Girly, practical, and must-haves for living your soft life in the tropics
Whether you’re heading to Costa Rica for a week of pura vida vibes or living the full-time digital nomad dream, packing the right essentials can seriously upgrade your trip — both in comfort and cute factor.
After spending months soaking up jungle air, beachy sunsets, and tropical rainstorms, I’ve curated my go-to Costa Rica travel essentials that every Nomad Girly should pack.
(This post contains affiliate links — which means I may earn a small commission if you click and purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I love!)
🧴 1. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
The Costa Rican sun is no joke — especially on the Pacific coast.
Why you need it: Protect your skin and the oceans. Regular sunscreen harms coral reefs.
🛍 Shop my fave: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Reef-Friendly Sunscreen
Smells like a vacation in a bottle and won’t clog pores.
🦟 2. Natural Bug Spray
Mosquitoes love it here — don’t let them love you.
Why you need it: Essential for evenings and jungle hikes, especially during rainy season.
🛍 My go-to: Citriodiol® Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Spray
Smells citrusy, not chemical-y. Works like magic.
👗 3. Casual Dresses (That Don’t Wrinkle)
Costa Rica = sweaty + scenic = perfect excuse for breezy, photogenic outfits.
Why you need it: Dresses double as beach cover-ups and dinner looks.
🛍 Fave find: Sundress Coverup with Pockets
Lightweight, easy to roll up, and totally Insta-worthy.
🌧 4. Compact Rain Jacket
Rain showers come fast and fierce — especially in green season.
Why you need it: Stay dry without sacrificing style.
🛍 Travel-ready pick: Columbia Women’s Switchback Rain Jacket
Folds into its own pocket, comes in cute pastel colors.
🏖 5. Packable Beach Blanket or Pareo
Perfect for beach days, sunset journaling, or a makeshift picnic.
Why you need it: Sand doesn’t stick, folds up small, doubles as a sarong.
🛍 Must-have: Tropical Microfiber Beach Towel Blanket
Quick-dry + comes in dreamy girly prints.
📸 6. Waterproof Phone Pouch
You’ll want to snap pics of waterfalls, surf, and sunset swims.
Why you need it: Protect your phone without missing the moment.
🛍 My favorite: Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch 2-Pack
Touchscreen-friendly and fits larger phones with cases.
👒 7. Wide Brim Travel Hat
Sun protection + aesthetic? Yes please.
Why you need it: Keeps your face shaded and your hair camera-ready.
🛍 Chic pick: Foldable Floppy Beach Hat with UV Protection
Rolls up in your bag and still looks glam.
🩴 8. Stylish but Comfy Sandals
You’ll walk a lot — even in beach towns.
Why you need it: Costa Rican roads are bumpy, even in paradise.
🛍 Obsessed with: Cushionaire Luna Sandals with Memory Foam
Looks girly, feels like clouds.
🎒 9. Anti-Theft Daypack
Ideal for market shopping, waterfall hikes, and digital nomad café days.
Why you need it: Lightweight, practical, and cute enough for selfies.
🛍 Trusty choice: Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack
RFID-blocking and slash-resistant, but still totally feminine.
🧘♀️ 10. Travel Yoga Mat or Resistance Bands
Because your glow-up routine doesn’t stop on vacation.
Why you need it: For beach yoga, Airbnb workouts, or grounding after long bus rides.
🛍 My go-tos:
🛫 Bonus: My Carry-On Essentials
- Hydrating Face Mist: Vichy Hydrating Facial Spray Travel Size
- Silk Sleep Mask: Kitsch Weighted Eye Mask
- Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Beats Studio Buds
Final Thoughts: Travel Light, Stay Luxe
Your Costa Rica adventure doesn’t have to be messy, bulky, or boring. With a little prep and a lot of girly charm, you can stay fresh, functional, and fabulous from jungle to beach. 🌴💫
Nomad Girly 
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