Not to sound cliché, but we can’t say this enough: pack light! Check with your airline to see what size bags they allow to avoid paying any fees.

Most travelers find it easiest to go without checking bag. Here are some tips for getting as much as possible into that carry-on suitcase:

• Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane and pack the lighter ones. Same thing goes for jackets and heavier clothing.
• Packing cubes or vacuum seal bags can save space and help you stay organized.
• Make the most of your personal item by using a tote bag or backpack that you can reuse throughout the trip.
• Roll your clothes instead of folding them. Pack the bigger items first and use smaller items like socks and underwear to fill in the gaps.

To see a full packing list, check out our Pocket Guide to Expert Travel. Just make sure you don’t forget these: 

• Passport—bring a photo copy and leave one at home too
• Visa (if applicable)
• ATM card and credit card
• Entertainment—for the plane and travel days
• Small day bag with a zipper 
• Converter/adapter for any electronics
• Toiletries
• Washcloth—optional, but they aren’t always available
• Medications and a copy of any prescriptions*
• Comfortable, casual clothing in breathable, lightweight fabrics
• Bathing suit
• Raincoat and umbrella
• Comfortable shoes like sneakers and waterproof sandals
• Warm layers
• Hat, sunscreen and bug spray
• Reusable water bottle
• The Pocket Guide to Expert Travel
• EF's emergency numbers:
  • ​Calling from within the US: 1-800-873-2250
  • Calling from abroad: 001-617-619-2913

*All medications should be in their original containers. Put medications in your carry-on bag only, in case a checked bag gets lost or delayed.

Traveler tip: The weather in Costa Rica can be unpredictable – it may be pouring rain one minute and hot and sunny the next, so pack layers and clothes that will keep you cool and dry.

Love to read as much as we do? Here are some of our favorites to inspire you before you leave, keep you company in transit, and feed your wanderlust after you return: 

• The Lost City of Z by David Grann
• The Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste by William Allen
• The Evenings by Gerard Reve
• Rica by Jack Ewing

• Mo' money, less problems: Budget $20 to $30 for pocket money per day. Three meals are included each day so this covers some souvenirs and additional activities. If you’re an especially avid souvenir hunter, you’ll want to give yourself more wiggle room—financially and in your suitcase.
• Currency: Costa Rican colón. You can exchange money before you leave, but we recommend just withdrawing some cash from an ATM when you arrive. Some places accept USD.
• Tips for tipping: We suggest $6-8 per day for your Field Director, inclusive of the day you arrive at your first program destination and meet your Field Director, and ending the day you depart for home. Your Group Leader will likely collect this money before you depart so that you can budget accordingly. 

P.S. Be sure to let your bank know you’ll be traveling so they can put an alert on your account.

Imagine it: you’ve finally arrived. It’s been a few hours since you left home, but your feet are firmly planted on the ground again.

You'll likely arrive in San José in the afternoon or evening. If there are other groups on your program, you may wait at the airport for them to arrive. You will have dinner at either the hotel or a nearby restaurant depending on your arrival time. To make things a bit easier:

• Have toiletries and a change of clothes on hand for when you land.
• Drink lots of water—long flights can be dehydrating.
• Travel in comfort, not necessarily in style, and get some rest on the flight.

Your dedicated Field Director—a physical, and for some, spiritual guide—will be with you throughout your program. Our Field Directors work tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate logistics like managing reservations and making sure everything flows seamlessly, so that you can enjoy your time without sweating the details. They are there to acquaint you with each new city and make sure everyone is safe, confident, and making the most of every moment.

You’ll spend very little time at your hotel (consciously, anyway), but you should still be aware of where you’re staying and who you’re staying there with.

• Hotel du jour: City-hopping means hotel-hopping, but don’t worry; each hotel is safe, clean, comfortable, and conveniently-located to the sites you'll be visiting. 
• What to expect: Hotels abroad may feature smaller rooms than you’re used to and may not have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, television, or elevators. All the more reason to get out and explore. 
• Roomies: Unless you have opted to upgrade your room, standard accommodations mean you’ll be rooming with two or three other people of the same gender, each with your own bed. You may even take part in an exchange program—that is, rooming with a traveler(s) from another school in your group.

Traveler tip: In San Jose, the hotels are typically Western-style chain hotels. Once you leave the city, you will be in eco-lodges or bungalow-style hotels which are different than you might be used to in the states.

Kick off each day with an included continental breakfast. All lunches and dinners will be included, too.  We work with local restaurants to provide plated meals inspired by the region, giving you the opportunity to experience authentic dishes.

In Costa Rica expect to try fresh fruits, strong coffee, and lots of rice and beans each day. It is also common to see familiar foods in Costa Rica like pasta and sandwiches.

Since teleportation hasn’t been invented yet, you’ll need these to get from point A to point B (and C and D and E):

• Flights: Into San José and home from Liberia
• Bus: Primary mode of transportation on the ground
• Walking & hiking: Hands down the best way to explore a new place

Traveler tip: The roads in Costa Rica are windy and mountainous so pack Dramamine if you’re prone to motion sickness.