Packing for a trip to Costa Rica is exciting, but fitting everything into a carry-on? Now that’s a challenge I was ready to take on! From packing for a photoshoot, to a variety of clothes for our hikes and jungle adventures, here’s exactly what I packed (as a woman), how I made it work, and a few tips I swear by for traveling light.
Keeping in mind that while we’re traveling over these 8 days, we are staying in 3 different HomeExchanges. And the 2nd place we’re staying, we’ll be able to do laundry at which helps tremendously knowing I’ll be able to do laundry halfway through the trip.
The Essentials
These are the must-haves I keep easily accessible:
- Passport
- International Driver’s Permit
- Wallet (ID, credit card, some cash)
- Sunglasses & hat
- Vitamins
- Toothbrush + travel-size toiletries (hello TSA liquid rules!)
- Phone + charger
- Any travel documents (or what’s on my phone)
Clothing:
When it comes to clothes, my goal is simple: keep it breezy and versatile. I like to keep in mind things I may be able to wear multiple times rather than just a one and done sort of thing. I focus on breathable fabrics, neutral tones, and layering options. Here’s what made the cut:
- 4–5 tank tops & t-shirts
- 3 pairs of shorts
- 1 pair of jeans
- 2–3 casual dresses & rompers
- 1 pair of lightweight pants (I’ll actually wear these on the plane)
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 swimsuit cover-up
- 1 rain jacket or light poncho (Costa Rica’s weather likes to surprise you)
- 1 lightweight sweater for bugs and hiking
- 1 sweatshirt (which I wear on the plane to save space)
- 2 pairs of Sleepwear
- Undergarments + socks for 5 days (since I’ll be able to do laundry)
- 2 pairs of Flip flops & sandals
- 1 pair of sneakers (I sadly don’t have actual hiking shoes at the moment, but these will do just fine)!
Tip: I wrap my shoes in plastic bags so they don’t touch my clean clothes—works like a charm!
Toiletries & Extras
I try to keep my routine minimal and TSA-friendly:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (sometimes I’ll just bring a face sunscreen and use that for the rest of my body, but this time I have real all-body sunscreen)
- Face sunscreen
- Bug spray (Costa Rica = mosquito territory)
- Shampoo/conditioner (or solid bars!)
- Body wash or soap bar
- Retinol A face cream (I always use this at night)
- Eye cream (of course!)
- Razor
- Minimal makeup
- Hairbrush
- Straightner (I use this to style my hair everyday whether I want it curled or straightened)
How I Pack It All
- I wear my bulkiest items on the plane: sneakers, pants, sweatshirt, and hat.
- I bring a small purse for quick-access items and tuck it into a backpack to act as my personal item. This way I’ll have my purse while I’m on vacation and don’t have to carry anything bulky while exploring.
- Airlines usually allow one carry-on and one personal item—so a backpack that’s close to the max dimensions is a huge help.
- Packing cubes or compression bags help organize and shrink things down if you have them!
And Then There’s mY HUSBAND…
I pack a week in advance so I can prep and plan. My husband, Shane? He packed the night before—rolled everything up into tiny bundles—and made it all fit into a backpack. That’s it. That’s the whole system. Must be nice!
Whether you’re headed to Costa Rica or planning another tropical escape, packing light is possible—and it can even be kind of fun. I like the challenge! And if I forget something? I can always buy it on the trip as a souvenir.
Pura vida 🌴✈️