PACKING LIST – TRAVEL SHOP

Looking for the ultimate packing list? You’ve found it here in our Travel Shop. We’ve rounded up all the things you may need to bring on your trip carefully organized by category.

We have included essential items for your vacation packing list such as lightweight dry-fast clothes, comfortable sandals, swimwear, mosquito repellent, sunscreen SPF 30+, hiking shoes/trail running shoes or closed-toed hiking sandals, and also nice-to-have items.

I’ll go into more details below for each one.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS:

Original passport (upload a copy to an online cloud for easy access from anywhere in case you lose your original passport and keep a printed copy in your suitcase)

Original valid driver’s license (especially if on a self-drive tour)

Credit cards (only the ones you plan on using, leave the rest safely at home)

InsureMyTrip – Travel Insurance – compares quotes and allows you to choose the one that best fits your needs

Return flight ticket  (printed or saved on phone) – needed as “proof of onward travel”, make sure to keep it accessible

Reservations for hotels, tours, car rentals, and flights (printed or saved on your phone)

CLOTHES

Most countries in Central America don’t have a strict dress code so comfortable and casual is best. At the beach, your wardrobe will consist mostly of shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, and possibly some dressier sandals for going out to eat somewhere nice.

If you plan to dress up for dinner, simple dresses are a good option for the ladies, and shorts and polo shirts for the men.

You’ll probably also want a lightweight sweater/cardigan or jacket, especially when visiting higher elevations areas such as the cloud forests of Monteverde in Costa Rica or Boquete in Panama. Bring some layers like pants, long sleeve shirts, and lightweight rain jackets. Temperatures are a lot cooler in these areas compared to the beach, especially at night. Even temps around 65˚F (18˚C) can feel cold because of the high humidity.

A lot of the coastal areas will be extremely hot and humid so bring lots of lightweight clothes. Anything that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is great.

Bring layers of clothes:

Lightweight fleece sweater/cardigan (especially for your flight, AC restaurants, and mountain areas) such as these Amazon Essential ones for women and men or this 

Wrangler Authentics Men’s Long Sleeve Fleece

Quick-dry clothes

for Women: Women’s Long Sleeve Shirt UPF 50+, Short Sleeve Shirt, Tank Tops, Athletic Long Running Shorts, or Long Hiking Pants

for Men: Men’s Long Sleeve Shirt, Short Sleeve T-shirt, Tank Tops, Men’s Stretch Quick Dry Cargo Shorts, or Long Hiking Pants

Simple dresses, such as this casual t-shirt dress or this one

Rain jacket (lightweight one with ventilation to let air flow through), I love this one from Columbia for Women or Men

SHOES

Hiking shoes or trail running shoes, preferably waterproof, either ankle boots or low-height boots, such as these for women or these for men, or closed-toe hiking sandals (KEEN or Salomon) for women or men

Flip flops, such as these lightweight ones for women from Clarks or these sandals with arch support for men

Nicer sandals/flats for restaurants, such as these ones by Steve Madden…

TRAVEL TECH ACCESSORIES

Camera and/or GoPro or just use your smartphone for vacation memories.

3-in-1 wireless charging station for iPhone

Kindle Paperwhite: You don’t have to worry about surprise splashes while sitting poolside and the storage ensures you have plenty of room to download another beach read. Plus, I love the ability to read in bed at night without needing another light source.

Car Cell phone holder (if you intend to drive) – I love the car vent phone mounts as they are so small and perfect for travel

Cigarette charger for the car (just in case the USB plugs in your rental are not working)

In-ear headphones (Sony, or the wireless option, Apple Lightning to 3.5mm connector) – useful at the airport, on the plane, or at your hotel

Portable charger power bank to recharge your phone on the road

Apple AirTags as lost luggage can be a nightmare. These AirTags can help you find your items by syncing them with your smart devices.

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES TO KEEP YOU ORGANIZED

Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag such as this one for storing all your toiletries and keeping them nicely organized

Compression packing cubes – they not only save you space but keep all things neat and tidy

OTHER USEFUL TRAVEL ACCESSORIES for your Packing List

Mosquito (insect) repellent (bring your own, often expensive in these countries), such as Off! Botanicals Insect Repellent

Mineral sunscreen (at least SPF 30, better 50) such as Blue Lizard Sensitive 50+ to protect our reefs

Chapstick (lip balm) with SPF

A day backpack such as this lightweight Hiking Backpack with a waterproof rain cover

or this 1 lb Packable Backpack that easily fits into your carry-on, just unfold it when you need it

Insulated water bottle or a collapsible water bottle (Tap water is usually drinkable in many parts of Costa Rica and in Panama City but it’s safer to buy a gallon of bottled water, and then refill it into your own water bottle to reduce waste. Many hotels will also offer potable water.)

Microfiber towel that you can use as a beach towel (most hotels will have one but I still like to take a towel for emergencies) or a sarong (great to use as a coverup for the beach or a beach towel)

Sunglasses

Hat or base cap

Swimwear

A flashlight or headlamp (I love rechargeable headlamps, no batteries needed)

Guide Books for your different destinations: Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Nicaragua, or Central America

Anti Theft Travel Belt if you want to play it extra safe

Waterproof Phone Case/Pouch to keep your phone dry on any of the island boat rides or when snorkeling

Binoculars (for ornithologists)

First aid medical kit 

Reusable shopping bags that can also be used for laundry – use items for different purposes

Personal items (tampons, face wash, wet wipes, tissues, contact lenses, and solution)

Your personal medicine

Do NOT bring:

Expensive jewelry or watches

High heels

Expensive purses

***

Should you still need some bigger items such as luggage, please read on. We’ve conducted extensive research on the different types of luggage: carry-ons, checked luggage, duffel bags, soft bags, or backpacks, and this is our Best of List:

LUGGAGE

CHECKED LUGGAGE

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels

CARRY-ON

Thule Sport 40L Duffel Bag – built to last

TRAVELING WITH KIDS – PACKING LIST  ***IN PROGRESS***

Packing for when you’re traveling as a family is different. On top of all the stuff you need to remember to bring for yourself, you’ve also got to think about what’s needed for your children…who are difficult to pack for because they require so many extras! That’s why it’s so important to come up with a packing list. 

LUGGAGE

Packing for when you’re traveling as a family is different. On top of all the stuff you need to remember to bring for yourself, you’ve also got to think about what’s needed for your children…who are difficult to pack for because they require so many extras! That’s why it’s so important to come up with a packing list. 

Toddler Backpack

ON-THE-GO ACTIVITIES FOR THE PLANE, CAR, OR BUS

Activity books such as this Airplane Activity Book with puzzles, mazes, and drawing activities will keep your kids busy. Or this one for older kids, ages 9-12.

A Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal is a great way to keep your children entertained not only on the plane but throughout your vacation. 

My kids love the Brain Quest Smart Cards which are available for different skill and age levels.

Not necessarily for travel, but an interesting read nonetheless, is The Ultimate Toddler Activity Guide.

Or of course, any book that kids can either read themselves or have an adult read for them, such as How to Catch a Mermaid, Dragons Love Tacos, or The Wonky Donkey. I Spy Animals is a great book to prepare your children for the animals they will see if you go to places like Costa Rica.

OTHER USEFUL ITEMS to add to your Family Packing List

Do you have a self-drive tour planned? Then we recommend taking a lightweight car seat, especially if traveling with younger kids. You can check it for free on top of your regular luggage. We use the Cosco Convertible Car Seat which is certified for use on aircraft (we’ve never used one ON the plane) and gives your child a familiar seat during a flight.

An Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow / Toddler Bed allows you to extend the seat length. The extra surface can allow children to lie down flat or lift their legs up for better sleep. 

Disclosure: Shopping using the links supports TropiQ Trips as we receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Thank you for supporting our small business. Suggested items have been thoroughly researched, tried, and tested by travelers.