DOCROX

I have checked the web site and did a search here. I know about the weight limit. That won't be a problem. I would rather take a small wheeled hard carry-on instead of a duffle bag to keep liquids from being punctured and leaking. I am assuming that is fine??? The web site says"square inches in diameter". To my small brain that is not correct.

DOCROX

Just checked the web site again and it doesn't say anything about size. I'm thinking I'll take a 19" wheeled carry-on and my carry-on shoulder bag with camera, swim suit,etc.

raderbarbarian

Just a "FYI":

Rolling luggage (on wheels) weighs much, much more than other types of bags. Lose the wheels, and you gain a lot of extra weight for stuff you really need. On the rough terrain of Costa Rica, including on the sidewalks (which are famous for THEIR "potholes" just like the roads ;-}, the wheels don't contribute much anyway. In fact, they may not be able to withstand the wear and tear.

DOCROX

I wasn't thinking of using it due to the wheels, it's just that I either have duffles or suitcases with wheels. Maybe I will pack both and weigh them. I think I will be well under the wt. limit. Last time I took too many clothes so this times just the essentials.

airwayvz

I took a duffle and a backpack (think school size, not camping size) in November when we visited CR, and had no problems. My wife and I try to travel w/ only carry-on to avoid hassles whenever possible.

We flew Nature Air from Quepos to San Jose...no problems there either. Even a "carry-on" sized bag will get stored in the belly of the plane.

My vote would still be for a duffle.

cbflowers

I had the same questions and worries, but our hard carry-on weighed 10 pounds on its own-so didnt leave alot of weight room for clothes. I posted this question earlier and decided to go with the bag that I posted a link to. Maybe you already saw it. Lots of good suggestions. The question is posted was- type of luggage for costa rica (sansa)

tully

I would still go with a duffle bag. The one I bought is not that flimsy paper-thin material, it's a very studry bag that holds it's own shape empty or full. In 3 trips never had any liquids punctured. Just buy the travel size plastic bottles they carry at drugstores, and if you want to be extra sure, put them in a large zip-lock.

hopefulist

I pack my liquids in non-crushable bottles and go with a light conversion pack, carry-on sized, with a detachable day pack. I'm not a wheels person unless it's a huge bag with fishing and scuba gear. I'm not fond of duffles (difficult to organize) or hard-sided bags (difficult to carry when they can't be rolled which is most of the places I go when I travel). Just my 2 cents worth...

DOCROX

Thought I had it all planned out.... we would take two duffles as carry-on for my daughter and I. As I was packing remembered... I can't take these liquids in a carry-on unless separated in zip locks yada yada. Had more liquids than I thought. Sunscreeen, bug juice, some medicine, etc. So I think we will do one small hard side with wheels (wt. 4 lbs.) and check it. One duffle with the essential clothes to get us through if the other one is lost.carry-on. I would love to carry on both but I will have to see just how much I would have to separate and show to TSA.

hopefulist

Here's the TSA site with the new regulations:

http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/..._guidance.shtm

I really hate to check bags unless I'm packing dive gear. I don't know how long you plan to stay. I'll be in Guatemala for just over 3 weeks this summer and I've been experimenting with how long the little tubes and bottles of tpaste or shampoo last and how much will fit in a quart ziplock. I can fit enough shampoo, conditioner, bug stuff, lip stuff, sun block, and 4 types of 1st aid compounds (small pots) to last 3 weeks. Good luck and have a great trip, whatever you decide.

kencolian

Hopefulist-

How are you able to fit all your liquids/gels for 3 weeks in one quart size bag? I would have a hard time fitting in just sunscreen and insect repellant. Do they sell sunscreen in 3 oz size? (We always but the large family size, because we use so much.)

shillmac

The farmacias in CR are very well equipped. You can buy whatever you need (for the most part) once you arrive. US brands widely available.

airwayvz

I second that. You can buy all that stuff inexpensively when you arrive. Saves a LOT of hassle w/ checking bags.

Jackie

Shillmac,

Are the prices comparable to US? Someone told me to get everything here because the prices were jacked up.

thanks

JJAY0827

How strict are they with the weight restrictions? We're flying Sansa from Quepos to San Jose and I'm a little worried about the 27 pounds (5 pounds for carry on and 22 for checked). It says you can pay $1/pound for extra weight, but I'm worried there won't be room. Plus, my husband is bringing a body board (he hurt his leg and can't surf and figures it's better than nothing).

Earthtraveler

We had no problems with flying overweight with SANSA. They didn't weigh our carryon bags. And our other check luggage was the huge rolling softsides. Can't remember if they charged us for excess weght.

hopefulist

If you figure out ahead of time how much you're apt to use of simple things like lotion and shampoo, you avoid taking too much, which is my usual tendency. It has surprised me what small amounts will do. I really want to take my own sun and bug stuff because they're not all created equal - I'm likely to find my beloved Sawyer's Time Release Deet formula in CA, for example - so I'll take more of those and the least amount that will see me through of lotion, etc. I haven't traveled to CR but haven't seen many US brands in Honduras, Belize, or Guatemala on previous trips.

The TSA pictures show a flat ziplock bag with 5-6 containers but a lot more will fit in than that without bulging or being difficult to zip. Happy trails...