Best packing cubes and carry on cooler

[Carolyn]

I'm starting to make my list for Santa and would like to get some packing cubes and also a large soft sided carry on cooler that might have a travel sleeve that fits over the telescoping handle of a suitcase. We mostly travel to the Caribbean and I am thinking of preparing a few frozen meals (such as dream dinners) to take with us. Has anyone had a problem taking something like this thru security in the US or bringing into the islands? Also what are your favorite packing cubes and what sizes are the best? Thanks!!

 

[DeniseM]

Be careful taking frozen liquids through security. For instances sauces or gravies may be disallowed unless they are frozen solid. Once they start to thaw, they are considered a liquid and fall under the liquids rules.

 

[brother coony]

It depends on the Island you are going to, the smaller Island that have to import everything may not give you a Problem, but the Larger Islands like Jamaica dont allowed food onlest its a seal can,I always check with each Island tourist board, as someone may take an item thats not allowed, but get it thru custom, and tell you its ok, so you take it ,and next thing its taken from you,today you can go on the web, pull up the Island website you are going to, and call or email there tourist board and get the right answers

 

[Born2Travel]

Packing cubes

I have mostly E-bags and Eagle Creek - and I have several different varieties and colors. I probably use the medium size the most, then the small ones. I only use the larger ones on the bottom of the bag for jeans and large items. The smaller ones are good for separating items and tucking into smaller places. The slim ones are good too. I use different colors so I can easily spot which cube I'm looking for. I don't think I could pack without them now. Oh, and the soft ones are better than the plastic ones. They allow more air circulation and will "squish" into smaller places better.

 

[LisaRex]

When going to St. John, I wrapped my meat up in freezer bags and placed it in a Thermos flat soft-sided cooler inside my checked-in suitcase. Being in the non-temperature controlled luggage compartment works in your favor because it's cold in there.

I use(d) the Raya 9-can tote and ice mats. Found them both at Target.

http://www.thermos.com/product_catalog.aspx?CatCode=COOL

 

[Carolyn]

When going to St. John, I wrapped my meat up in freezer bags and placed it in a Thermos flat soft-sided cooler inside my checked-in suitcase. Being in the non-temperature controlled luggage compartment works in your favor because it's cold in there.

I use(d) the Raya 9-can tote and ice mats. Found them both at Target.

http://www.thermos.com/product_catalog.aspx?CatCode=COOL

I did this once going to St. Lucia and our luggage didn't make it until 24 hours after we arrived at the resort! That's why I prefer to carry on now. That Raya 9 can tote looks like a cute purse. I bet you take that to the beach too.