or receive a text outside of the country and they automatically switch me over but it costs $10/day. (to avoid the fee, turn off cell service.)

WhatsApp: When connected to Wifi, you can text through your normal texting app but if you want to call and chat with someone back home you will need to use WhatsApp. I will ask everyone to download it when we get closer as I will use that for our group chats.

Adapters: You will need an adapter in Costa Rica to plug into their outlets. Please don't bring anything that generates heat like a curling iron or hair dryer. Even plugged into the adapter, the heat generating item will melt. This is the adapter I have and so far it's been great! https://a.co/d/8Mwmbn3

Curling Irons - No! In almost any country, plugging in an American device that generates heat, like a curling iron or hair dryer, will cause your adapter to break. Either use what is in the hotel room or just put your hair up for the day.

• As many pairs of underwear as there are days plus a few extra (I like to buy cheap undies and then throw them away at the end of the day)
• Shirts are tricky. Normally, I suggest 1 shirt for every 2 days but Costa Rica can be HOT and muggy. I think more is better especially since t-shirts and tank tops don't really take up much room. Even better will be shirts with built in bras.
• I suggest 2 pairs of shorts for every 3 days, plus 1-2 pairs of long, quick drying pants.
• Hiking sandals AND comfy walking shoes and socks (make sure these aren't brand new - you don't want to get blisters.)
• Swimsuit and towel (you can't pack sunscreen in a carry-on but we can buy it when we get there. you can pack solid sunscreen.) *plastic bag to hold your wet gear
• This is a great towel to bring as it is light and dries quickly: https://a.co/d/8EY40js (You only need a towel for the beach 2 or 3 days of the trip -  no reason to pack something bulky)
• A backpack to carry around when we are out touring places. This can double as your Under the Seat bag on the plane or you can have a separate day bag. This is what I bring on daytrips: https://a.co/d/af8bwlW
• The water is safe to drink in Costa Rica. I recommend bringing an empty plastic bottle to refill so you can stay hydrated. Good for the airport too - just make sure it's empty or they'll make you throw it away.
• Bring snacks.  Nobody likes to be hangry. I personally pack protein bars.
• Bring a hat! The sun is much stronger than what we are used to here in Indiana and it's easy to get burned.
• Bug spray is helpful (but again can't be packed in a carry-on). My experience is that bugs didn't bother me unless I had on some kind of scented lotion. Stay away from scents and the bugs stay away from you.