Sunscreen vs Insect Repellant
 

This might be a silly question, and the cost not worth worrying about, but...

I'm only taking carry-on bags, so I'm limited to the three-ounce containers in a quart size ziplock bag for liquids and gels. That's not a lot of room. If I were only going to take sunscreen OR insect repellant, which would you recommend? In other words, which is easiest to find in Costa Rica and less expensive relative to the U.S.?

Thanks.

You can buy insect repellant in wipe form and sunscreen in solid form and not have to put either in your liquid/gel bag. I wouldn't go without either. The insect repellant wipes work really well. Enjoy

Well, mosquitos don't like me and I burn really easily so for me it's no question at all, sunscreen all the way.

As far as I know you can take more than one quart size bag, they just have to contain 3 oz containers. I've never had a problem carrying on 2 quart size bags even when I've had to take them out for them to look at. I take two 3 oz bug sprays, two 3 oz sunscreens (one for face), shampoo, conditioner, hand sanitizer and a couple misc. The wipes are a good idea too, just note they take off nail polish!

hip - You got away with something - the rule is 1 bag per person. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

I take both sunscreen and bug stuff on my trips because I know they're not all created equal and I have specific brands I want to protect me. You'll have plenty of room for both in your ziplock if you leave the shampoo and lotions at home and pick those up once you're there. :)

By the way - congratulations on your decision to pack light! Have you checked out OneBag.com?

One bag per person was my understanding as well from reading the rules on the TSA website. I had decided to ditch the shampoo, but because I got a buzz cut yesterday and can just use soap for what little I have left. But the suggestion to buy shampoo and lotions in CR and take the insect repellant and sunscreen is a good one. I did read some information on one website about packing light. The insect repellant in wipe form is a great idea too. Thanks everyone! In just a little over 48 hours, I'll be in Costa Rica!

I've taken lotion to CR and never used it. Lots of times you're so hot and sticky that you don't want to use it. Also several of the hotels we've stayed in have supplied shampoo, so you might check with your hotels on that.

hip, how did you get away with that?!

Sailbird,

I had good luck with the wipes, think I used Deep Woods Off.

Enjoy your trip - 48 hours and counting, lucky you!!

I have no idea...? My checker must have thought I looked innocent. ;-)

But, I won't do it again! On the AA site it's sort of "open to intrepetation" because it says all must be in quart size ziploc bag, but it doesn't say you're limited to one. Ha-ha! TSA site is more definitive.