What to Pack for Costa Rica

In the next week my parents are taking off for a month in Costa Rica and my Aunt and Uncle will be heading out a week or so later. Their trip has me dreaming of warmer weather and figuring out what I would bring for a beach vacation. This is what to pack for Costa Rica.

What to pack for Costa Rica

1. Brixton Joanna Straw hat – a wide brim hat is a must for a beach vacation. I find they save my face from getting fried when sitting out in the sun reading.
2. Shore Thing Slide Sandal – These are such a classic sandal that you will find yourself wearing them with beach trousers, sundresses and swim suits.
3. Island Goddess One Piece – I am really into these classic one piece looks right now and this khaki green is such a great neutral shade. It will look so good with a tan.
4. Eliza Dress – This dress easily goes from dinner to the beach. Wear it with wedge espadrilles at night, wear it over your bathing suit during the day.
5. Jersey dress – These easy going t-shirt dresses are the perfect get up and go beach vacay layer. I also have this style which is a bit longer. I need to stock up on more colours. I usually try to pack a few of these day dresses to wear as beach coverups throughout my vacation.
6. Brooklyn Tote – How perfect is this bag for a beach vacation? Great for lugging books and sunscreen to the beach.
7. St Ives Paperbag Shorts – These might be the item that breaks my theories about shopping for summer closer to summer. These are the shorts I want to wear this year. Plus they come in different lengths.
8. Lido Swimsuit – Loving this one piece that almost looks like a two piece because of the blocking. Anything leaf print screams tropical to me. For a beach vacation I pack 3 – 5 swim suits so that if I want to change at lunch I have a dry one. I also find things take longer to dry out due to the humidity.
9. Underwire polka dot swimsuit – Love the tiny dots on this bathing suit that somehow makes it more modern. Thinner straps means less tan lines right?
10. Willow Espadrille Wedge – I have these wedge espadrilles in a different colour and they are the most comfortable things to wear. I wish I had them in this more neutral shade so that they almost disappeared on my legs and feet.
11. Joni Circular Raffia Tote – This bag screams tropical vacation doesn’t it?! Plus it is a more affordable version of this popular bag.
12. Thelma jersey T-shirt – as much as tropical vacations are about bathing suits and ocean breezes you do still have to get dressed some times. This tee would pair easily with the shorts as it does with the skirt as shown.
13. Florence maxi skirt – This skirt could just as easily be worn over a bathing suit, with a tank or a tee. Lots of versatility.

READ MORE: Best Mineral Sunscreen

What I haven’t mentioned in my what to pack for costa rica packing list is my carry on items, the sunscreens I use and of course a towel. I like to have my own towel because it makes it easier to identify your lounger. Plus people are less likely to move your personal towels as they are to move a hotel towel. Toiletries and underwear are a must as well. Pack for excursions only if you know you WILL be doing them otherwise the extra clothes just weigh down your suitcase.

This is my general guideline for packing:

3 – 5 bathing suits

5 – 7 dresses or dinner outfits

3 cover ups

1 – 3 pairs of shorts

1 – 2 pairs of sandals

1 airplane outfit which includes running shoes

Underwear for every day

Hat, sunglasses, towel, sunscreen

What do you think about the what to pack for Costa Rica guide? Is there something essential I missed?