Service Scholars Costa Rica 2015

Parent – Student Checklist

Please Note: Regulations continue to change regarding travel documents necessary to travel to ANY and ALL destinations outside of the U.S. It is required that all travelers to any international destination have an official government-issued passport. Passports should be valid for 6 months from your date of departure.

We recommend sending minors with a parental permission slip to travel outside the country with their chaperones.  Check with your Global Travel Alliance representative as some airlines require a notarized parental-permission slip.  Non-US citizens are responsible to check their individual visa requirements, and obtain any necessary travel permits for their destination.  


Packing Tips:

  • Since airline regulations continue to change, make certain that you double-check all details regarding your flight requirements including luggage limitations.

  • Please note that you are responsible to cover luggage fees.  Please check with the airlines for the most up-to-date fee information.

  • Pack light! This cannot be stressed enough! You may only bring one suitcase and one carry-on. Your suitcase should not weigh more than 44 pounds. One medium-sized suitcase and a backpack or small duffle bag to carry on the plane is sufficient. Super-sized suitcases are a bad idea! Unquestionably, you are better off packing light, and having to purchase something you need overseas, than over-packing.

  • Since airline regulations continue to change, make certain that you double-check all details regarding your flight requirements including luggage limitations.

  • Allow extra room for any gifts or souvenirs you purchase. Airlines are now strict regarding carry-on luggage.

  • We suggest that you write your name and address inside of your suitcase. A TSA-approved lock is a good idea for additional security; as is keeping a record of your suitcase's contents.

  • Put things you might need on the first day into your carry-on. Make sure to keep your money with you during the entire trip.

    • Change of undergarments and a clean shirt. (Luggage does get lost sometimes)

    • Any prescription medication

    • An itinerary of the trip

    • Your passport & tickets

    • Camera

    • Cash/credit cards, etc.

  • Pack these items in your carry-on (NOT in the checked suitcase).

  • Weather can be very unpredictable, so be prepared for a variety of conditions. Pack comfortable, light clothes.

  • Hiking boots or tennis shoes with a good grip (for horseback riding, and hiking)

  • Sandals with heel straps for the beach, hot springs, and white-water rafting.

  • Sweatshirt or light jacket for cool nights

  • Rain parka or jacket

  • One piece modest swimsuit & towel

  • Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellant

  • Plastic bag for dirty and/or wet clothes

  • Appliances tend to be bulky, you may want to share them with a friend

  • Toiletries and necessary medications

  • Camera and chargers (for both phone and camera)

  • Waterproof flashlight or headlamp (for night activities)

  • Strap for glasses (for white-water rafting and hiking)

  • An alarm clock and/or watch are also a good idea.


Miscellaneous Matters:

  • U.S. dollars must be clean and crisp (torn bills are not accepted by the bank or venders).  U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Latin America and can be used for most purchases in Costa Rica.

  • Extra money is recommended for snacks, souvenirs, tips for the driver and guide ($10 recommended for each), and tips for activity guides (at your discretion)

  • ATM’s and bank/credit cards are unquestionably the best way of money exchanging and making purchases. ATM’s can be found at the airport and large cities and usually give the best exchange rate. Be certain to visit with your bank or credit card company to make sure that you will be able to use your card while traveling. Banks and credit card companies sometimes block cards if they notice that they are being used in a far-off location. And don’t forget your PIN! Other options are to take U.S. dollars and exchange them (don’t carry very much cash).  We do NOT recommend travelers checks.

  • Making phone calls from Latin America to the United States is best done with a local phone card (purchased in the country you are traveling to), although some U.S. phone cards may work as well (beware of high roaming charges).

  • Many hotels now have Wifi or internet access computers in the lobby.  It is often easier for students to communicate by email instead of by phone.

  • If you have a prescribed medication, you must provide your group leader with a copy of the prescription. Do not mix medicine in the same bottle. We recommend that your tetanus be current. Please check with your doctor and/or travel clinic for any needed immunizations.  Global Travel Alliance does not assume any responsibility in providing medical advice to travelers regarding immunizations.

  • You need to be at the airport at least 2-3 hours before departure. For groups of 35 or more, we recommend 3 hours before departure.

  • Your school group leader will be handing out a final travel packet including luggage tags, finalized itinerary with flight itinerary, emergency phone numbers, and hotel contact information no later than two weeks prior to your departure. Airline tickets (or e-ticket information) will be provided at the appropriate time.

  • There are a few country specific expectations we will go over in country, but here are some general trip guidelines.  Students not abiding by these Global Travel Alliances policies and/or school rules will be sent home by the school group leader at the students’ family expense.

    • No alcohol consumption for the duration of the trip.

    • Loud, offensive language and behavior should be avoided.

    • You are representing your the service scholars program, your community,  and our organization.

    • Boys and girls are not allowed in opposite sex rooms.

    • It will be the responsibility of the faculty to provide student discipline on the trip.

    • School representatives must know the whereabouts of students at all times.During free time, students must be in groups of three or more.

    • Participation in all group activities is required. Punctuality in all activities is essential.Neatness and cleanliness are expected.

    • Any damage to hotel rooms or tour buses will be billed to the responsible party.

    • Excessive noise, especially in hotel halls at night, is unwelcome and inconsiderate.

    • Curfew will be respected.

    • Shoplifting or possession of illegal drugs will result in being sent home abruptly.


And, to further help you!

  • Remember that YOU are responsible for your suitcases and carry-ons at all times. Do not let them out of your sight for a minute. Can’t stress this enough. Things do get stolen from time to time.

  • Upon arrival, we will go through customs/immigration. You will need to fill out brief forms. We are there as “tourists“. As we go through immigration, it is rather easy to get separated. Do NOT wander off in the airport while others are going through immigration. Stay together.

  • Drink water! The cabin air is very dry. It’s easy to get dehydrated, especially if you are avoiding drinking because you don’t want to get up and go to the bathroom! Drinking water or juice not only restores moisture to your body but reduces travel fatigue.