Must Haves for Costa Rica in a Carry-On
Purchasing New Gear
Think of this list as the ultimate “must have” dream list for your trip to Costa Rica in a carry-on. Could you survive without any of these items? Absolutely. Have I tested, loved, and now recommend each of these items? Also, absolutely.
The items on the list are what I have collected over years of travel around the United States and the world. Now, they make packing so much easier. So, if you’re in the market for some new travel gear, I am here to point you in the right direction.
On the flip side, I am also a strong supporter of affordable travel. So, if you don’t want to spend money on these items right now, don’t! As you fall in love with travel and keep packing your bags, you can always come back to this list and find what is right for you.
Fitting Everything in Your Carry-on Bag
If you’re new to carry-on travel, it can be overwhelming to think how you can possibly have everything you need in one small bag. Trust me. You can do it! Check out this video where I show you how I pack everything in my bag, including four (!) pairs of shoes.
Day Pack as Your Personal Item
Each person is allowed a carry-on and a personal item on the plan. Use your day pack as your personal item to maximize your packing space. Put items that you will want to have handy on the plane in your day pack and it will fit nicely under the seat in front of you. I bring a small purse that fits in my day pack too.
Must Haves in Your Carry-on Bag for Costa Rica
I LOVE my Osprey Fairview 40. This is the largest backpack you can bring as a carry-on and you can fit everything you need and a little more. I frequently bring my laptop with me when I travel, so I appreciate the computer sleeve in the front pocket. It unzips almost all the way around to open like a suit case which makes finding your stuff super simple.
Packing cubes changed my travel life! Not only do these keep your stuff organized, but later you can separate your dirty and clean clothes. Make sure to get the compression cubes. Game changer when it comes to making the most of your space. You will want to use every square inch when you are packing for Costa Rica in a carry-on. If you purchase one thing, compression packing cubes should be it.
Towels tend to be so chunky and take up so much room in your bag. Not this Rainleaf microfiber towel! I have the beach towel size (30 x 60 inches) and it packs down so tight. The sand and dirt just shakes off this towel, water dries almost instantaneously, and it doubles as a blanket on the plane. This has been such a staple in my travel life that I bought one for my boyfriend who lives in Hawaii and it has become his go to beach towel. This towel is number two on the “if you only purchase this” list.
I am picky about my razors. My skin is sensitive, so I can’t leave home without a good razor. When I found this tiny travel razor that uses full size, quality Venus blades I couldn’t believe my luck.
Bring only what you need with these TSA approved travel-size liquid containers! You can always fill two bottles with shampoo if you think you will need more than 3 oz. while you’re in Costa Rica. Remember we will be near stores too, so if you run out of something you can buy it!
Costa Rica Packing List
You can get the complete Costa Rica packing list!
