Packing List

 

COSTA RICA PACKING LIST


Bring one checked suitcase with wheels (50 pounds max) and one light backpack to carry on the plane with you. You must be able to move with all of your luggage over long distances without assistance.  Please pack sufficient apparel for 9 days. All clothing needs to follow the POHS appearance policy.  


All clothing is recommended that you buy quick dry, light, nylon.  Cotton will stay wet from perspiration, rain, and humidity, and retain odor.  If you want to bring a mix of some cotton and some nylon,  then that should be sufficient.  Especially with nylon clothing, you do not need to bring a clean shirt or pants/shorts for each day.  Jeans are not at all recommended.


CLOTHES: 

● 1 Costa Rica sweatshirt (provided to you by the school prior to the trip) 

● 3-4 pairs of long athletic pants (quick-dry, non-abrasive) 

● 4-5 pairs of shorts 

● 7-9 T-shirts (you don’t mind getting dirty) 

● 2 long-sleeved shirts (for protection from sun)

● Appropriate sleepwear 

● 5-9 pairs of socks 

● 9 pairs of underwear  

● Comfortable tennis shoes (preferably older, these will get dirty) 

● Second pair of tennis shoes or hiking shoes

● Rain jacket or poncho

● Sandals or flip-flops (for showering)

TOILETRIES:  
● Toothbrush
● Travel-sized toothpaste 
● Shampoo and conditioner 
● Body wash/soap 
● Deodorant
● Hairbrush (and hair ties if needed)  
● Lip balm  
● Biodegradable sunscreen for face, body, and lips (coral reef safe)
● Biodegradable insect repellant 


OCEAN ACTIVITIES:

●Swimsuit (school-appropriate, make sure you can comfortably be active without the need for adjustment)

● Beach towel 

● Sunhat  

● Sunglasses 

● Water shoes


GENERAL ITEMS:

● Camera, digital or disposable (optional, highly suggested)

● Journal (we will journal every day) 

● Analog watch (optional)

FOR THE PLANE:

● Passport 

● Lightweight backpack

● Two pens, black or blue ink

 ● Reusable water bottle 

● Travel neck pillow (optional, it’s just 3.5 hours flight)

● Healthy snacks 

● Pocket-size tissues 

● Hand sanitizer, travel size 

● Reading material, pastimes, games/cards to play with friends (optional) 

● Personal spending money for souvenirs and snacks (optional) - about 50 dollars. If you could

       exchange for Costa Rica currency (colones), that would be better. This can be done with your bank (three days of advanced notice).


THINGS TO LEAVE AT HOME

● Bad attitude

● All electronic devices, including your cell phone

● Jewelry and accessories

● Bedding


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