What month are you traveling (as far as the weather & clothing you'll need)?

I would take my own toiletries. Not that you can't buy them if you forget something, but you can eso asily pack shampoo, toothpaste, etc. in little travel sizes enough for 14 days in your 1-qt ziplock (if you are doing carryon only). I think it's worth taking so as not to have to spend vacation time running around buying stuff.

It really depends on what areas you're visiting. Some areas are quite hot and humid, and for those, I'd pack shorts and t-shirts along with one long-sleeved top and a pair of pants. If you're going to horseback ride or zipline, you don't want to be in short shorts. Areas with a high elevation like Monteverde can be really cool at night. Our hotel even had their fireplace going to keep it warm. We wore fleece jackets and sweatshirts there. We also always pack our swimsuits, a pair of running shoes, a pair of waterproof shoes like Keen's, and lots of socks and undies. We bring our own sunscreen, toothpaste, and things like that. Most hotels will supply shampoo and a blow dryer, but I'd e-mail the places you're interested in to check. We also always bring rain ponchos with us. Much easier to use than an umbrella in the jungle.

I would bring your own toiletries. Often things you want can be hard to find (took several tries & stops in Sarapiqui to find a hair brush) or expensive ($10 for a bottle of Tylenol Arthritis in Puerto Jimenez - just wanted Advil but that was the only option). As for clothes, quick dry or light cotton, shorts, t-shirts, capris etc.

Thank you all and to miss valcanogirl you have inspired me to just go. So mid Nov 12 thru 15th i hope to be leaving and staying where ever I happily choose...O) after reading all the lovely stories most especially Missy volcanogirl anywhere Costa Rica will be frigin awesome and I am like a kid at christmas YAHOOOO.I dont need expensive but comfortable would be nice. I would like to do a the very least 1 day at one of the spa's I keep hearing about but may not be able to budget for as I want to do it ALL LOL ziplines cloud forest beaches but I know it is not possible. So for a first timer who has never been out of the USA and who has no set course so I can do what ever I darn well want..O)I would like to go to Arenal for starters (I think??) because it has butterfly gardens and ziplines and hot springs and of course I want to see ocean/beaches but I would like less fancy if ya know what I mean LOL I suppose what I am tryun to say is I am VERY open to direction to anywhere which is the beautiy of my trip. Would it be closer to fly into Liberia or SJO..should I rent a car or do public transport??? I am so full of excitment. I am going to look up Keen's lol never heard of them until a month ago lol and have found the list for clothing so helpful I hope you all don't get sick of all my questions hahahaha 51 yrs young and ready to take what I am betting will be one of many trips.

My husband and I both have Keens sandals and we love them. I always wear them for outdoors stuff in hot climates. They aren't cheap - I think mine cost around 100 bucks, but I have had them for about 5 years and they are just starting to show their age. And I have put them through their paces.

I always bring my own toiletries - just easier not to have to go looking for that stuff. You really don't need much for 2 weeks - I am able to fit mine in the 1 quart bag.

For clothing, definitely cotton and quick-dry things. I brought capris, various tees and tanks, a couple cotton blouses, a couple sun dresses, shorts, light sweater, light scarf, tennis shoes, keens, flip flops, nicer pair of sandals. We spent all our time on the coast, so I didn't bring any fleece for higher elevations.

Car rental or public transport? Car rental gives more flexibility, but then you have to drive and navigate since you are travelling on your own. If you get a car, get GPS. Roads in CR are hit and miss - some are fine, some are very bad. There are tire repair shops every few km. We had a car for part of our trip (5 girls - it was tight, but we had plenty of navigators - LOL).

Then for part of the trip my sister and I were on our own and we travelled with Interbus, which is a private bus company with regular routes. We loved the Interbus - very easy, very convenient - hotel to hotel service. And you can make reservations a day or two before, so you can have some flexibility. I had my Samsung tablet with me, so when we figured out where we wanted to go, I made the reservation online.

For a laid-back beach area, we really liked Tamarindo. It has a nice beach on a small bay. The main village is on the hill and there is a beach road with several small hotels and hostels, restaurants, shops, etc. It is a surfing area, pretty popular, but not crowded. Definitely a relaxed vibe.

One more thing - if you drive, get your driving done during the daylight. We had a significant delay one day and ended up driving to Tamarindo in the dark. With the narrow and dark roads, inconsistent signage, and potholes, it was a little sketchy at times. I would not have been comfortable on my own - being in a group it was ok though. I just wouldn't want to blow a tire or something and be stuck alone on some dark, jungly road.

That was awesome november_moon thanks I love this sight everyone is very helpful. I like the tablet idea for winging it..O) great tip. I will use. I am leaning towards interbus the less I have to drive the more I can take in and I don't want to drive at night at all lol.I am sooo ready for this trip please keep the ideas coming.