Perfect Packing List for 10 Days in Central America

I recently had the opportunity to do a 10 day trip with one of my best friends, in which we visited two countries in Central America - El Salvador and Costa Rica. Although I have not yet perfected my packing lists, I think this trip I came a little bit closer to having everything I needed and would recommend to anyone doing a similar trip.

As a suggested list to get you started, I encourage you to reach out with any recommendations/additions that you would recommend as must-have items. Here is what we have so far:

Personal Item

In this case, since I did need to bring my laptop my personal item was a small backpack. However, I am all for travelling light whenever possible. So, laptop (which I have listed as an optional item) aside what I would ideally recommend is a personal item the size of the Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag. I know tons of people had recommended this bag in the past, I wasn’t convinced it would offer that much extra space than my Lululemon belt bag. However, it is big enough you can fit a small book or a plastic water bottle. If you decide to go this route, you might have to redistribute the following items …

• Water bottle (Swell)

• Money and a small change purse/wallet

• Passport

• Book (optional)

• USB charger for airdrop

• Extra power block and charging cable

• Hairbrush

• Laptop & Charger (OPTIONAL)

  I have a remote job and typically try to do a day or two of work while away to maximize the number of trips I can do each year. Since, you might have different circumstances this is an optional item. I felt safe taking my old laptop around with me and my backpack has a secure place to store it, however, if you don’t need your electronics you can avoid this item altogether and pack a little bit lighter.

Carry-On

I use the Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack and a set of cheap packing cubes from Amazon, although I have heard the compression packing cubes are well worth the investment. So these are the ones I am considering. Open to hearing if these are in fact better from anyone that has tried them in the past.

• 1 pair of jeans

• Black tank top

• White tank top

• Black puffer (that can roll up)

• Black hoodie

• 1 pair of runners (you might need two if you plan on hiking) In this case our hikes were moderate and I brought my Air Forces.

• Sun hat or baseball cap (I recommend baseball caps which pack better)

• Underwear (one per night in case laundry unavailable)

• Pajamas

• Cover up

• Silk skirt

• Black t shirt

• White t shirt

• Tan shorts

• Biker shorts

• Effortless pants

• Sandals (Tevas) - Link here

  I know this one is not always a popular choice. However, after seeing these sandals come up on TikTok consistently and purchasing a pair to try, I highly recommend any “backpacker” or otherwise traveller consider them. They are comfortable for walking, good for rocky beaches (which we experienced in El Salvador) and since they are waterproof are great for showers that you might have to share.