This trip to Costa Rica wasn’t just a getaway; it was a celebration of two major milestones (wedding anniversary and a new career move) and the first international adventure with our little one in tow. My favorite retired travel consultant (aka me, lol) knew exactly what this trip needed: a chill vibe, stunning views, and a healthy dose of pure Pura Vida.
Why La Fortuna?
With only five days and a three-hour drive from the airport, we knew we had to focus on one main area. My hubby and I landed on La Fortuna, the perfect mix of lush relaxation and tourist-friendly fun. We craved those iconic volcano views and tranquil hot springs, but definitely didn’t want to spend our precious few days translating every menu with Rosetta Stone. However, my husband’s Duolingo obsession did come in handy at times.
I was thankful to be able to hack this trip a little bit, but only by paying for one ticket! Yes! I had a companion pass, and I didn’t have to pay for my daughter’s ticket as she is still considered a lap baby! Bang!
Top Attractions in La Fortuna
To decide on the attractions for our vacation, I used the Deep Research function of Google’s Gemini. That quickly led me to TripAdvisor and Expedia. Our itinerary was packed with the best of what this Costa Rican gem has to offer:
- Choyin Thermal Springs: Forget a simple spa day. We soaked in the natural, mineral-rich hot springs, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest. The ultimate way to unwind.
- Mistico Hanging Bridges Park: Walking through the treetops was a surreal experience. It was so much fun spotting all the local wildlife and getting a bird’s-eye view of the Arenal Volcano.
- Don Olivio Chocolate: Let’s be real, a vacation isn’t complete without some treats. We dove into the world of Costa Rican chocolate, and it was seriously delicious.
- Arenal Lake Boat Ride: The views from the lake were unmatched. It was the perfect, calm activity to wrap up our adventure.
Travel & Packing Tips: Surviving with a Toddler
Traveling with a toddler is a whole different ballgame. You think you know what you need, and then TSA stops you, hard.
When it comes to packing clothes, I always double the amount of outfits and throw in a few extra onesies for travel days that can also double as pajamas. For diapers, I suggest only packing enough for the plane ride plus one additional day. You can always buy more at a local store, or if you’re like me and prefer cloth diapers for an Airbnb stay, pack a few days’ worth and wash as you go!
5 to 1 Method
I’m not sure what it is about travel that makes people —I would venture to say women —feel they must dress completely differently from their typical sweats and jeans. I’ve broken through that nonsense and have started to incorporate a method called 5 to 1 packing.
Here’s the general outline:
- 5 tops: Choose versatile tops that can be worn on their own or layered.
- 4 bottoms: Select a variety of options, such as pants, shorts, or a skirt.
- 3 pairs of shoes: Pack shoes that can cover different occasions, like a walking shoe, a dressier option, and a casual one.
- 2 dresses or layers: This can include dresses, jumpsuits, or items like a cardigan or jacket for cooler weather.
- 1 accessory: Pack one hat, one bag, one belt, etc.
TSA Tried to Confiscate My Baby’s Milk
As some might feel, getting through TSA is the ickiest part. But I successfully secured eight-ounce vegan milk drinks in my carry-on, which was quite an adventure after a 4 a.m. start. TSA search that felt like a comedy sketch, one agent gave me the “auntie vibes,”. She was thoroughly ready to toss my precious cargo, but another one came through with the save! I learned from the TSA website that toddler milk is considered medically necessary. I declared as soon as I walked up to TSA. Thankfully, heroes don’t just wear capes; they also wear TSA uniforms. But I did require quite a bit of additional screening. In hindsight, it was a moment to laugh about. And I did end up finding milk at a store, so my girl would have been just fine.
Our Costa Rican adventure wasn’t just about the breathtaking views or the hot springs. It was a reminder that even amidst new chapters and the chaos of toddlerhood, a quiet moment together —a shared memory —is everything. This trip was a beautiful, chaotic, and perfect celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
So to all the mamas and wives out there, if you’re waiting for the perfect moment to take that trip, this is your sign. Pack the extra outfits, plan for the unexpected, and go make those memories. Pura Vida, my friends, until our next adventure.