What Not to Bring to Costa Rica?

Leave the formal clothes, heavy jackets, expensive jewelry, and unnecessary electronics at home. Costa Rica is casual, warm year-round, and you'll spend most of your time in swimsuits and sandals. Pack light and embrace the beach lifestyle.

Formal wear is completely unnecessary. The fanciest restaurants in Nosara still welcome you in a clean sundress or nice shorts and a linen shirt. Nobody dresses up here - it's part of the charm. Leave the heels, suits, and anything you'd need to iron.

Skip the expensive jewelry and flashy accessories. Not because Costa Rica is dangerous, but because you won't want them. Salt water, sunscreen, sand, and surf don't mix well with fine jewelry. Plus, you'll feel out of place - the vibe here is natural and unpretentious.

Heavy jackets and cold-weather gear are dead weight. Even in rainy season, it stays warm (mid-70s to upper 80s). A light rain jacket is useful for afternoon showers, but that's it. Don't pack like you're going somewhere with air conditioning everywhere - you'll live in breathable fabrics.

Expensive electronics beyond your phone and maybe a camera are usually unnecessary. Leave the laptop unless you're actually working. Our vacation rentals have WiFi, but the point of coming to Nosara is to disconnect. Also skip the hair dryer (humidity makes it pointless) and most styling products - embrace the beach hair.

What to bring instead: reef-safe sunscreen, good sandals, a reusable water bottle, light quick-dry clothing, and a good book. That's really all you need for a perfect week in paradise.