hello, we are going to costa rica Jan 23 with the caravan tour company. Your thoughts on; insect repellent, clothes, shoes, plastic baggy for cameras, BEER, food, any helpful advise. Never been to the rain forest but have been rained on with other trips. Looks like a good time! JOE

We can respond to you better if you tell us which parts you are visiting - some areas are cool, some are hot, some are rainy - depends upon where you're going. We took a little spray bottle of Cutter insect repellant, and it worked great for us - got maybe two mosquito bites. For our camera, I tucked dessicant packs in the case to absorb moisture. For hiking, we just wore running shoes and Keen's. I'd recommend bringing one of those plastic disposable type rain ponchos that fold up pretty small. And for beer, I'd recommend a cold Imperial - widely available in CR. You can get restaurant recommendations if you tell us the specific areas where you'll be traveling. Have fun!

Did you read singermom`s trip report on her trip with Caravan? You might benefit from reading it.

For mosquito repellant, I like to use the "Off" wipes... they're pre-moistened towellettes, individually wrapped. I think they're great for throwing in your day pack for hikes, etc. Also, if you're a light packer and don't plan to check a bag, you won't have to worry about the 3 oz. liquid limit if you take these.

For protecting cameras, I actually take an empty quart-sized Ziploc with me when I go out for the day... this way if it rains really hard and you get caught off-guard, you can zip your camera and videocamera in there for extra protection from the rain (just for peace of mind, I think). I also use a water-resistant day-pack (fanny pack type thing) which I keep everything in. I also recommend packing a lightweight poncho.

Regarding clothes, volcanogirl's right about depending on where you're going and when, but overall I'd say that it's great to have a couple pairs of those nylon hiking pants that zip-off at the knees (convert to shorts). Nylon's great 'cause it dries quickly.

Thank you, we will be in San Jose, rainforest tram at Braulio Carrillo Park, the Atlantic coast (Tortuguero Nat park)Fortuna, Arenal Vol, Pacific coast Manuel Antonio park. Read singermom's trip record GREAT we will be doing almost the same trip. I hope to tip at the hotels, bars etc is that ok.
sneaks and sandles ok for footwear.
how about avon skin so soft cream for the bugs.
Joe

Tipping is appreciated and goes over quite well.

Sandals, flip flops and sneakers are widely accepted as long as it is a casual place and most are - a dance club in San Jose might be a different story. Bring shoes that are really comfortable and plenty wide. If you like most of us, you'll expand a bit with the weather, beer, etc. Bring a few bandaids for blisters and itch cream for bug bites. Plastic ziplocks are great but remember your clothes/shoes will begin to get moldy before you know it. Find a sunny place to get things dried out or take advantage of a laundry service if you can.

I've heard that Avon skin so soft doesn't work too well, but I'll bet it depends who you put it on. My boyfriend can get zero bites and I'm sitting next to him slapping myself silly. The ankles seem to take the biggest beating, especially in the evening.

I've always wondered about Caravan tours. Most people seem to really like them.