Happy New Year Everyone,

In a few days we finally leave for our maiden trip to CR-- a vacation about which my husband and I have more of an "approach/avoidance" feeling than we've ever had about a trip. But we are excited, and no doubt may have a few more last minute questions. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Are short shorts ok for me in CR? I'm bringing 2 longish pairs of more rugged shorts for hiking and such. But my lightest and most "breathable" (and fastest drying) shorts are pretty short. Is that ok to wear over a bathing suit to the beach, for example? Or around the grounds of where we're staying, e.g. to breakfast or lunch? Or do women in CR not wear short shorts? (I wouldn't even ask except that I remember reading in 2 of my guidebooks that going bra-less is a no-no in CR. Tant pis about that given the fact that I haven't worn a bra since I was a teenager, a looong time ago. I definitely would like to try not to offend local customs though-- hence the shorts query.

On a totally different subject, I'm still curious to know whether Ticos will be annoyed if we order one dinner to share in restaurants, which we almost always do stateside and in the Caribbean, even at "up-scale" restaurants.

That's all the last-minute questions for now. It'd be nice if I don't have anymore.

It all depends where you are and where you are heading to. You should not wear such type of shorts in San Jose,or visiting churches but i see no problem in any of the resorts..specially during the day when water activities are part of plans. The bra-less thing, i do not see it as a problem, but do not walk around showing them, unless u are a super model, lol. Toppless swimming is not common, but sure some places allow it.
You are travellling to a 3rd world country, not deep into the jungles of the amazon, you will be surprised how everything is available and so close to the USA.
Costa Rican are used to tourists and I would be surprised if someone stare at you.

Miguel, you makin' me LOL! No offense, Poss, I can just see Miguel typing with a smile on his face!

He's right on--at the beach, just about anything goes, but Costa Rica is not the place for topless. Of course, I realize you didn't ask that. Braless is fine (especially if it's barely noticeable, and only you--and Mr. Poss--know that). Short shorts are fine. I wear them all the time at the beach. In fact, I've probably worn them shorter than I should have around San Jose. HOWEVER, they aren't what I would call REAL short shorts--not the Daisy Duke variety of 15 years ago--just slightly higher than mid-thigh.

I see you still haven't relaxed much about this trip! Come on now, loosen up a bit! You're going to have a great time. Don't forget to look up Latitue9Lisa while in Manuel Antonio! She has responded to several of your questions. You should arrange for a visit. We've had fun a couple of times meeting up with people from Fodor's.

Back to clothing, in the central valley, it will be a bit cooler and you will be comfortable in your longer shorts, capri pants, or long pants.

Don't worry about splitting the meals. Just tell them what you'd like to do, and they'll do it for you. These people are surely some of the most accomodating in the world--very gracious! Have a great time and post when you get back! Buen Viaje!

Thanks to responders. And now another sartorial question:

Are shorts ok for men at dinner? E.g. the Villa Caletas and Makanda restaurants are supposedly "casual elegant" (whatever that means in CR). Here in SW Florida, my husband will often wear "dress" shorts even at "good" restaurants. Ok in CR? (The photos in the brochures I have for those 2 places show guys in long pants, but I don't think that necessarily means shorts are inappropriate.)

Also: Will we need something like a sweater/jacket in central valley and Arenal? We are so trying to pack "light"-- but also want to be prepared with right stuff for this 10 day trip.

Thanks.

Poss, I don't know about you, but I always prefer a light sweater or jacket on the airplane. Comes in handy because it doesn't have to fit into the luggage and yes, the evenings and early mornings in the central valley can be cool.

Almost ALL restaurants will allow men to wear dress shorts in the evenings. Even "not so dress" shorts, I believe. We have run into one exception, and for this reason your husband might prefer to pack one pair of slacks (although I doubt he'll need them). The nicer restaurants at Paradisus Playa Conchal require slacks, and will not bend the rules!

I'm sure there are other restaurants in the country which the same requirements, but assuredly, not many!
If it would be upsetting to you to find yourselves in this situation (however unlikely it might be), best pack the slacks. For us, we just chose another option and went our merry way.

Poss,
The advice you've already received is solid, so no need to reiterate everything. I will tell you though that my husband and I spent 17 days in CR this past summer for our first trip there. We were both a bit nervous about various aspects of the trip (especially my husband who left all the planning up to me). It turned out that none of our worries were warranted and we had a wonderful and relaxing trip. We would go back there in a heartbeat.

Moral of this story... please relax and enjoy yourself. It'll all be good.