Semper Paratus: Packing and Preparation
This will be continuously updated until the wedding.
Luggage: Don't bring your best suitcase. You can put a lock on if you want. Terry used zip ties last time. Kia thought he was being paranoid. :)
- Rolling luggage - you can get something cheap at TJ Maxx or whatever
- Rugged duffel bag - this is what Terry used last time, and it was great
- A comfy backpack - perfect for carry-on because it closes and meets size requirements
- A BIG backpack! - this is what we're taking. See the Gift Registry.
Preparations: You may want to take care of a couple of things.
- Call the number on the back of your credit card. Let them know you'll be travelling to Costa Rica (and any other countries) and the dates you'll be there. That way they won't cut you off for "suspicious activity".
- Call your bank or check your paperwork. There may be additional fees for international transactions (like $3 or something). Not a big deal, but good to know about beforehand.
- Passport photocopies: Everyone needs 2, but don't worry about this - we're going to take care of this in Costa Rica.
- Colones: Don't exchange your money for the local currency. USD is often accepted, and the rate is better in San Jose (NOT the airport).
Carry-On: There are things you will want to have with you on the plane (and in case your luggage is delayed).
- Passport and travel documents
- Something to read (we recommend the Lonely Planet guide)
- Medication (if you need any)
- Cash (around $100-300?)
- A change of clothes
- A warm shirt or light blanket
- Snacks
- Your camera
- Anything too nice to put in checked bags
- Addresses for post cards!
Clothing: You are dressing both for the weather, the water, and the bugs. For the weather, remember two things: Cotton is light and breathable (good), but dries slowly (less good). Consider synthetic fabrics that dry quickly. Whether it's sweat, humidity, brief rain, or playing in the ocean, your clothes will get wet. You can shop end-of-summer sales this fall. For the water, you'll want one or two swim suits, plus goggles, nose-plugs, arm-floaties or whatever you like. Full sleeves and pants will help keep bugs at bay.
Wedding Attire: Resort Whites (White, beige, tan, etc) Think light, semi-formal clothing in neutral colors - perfect for a tropical wedding (and easy to photograph!)
- Shorts and lightweight pants
- Swim suit of whatever style you prefer
- Light-weight shirts (tank, tee, linen, whatever)
- Sandals or shoes that you can wear in the water
- Plenty of undies and socks and whatever
- A wide hat to protect you from that big, mean sun
- A beach towel?
- Dads, pack your Guayabera!
Toiletries: Stock your bathroom as well as you like, or pick up something in San Jose.
- Strong sunblock for body and face (THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!)
- Emergen-C, Airborne, or multi-vitamin
- Your favorite shampoo/conditioner/soap
- Your favorite lotion, make-up, etc
- Tooth brush and paste
- Razor, etc
- Contacts and solution
- Insect repellant if you're into that
- Hair dryer, curling or flat iron, whatever
- Aloe Vera, because you inevitably won't use enough sunblock
Electronics: Costa Rican outlets are the same as in the USA so nothing special is needed.
- Digital camera
- Camera charger
- Extra memory cards?
- USB cable if your camera uses CompactFlash
- Leave your cell phone at home or in your car at the airport
Charity: The Bribri could use your help. El Puente (The Bridge) is doing their best to make sure that the indigenous people of Costa Rica get the care and materials that they need. What can you do to help? Join us for a half day of volunteer work on a yet-to-be-designed group project. What can you bring to help? Simple:
- Anything on Their Wishlist
Large Items: Not everyone needs to pack and carry their own hair dryer. Large items can be shared. Let me know what you're taking and can share.
- Laptop - I'm taking mine. It reads SD, xD and Memorystick and can burn CD and DVD.
- Hair Dryer - ??
- Etc - ??