USVI-On-Line

Hey Robbin! After 4 years, believe me, carry-on is the only way to go. We did 2 weeks last year with just a carry-on back pack. Villa has washer/dryer, so we took a couple of bathing suits, shorts, tops, p-j's, flops, tennis shoes. We shipped to Connections our snorkel gear, snacks, bathroom supplies, our own coffee (although we bought the great Voodoo from STJ Ruth!), sunscreen). We picked up from Connections when we picked up our rental car and we were off! It is totally freeing to get your backpack from overhead and head out to the front of the airport to catch a ride with Miss Rachel. She is a beautiful and kind lady and she'll tell you so much about STT on your ride to either Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook. She'll meet you when you get off the ferry going home and hold your bags while you have lunch, shop, etc. until it's time to be picked up to go to the airport. A real gem and we love her! Have a large time and remember you're on island time! GHM

I'm a checked bag person.

We've experienced lost luggage (not in the islands), but it was retrieved pretty quickly. We cross pack so that neither of us is clotheless while the bag is in transit.

I don't think waiting for bags in STT is all that painful - cold Caribs are nearby. I also don't think I would have saved much time on the return with carry-on only (porters speed you through). I also don't have to take any time to get a package to the islands with non-carry on items. I also don't care to do laundry on vacation.

The only thing that would sway me is if baggage fees increase more than they are; so far we haven't paid any.

Gromit wrote:What Rick said for the carry-on advantages.

That being said I have NEVER been able to do "Carry on only" and probably never will.

I always max out what I can take in terms of weight and end up wearing everything and using virtually everything I bring. I also do laundry mid trip and never take home any clean clothes.

But that's just me. I always check bags and (knock on wood) never have had a lost bag and get luggage fairly quickly at STT. But that's relative to island time.

My bold. Me too. I don't take fancy stuff, just shorts, simple cotton d€resses and t shirts but I seem to go thru clothing at a fast rate. The 3 year old helps me. I also hate doing laundry.

I rather suck back a drink or two waiting at the airport then do laundry every day for our family of three. (towels and beach towels are bad enough. let alone clothing for all of us)

Also, we generally get to STT early in the day so we often actually get to STJ before check in time. We need to kill time most trips.

If we were getting in at 4 or 5 in the afternoon, I can see the appeal of carry-on only.

Why carry on only?

You've obviously never been to Logan Airport during school vacation week.

Our goal is to minimize the risk of lost luggage and time spent with the herds in the airport.

Carry on is the way we roll. Allthough it would be nice not trudging those bags around, I don't want lost luggage to deal with. It's all good take your pick, one thing about carryon you will not overpack.

Diana2 wrote:I'm with you, Robbin. I just don't get it either. I'm not a "carry-on only" or a "cooler" person. When I'm on vacation I like to wear clean clothes and go out to dinner (not always but most of the time). We do breakfast at the villa and pack our lunches for the beach.

To each his/her own.

I like to wear clean clothes all the time- not just on vacation. Having a carry on only does not preclude me from that.

Many people who pack coolers seem to do so for a variety of reasons. I've seen posts that mentioned quality of meats, dietary and budget concerns as reasons for packing coolers. Still others seem to be vying for "King of the Cooler" titles as they come up with ingenious ways to keep their perishables frozen for long periods of time. We're novices so we have not attempted that and probably never will.

I wish we could do carryon only. With the liquid restrictions though, there is no way. Wife has to have her lotions and potions and I don't know what all. Also hate doing laundry on vacation and have never had a lost bag.

carry on disciples here...we look at our stj vacations as the antidote to our hectic lives meaning simple pure and beautiful...what you will realize after your trip is that it isn't about stuff, there's no reason to strut around in your fancy new outfits, so if that's your thing you're on the wrong island...fill up a few steamer trunks of stuff if you want but you'll only feel stupid on the return home. stj is the poster island for 'less is more'

overman wrote:carry on disciples here...we look at our stj vacations as the antidote to our hectic lives meaning simple pure and beautiful...what you will realize after your trip is that it isn't about stuff, there's no reason to strut around in your fancy new outfits, so if that's your thing you're on the wrong island...fill up a few steamer trunks of stuff if you want but you'll only feel stupid on the return home. stj is the poster island for 'less is more'

Marcia doesn't "strut" but she does like to bring some summer dresses with properly accessorized shoes. I encourage such behavior, as she looks beautiful when we go out. And, I like to bring a guitar and related stuff.

We check our luggage and I don't feel remotely stupid on the return home.

[quote="Pete (Mr. Marcia)
Marcia doesn't "strut" but she does like to bring some summer dresses with properly accessorized shoes. I encourage such behavior, as she looks beautiful when we go out. "]



What a lovely thing to say.

Ya Pete, they do like nice in those sundresses. Sweet Christine has some nice ones, but they fit in my pockets.

Cheers, RickG

overman wrote:we look at our stj vacations as the antidote to our hectic lives meaning simple pure and beautiful...

Couldn't have said it better myself. Every day life is so full of STUFF. St John is stripped down, uncomplicated, simple simple simple.

For me, carry on is easy to do. So why not? It also makes everything else less complicated. Airport, cab ride, ferry, etc. I like to get to the villa ASAP. The less STUFF, the better.

CARRY ON ONLY 4-EVA.

FYI -- a non-stop flight does not guarantee your bag(s) won't get lost. Our trip a few weeks back, JFK-STT, we checked two bags at the same time but only one showed up. It was totally lost -- not even in the airline's (AA) computer system -- for nearly 24 hours (we kept calling AA). We got it the next day, but had to race from Coral Bay to meet the ferry to pick it up. The "we'll deliver it to your villa" promise? Don't believe it.

KatieH wrote:Carry on only:

1. No chance that the airline will lose your luggage (lost luggage will require your own ADD moment ). My SIL took a direct flight - LGA - STT and the airline sent her luggage to Atlanta for a day or two.

I got that beat JFK STT bag ended up in Santiago Chilie!!!! landed on Saturday, got the bag on Thursday.

sailorgirl wrote:

KatieH wrote:Carry on only:

1. No chance that the airline will lose your luggage (lost luggage will require your own ADD moment ). My SIL took a direct flight - LGA - STT and the airline sent her luggage to Atlanta for a day or two.

I got that beat JFK STT bag ended up in Santiago Chilie!!!! landed on Saturday, got the bag on Thursday.

DING!! DING!! We have a winner!!!!