USVI-On-Line

So we are going carry-on, but before i start overpacking an undersized bag, i was wondering what y'all take w/you when you do carry-on...

I'm figuring since we have laundry in our villa that perhaps i could get away w/one each of: bathing suit, socks, sandals, shorts, shirt, snorkel mask, toiletries (in 3oz sizes).

Do i need pants/slacks? should i worry about bringing seasonsings? and how much does sun screen cost on island (if it's under 20bucks i'm cool)?

Also, any tips on unique little things that can improve the trip that i'm not thinking of would be greatly appreciated

TY forum...for your collective wisdom is amazing!



VayCay

I paid around $14-15 for the Coppertone spray 50 spf sunscreen in February at the drug store. The non-spray type was cheaper.

You may find decent seasons at your villa, or not. We had a good streak of 3 very well stocked kitchens but had bare cupboards last trip. Same thing with sunscreens, in '05 and '06, there was a large basket at the villa with lots of nearly full bottles.

I wouldn't take slacks.

We pay $9.99 for spray-on sunscreen in DC and have four people with four different skin types. So, we take one bag down checked with our no-allowed materials and go back with carry-on only.

With a roll-on carry-on suitcase shared between two people we get (per person):
- 2 shorts
- one bathing suit
- 3 button up shirts
- 2 t-shirts
- books
- toiletries

plus
- ipod stereo
- cameras

Snorkel gear in a 2-person shared bag.

Our long packing list is at: http://www.garvin.us/STJ/New_Visitors_G ... ml#Packing

Cheers, RickG

We used to only go carry-on for years no matter where we went. But, with everyone else doing carry-on only now to VI the overheads are way more packed then they used to be and with some bags that are actually oversized. This year we're checking one case and bringing things we normally haven't before. I would ship some ahead like I do to Hawaii, but I can get things from the east coast all the way to Hawaii much faster and cheaper then from the east coast to St. John.

You know, I shipped two boxes priority usps to Connections this time. I dropped them at my post office at 7 PM last Thursday evening. One box was to St. John by 10:15 AM on Monday, and the other arrived at noon on Tuesday! I think I just have a lucky post office, because I know it's not that fast for everyone. But, I had the same experience for both trips last year.

VayCay, if you can fit it, I would bring two each of the clothes items--that way you don't have to do laundry every day. I'd definitely at least bring two shirts. You don't need long slacks.

Since it's chilly when we depart DC, I bought a pair of lightweight pants that zip off above the knee. Love them. Im looking for some for the boys now too. That makes one pair of shorts you dont have to pack!

Personal preference, but I'd bring at least two swimming suits. You will practically live in your suit while you’re there so it’s nice to have more than one. But more importantly, it's humid there and they don't always dry overnight...there's nothing worse than putting on a damp swimming suit

Also, I’d suggest at least a few shirts and anything else you’ll wear every day. Even though you’ll have laundry, water is scarce there and you’ll be advised to skimp as much as possible (like not flushing for #1 and turning the water off while soaping up in the shower, etc). So laundering small loads frequently isn’t really advisable.

Kesa
Try sportsmansguide.com 14.00 a pair for the zip offs both for adults and kids

Ohhh, thank you waterguy!

DELETED

Note to you carry on only's .......please don't take up all the overhead space.......thanks.

I travel a lot for work and that is a pet peeve of mine. Some people just refuse to put stuff under the seat in front of them. I've been on flights many times when the flight attendant will announce that small things need to be moved out of the over-head bins and people still refuse, and then other people are forced to check their carry-on baggage. It's just rude.

Teresa_Rae, Mr. Ksea gets so aggrivated about that too. He will unpack the entire overhead compartment and re pack it the way he sees fit. Any misc jackets, hats and other small items are handed back to their owners to put under their seat. All the while he is ranting about how un-smart people are. I bury my head somewhere and wait for it to be over.

I sent a box of sunscreen, shampoo, condition, and bug spray ahead of time, but after paying postage, I think it probably doesn't save that much. Next time I'll just buy it there. Our villa actually provided shampoo and conditioner that was very good. I think it's best to take an inventory of the villa and then go shopping to see what you need. Often there is condiments, bug spray, olive oil, sugar, etc. so you don't necessarily need to buy that stuff or haul it from home.

As far as my carry-on, I take a wheeled suitcase that barely slides in the overhead front to back, but it does fit fine. In that I can put 5 pr. of shorts, 10 tops, 4 swimsuits, 4 coverups, 4 pr. of sandals, PJ's, undies, neat sheet, snorkel and mask, and a sarong or two. Tight fit, but it will zip. Then I take a tote bag that doubles as my beach bag and in that I take a small purse or two, camera and accessories, wallet and other paperwork, jewelry bag, makeup, ziplock bag with my 3 oz. containers nearly busting out of it, vitamins and other suppliments, I-pod, book, and various first aid and medical supplies.

So, as you see, you can travel with carry-on and still overpack. I just like choices.