One of the most frequently asked questions we receive, is what to take on your trip to Costa Rica?
While we aren’t experts in all areas of Costa Rica, we sure can suggest some must-haves for your trip to Playa Grande and other beachy towns.
If you have ideas you think we should add to the list, feel free to email us, we would love to hear from you!
Below is your packing list:
- Sunscreen- a water-resistant type- we stock SunBum and HeadHunter which are great!
- Beach pants (for sunset watching, mosquito-free)
- Long sleeved lightweight shirt (as above)
- Insect repellant (especially May through to end November)
- US dollars in smaller denominations of up to $50’s (don’t exchange your cash back home, the exchange rate will be awful!)
- Sarong which can double as a beach blanket
- Flip-flops
- A pair of Tevas/ Keens/ sneakers you can get wet or dirty (for the adventure day, horseback riding, white water tubing and other super fun adventurous activities!)
- If you plan on scuba-diving, bring your PADI card.
- Items you no longer need at home and wish to donate to a good cause- used sneakers, clothing, always are appreciated at CEPIA, a fantastic local charity. Also, any spare space you might have for Pack for a Purpose items would be greatly appreciated and can be left at Frijoles Locos to be taken to La Paz Community School.
- Toiletries (Toothpaste is more pricey here, razors for shaving too. Tampons aren’t all that easy to get here and variety is limited… plus the price is super high. Check out the Diva Cup for a very travel-friendly alternative that is also environmentally friendly!).
What not to bring?
In many cases, this is even more important of a list.
Leave at home the following unnecessary items, or note the caveats:
- Valuables- excessive jewelry or jewelry of high sentimental value. We are low-key here at the beaches, and its not worth losing to the ocean or being the victim of petty theft.
- Any computer equipment that isn’t fully backed up to a hard drive that you leave at home.
- Any expensive video/ camera equipment unless you have it fully insured (prepare in advance, and make sure you have all the requirements from the insurance company, in case it gets stolen).
- Stilettos, fancy shoes, fancy clothes. The most you will need is a pretty beach dress or a polo shirt for men… it’s all about casual here!
- Excessive make-up – it’s so hot, and most restaurants don’t have AC so it will slide off anyway 😉
