The ULTIMATE Central America Packing List

Date: June 2024

Location: London hostel - sitting on my bed typing on a suitcase for a desk.

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In October 2023 I booked a 3-week trip through Central America (Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica), and then continued to move my life to London. I planned this all in about 3.5 months. In other words, there was a lot to do and not a lot of time!

This was my first big overseas trip. I didn't know anyone personally that had been to Central America or what logistically things were going to look like. I'm an over thinker and over planner. So like I do best, I turned to google and did a thorough search, collating an ULTIMATE list to pack, in hopes to have everything I needed for my trip. I definitely underestimated the time it was going to take to sort all of this. From collating the packing list, to buying the items and finalising packing to meet regulations etc. I also had to fit it all into a 40L backpack. So some things on the list had to get left behind!

Nonetheless, I packed my bag and there wasn't anything major that I forgot. Phewww! But there were a few things that I would have liked to have that none of the other lists I found mentioned.

Soooo if you are an over planner and over thinker, or just want to make sure you are prepared for your amazing Central America trip to come, this is the list for you. So you can save time and just focus on enjoying your trip of a lifetime!

The main two things that I wish I packed were a collapsible container and collapsible cup. I have now purchased them in London and they are the best purchase in a long time (even better than my cute moon lamp I also recently purchased). They come with me on any trip I do now. Always having access to a cup and a container for food storage is very handy when you are on the go. I found Central America quite expensive for food from what I was expecting, so I tried to prep my lunches from the supermarket and treat myself to a meal out in the evenings. A container would have been sooo handy to put my sandwiches in for the day, snacks for my hikes, to store open food packets, as a bowl for cereal… the list goes on. And being collapsable means they don't take up much space when you are not using them. Space saving is always a must when travelling, especially for long haul trips. So first two things on the list - collapsible container and collapsible cup. The ones I purchased are below. Link to collapsible cup is here, and collapsible containers are here.

Another thing worth mentioning that is on the list but isn't as common, is a tactical pen. I was told about this before moving overseas and I am sooo glad that I purchased one. It's a pen that also serves as a self defence tool. It has a whistle and a pointy end that can break glass, but can be used as a self fence tool if needed. This gives me more confidence when travelling alone that I have something on me to help me get out of a situation if needed. My philosophy is take it with you so you will never need it! It easily fits into any purse or bag. The pen is pictured below if you are interested.

Okay so enough back story… The ULTIMATE Packing List is below. I have tick boxed the list so you can copy and paste if you would like for reference. The list is broken into sections for ease.

Toiletries:

▢ Shampoo and conditioner (remember to check airline guidelines for packing. If carry on, commonly you can't have containers larger than 100ML. Always check the packing rules before flying to avoid any issues or delays at the airport).

▢ Face cleanser and moisturising (and other skin care products that you need).

▢ Sunscreen for body and face.

▢ SPF chapstick/lip balm.

▢ Insect repellent WITH DEET (there are many diseases/conditions you can get from mosquito bites. It's very important to reduce the risk of mosquito bites as able).

▢ Soap/body wash.

▢ Moisturiser.

▢ Deodorant.

▢ Shaver/razor.

▢ Tweezers.

▢ Tooth brush.

▢ Tooth paste.

▢ Baby wipes/body wipes.

▢ Small packet tissues.

▢ Makeup (I like a natural look so I kept it simple. Also when it's hot I just don’t like lots of makeup. Try and keep it light if you have baggage restriction/carry on).

▢ Makeup remover/makeup wipes.

▢ Sanitary products (I packed enough for my whole period week as I was unsure what access to supplies I would have. Better to have more than less in this instance!).

▢ Hair ties and hair clips (and other hair accessories that you might need).

Technology/electronics:

▢ Phone.

▢ Camera/go pro if you are taking them with you.

▢ Airpods/ear buds.

▢ Chargers - for phone, cameras, portable charger/power bank, airpods/ear buds etc.

▢ Universal wall plug.

▢ Tripod for phone/camera This is very handy if you are travelling alone or in a small group and want to get pictures together. It isn't a must, but definitely a nice to have. I was on a group tour so there was always someone around to take a picture. But I have purchased one now so when I go on trips alone/in small groups we can still get great pictures and the exact angle we want. I actually prefer this from someone else taking it as you can get the exact angle instead of a random angle from a stranger when you have to ask. I had a bad run of asking 50 year old Karens to take pictures and the result wasn't great haha. Hence I purchased a tripod and never looked back! The one I purchased is here. I like how light and compact it is, so I can easily take it on my trips without it weighting me down. It also has a good amount of height so it can capture sooo many different angles to get that perfect photo!

▢ Portable charger This thing is a must for me. I didn't realise how quickly my phone battery ran low until I was using my phone all day for maps, photos, videos etc. When everything you need for your trip is on your phone, ensuring you have access to recharge it is a must!. The one I brought before heading overseas is attached here. I've been very happy with my purchase. It's the Belkin boost charge powerbank 20K. This has such a long charge and gives me at least 5 full chargers for my iPhone, and is still small enough to take in my small bag for the day. It's quite hardy, surviving many high drops to the floor and functioning as good as always. It's lasted clumsy me on my travels, so that's pretty good test lol. Would definitely recommend this power bank. There is a small version 10K also, linked here. It's good to just look into what would suit you best for your travels!

▢ Head torch.

Clothing/Accessories:

Note: The amount to take of each clothing item will vary depending on your trip length

Tips:

• Try to pack things that can mix and match with each other so you can take less clothes but still have many outfit combos. This is more important if you are wanting to travel light.

• Going for light and breathable materials (such as cotton, bamboo, linen) are best as it can get very hot.

▢ Dresses and/or playsuits.

▢ Tops: T-shirt, sport shirts, crop tops and a few nice going out tops.

▢ Sports tights/exercise gear. I like to pack bike shorts and long tights. But pack what exercise gear you prefer.

▢ Shorts and skirts.

▢ Loose fabric/flowy pants. Ideally have a cuff at bottom so you can wear around dusk and dawn to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

▢ Jumper/jackets. It can get quite cold in the evenings and overnight so definitely bring a warm layer of clothing.

▢ Track pants/long pants. I packed a sport track pant that I wore for my long haul flights. This was ideal as it looked nice enough to wear casually but so comfy it was easy to sleep and chill in. And nice to lounge in in the evenings and when it's a bit cooler.

▢ Pijamas.

▢ Sarong. Such a great multipurpose item to have. This can be used as a cover up from the sun, a blanket, scarf, skirt, beach towel/wrap, bed sheet, pillow case, privacy curtain when getting changed … the list goes on. Oh and my most recent discovery, a bag to carry items if you tie it up. This is a must have. It can also fold down small so doesn't take up much room.

▢ Rain jacket. I would take this if I was going in the wet or dry season as you never know if it will rain.

▢ Day bras and sports bras.

▢ Underwear (enough for the amount of days you are going for then a few more just in case).

▢ Microfibre towel (Packs down small and dries quickly when travelling - so reduces it smelling in your bag).

▢ Shoes. I packed supportive sneakers/running shoes, flip flops/jandals (must have for showers to reduce risk of getting athletes foot/fungal infection and other diseases), sandals or burks. Would recommend taking hiking boots also if you are doing lots of hiking.

▢ Socks - one for every day plus a couple extra.

▢ Sun hat.

▢ Sunglasses and case.

▢ Bikini/swimwear.

▢ RFID blocking wallet/bag for cards and passport. RFID blocking reduces the risk of scammers taking your card or personal details when trying to scan your info as they swipe past you.

I went in the dry season. If you go in the wet season I would advise to make sure you have good waterproof pants, rain jacket, a warm layer of clothes, and waterproof hiking boots.

Miscellaneous

▢ Collapsible cup

▢ Collapsible container

▢ Tactical pen.

▢ Passport.

▢ Drivers licence.

▢ Print out/photocopies of travel documents - flights, accommodation, travel insurance, visas, passport copies etc

▢ At least two credit/debit cards to use overseas. I always have a backup and store in separate places so if something happens to one, then I always have the ability to access money. ALSO remember to contact your bank to ensure you can use your card overseas. And check the fees for overseas spending. I purchased a wise card which makes travel so easy as it allows you to spend money in many different currencies and will automatically convert the money to the currency you are spending in if you have not converted it on the app already. I have used this through Central America, UK and Europe, and take my home bank card as a bank up just in case.

▢ Cash in the currency of the country/s you are going to.

▢ Bum bag/fanny pack. I didn't have one of these when I did my trip. I had a small sling bag/purse. It did the job but I wish I had brought a bum bag for this trip. I have one now and it's so comfy to wear, can fit a lot in it and it's close to my body so my possessions feel safer. I purchased one before starting to travel Europe and it’s been a life saver.

▢ Reusable bag/tote bag.

▢ Day backpack. Whether you have a suitcase or backpack for your gear, having a day pack is a must. You can pack everything you need for the day whether it's a city or outdoor adventure. I absolutely love my Oprey back pack combo - Osprey Fairview 55L backpack. It’s made for women. Fairpoint is the male version. It's a 15L back pack and 40L backpack. I use the 15L for my day trips and it can sit on my front and clip onto the 40L when carrying my gear, which balances the weight out and means I can walk hands free. It can also attach it to the main pack when it's on my back. I also find the 40L meets the guidelines for a carry on for most budget airlines I have been travelling on, and the 15L fits the guidelines for the personal item most times too, which makes my plane tickets a lot cheaper! You can also buy the 15L back pack separate here, and the 40L back pack here. There will be a more indepth review to come to this bag as I love it so much! Only regret was not getting it in the awesome blue colour. The black was the only one I could get my hands on before before leaving NZ unfortunately.

▢ Dry bag.

▢ Bag labels.

▢ Padlocks. I used TSA approved for the airport then normal locks when out of the airport as my search online concluded that many people have access to the key for TSA locks now unfortunately. It's always handy to have a lock on you while travelling, as some places will have lockers but you have to provide your own lock. The one I purchased from amazon and I find really handy for lockers when at hostels, gyms etc is linked here.

▢ Medications. Make sure to talk to a travel doctor to get your medication and vaccines needed for the trip and any medical advice. And any documentation that you need. For example, in some countries you need the yellow fever vaccination and have to have a yellow fever certificate to enter. This is important to look into in advance before your trip.

▢ First aid kit. I always travel with essential first aid kit items. And add more depending on how adventurous I am being. There are lots of stuff you could bring and this will vary depending on your trip and who you are with. So look this up before you go on what to bring and get advice from your travel doctor. The essentials I bought are listed here. Panadol, ibuprofen, sanitiser, bandage, gauze, thermal blanket, sealegs (I get motion sickness unfortunately), plasters, antiseptic and antibacterial cream, melatonin, antihistamines, tweezers, medications prescribed by my travel doctor. Note: take your scripts with you and have medication labelled with your name and the type of medication. Look at specific country advice for medications before going as some have restrictions on what you can bring in.

▢ Snacks for the trip. I am a person that needs food every few hours and have a fear of going hungry. So you wouldn’t dare catch me without food! Check online what you can and can't bring on your travels. Bringing food for the flight, especially if it's a long haul flight, is great so you can save money at the airport and reduce getting hangry while waiting to have access to a meal.

▢ Water bottle. Ideally a water purifying water bottle. I purchased a Grayl Ultrapress Water Purifier (see review here) and it has been a lifesaver when travelling. This allows me to fill up my water bottle where ever, from bathroom toilets to a murky rivers, and removes bacteria, viruses etc. You just fill it up, push down and it filters the water. This gave me piece of mind that no matter where I was I had access to water. This is handy when venturing outdoors and also in cities. I didn't get sick through my whole trip in Central American and I think this bottle had a part to play. You can get the Grayl Ultrapress 500mL or the Grayl GeoPress Water Purifier 710mL. This is legit my holy grail. You can see the one I purchased here. I love that they have many different colours too!

▢ Book to read (if this is your cup of tea).

▢ Pen and paper.

▢ Sim/esim. I used an esim which was so easy. I got a package through holafly that covered all the countries I visited on a 20 day package. This was perfect for me. There are many different types of esim’s out there now. So have a look and see what suits you best. Organising this before you leave is ideal. When I landed I just activated my esim and my data was working before I even stepped of the plane, so easy!

▢ Ear plugs and eye mask.

▢ Neck pillow. I purchased this bad boy half way through my trip and I wish I had it at the start! It’s the Cabeau Evolution S3 neck pillow. This helps me sleep when on a plane/bus/train. It was more on the expensive side. I trailed a few and found this supposed my neck more and also has a life time guarantee so that sealed the deal for me.

Other general packing trips/reminders:

▢ Label your bags.

▢ You don't need to take jewellery or only take minimal jewellery that is not flashy.

▢ Make sure you know your passwords to important things. I always prepare for the worst. Pick pocketing is very common with travelling these days. So if you lost your phone, make sure you know your passwords to get in if you have to use another device. Mine are all auto saved so I had to write them down in a little notebook to take with me. It sounds OTT, but I told ya this was going to be a thorough list. I got you girl!

▢ Also allowing someone to have access to your policies if you are away is also a good idea. I put my sister down for my policies so she could get information and call up if needed. Just make sure this is someone you ABSOLUTELY TRUST.

▢ Make sure to check your luggage meets your airline rules. Such as bag size and weight, how to pack liquids, what bags to put batteries in and how to store. These can change airline to airline. So triple check to be sure and enable a smooth journey.

▢ Pack your most important things on your carry on so if your checked luggage gets lost then you still have the essentials. Unfortunately this does happen, so just prepare for the worst just in case.

▢ Send a person you trust all your travel info so they have it if needed. This was a life saver for me. I ended up in hospital in El Salvador. My older sister had all my documents so was able to call the insurance company, and sort everything for me which was so handy as trying to call internationally can be a nightmare and costly. The process was very smooth and I was thankful I put time into the organisation of the trip.

And that's it ! Now you can get on that plane stress free knowing you are all prepared for an incredible trip. Have an amazing time and let me know your favourite part and if this list was helpful! :)