USVI-On-Line

I am hoping that I can cram all my stuff in one suitcase and just carry it on the plane, but what about sunscreen, shampoo, lotion, what did you do with that kind of stuff? I know I am going to need a ton of sunscreen

Chelsea Drugstore has everything you need in that area that you can't carry on.

Carebare,

When I went in May, I put it in my roll-on and hoped they didn't find it. They didn't but that is risky. This trip, I'm shipping it down ahead of time. The other option is to buy it there.

You'll love carrying on - it's liberating to not have to wait for your luggage when you arrive. You just grab your rum punch and hop in a taxi!

Happy travels!
NancyB

For things that I don't need a ton of, like shampoo, conditioner, face lotion, etc., I just put those in <3 oz. containers and carry-on. I buy sunscreen once I get on the island. I didn't find sunscreen to be significantly more expensive on St. John than what I would pay at my local Target.

My wife and I both manage with Carry-on only. Could never do any other way. 3oz per person of most products is plenty for a week. We both take 2 containers of sunscreen each and never use it all.

I'd be careful with the generic 3oz bottles you buy empty and fill. My understanding is they must be labeled product to make it through TSA. I haven't taken any chances... anybody had their unlabeled bottles taken?

My advice; Lotions, shampoo, pump soap and body wash- buy it on the island. Bring solid deodorant, small shaving cream, and a small travel toothpaste. Stuffing quart size TSA Ziplocs is no picnic.

Consider sending a box ahead of you to the Mail Center. Takes 4-7 days, put your snorkels, masks, neat sheet, spices, zip loc bags, aforementioned special lotions, whetstone to sharpen dull villa knives etc

To us the cost of $30? is better than checking or renting the snorkeling stuff there. The day before you leave just go to the PO in Cruz Bay and send it home....

Steve -

Not true, the generic bottles make it through security just fine. I've used them plenty of times. The problem is that the bottle makers used to make them all in 4 oz. sizes before the new rules, so be sure you're buying 3 oz. containers.

I also always take toiletries home with me from hotels and empty those out and put my own products in. Those little bottles are great for face moisturizer, hair gel and the like.

Steve S wrote:...My understanding is they must be labeled product to make it through TSA.

I travel nearly every week with my "undercover" bottles. Although it is good to be cautious, I have never had a problem and I have not noticed anyone else having a problem either.

We are trying the carry-on only route the next time. Since we are mailing our snorkle bag, we are going to send our favorite -- but very dangrous -- liquids in the box.

JIM

Every March we ship a package (bug spray, notions, snorkel gear etc.) to Connections in Cruz Bay. We LCVE the service and it allows us to travel carry-on only. The process is very easy. Simply email the girls at Connections asking to set up an account. Provide your name, address, phone number, local contact, arrival date, number of packages you are sending and the date you are sending it. If you are sending more than one package...label 1of2 2of2 (for expample). Print your last name very clearly on each side of your box for easy identification. They will charge a nominal fee for holding the package depending on how large it is and how long they have to trip over it! HA! We have found over the years that the best results come from using Connections physical address AND PO Box number...for whatever reason. The girls are great and will gladly help you with any questions!

http://www.connectionsstjohn.com/

We always ship priority with confirmation. You will receive a tracking number that you can use online to confirm receipt of your package. We ship two weeks before we plan on arriving on island! Good Luck! You'll love it!

36 & Counting...

You can get quite a bit in those quart bags if done right. Had no trouble with the generic 3oz bottles just marked spf 15 and 30 no problems. The #%^%$#&*^ took my peanut butter for my P&J sandwiches. Like others said run out just pick more up.

Very good info...My husband and I want to do carry-ons...-we have a friend that works for TSA at Logan and he said you should take the quart-sized bag that has your 3 oz products out of the carry-on and put it in the tray with your shoes, belt, etc...that way they don't have to dig thru the bag looking for it...you can also have one personal item, like a shoulder-bag, backpack, purse he said you can fill that up pretty good too...as long as it fits in the overhead or under your seat you should be fine...we are going to try to travel light! I don't really plan on wearing a lot of clothes while i'm there!

We had no problem with generic bottles filled with shampoo. I found sunblock wipes and bug spray wipes, which I could pack in my carry on becaues they aren't liquid. Also found small bottles of sunblock and Repel at REI and put those in the ziplocks for security.

I bought body lotion on island, but I'm more picky about face lotion, so I stocked up on sample packets (I use Arbonne, and got some from the local rep.) I also hit up my dermatologist neighbor for some lotion samples and my hairdresses for some shampoo and conditioner samples. I saved samples whenever I saw them... health club, etc.

You'll love carry on. So much faster than waiting for your luggage, and I even had more clothes than I needed.