milliebz

Thanks to all of you knowledgeable people for your past advice. I am stressing about the 25 lb weight limit on flights. We are going directly to Torteguero after arriving in San Jose and will be flying back to San Jose via a charter plane with a 25 lb limit. Is 25 lbs really doable for a 10 day trip? Does anyone have any suggestions for options for leaving some clothes behind. We will be staying in Alequela on our last night but will not have a car until AFTER we come back from Torteguero. Advice? Suggestions? Thanks.

hipvirgochick

Yes, 25 lbs is really doable! Start by having very lightweight luggage, backpack or duffel. Take less clothes and no more than 2 pairs of shoes (maybe an extra flip-flop) and plan on having laundry done. We pack 3 weeks of clothes in under 25 lbs and that includes a lot of tanks/shorts/2 cameras, etc. Are you flying Nature Air or Sansa? I think you're allowed 10 lb in your carry on with NA, but double check that.

volcanogirl

Agree that it's doable. We use the weekender convertible bag from ebags.com. I'm a convert from a 50-pound rolling bag. You really can cram a lot of stuff in there. You don't need anything fancy - just shorts, tanks, a pair of capris, bathing suit, etc. We bring a pair of running shoes and a pair of Keen's and maybe flip flops.

milliebz

Thank you! Our flight is with Costa Rica Expeditions. That would be great if we had an extra 10 lbs but I don't think so. I am particularly worried because I will be traveling with a real camera and lens for the first time instead of my tiny point and shoot. I am a 50 lb roller also! I will not be taking blower dryer or curling iron but I love my toiletries. I just caught a great Sports Authority sale with light weight easy dry clothes its the other stuff that sinks me.

volcanogirl

millie, we used CRE to go to Tortuguero and just loved them. Are you staying at Tortuga Lodge? If so, you're in for a real treat. We booked our own flight to save $, but loved every aspect of that trip. When we've flown before, I had in addition to my luggage, a plastic bag with magazines, my camera, etc. and also my purse, and no one has ever said a word about it. I suppose it may depend on how full your flight is too.

suze

Sure, my suitcase for 1-2 weeks, in warm weather, always weighs right around 25 lbs. But I don't have a fancy camera or any electronics. It helps if you use a bag that weight nothing (a nylon duffle, instead of a standard rolling suitcase).

tully

You will be fine. As stated, one of the biggest weight savers is to skip a roller or standard suitcase, they can add 8-10 lbs easily. Most places have laundry and with the exception of 1 or 2 places I've found it very reasonable. I always carry a small bottle of febreeze too, with the humidity your clothes tend to get a funk about them. I've gone for 2 weeks before at around 28 lbs and still come home with a couple things never worn, though I did do laundry.

milliebz

LOL, thanks Tully for the Febreeze tip. This is my anniversary trip so I do not want to be funky! I am ordering the Weekend Convertable from e-bags so I guess that will help. VG,Yes, we are staying at Tortuga. so I am pretty excited. Still trying to convince myself not to medicate for the flight so that I can help my hubby navigate. 30 minutes is an eternity when you are scared witless.

hopefulist

I agree with the above - my bag for a month is less than 20# to start and that's when I'm packing Spanish study stuff, a light raincoat and fleece jacket for highland areas, my little netbook computer, and 1st aid things for a group. I'd pack the same for 6 days or 6 months.

My CA packing list is #14 in the FAQ thread on the Thorntree forum:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...hreadID=828622

Also check out this fantastic website:
www.onebag.com

Good luck and keep us posted!

volcanogirl

millie, they have GREAT food there and a wonderful atmosphere. They even stopped the boat for a cool picnic for us on the way in. You eat all your meals along the water; I thought the whole thing was really charming, and they have great service too. Be sure to bring bug repellent - Tortuguero is really mosquitoey. The flight is pretty quick, and it's neat to see Tortuguero from the air - the beach and canal system. The wildlife we saw was really unbelievable in that area. I don't know if you'll be there during turtle season, but if so, be sure to pack something dark to wear - they don't want you to wear light colors because it disrupts the turtles. Have a great time!

milliebz

hopeful - thank you for your tips. I will review very closely. VG, your comments about the food at Tortuga in an earlier post sealed the deal for me. The other lodges did not get really good reviews for their food. Since you eat all your meal there it was important to me.