www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I am planning a trip down to SJO and in order to avoid 6-10 hour layovers and paying out the ass, i am thinking about booking with 2 airlines. I want to avoid checking a bag and having to claim and recheck it.

Can some of you that only travel with a carryon offer me any advice on what I can bring and what I shouldnt bring. I am familiar with TSA restrictions, should I just pack clothes laptop and cash? Do any of you travel that light?

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I will be back soon, trust

Aside from the obvious, the main thing these days is no fluids in containers over 4oz... All fluid containers placed in a ziplock bag in your luggage for inspection... One other thing, when departing SJO, security does not allow umbrellas as a carry-on...

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"Mongo only pawn in game of life"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3K6UmgJIOw

Well, first make sure what the restrictions are for each airline for the number of carry on bags you can carry and how big/heavy they can be. I've seen it vary by quite a bit between airlines. It sucks to make it to the plane and then have the flight attendant tell you that the bag you have is to big and has to be checked.

Nowadays, it would probably be best to just bring cash and buy the personal items you need when you get to SJO. I used to always carry my shaving kit in my carry-on but there's so many restrictions now, it would take 15 mins for them to inspect it and bag any bottles, etc. Plus scissors and nail clippers, while technically allowed if they are under 3 inches, almost always get you pulled aside for a thorough search through your bag. Got so annoying, I just leave it in my checked luggage now. Carry your cash in a money belt. They don't trigger the metal detector and they keep your money safe and out of sight. Any prescription drugs have to be in the original packaging and have your name, doctor's name and DIN number on it. Liquids are a hassle now so don't pack anything like hand lotion or cologne.

Also take note that Spirit Air charges more for a carry-on than checked baggage, if that was one of your choices.

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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

Purechaos how many nights you staying? I've used only carry-ons for the past 5 yrs. and have it down, can easily fit everything I need for 5 nights in one bag and my laptop briefcase. Any longer may have to do a load of laundry, or just have the hotel do it. Also had nail clippers, small aerosol cans and umbrellas confiscated.

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Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

im only going for a short trip, 4 full days + partials

is there anything that i should absolutly take?

I am flying spirit, and i can take one small personal bag, I have a laptop backpack that I am going to throw my netbook in, plus as much clothing as I can squeeze in, glasses/contacts, toothbrush/paste, meds, camera

Spirit charges ~$30 for another carry-on/checked bag so I am going to try to avoid that, the first leg of my flight is AA so I would prefer to dodge paying an extra $100 total for a checked bag. I would rather just buy what I need there.

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I will be back soon, trust

A computer bag is not enough. Are you planning to wear the same underwear and shirt all 4 days?

C'mon dude. We're all trying to look for the cheapest flights, but if paying $30 for a carry-on is too much, maybe you ought to rethink the whole decision to go there in the first place.

Thanks Orange, but its not really about saving $2 for a trip. I would def take enough clothes to be fresh. MY bad is not really a computer bag but a larger Swiss gear back pack. im going to pack it and see what I can get away with, if it is impossible to fit what I need then I am going to pony up the $120 for baggage, but is not about the $ so much as the logistics of checking and claiming, and rechecking a bag at ORD

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I will be back soon, trust

condoms/clothes....all you need.

I also once did a four-day trip using only my computer backpack, a mid-size Jansport model. The key is to pack as light as possible. Bring lightweight clothes that compress well, not heavy bulky stuff like jeans (I brought a pair of REI's Sahara convertible pants and four Sahara tech T-shirts). Take easy-wash quick-drying synthetic underwear and socks, to go really light bring just one pair of each and wash them in your room's sink each day (I actually brought two pair of each and alternated them, didn't wash them). Rely on hotel-provided toiletries, buy travel-sized versions of other or use 1-oz bottles for anything else you might need, you can carry everything in that 1-quart baggie if you do it right and cut out stuff you don't really need.

Dude....just bring as many clothes as you can fit in your bag, and buy the rest of your personal items you need here. It won't cost you that much and a lot less than an extra baggage fee. Not sure where you are staying but the AutoMercado in Barrio Amon (Supermarket) sells everything you will need without costing an arm and a leg.

thanks guys, yeah i was more worried about getting personal items, i have light clothes and not really worried about getting enough in a bag to last me a few days, and not really interested in recycling socks and underwear.

should be a good trip, i am trying to do it on a budget bc it wasnt really planned out and i will be returning 2 weeks later for a longer period to celebrate my birthday CR style. this is must more of a scouting mission and to meet up with some other CRT guys.

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I will be back soon, trust

Brothers gave you good advice. I always pack way to many clothes .

The old saying holds true...
Take half the clothes and twice the money you think you will need.

Take only a cheap disposable razor with you. I had a 3 track Gillette disposable and they took it away.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET