USVI-On-Line

Why has my brain turned to mush for this trip? I can't even fathom what I need for this trip. Is is shorts and tee shirt weather? Do I need any long pants? Is a light sweater or jacket enough? What about a shirt for snorkeling? I'm really out of it!
Thanks!!!

It doesn't matter.....that's the best part about going to STJ. Don't take long pants or sweatshirts - I'm sure you'll be warm enough after coming from a northern climate. A light shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up is probably all that you'll need at night. Besides, there are plenty of souvenir sweatshirts in the shops if you're not warm enough. Don't overpack.

Another thread noted that water temps are in the upper 70's to low 80's. That's plenty warm for northern types. Again, you can always pick up a rashguard on the island if you think you need it.

Everyone always takes twice as many clothes as what is needed.

Our one Dec trip was VERY warm during the day but I brought one pair of jeans. I like wearing jeans & tank tops at night. It was perfect at the beach bar.No sweater needed the whole week.

I always take a light sweatshirt and a light pair of long pants to the Caribbean. I tend to get cool in the evenings (yes, even in the tropics!), especially if there is a breeze. If you run hot, then its not necessary. I almost always need it and my hubby never needs it.

We wear dive skins for snorkeling because I get sunburned very easily. That sun can burn your back and back of legs while snorkeling, even if the water feels a little cool. I would recommend a T-shirt or rash guard, and lots of sun lotion on the back of your legs. We are usually in the water for over an hour, so we need protection. I even got my hubby to wear a do-rag (with pirates!) to protect the top of his head.

I always over-pack, so now I put out the clothes I want on the bed, then take half of them back out before packing (seriously). Several shorts, T-shirts, 2 swimsuits, 2 coverup sundresses, water sandals, nice sandals for me. We go for 12 days, so I plan to wash things out.

Some must bring things for us that may jog your memory:
camera gear
snorkel gear
sensitive skin sun lotion (other stuff makes me break out)
contact lens solution (can be hard to find on islands)
presecription sunglasses
cell phones and charger
credit card and lots of money

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Earlier this month I found the need for my lighweight long pants and my light zip up hoodie. I wear them on the plane so I have them if I need them.

You seem to be forgetting to take me!

My list would include:

snorkle gear
rashguard shirts
cameras
chargers
Off clip-on repelants/refills
batteries/recharger if applicable
passports/drivers licenses
dive log books
credit cards/cash
perscriptions




We bring a cooler full of frozen meat. Don't forget to get it out of the freezer before you leave. I always wear long pants and shoes on the plane. It's just something we frequesnt fliers think about.

There must be more but I can't think of it now. Besides, I'm apparently not going! You didn't invite me -- yet.

I am availble.

JIM

Oh, I didn't know you were available or I would have asked!!! We do have an extra bedroom! I'm looking for a great travel outfit for the trip down and back. any suggestions? I'm looking for some type of knit with pockets but I'm not having any luck.

I like to wear a light knit jogging suit with a zip up jacket. I layer that over a short sleeved or sleeveless T-shirt and slip on shoes of some sort to make it easy in the airport. Then I put a pair of shorts and flip flops in my carry on so that I can change when we get to St. Thomas (and take off the jacket of course). The heat and humidity always hits me as soon as I get off the plane when I've come from cold weather. That way I'm not sweaty and wilted (or stinky) by the time the ferry gets me to STJ.

I'm just working on my packing list for next month. Here's what I've got so far:
Clothes: half of what I think I need. Nothing fancy. One long-sleeved light shirt for those days with too much sun, or a cool evening. At least 2 swimsuits (hate putting on a wet one).
Shoes: one pair of flip flops and one pair of sturdy hiking sandals (Tevas). I look like a dork and wear them with socks on the plane. I've brought tennies before and NEVER worn them, except on the plane.
Beach stuff: snorkel gear; beach bag/ mesh gear bag; Neat sheet or old flat bedsheet (for under the towels on the beach); sunglasses; hat for hubby (thinning hair); water bottle; sunscreen (lots); lens-defogger
Toiletries: usual personal stuff (deodorant, shampoo, etc. ); bug spray; Auro-dry (or other product for removing water from ears); dramamine (for boat rides); benadryl (tablets and cream for bug bites); prescriptions;
Miscellaneous: Bag o'bags (this is something I always bring on any trip... an assorted collection of sandwich, 1 quart, and gallon zip-locks, all folded and put into 1 bag. Hubby always makes fun of me on this until we need one. ); chargers for phones; camera; extra batteries; cribbage board; trashy novels;
Food: we haven't decided if we're bringing any this time. Now that there's so many more choices for groceries on island, it's less of a priority. It'll depend on my planning energy.

That's all I've got so far. On the plane, I wear a comfortable pair of light cotton pants, a tank top with a long-sleeved light shirt/jacket over it. When I get to STT, off with the long sleeves and off with the socks. I always pack 1 swimsuit, a pair of shorts, and a tank in my carryon just in case the luggage gets lost. I can manage a day or two on that.

We use the off-site parking at the airport, where they pick you up by your car. We wear our winter parkas until they are at the car, dump them in the trunk, and hop into the heated van. Same thing in reverse. Just a lot colder putting on those cold coats on the way back. Even better....... arrange a (good) friend for drop/off and pickup, and let them bring the coats!

Hope this helps. Wish we were going next week, but only 30 days to go. Enjoy your trip!

thanks! we are still trying to decide on bringing food or not. I know the price of meat and quality on not the same but do we want to bother....Have fun on your trip!!

A machate "sp"

Cash, Credit Card and a great attitude. Relax, your on vacation, if you forget anything just buy it except for what's listed above Passport & drivers lic. Can't buy that!

I do like to ship some stuff. Lots of sunscreen... It is worth the cost. I use a large one price box from the post office and fill the rest with any thing else that wont go in my carry on or food. Other wise I keep it really simple. 3 pr of shorts, a dress/coverup, underware, 2 swim suits, 3 tshirts or tank shirts, Keens, flops. I wear slacks, a long sleeve shirt, socks with my keens and a jacket on the plane. I wash while I am there. I would rather wash than pack too much.

I'm with Dan & Ruby on the pack less situation.
Bugspray/lotion,benadryl,sunblock/lotion,ziploc bags of all proportions for the beach,first aid kit, flashlights, power cords for anything that needs to be charged, and we reserve one of our check-in luggage items for a softsided cooler to bring down frozen oj and other juices, assorted meats(steaks, chicken, burgers & dogs-like you needed THAT spelled out to you... ) & cheeses, as well as breakfast food-(bacon, porkroll, etc...).
It's not so much that we're trying to be frugal,-(we eat out A LOT anyway... ), it's just more along the lines of having what we need to fill the fridge as soon as we arrive (aside from the obvious essentials that we buy there- salad stuff, buns/bread/ ice, beer & booze,etc...) that helps cut down on food shopping, allowing more beach time. We tend to try to enjoy feeling "at home" as soon as we hit the villa. The same rule applies for over-packing food as it does for clothing;- Don't do it!
Don't forget to "cut off the mail"!
Have a blast, and don't forget to pack your
Smiles-
MJ

Half the clothes, twice the money.