Monday, July 15, 2013

One thousand little trips for one big one


We've been planning a big family adventure to Costa Rica, Land of Pure Life, or as they say in Costa Rica, "La tierra de la Pura Vida." This is our first time to take the children out of the country. There's a lot to consider: passports, shots, safety, Spanish lessons, family-friendly accommodations and adventure gear for a family of five!


I've been taking a thousand little trips in preparation for our one big trip. Several of those have been to Mesa Mall. With the variety of activities we'll be doing in the Central American rainforest, preparation is key. We needed shoes and clothes to go from beach to trail to city streets, spelunking gear for cave touring, hydration packs for our hike up Volcan Arenal, motion sickness meds for mom:/ and heavy-duty bug spray to avoid illnesses contracted from insect bites.



                                                           
I contracted dengue once before while living in Venezuela. It's like turning yourself inside out and rolling down a mountain of hammers. Dengue is definitely one of those revenge-type illnesses you wouldn't (or would;) want to wish on your worst enemy.  A recent report I read in an online Costa Rican newspaper said that cases of dengue were up this year. I shared my concern with the salesperson at Cabelas and she assured me that this repellent was highly effective and what she uses herself when she travels to tropical climes.

                                                                        (Unless you are my worst enemy.)

A couple shopping tips:

Be sure you check all the colors of the item you want to find the cheapest price. I saved more than half (no exaggeration needed) on my daughter's surf-to-trail sandals just because she was willing to go with blue and purple instead of gray and pink.

Sign up to receive texts from retailers and use coupon apps to score big discounts. I used my GeoQpons app to save a few extra $$.

Follow Mesa Mall on Facebook and Twitter to get the inside scoop on sales, last-minute bargains and activities for the kids with the Kidgits program

I don't know how many more little trips it will take to finally have all the things we'll need for our big trip, but at least I know I won't need a head lamp or bug spray to find it all at Mesa Mall. 





13 comments:

  1. I DO love Cabelas! And that is a brilliant tip about looking through the colors. Would not have thought of that!

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  2. It's always nice to be able to find a variety of things you need in one convenient location.

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  3. Cabelas is such an awesome store! Rolling down a mountain, inside out, on hammers does NOT sound fun...stock up on that repellent!

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  4. Can't wait to see pictures when you get back.

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  5. Don't forget to bring back gifts for your favorite friends. Not dengue!

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  6. I learned something new today. I've never heard of dengue. I'm obviously not well travelled. I'm going to go look it up now. Have fun and be safe!

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  7. Well that dengue doesn't sound like something I'd want to get. Will be looking for the pictures to live vicariously through you, once again! :)

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  8. Good tips, Annie! Enjoy Costa Rica.

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  9. We went to CR two years ago. Don't miss the sloth sanctuary. - Ron

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  10. Have a wonderful dengue-free time!!

    Millie

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  11. Great tips! Thank you! Hope I get to use them someday! :D

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  12. Costa Rica sounds like a party. Can I come in your suitcase?

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  13. Your vacation sounds so amazing and adventurous! Wow!

    My big adventure of the summer will be driving to Monterey and sleeping on an air mattress crammed into my daughter's tiny living room! :)

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