USVI-On-Line

I would suggest packing some kind of head covering to wear while snorkeling. I have a buff, but even just a regular old bandana will do. Even with sunscreen odds are good that your scalp will get burned (especially guys with thinning hair).

I always bring a journal to record our vacation adventures. Makes it easier to contruct a trip report for the forum on return too (hint hint).

liamsaunt wrote:I always bring a journal to record our vacation adventures.

Great point. You can even use Notepad or something similar if you have your laptop with you.

Write down the names of people, places, and things. I usually don't have any trouble remembering how relaxed, excited, giddy, etc. was, but I'm finding more and more that if I wait too long I forget which beaches I went to on which day and what that bartender's name was. Having a camera that timestamps the pictures does help some with the former.

Jo - You sure have alot of great advice. I will have to keep this list for next year. I always bring lotion on vacation as my skin can be so dry. Can't wait to see if you can fit everything into your carry on. I will pm you soon but busy day here so talk to you soon.

You're planning to take enough sunscreen, bug spray, lotions, etc. for your family in carry-ons?...how will you get them in under the 3oz/qt-sized baggie limit? I can never figure out how women manage with only carry-ons when you add in shampoo, conditioner, along with the sunscreen, bug spray, lotions, etc.

Best thing to take is an island mood...anything/everything else is superfluous and/or can be purchased! I know your family will have a wonderful time.

Hope you and your family have a great time!

Congratulations on the weight loss! Can you share your secret?
Thanks!
Sara

@islandmom-- I believe she said she was shipping those items down in advance.

To which I would add the following advice: Give the box PLENTY of time to get there (read: island time)and follow whatever instructions you are given by Connections or whatever outfit you are shipping your box to EXACTLY. And I mean EXACTLY.

I always pack a few clothes pins -- they come in handy for a variety of uses and don't take up any extra room. They can usually fit inside something else -- shoe, etc.

A couple of posters have mentioned "powder to get sand off." Please explain. This is new to me.

Thanks.

MKB - Baby powder is used when the sand is on your legs or wherever else. You just put some on the spot and comes off great. I was told this when I first had kids and we took a trip to the beach. It worked great especially in those diaper areas.

she mentioned she is sending a package down with sunscreen etc.....but even so..my family of 4 did just fine with several 3oz travel bottles of sunscreen in the bahamas for 6 days. I had like 4 of them in my carryon and hubby did as well....it worked like a charm (now, getting the sunscreen in those little buggers was a bitch...but we didn't have to pay for luggage! ..LOL..it can be done!

Wow ~ You all continue to amaze me! Thanks again for all the great advice and tips!

Gromit ~ Thanks for reinforcing the flashlight need and I have read about shipping with "island time" consideration and the EXACT labeling of the package! We were loyal Crystal Light consumers until we found SPARK! It comes in packets as well, but for a 2 week visit, I am going to take canisters!

Pia ~ A Keyring flashlight would be perfect to hang on the carry-on! I am looking forward to stopping in and meeting you...your new job sounds perfect!

liamsaunt ~ A buff or bandana for head/scalp protection while snorkeling is awesome advice. My husband and I were wondering if we should get our daughter a swimcap or not because she is so fair. If anyone sees a 10 year old, redhead wearing a long sleeve rash guard, that will be her! I love the idea of a journal. Great for the kids to write about their day before heading off to bed!

augie ~ Yes, the laptop will work as our journal and maybe we can even manage to send off a trip report from STJ

Hawaii ~ Yes, lotion is ALWAYS a part of my toiletry kit. I love the aloe after sun lotion. I will make sure to PM you my final list and how (IF) it all fits!

islandmom & Iluvstjohn ~ I plan on taking travel size of the necessities in the carry-on and shipping the larger bottles. We are a family of 4 and are going to be visiting STJ for 2 weeks so will need the larger bottles.

Sara-J ~ Thanks, I sent you a PM about how I went from a size 14 to a size 6. It was easy, but didn't hurt that I had STJ as an inspiration!

mkb ~ Thanks, clothes pins are being added...can double as chip clips!!! Hawaii noted...Baby powder is used when the sand is on your legs or wherever else. You just put some on the spot and comes off great. I was told this when I first had kids and we took a trip to the beach. It worked great especially in those diaper areas.

Thank you all again for the great advice! Let me know if you think of anything else!

Best wishes to all,
Jo

If you plan to cook in the villa send some of your favorite spices (that you can't buy at Ruth's) in little ziplock bags with labels.
I sent you a PM....
Sara

Hi Sara ~
Spices are added now to the ever growing list...THANK YOU!!! I still need to stop in to see Ruth and get some of her famous spices to use on island and for back home!
I sent you a PM too!
Best to you,
Jo

Just curious, how much does it cost to ship a box? Size? weight?

Flat rate boxes are the best- you can pack a lot of stuff in a $10 box! Give it at least a week to get here though. I had a friend who shipped sun screen, bug spray, toiletries, even some snacks via drugstore.com. Be prepared though- there free shipping takes at least a month to get here:) It will get here faster if you pay for extra.

polly wrote:Flat rate boxes are the best- you can pack a lot of stuff in a $10 box! Give it at least a week to get here though. I had a friend who shipped sun screen, bug spray, toiletries, even some snacks via drugstore.com. Be prepared though- there free shipping takes at least a month to get here:) It will get here faster if you pay for extra.

Thanks Polly.