45 Days to Go: Help me refine my packing list

[flip-flop]

How soon is too soon to pack? 45 days out and I am already starting to stress! Why do I do this?

I feel like I am forgetting something! I am trying (desperately and against all odds) to go Carry-on only or at most checking just 1 bag of KID STUFF.

Essential Paperwork/Other
-Passports
-Birth Certificate (baby)
-Confirmations - flights,house,car
-Boarding Passes
-Cash/Credit Cards

Body Care
-Toiletries
-Extra Contacts
-Glasses
-Bug Spray & Bite Stuff
-Sunscreen
-Aloe

For the Beach
-Hats
-Swimsuits (2 each)
-Beach cover-ups
-Sunglasses
-Snorkel/diving equipment
-Neat Sheet
-Beach Bag
-Reading materials

For the House
-Non-perishables
-Zip lock bags

Electronics
-iPhone & Charger
-Camera & Charger
-Baby Monitor

Personal Clothing
-Tanks & T-shirts
-Shorts
-Light dress
-Flip-flops & Keens

The Girl's Stuff
-Swimsuits
-Hats
-Toys/Books
-T-shirts for over swimsuit
-Flip-flops, crocs, water shoes
-Floats, wings, swim toys
-Shorts and Tanks

The Boy's Stuff
-Swimsuits
-Hat
-Swim diapers
-Regular diapers
-Pack n play sheet
-Favorite Blankets
-Stroller and/or backpack

[Nancy_B]

Your list seems pretty good to me. I suggest loading up the largest flat rate USPS boxes with the stuff that is perishable and liquid and sending it ahead. I shipped 2 for my May trip - cost me $25 but was priceless All the diapers, sun products, reading material can go ahead. Just make sure that you can get it from connections or your property manager the day you arrive so you have it.

Try not to stress!

[flip-flop]

I am thinking that's a great idea. We did it last trip and you are right ... money well spent!

[kirk]

LOL Flip Flop. I didn't bring that much stuff with me when I moved here.
kirk

[flip-flop]

LOL Flip Flop. I didn't bring that much stuff with me when I moved here.
kirk

I know I know ... but I bet you didn't bring 2 kids under 6 either! That's my story and I am sticking to it. Blame the kids!

[Ksea]

Undies and pajamas (for the kids anyway). Your driver's licenses. I agree that sending the sunscreen, lotions, diapers and bug stuff ahead is the way to go. I sent hotel size shampoos/conditioner face cleansers and 2 smaller size bars of soap. The large flat rate box is a good deal. Next trip Im going lite on the shorts and tops and heavier on the cover up dresses.

[sea-nile]

HOW MANY flip flops?

[islandgirl]

hi when we went down this past May we sent a big box down with shampoo etc etc, plus some food too. well worth it. next time i am going to send everything down including clothes. not even a carryon next time. just a warning that Connections is closed on Saturday. we had to wait until monday to get our box. have fun!!

[Chickadee]

In carry-ons: Swim suits, snorkel gear, clothes, shoes, reading materials, SMALL toiletry items, travel documentation, snacks/toys for plane ride, electronic devices.

Ship the rest! If it doesn't fit in the suitcase, ship it and enjoy!!

[Chickadee]

OY! Can't believe I forgot to mention this.

We discovered the Eagle Creek Pack-It Folder this year and are totally converted by it (can be found at EagleCreek.com, REI and others, comes in 15, 18 and 20 inch sizes and various colors). VERY easy to use.

On our recent trip I put 5 shirts, 4 shorts, 3 tanks, a skort and 2 bathing suits in this thing and had room for small clothes, snorkel, mask, fins, guide books, hat, small sandals, personal care items and 1qt. toiltries bag - all in my carry-on!

[flip-flop]

HOW MANY flip flops?

I am trying to keep it to 3 pairs + the keens. We'll see though.

[Lulu76]

My goal for this year is 2 swimsuits, 2 pairs of shorts, 2 tanks, 2 cover-up dresses, 1 pair of birks and 1 pair of cheap-o flip-flops plus toiletries, iPod and camera. I guess I'll bring PJs too, since my traveling companions would appreciate that.

We'll see if I can do, but honest this is the plan. I found myself wearing my swimsuit with a cover-up most often and I would just throw laundry in at night, so I think this is all I need. Whoever said we'd overpack the first time wasn't lying.

[PA Girl]

I found an extension cord useful for the monitors. While I never needed to use them, I did take two baby locks for the kitchen and a handful of plug covers.

I also take the health insurance cards for the family.

Something that saves our sanity (toys thrown about drives me bats) is a little pop-up mesh toy basket. It weighs nothing and packs down flat. I picked it up at Wal-Mart for $2 or so.

I never missed a stroller but then again, adults willing to carry always greatly outnumbered the number of children (one) unwilling to walk!

We used the backpack for one St. John trip. Using the gate check allowance was a great way to pack diapers, etc. I gate checked the backpack inside of a carseat bag and filled the void with supplies.

Might be a way for you to avoid checking the kid bag.

[AnyTing]

I am trying to keep it to 3 pairs + the keens.

This from the girl who took, like, 6 pair on a weekend trip to the beach....

Oh, and you forgot something. I don't see "Vicki" on the list.

[flip-flop]

I am trying to keep it to 3 pairs + the keens.

This from the girl who took, like, 6 pair on a weekend trip to the beach....

Oh, and you forgot something. I don't see "Vicki" on the list.

LOL ... yeah yeah but I had a car on that trip. I mean if I could drive to STJ I would take 10 pair + Vicki!