Costa Rica Travel Checklist:

Travel as light as possible: you should have one large soft dufflebag for the clothing and gear you take into the field. Do no bring hard suitcases. You will need more clothing for warm than for cold weather. Avoid nylon, polyester, and acrylics; they are too hot. Use light all-cotton or blends that are mostly cotton. Athletic, sports and outdoors clothes that are meant to breathe and dry fast work well. Label all clothing with waterproof markers, sewn-in labels, or sewn-in distinctive insignia; we have communal laundry. Most of your clothing will get muddy and receive rough treatment. Plan on keeping aside one set of clothes for relaxation, so you can change into something comfortable when you come in, sweaty and muddy, from the field. Do not bring expensive watches, jewelry or electronics. Bed linens are provided by OTS. On the plane, you may carry on backpack and one carry-on. Bring any necessary toiletries (no more than 3 ounce liquids) and a change of clothes in your backpack carry-on in case your luggage is lost. Checked bags cost $50/bag/round-trip and must weigh 50 pounds or less. Don’t check any valuables and don’t lock your bag. Remember you can’t have liquids over three ounces or any sharp item (tweezers, army knife, etc.) on the plane - these have to be in a checked bag. Label all bags with your name, contact information and in-country contact information (Ana Carter - OTS).

Give in-country contact information and flight information to family member(s)

Packed field bag (provided by Kendra) marked with something distinctive (e.g., ribbon, patch, pin)

Passport

Passport wallet/purse (can be worn under shirt/at belt)

Emergency contact information form filled out(to give to Kendra in CR)

Credit Card (one with fraud protection and ATM access code - Visa or Mastercard are best, be certain to contact your credit card before you leave and let them know you are going to CR)

US Money ($100-150) (this amount assumes little shopping)

Colones ($100-150 US) (this amount assumes little shopping)

Shoes for hiking

Rubber boots

Teva sandals

Flip-flops (for lounging/slipping on quickly)

Waterproof windbreaker

Fleece jacket

3 pair convertible pants (avoid jeans)

5 pairs underwear

5 pairs socks

3 bras

2 tank tops (loungewear and sleep wear)

1 long-sleeved button-down shirt

1 long-sleeved t-shirt

4 short-sleeved t-shirts (at least one for lounge/sleepwear)

Lounging shorts/sleepwear

Yoga pants

Practical bathing suit

Bathing wrap

Bandana/handkerchief

Rain/sun hat (foldable)

2 thin towels

Collapsible water bottle

LED Headlamp and extra batteries

Leather work gloves

Empty jump drive

Camera

Memory stick or laptop

Field journals (for transfer from field notebook)

Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool

Toiletries (avoid perfumed products as much as possible, bring travel-sized amounts):

Shampoo
Liquid soap (that can double as laundry detergent such as castile soap)
Grooming kit (nail clippers, tweezers, razors, etc.)
Contact solution
Deodorant
Tampons
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Eyeglasses
Extra pair of contacts
Ibuprofen
Anti-Diarrheal
First aid (bandaid, antiobiotic cream, itch cream, etc.)
Benadryl if you’re sensitive
Moleskins
Prescription medication
Cheap sunglasses
Cheap watch
Sunscreen / Insect spray
Antifungal cream
Brush or comb
Skin/hand lotion
Hair bands
Wet Wipes
Q-Tips