Nikon Coolpix S8100 Digital Camera
There are many Coolpix models. This is my third CoolPix and I've been happy with every one. This one has a 10X optical zoom which makes it way above most point-and-shoot cameras for razor sharp zooms. I've field-tested it in the last month and have been impressed with its quality and versatility. It has no manual settings but the range of scene modes is impressive and it will take close-ups of stuff less than an inch away. And it has HD 1080P stereo video. It doesn't handle moisture well--no big surprise. Briana's CoolPix L22 had the same protection during ziplining and survived. Mine didn't. See below for replacement camera info.
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You need a Class 10 SD memory card for the camera, I bought a 16GB. You can shop for these but this is an example that would be workable. A Class 4 didn't cut the mustard.
Laptop Computer: MSI Wind U100 - 3 Hour Batttery
I've found this to be a great traveler. It has Windows XP and a card reader for easily transferring pictures from the camera memory card. Screen is very bright. It's battery life is not good so I always use a power cord. Keyboard is surprisingly easy to type on, it's 75% the size of a regular laptop. Even with my large hands I have been able to type almost as normal. I've had this one for a couple of years. I'd recommend getting one with Windows 7--great operating system, I like it a lot.
Kindle Wireless No 3-G No Ads
No clunky book collection for me this trip--I'm taking my Kindle. It's loaded up with free books and books I've purchased through the Kindle store. I'm looking forward to the latest mysteries from Michael Connelly, David Baldacci and Harlan Coben. I have the Wi-Fi Kindle without ads and without a 3G connection. The cheaper, includes-ads version wasn't available when I bought mine. I love reading on the Kindle; it's very much like reading a page in a book--very easy on the eyes.
Bose Headphones
I love my Bose noise-cancelling headphones for the plane or for great audio on the netbook for music or Skype phone calls. Sometimes in flight I won't even plug the iPod in I'll just use them for the noise reduction. You can find cheaper 'phones and even ear buds but these are consistently rated the best.
Coolibar Sun Hat
I needed a new sun hat and didn't want to spend $70 on a Tilley. Found this one by searching. Fabric is especially sun resistant. I've worn it a few times and it's comfortable; scrunches for packing, too. Only $28 direct from Coolibar web site. I accidentally deleted the pic below from the blog's Google album and it's too much trouble to replace it. I've been very happy with the hat when exposed to the Costa Rican sun.
Keen H2 Travellin' Shoes
I discovered at the Florida Folk Festival that my New Balance walking shoes that have served me so faithfully in Italy, the UK and France in cooler weather aren't comfortable in hot weather. Some quick research at my favorite online shoe store, Zappo's, led me to these Keen sandals. They have really good reviews so I ordered a pair. Have been wearing them about a week and they are fine. Comfortable, well ventilated and rugged enough to take moderate hiking. Doesn't matter if they get wet because they'll dry quickly.
Carry-On Suitcase Backpack StyleI became a convert to the idea of only carrying on bags and not checking anything before my UK trip last year. Onebag.com is a great resource--I even learned a new way to pack for minimal wrinkles. This fabric bag (no rollers--they just take up space and add weight) goes on like a backpack and has a waist strap to shift the weight onto your legs instead of your shoulders. Thank you, Rick Steves!
Rick Steves Day Bag
I learned a lot about travel in Europe from Rick Steves and I figured it would be hard to go wrong to carry the same bags as he does. I was right. My carry-on bag and this day bag have been to Italy, England, Scotland and France. And Duluth, Minnesota, birthplace of Bob Dylan!
iPod Touch 8GB
I'm no fan of Mac computers but I'm a huge fan of my iPod, iTunes and podcasts. Fortunately, my iPod plugs into a USB port in my car and I can play it through the car stereo. That means no AM and FM radio dreck, just my preferred music, news, and Spanish lessons. For a portable music player and music management system I can't imagine a better choice. You can spend more for an iPod with more memory but I choose to add and delete files myself. So far 8GB has been plenty of space.
Flip Video Camera
There's been much wailing and gnashing of teeth among the technorati since Cisco Systems pulled the plug on the Flip in May, 2011. I bought mine when HD wasn't such a big thing and I've been very happy with it. I've taken concert videos and vacation videos. Check my videos out on YouTube. I know cell phones take video (at least some phones do) and regular digital cameras like the Nikon above take stereo HD video. I'm still taking my old faithful Flip. You can't beat it for one-stop video with its built-in USB connector and editing software for uploading videos to the web or burning them to DVD. The one below is an HD model and costs less than what I paid. In spite of being discontinued, it's still the #4 seller on Amazon!
Panasonic DMC-S1 Camera
Think of this as a modern equivalent of the old Kodak "Brownie" cameras of the 50s. The selection of cameras available in Costa Rica is limited. I bought this one as a replacement for my Nikon. I've had good luck with a Panasonic Lumix before so I thought this one would be ok. Sure enough, it works fine. A 4X optical zoom is limited but what can you expect from a Brownie? The show must go on, pictures await and this camera is doing a fine job so far.
