I've been reading alot on here about various hiking sandals/shoes. Is this really necessary or will sneakers suffice? I don't want to buy my husband and I each a pair of shoes that we will only wear on this trip. We're not big hikers, but imagine we will be doing some hiking on our trip.

Also, can anyone recommend any all natural or organic insect repellant? I'd rather not use DEET. Thanks!

Sneakers will suffice if you don't want to purchase hikers.
I prefer a good gripping traction sole on lightweight lowrise hikers.
Comfortable sandals are good for the beach and casual dining, etc. when you want to stay cooler than sneakers.
Closed toed shoes best for trails.

Thanks Earthtraveler. I will see if I can find some relatively inexpensive hikers, if not, I'll try and get by with sneakers.

You can find several DEET free insect repellents on drugstore.com. I bought towelettes, but there are various types. I also picked up a bottle of Bullfrog brand DEET free repellent spray with SPF30 at Target. It comes in a 4 or 5 oz. bottle and thus can't be carried on in the US, so I bought a little 2 oz. travel spray bottle and transferred. Good luck!

I just posted a reply to someone onthe carribean section. Check for the post "pregnant in St. John" for some other ideas. Here is what I posted to her..........I am also a mosquito magnet, but tend to be more of a naturalist...staying away from harmful chemical based products when possible. Yes, I will use a DEET based product when desperate, but have found success with a few other things that may help you. Mosquitos do not like citrus, so I have even taken a lime slice at a bar and rubbed it on my arms and legs. It can be a little sticky (not bad) but works great. I have found a few botanical citrus based shower gels and seas salt scrubs that also help keep the monsters away. While in Jamaica, I discovered Starfish oils (www.starfishoils.com) had a natural anti mosquito spray that worked well. It's 100% essential oils and doesn't have a terrible smell. One of its key ingredients is lemongrass, so you may want to try some lemongrass essential oil too. Have fun and relax as your life will never be the same (I have 3)

I went on drugstore.com and ordered a few different kinds of deet-free bug repellents. They also come in small bottles (less than 3.7 ounces) so we can take them on the plane. Thank you!

I use Skedattle from www.mexitan.com - they also sell biodegradable sunscreen which is perfect for snorkeling or ocean swimming.

Spray often if you are sweating.

Good Luck!

We just returned from a fabulous trip to Costa Rica, spending a night in San Jose, 3 nights at Tiskita Jungle Lodge and 4 nights at Bosque del Cabo. Most of us wore Keens and low rise but sturdy hikers. We had a very active 8 days, hiking for large parts of each day, and were happy for the supportive shoes. We all took DEET-based insect repellant and did not have to use it even once, though we spend hours in the jungle. The past few months have been quite dry and we saw no mosquitos.

Don't forget that in the US you must have 3 oz. or less of any liquid product if you want to carry it on the plane (even toothpaste, gel, etc. Also, all of your liquids must fit into a single quartz size Ziploc (or similar) bag. If you don't mind checking your luggage, any size of liquid is fine. I travel frequently and have had different experiences at different airports. I have always followed the "rules" but actually had a screener take a couple of things I had in small travel bottles because they didn't "say" 3 oz. on them. Oy vey! Let's just say they can do what they want - and they know it - and I've learned my lesson. Now I make sure to leave the little stickers on them.

Here's a link to the TSA's "3-1-1" Rule regarding carry-on items, including certain exclusions (e.g., contact lens solution). http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ing/index.shtm

Mamc - I hope you'll post a trip report about your time at Tiskita - sounds like an interesting spot and we've not heard much about it on this board.

Glover -
I want to find the time to post a trip report, including Tiskita. It is a wonderful place and we had trouble finding much about it before we left.

Same here--heard of it but dont' know much about it. Hope you do find the time!

Glover, are you counting???