www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Yeah, me too. Hate to check a bag but how do you get all that stuff in your carryon? For packing tips to achieve single-suitcase bliss, see: www.onebag.com

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

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one carry on and one knapsack with electronics, passport and spare pair of shoes and I'm good. I don't check anything anymore. Anything more than a week and I just use a laundry service.

No checked bags, or checked bag charges, or waiting to check bags, no lost luggage, no pilfered items, no planted items, no waiting at the baggage carousel, no misdirected luggage, no luggage missing close connections, no bellboy tips (where applicable), no hassling from would-be "helpful" porters and in general no hassle period.

I just don't pack all that extra crap I thought I might need but never used before, I don't transport lots of toys or junk, and I wear the heaviest clothes when traveling. I have found that once I decided to do it that it's actually pretty easy and I'm never missing anything important. Having the knapsack is the key.

I take the same standard size duffle bag regardless whether Im going for 3 days, or for 3 weeks.

I have figured out what I need, and what I dont need. What I wear the most, and what usually ends up not getting worn at all.

The customs guys go bizerk, they don't get how you could go for that long, with that little clothes.

But I echo what someone else said. I HATE sitting there waiting for my bags, seeing it from a distance and watching some asshole pick it up thinking its his; taking 5 minutes to put it back on the carousel. Getting to your destination and finding out your bag is somewhere else.

With laundry as cheap as it is, it just makes more sense.

I cant deal with just a carry on. I bring too much stuff. I bring different outfits for different days, and usually dont wear the same thing twice. Plus I have different shoes to match said outfits. Usually it doesnt take that long to get the bag, I park myself right at the front of the carousel, it comes out, and away I go.

I wish I could agree, but getting to Pattaya at 8pm or 8:15pm makes a big difference to me.

CLN, I agree. You bring too much stuff.

WTF, do you bring your technicolor dreamcoat to match said outfits

All you need is one pair of shorts, 5 Hawaiian T shirts a pair of white tennis shoes, your Rolex , and all the gold chains you have.

Mag

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Rio4Me4Ever is on a constant quest for premium trim.

I am a professional traveler. I am on the road around 250 nights a year. Try going to EagleCreek.com They have a packing system I swear by. They have different size zip up bags for all your gear. And a suit case or rolling duffle bag that is designed to fit the packs. When you get to the hotel just un pack the small packs and just take out what you need.They are not cheap. One thing I love is the life time warranty no matter what happens to the bag it will be repaired or replaced with a loaner bag over nighted to you. No matter where I go people ask about my bag. I have tried them all but Eagle Creek is the best by far.I have the large bag and sometimes I go for up to 5 weeks at a time.I have always had more than enough room.

LOL, no. I just like variety. I usually bring about 3 pairs of shoes, well 4 if you're counting what I'm wearing. And the shoes always have a color pattern that is matching with the shirt I'm wearing. I've actually gotten quite a few compliments from chicas before about the clothes, so I'm sticking with it.

Plus in my bag I have all my undershirts, a million pairs of boxers and socks, a book or two, my iPod radio for the room, usually some cereal bars and snacks to get me thru the day so I dont buy a ton of food, and I wear a lot of baseball hats to match my outfits, and I put those in a shoebox so they wont get crushed. A carry on just doesnt match my needs. But, like with the girls, YMMV.

I've actually gotten quite a few compliments from chicas before about the color pattern of the paper in my pockets (green) , so I'm sticking with that. Who are you trying to impress and what does it really gain you I'm not saying one should dress like a slob, but you don't have to dress like a dandy either.

Come on Pro, didnt you get the memo? Your suppose to look like a Tico or your going to get robbed!

How many ticos do you see dressed like dandies? If you dress like a tico, you may get robbed too. But if you dress in expensive flashy clothes you'll definitely stand out much more and call attention to yourself in not necessarily so great ways.

Wasn't sure what dressing "dandy" meant exactly but this cleared it up- http://www.dandyism.net/?cat=15 Dandies especially like fancy shoes.

In his defense I met CLN20 last trip and he was sporting more of an urban/sportswear theme.