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    Best Things I Packed for Costa Rica Trip; Things I Wish I’d Brought

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    • I traveled to Costa Rica earlier this year and learned a lot about how I’ll pack for my next trip.
    • There were a few things I was glad I’d thought to bring, like an extra blanket and natural soap.
    • That said, an umbrella and UV-protective clothing would have made my Costa Rica trip even better.

    Earlier this year, I traveled to Costa Rica for the first time.

    It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited — but packing for the trip was overwhelming. I wasn’t sure what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to buy when I landed.

    After an incredible week and a few misadventures, I learned a lot about how to pack for my next Costa Rica trip.

    There were five specific things I was glad to have in my suitcase, and three that I wish I’d brought.

    I got a lot of use out of my thin, beach-friendly blanket.


    A person sits on a lightweight blanket on the beach in Costa Rica.

    I got way more use out of my lightweight blanket than expected.


    Meredith Schneider

    Because Costa Rica is so close to the equator, I was expecting warm weather — so I wasn’t sure if my extra blanket would come in handy.

    However, I ended up using my soft, thin blanket as an extra towel, beach blanket, and sarong. I’ll never travel without it again.

    My rain jacket helped me stay dry during surprise showers.


    A rainy day in Uvita, Costa Rica.

    I was grateful to have a rain jacket during a wet, post-storm hike.


    Matthew Williams-Ellis/Getty Images

    Costa Rica is hot and sunny a lot of the time, but if your travel experience is anything like mine, you could wind up in an unexpected rainforest. As it turns out, afternoon showers are common in some areas, and especially frequent from late May through November.

    I was so grateful I thought to bring a rain jacket with me, especially during a post-storm hike.

    I brought hair-care products designed for humid climates.


    The writer is in a Costa Rican rainforest, smiling with her hair pulled back under a hat.

    My hair bore the brunt of Costa Rica’s humidity, so I was glad to have several hair-care products.


    Meredith Schneider

    Even when it’s not raining, the humidity in Costa Rica is often high. Whenever I left an air-conditioned space, I felt as if I’d just gone swimming.

    Thankfully, I had the foresight to toss some anti-humidity products, like Amika’s The Shield anti-humidity spray, into my suitcase.

    Using natural soap helped me feel like a respectful tourist.


    Visitors in Costa Rica enjoy swimming in open waters.

    All-natural soaps and skin-care products helped me ensure I wasn’t polluting Costa Rica’s waters.


    Meredith Schneider

    While in Costa Rica, I learned that certain soaps and skincare items can bring toxins into native soil and oceans. I spent a lot of time outside, so I was relieved to have only all-natural products with me.

    This is definitely information I’ll keep in mind the next time I’m lucky enough to stay in the jungle, at the beach, or anywhere with outdoor bathing options.

    I was glad that I’d thought to pack soothing tea and honey.


    Two small pots of honey and a lot of tea, which the writer used to stay healthy during her trip to Costa Rica.

    I’ve officially made it a rule never to travel without tea and honey.


    Meredith Schneider

    I sometimes find that travel weakens my immune system, leaving me susceptible to coughs, colds, and sinus issues.

    For this reason, I packed tea bags and honey — and I was glad I did.

    The combination was soothing and relaxing. I brewed myself a cup of tea every time my throat started to feel dry or I found myself getting stressed.

    On the other hand, I wish I’d brought an umbrella to help me navigate Costa Rica’s unpredictable weather.


    Rain hitting the leaves in Uvita, Costa Rica.

    I made some great packing decisions, but I should’ve thought to bring an umbrella.


    Meredith Schneider

    Even on sunny, warm days, rain is common in Costa Rica. On day one, I noticed many locals carrying small umbrellas, which they also used as parasols to protect themselves from the sun’s heat.

    My rain jacket helped me stay dry, but I wish I’d brought a small pocket-sized umbrella to protect myself from both the sun and rain.

    A bandana would have been a game changer for my hikes and outdoor adventures.


    A bright yellow bandana, which would have helped the writer stay cool on her Costa Rica trip.

    I kept catching myself wishing I had a bandana to help me stay cool and sweat-free.


    Meredith Schneider

    Being out in the wild — or even just on the patio — prompted me to work up a sweat. Plus, some of the local roads were dusty. I often found myself wishing I could cover my face or wipe my sweaty brow.

    Next time I travel to Costa Rica, I’ll definitely bring a bandana to wear around my neck or as a headband.

    In the future, I’ll be sure to pack lots of clothing to protect myself from UV rays.


    A sunny beach in Uvita, Costa Rica.

    Next time I go to Costa Rica, I’ll make sun protection a priority.


    © Cyrielle Beaubois/Getty Images

    Although I stocked up on hats and reef-safe sunscreen before my Costa Rican adventure, I didn’t consider certain UV-protective clothing items. I wish I’d brought some long-sleeve shirts, as well as tank tops, bralettes, pants, or swimwear designed for UV protection.

    My next trip will likely incorporate more outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking, so I definitely plan to stock up on these items for sun protection.

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