Must pack items for a TS vacation.

[Hoc]

Try blowing up several balloons. Tie them to several chairs in the airstream of the air conditioner and the motion detector. Be sure the air conditioner is running before you go out. Good luck!

Blowing them up might not work, but if you went to a store and got a couple of helium filled ones. . . . brilliant!

 

[spitubbe]

Hi all! How would you transport a Laptop Computer and Video Camera on a flight to Orlando? I already have one "carryon bag" and my purse, hubby could carry the computer if necessary. What do you all suggest?

I speak from experience in saying, if it is a laptop, don't let it out of your site. I had checked it to a bellhop once and they gave it a toss on the cart, loss part of the screen resolution and had to have it repaired, $700. Electronics are best kept in your possession. My wife and I always keep all ipods, cameras, laptops, dvd players in the carry-on, if not, you could pay the price of missing or damaged goods.

 

[susieq]

Hi all! How would you transport a Laptop Computer and Video Camera on a flight to Orlando? I already have one "carryon bag" and my purse, hubby could carry the computer if necessary. What do you all suggest?

How about combining your purse & the camera bag ~~ just take the wallet from your purse, and anything else you "must" have on you, put them in the camera bag, and pack an empty or nearly empty purse into your checked luggage. Just carry on the camera bag with your wallet inside ~~ worked for us for years.

Sue

 

[Whirl]

Packing Cubes follow-up....

how do they compare to the bags that Rick steves sells?

Hmmm. I have seen those but never owned or handled them, so I don't know. Essentially, the concept is the same...I think LL.Bean sells something similar, too. I read about them on the Rick Steve's site, but I think these were cheaper ( and more color choices once I started assigning colors to family members), although they have gone up a bit in the last year or so. Ebags customer service has been good. Had a problem with one set once ( my first) where the mesh in the corner was not caught in the stitching....they just send a whole new set. No hassle!

wow - think I have to try them.

Give them a shot. They really help you keep your act together.


Sorry for delayed reply....the thread got so long, I didn't notice your responses.

Cheryl

 

[vegasdiscounts]

More Timeshare Ideas

I travel often, and that Dentist has the right idea. BUT, I always use Fabreze Antimicrobial! It kills germs, etc on the beds and chairs. Makes clothes smell good too, if you pack light and they start to stink.

 

[MikeM132]

we bought several of those "spacebag" travel bags (you roll out the air instead of the vacuum cleaner). They are pretty good at reducing size. I always take either a small gym bag or briefcase as my only carry on. I keep the cameras, mp3 player, printouts of reservations, etc in there. Also keep the battery chargers, etc. plus some food items for plane. This is always small enough to go under the seat. I don't want to hassle with finding overhead space with everyone else who carries-on gigantic bags and stows them many rows away from their seats because there is not room. I only pack enough clothes for about 4 days then use the washing machine. I wear one pair of long pants and my "dress" shoes (usually boat mocs--they come off quick for the TSA people). I don't bring a laptop if I can help it because it is a a gigantic pain to carry and at the TSA spot where you have to remove it from the bag, etc.. I have a PocketPC smartphone that is a reasonable substitute (for most thngs). We always bring some tablet detergent, salt/pepper, and I think that's about it for the timeshare. We never bring food--buy it there. We found Hawaii grocery prices were not anywhere near as bad as I'd heard. If you have pants that don't need a belt or a belt without metal, you'll save some hassle on the TSA line. It takes me a few mintues to get everything off and in those bins---I hate that part of the trip the most.

 

[Lindalu]

More Packing Tips

In 2004, my DH and I spent a week in St. Thomas where it rained every single day .. for hours at a time!! We were unprepared for this weather. I keep the 2 umbrellas we bought in our duffel bag.

I also pack a candle and lighter (power failures) or to make the room smell nice. I also pack a small flashlight. (Most of the Island lost power too.)

When cruising I pack a highlighter. It's easier to spot time and location of the activities you want to attend.

Linda

 

[JT62]

I always pack some basic medical stuff. For our family, that's Excedrin (for me), some junior motrin (the kids), and Tums.

ThenI also bring along a few basic first aid items........bandaids, antiseptic lotion, and sunburn lotion.

It's just easier to have these items on hand

JT

 

[skimble]

summary

While there are some GREAT suggestions here, this thread is hard to sift through.
Clothing suggestions are nice, but clothing ideas are usually dependent on the location and the individual.
Food suggestions are wonderful and have their place...
I think this sticky thread is meant to be an easy guide listing suggested items to pack (those basic things we wish we had remembered.) Most foods are easy to shop for when you get to your location... forgeting a spice, detergent, or first aide supplies can become inconvenient and costly.
Here's a summative list of items to bring from this thread:

Air freshener
Candles & matches
Clorox cleanups
Laundry detergent
Small dish detergent
Mini-box of dryer sheets
Straws
Ziplock bags in various sizes
Foil
Large plastic cups for pool use
Advil & tylenol, bandaids, & antibiotic cream, antihistamine
Basic medical stuff. For our family, that's Excedrin (for me), some junior motrin (the kids), and Tums.
Cocktail shaker & shot glass
Toothpicks
Ice cream scooper!

Coffee in a ziploc bag
Coffee fliters,
Flour in a ziploc bag
Sugar in a ziploc bag
Non-stick spray like Pam
Individual packets of dishwasher soap
Seasonings: fajita, chili powder, cinnamon, etc
"Spice packs"
Vegetable oil
Sweet & low, sugar

Sudoku, crossword & deck of cards, pad of paper & pencils
Laptop Computer
Pillow for the car
Corkscrew
Fannie packs
Pack a cooler
Night lite
A few REAL light bulbs—not the energy savers.
Wood chips or a plank for barbequing

 

[kjsgrammy]

SKIMBLE: Thanks for suggesting the ice cream scoop. Can't believe how many times we've gotten to a ts unit and there is no scoop - just bent large spoons! I've added the scoop to our vacation item list.

 

[mtwingcpa]

I usually travel light with only carry-on luggage. My standard "formula" is:

3 shirts
2 pants
1 swimsuit
3 - 5 changes underwear
1 fleece vest
1 rain parka/windbreaker
1 pair shoes
personal items in zip lock bag

This is basically a "warm weather" list and includes what I wear while traveling. I will add or modify based on the specific destination or activities. And, it assumes that I will probably do laundry at some point along the way.

Packing for cold weather, or for a "business" activity along the way, is more of a challenge. In those cases I usually can't make it work with strictly carry-on luggage.

 

[Cathyb]

Double trouble

I take a medium size canvas Land's End bag and stuff a small purse inside plus a few other things and use it as a 'purse'when getting on plane. Upon return I always seem to fill it up to the brim but it counts as one item.

Rather than roll t-shirts, I lay one on top of another and then fold the stack lengthwise. I am biggish and tall so it works best for me. Of course you fill your shoes with small items.

Maui here we come (in two days)

 

[Born2Travel]

Me too....

I take a medium size canvas Land's End bag and stuff a small purse inside plus a few other things and use it as a 'purse'when getting on plane. Upon return I always seem to fill it up to the brim but it counts as one item.

Rather than roll t-shirts, I lay one on top of another and then fold the stack lengthwise. I am biggish and tall so it works best for me. Of course you fill your shoes with small items.

Maui here we come (in two days)

===================================================
I do this too - except I found a great bag that converts to several other items when you arrive at your destination (purse, backpack, clutch, tote, etc.)

I've recently started using packing cubes and I take about 4 items at a time (all tank tops or all t-shirts, etc) lay them flat and then fold them all together - seems easier and I think it cuts down on the wrinkles. I'm always looking for ways to lighten my bags... I never want to "forget" anything!!!

- Have fun in Maui - we were there for two weeks in April (as usual) and I can't wait to get back.

 

[ladycody]

Alright...adding my methods
(this is based on a 1 week stay...I'd reduce clothing etc for shorter stays)

I think I need to look into the packing cubes...but short of that...this is the plan for me.

1 laptop case (generally semi-hard sides) with:
aluminum foil
clear wrap
small baggies
no-stick spray
spices
laundry detergent
room scent (candles and spray)
toiletries (In ziplocks to prevent spillage messes: moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, razors, aftershave, hairspray, q-tips, cologne/perfume)

Carry-on*:
snacks & toys(if kids are going)
book(s)
bathing suits
toothpaste & toothbrushes
deoderant
glasses/contacts
sunblock
eyeliner (it's my only girly concession that I use daily)
medication (motrin, neosporin, bandaids, and prescriptions)
camera
cell-phones
chargers for whatever we're bringing
travel chess/checkers set
small (24 disc) travel pac with cd's and dvd's
travel itineraries/tickets
purse

Jacket/fleece (even if heading to warm areas...nights can be chilly depending on what you're wearing)

*(if you're wearing decent clothing designed for your destination and your luggage gets lost...you're still good to go with this carry-on)

Luggage:
clothing appropriate for destination...as little as possible to get by (consider that most of us have a washer/dryer or access to one)
mini bag (little 5 inch flat square that unfolds into a duffel bag in case we get stupid and feel the need to buy everything in sight and bring it home with us)

If going to a drive-to resort:
cooler with:
frozen meats & fish
veggies
pre-made pancakes or french toast (easy to nuke...no cleanup)
butter
syrup
eggs
ham (sliced thin for sandwiches/thick for breakfast)
bread
crackers
cheese
grapes and apples
condiments (small mayo, ketchup, mustard, ranch or ceasar)


*if going close by with the kids we'll usually pack more kids toys (playstation and legos) and board games too... for use in the car and while at the resort during down time or rainy days.

 

[DeniseM]

While there are some GREAT suggestions here, this thread is hard to sift through.
Clothing suggestions are nice, but clothing ideas are usually dependent on the location and the individual.
Food suggestions are wonderful and have their place...
I think this sticky thread is meant to be an easy guide listing suggested items to pack (those basic things we wish we had remembered.)

There is a (huge) comprehensive list here: http://www.tug2.net/advice/AR-checklist.html

Personally, I like to travel as light as possible, and if it can't fit in my carry-on, it doesn't go! So I appreciate the packing light tips!

 

[skimble]

I usually travel light with only carry-on luggage. My standard "formula" is:

3 shirts
2 pants
1 swimsuit
3 - 5 changes underwear
1 fleece vest
1 rain parka/windbreaker
1 pair shoes
personal items in zip lock bag

.

Ummm.... don't you usually stay for a week?

 

[DeniseM]

Ummm.... don't you usually stay for a week?

That's all we take too - with timesharing you almost always have w/d access and we throw a load in every other night or so.

 

[mtwingcpa]

Ummm.... don't you usually stay for a week?

As I noted later in my message, I typically do laundry at some point along the way. For me, this is the key to traveling "carry-on" for a week-long trip. Underwear tends to be one of the bulkiest things I pack. I like heavy socks in my walking shoes...and I walk a LOT.

 

[pittle]

I buy some of the pre-packed coffee packs at Sam's or Costco to take for coffee. I put however many I will need in a zip-lock and it makes it so convenient. Luckily, we both drink our coffee black.

We take more swimsuits than shorts & shirts since we spend most our time around a pool or on the beach on our winter vacations. Undies and swimsuits do not take up much space and are light weight. DH wears swimsuits as shorts most of the time. We generally do laundry one day anyway, so we take one carry-on each for a 1-2 week vacation.

I always have extra undies, shorts & a swimsuit in my carry-on whenever I check luggage. It is just a safety precaution. We've been known to take a rolling cooler that we check - it can hold snacks, air mattress, clothes, etc. It does come in handy in places with small refrigerators.

 

[Kauai Kid]

Make a list, excel works great, and then keep refining it after each trip. It will get smaller and smaller. You don't need two 26" pullmans for Hawaii.

If you are staying for more than one week, get a $20 cooler over there with wheels, and use it to cart groceries back and forth to the condo, and for picnics, and then just leave it.

Sterling

 

[Born2Travel]

We are all different...

Make a list, excel works great, and then keep refining it after each trip. It will get smaller and smaller. You don't need two 26" pullmans for Hawaii.

If you are staying for more than one week, get a $20 cooler over there with wheels, and use it to cart groceries back and forth to the condo, and for picnics, and then just leave it.

Sterling

I believe the list is constantly changing for everyone - my list changes with each trip. I DO need two 26" pullmans for Hawaii (don't ask!!) - but I DON'T need a cooler for groceries - we eat out most of the time - that's half the fun for us. Everyone has different tastes and needs so I read all of the tips, take the ones I think can help me and leave the rest for those who are interested in those tips. - Thanks everyone for the ones I have been able to use - please keep adding to the list, it's fun to read everyone's idea of the "perfect" list.

 

[Kauai Kid]

I believe the list is constantly changing for everyone - my list changes with each trip. I DO need two 26" pullmans for Hawaii (don't ask!!) - but I DON'T need a cooler for groceries - we eat out most of the time - that's half the fun for us. Everyone has different tastes and needs so I read all of the tips, take the ones I think can help me and leave the rest for those who are interested in those tips. - Thanks everyone for the ones I have been able to use - please keep adding to the list, it's fun to read everyone's idea of the "perfect" list.

Try a picnic at one of the many beautiful spots on Hawaii. That's a lot of fun too.

 

[In The Pink]

Deleted.

Duplicate post removed. Consider "your hand slapped". Please review the rules for posting on TUG, and refrain from duplicate postings in the future.

 

[pjrose]

What NOT to bring

All the lists here are great - lots of fun reading them! I've never had the experience of a smelly TS, so candles, Febreze, etc never occurred to me.

We also have a computer list - it starts with all the things to get or do before we go (mail, paper, thermostat, etc), and ends with what NOT to bring - e.g. the things we previously brought and never used. This "don't pack" list has been especially valuable when we're tempted to bring something that we *might* need, and then read in all caps "DO NOT BRING (whatever it is) - we never used it!"

The what-to-bring list even enumerates how many sunscreens to bring - we used to bring too many bottles and not need them all.

The last page of the list is for groceries to pick up when we get there - makes shopping quick and easy!

Our essentials mimic lots of the ones already listed. A few additions are:

small WD-40 for squeaky doors (we once got some sample packs somewhere and now keep one in each toiletries kit),

large-ish bright clothespins to clip beach towels on to lounge chairs. Also helpful for closing chip bags, pulling together curtains that don't quite close and let the sun in too early, or clipping skirts, pants, etc to wire hangers.

2" square bright fabric tags, marked with our name and unit number, along with large safety pins or diaper pins, to pin to our beach towels.

Sharpie indelible marker to mark beach balls, inner tubes, and the like.

Immodium (little green pills) just-in-case we end up running to the bathroom

Several times on trips out of the country I've gotten bad skin irritations - once from an allergy to mango skin and other times from who-knows-what - my Dr. was nice enough to prescribe me some "just in case" Prednisone. I didn't need it for 2 years, but this year something gave me an itchy rashes on my legs and arms - after 3-4 days of aloe, solarcaine, etc, I took the Prednisone and the itchies were gone in a day.

Extra prescription glasses from the previous year - usually don't need them, but a few times when glasses broke it was great to have a back-up!
Glasses screwdriver/screws/nosepad kit
extra glasses case(s) - to put them in while in the water.

dental wax in case your kids are in braces and something is poking them
retainer case

ear plugs in case you have trouble sleeping with noisy A/C etc.

insulated water-bottle holder on a shoulder-strap - great for taking to the pool/beach, and even better if there's a little zip pocket on it for your room key/card.

paperback books, including a few extras to leave there.

There's probably more - but that's the best I can do at 2AM!

 

[Abyssscuba]

Computer carry on

Fianlly figured out computer and carry on for me at least. I bought a back pack whcih has computer compartment also. Its hands free so it is easier when struggling with hkids or other luggage till you get it checked, then i can also take a purse if needed. Or hubby can back pack it! works great on vacation also for carrying around on tours again hands free or beach stuff.