Must pack items for a TS vacation.

[Zac495]

Pack wine glasses in your carry on bag if you plan on drinking
wine on the plane. Flight attendants thought that was hilarious -
wine tastes better out of glasses.

 

[jme]

When flying...

Best thing we ever did was to start using a neon green belt around our black luggage (each one simply clicks shut), so that when the bags come off the ramp at Baggage Claim, we can see them immediately, and no one is ever tempted to mess with them. A plain black bag, which EVERYONE has, is just too hard to run up to for ID, and if you have black bags, you could conceivably be checking every single bag as they travel around the circle. Take the plunge and purchase the cheap neon green (or whatever color) belt, and wrap one around each bag checked for flying! You can see them when they FIRST appear at the top of the ramp, even before they fall and begin the circuitous journey.....jme

 

[LadyPhoenix]

Any funky fabric will do...

Best thing we ever did was to start using a neon green belt around our black luggage (each one simply clicks shut), so that when the bags come off the ramp at Baggage Claim, we can see them immediately, and no one is ever tempted to mess with them. A plain black bag, which EVERYONE has, is just too hard to run up to for ID, and if you have black bags, you could conceivably be checking every single bag as they travel around the circle. Take the plunge and purchase the cheap neon green (or whatever color) belt, and wrap one around each bag checked for flying! You can see them when they FIRST appear at the top of the ramp, even before they fall and begin the circuitous journey.....jme

Last December, we began using "junk" fabric from my sewing box. I cut several foot-long strips of one of the "funky" pieces of fabric (preferably silk or poly/cotton blend), tie each strip around the handle of each luggage piece we're taking, and keep a piece inside my carry-on bag as a informal piece of i.d. The fabric's too unique as an identifier...and MUCH cheaper than purchasing a belt. If you don't sew, then use a no-longer-used pillowcase or clothing!

 

[kjsgrammy]

Packing Cube question

Ok, maybe I haven't had enough coffee yet today. Was just going thru this thread and cannot grasp the understanding of "packing cubes". I don't see the benefit in them, say vs. storage/space bags. Am I missing something? Went to the website for ebags and checked them out, but still don't understand why one would use them. Can someone explain this to me?

 

[Mydogs2big]

I think I pack about the same as others here.

I can only add that I pack one of those underwater cases, to protect and hold money, key, license, credit card while I snorkel, wave-run etc.

I also pack large freezer bags to fill with ice and put in my soft cooler (for leaks and fresh ice)

I take a couple leak-proof garbage bags and if I want I can use them in my empty suitcase as a spare fridge. (some fridges are dinky)

I also take a few individually wrapped bug-off towelettes.

Oh yeah, I bring two old thin towels. They fold up small, dry fast and travel light.

 

[Courts]

Ok, maybe I haven't had enough coffee yet today. Was just going thru this thread and cannot grasp the understanding of "packing cubes". I don't see the benefit in them, say vs. storage/space bags. Am I missing something? Went to the website for ebags and checked them out, but still don't understand why one would use them. Can someone explain this to me?

Organize, organize. They help organize your stuff, but most important unpacking is a snap. Just take cubes out and throw into drawers (keeps clothes from picking up dust from drawers).

Unfortunately my wife refuses to leave things in the cubes. She insists on "unpacking" everything from the cubes into the drawers. :ignore:

Oh well, I tried to organize (and thought I was saving her some time ).

.

 

[Fletcher921]

We always save the think wire hangers that come back from the dry cleaners and throw them in our luggage. We leave them there when we check out.

I try to keep an updated list our recipe file on a web-based mail server so we can cook what we feel like - if we get the urge...

I bring a scented candle to burn to get rid of any unpleasant smells.

 

[naudette]

I just read this thread for the first time and think it's great. We always take an extension cord and walkie talkies.


About the post from the guy and the air conditioning in Hawaii. I immediately thought of the helium balloon but saw that someone did mention it. Anyway, I gave a neighbor kid a Happy Birthday helium balloon one year. Then they went out of town and one day I was laying in our pool and their security alarm kept going off. Then came the police. Twice. I had a key to he house but not the passcode for the monitoring company. What a mess! Yep, it was the helium balloon that kept setting off the security alarm.

Guys, you can quite reading now...the next part is for the ladies only!


This may be TMI...but it's happened to me so I go prepared. I always take an antibiotic for bladder infections and medication for yeast infections. There is nothing worse that being in your bathing suit for 4-5 days and oops...quess what you get? So my doctor is more than happy to give me a prescription. If I don't need the pills, I just keep them until they expire ( actually they're good for awhile after that as well), then get a new prescription.

 

[quince]

my list edits....

83 posts....and more ideas! Depends on whether you drive or fly too!

We take travel cups for coffee and use them by the pool and in the spa! (Coffee, wine, beer....)

Try a mystic maid cleaning cloth...windows and eyeglasses, etc.

I take zip ties for my luggage...instead of locks.

Pool goggles? Sun hats? Beach towels?

Flip flops for pool or bathrooms.

and now my GPS unit too!

 

[lls91]

Hi,
My husband and I each have backpacks that we use for that extra carryon.
We each carry a quick change of clothing, (swimsuit & coverup if you can't check in right away) snacks, a book or magazine,jewelery, plane tickets, passport and whatever else we need quickly. I store a small purse in mine that I use on vacation. If stored in the packback it isn't an extra carryon. I'm sure a laptop or camcorder could be stored easily. The best part is that it's on your back and not hanging on your shoulder!! We use the backpacks when we go shopping after we get to our resort. They are really great for hauling groceries. Beer or pop isn't so heavy when it isn't hanging on a shoulder!

 

[Jestjoan]

We had a helium balloon episode like your neighbor. Our security company was not amused nor were we. We had to come home from a party at the lake to turn off the alarm. The attic siren wasn't working (unbeknown to us) so that was a good thing for our neighbors.

 

[LadyPhoenix]

And this has WHAT to do with "Favorite Packing Tips" LOL

 

[Rmelnyk]

Europe

Ok now, I am traveling to Prague, Budapest and Freiburg for three weeks (2T/S.) So I need to travel lite. The lists are great, and I keep jumping up and down when I read a new list to throw a new item in the bag, but now I am over packing. I am trying the Rick Steve's way, but?????????? I am going to use trains for the first two weeks before renting a car, so have to keep my bag with me. April in Prague, Budapest?...weather? etc.
Thanks

 

[Jestjoan]

Fellow Buckeye

My post was in response to post #83 in this thread and a caveat about having helium balloons in your house if you have a alarm system.

 

[wa.mama]

traveling with carry on only in Europe

Ok now, I am traveling to Prague, Budapest and Freiburg for three weeks (2T/S.) So I need to travel lite. The lists are great, and I keep jumping up and down when I read a new list to throw a new item in the bag, but now I am over packing. I am trying the Rick Steve's way, but?????????? I am going to use trains for the first two weeks before renting a car, so have to keep my bag with me. April in Prague, Budapest?...weather? etc.
Thanks

I stole this list from someone on another travel board, but it works well for me if traveling to urban places:

I am packed to go in a 22 inch rollaboard and a medium duffle. I used five packing cubes and this is what I have packed:

3 pairs black slacks/one pair black dressier jeans
5 tops/tees for day in cotton/spandex fabric
4 dressier tops/turtlenecks for evening
2 running outfits
underwear for 5 days, will wash or have laundered as needed/trouser socks
2 pashminas/scarves
One Totes black jacket for rain
One nice cardigan

Running shoes
Two pair walking shoes
Umbrella
Two books
ipod

mid heeled leather boots for evenings (worn on plane)


I find that the fabrics you choose will make a big difference. Microfiber mixes don't wrinkle and fold down to almost nothing. I also always carry a small, compressable tote bag that can hold extra stuff on the return.


Now, on a timeshare note, since we usually are with kids I always do the following:

pack a swimsuit for each kid in my carry on - there's nothing like getting someplace warm without your luggage, with whiny kids wanting to swim.

pack small boxes of cereal in case there's nothing on the flight to eat (the airline always has milk and a cup/spoon).

I also research the area and preload the GPS with the addresses of the TS, close grocery stores, restaurants, and attractions that we want to visit. I download copies of car, hotel, and plane reservations onto my laptop or handheld. I always have an extra scanned copy of our passports and driver's license and medical cards on my laptop.

My daughter, on the other hand, always brings a framed photo of her dog wherever we go...

 

[goodnighter]

squeaky doors at ts

I always pack Pam cooking spray, it pulls double duty at the ts. I use it to stop the squeaks on the doors as well as for cooking at the ts and at home also. You will not need to bring the wd-40 anymore. Thanks for all the info I will have to check out those packing cubes sounds ideal for us.

goodnighter

 

[pjrose]

Best thing we ever did was to start using a neon green belt around our black luggage (each one simply clicks shut), so that when the bags come off the ramp at Baggage Claim, we can see them immediately, and no one is ever tempted to mess with them. A plain black bag, which EVERYONE has, is just too hard to run up to for ID, and if you have black bags, you could conceivably be checking every single bag as they travel around the circle. Take the plunge and purchase the cheap neon green (or whatever color) belt, and wrap one around each bag checked for flying! You can see them when they FIRST appear at the top of the ramp, even before they fall and begin the circuitous journey.....jme

We did this with rainbow-striped belts - easy to click on and off - and the belts were cut! They were still on the luggage because we had wrapped them a few times around the metal rods at the back of the bags (though the clicker was right up front and center easy to get to). I guess the luggage inspection people found it easier and or faster to just cut through straps than unclick them. Now we use fabric scraps instead.

 

[coupon_casey]

What to take with you to TS

I'm sitting here cutting out my coupons, and just thought of something I need to add to my Kitchen supplies.

The new Ziploc Zip and Steam bags. They are great, supper easy and fast for healthy steamed veggies. Perfect for a quick dinner.

 

[UWSurfer]

We found cold brew iced tea bags very handy on our last trip. They weigh nothing, don't require hot water and you simply fill the pitcher up with water, drop in a few bags, stir and stick in the fridge.

Saved some time, and concerns about the tea pot & whether the pitcher would stand up to boiling water without melting.

 

[Rmelnyk]

Just returned from Prague, Budapest and the west side of Germany at Erlenbruck..."BRING LITE BULBS AND OR A ATTACHABLE READING LAMP." Most places had 25-40 watt bulbs and CFL's that threw no lite. Maybe electricity is expensive...but like Hawaii, sometimes you have to pay extra for air conditioning. For sure coffee filters, sugar and S & P packets.
Roman

 

[luv2vacation]

I always carry a compact 4-outlet surge protector (it's very small & thin). This comes in very handy for plugging in multiple cell phone chargers, battery chargers, etc. Some places just don't have enough accessible outlets, especially if you're only in a studio.

I really like the suggestion for a list on your computer. I can't believe as much time as I spend on the computer, I NEVER thought of that. I actually write my list out before every vacation (I cross things off as I pack them), which is at least 4-5 times/year, and I'm always so afraid I'll forget something. What a DUNCE! Now, I'll make a list & can just print it before each vacation - to check off.

Thanks!!

 

[eakhat]

Organized Packing Lists

My niece goes one step further. She has a list for each type of trip and has a printout of them in a 3-ring binder. When she is getting ready for a particular trip, she takes that list out and puts it into another binder. The list is in a plastic protector, and as she packs items, she crosses them off on the plastic using an overhead pen. She brings the binder along and records anything else she should have taken or doesn't need to be taken any more. She also uses the list to be sure she has everything on the return trip. When she gets home, she wipes the plastic guide clean and puts the list back in her main binder (or changes the list if needed with additions/deletions.)

 

[Polly Metallic]

I haven't read through the whole list yet, but one item comes to mind that we always say we need, but never remember to pack: a night light. I don't know about you, but we find it next to impossible to stumble around at night in the dark, groping our way in an unfamilar condo to locate the bathroom. We end up leaving the bathroom light on, or some other light, so we can find our way without killing ourselves. A little night light plugged in a bedroom outlet would solve the problem.

 

[Fern Modena]

I bring a smallish "shake" flashlight that I got at Walgreen's for under $5. I used to bring along a regular one till it got turned on in the luggage once and arrived on a cruise DOA. With the shake light I just shake it for about 30 seconds before we go to bed, then set it on the nightstand. Whoever needs it just grabs it and turns it on...long as I remember to charge it by shaking it before we go to sleep, its no problem.

I also have a bigger one in the computer room, above the computer. I have a large lantern in the living room, but the only time I needed it, I almost couldn't find it from the office...its dark in here with no lights.

Fern

 

[rsnash]

Just got another great tip from a friend. When you're going someplace where you will be renting a car and parking in large parking lots (like Disney!!), bring something to mark your car (a flag or small stuffed toy?). Your car is going to look like every other rental car!

This reminds me of one time in Atlanta. I go out to the parking lot to join dh, who had gone out before me to start the car. I get there, "the car won't start, we need to call the rental company." I get in, indeed the car won't start. Key turns but it won't start. A few minutes later, another couple walks up, "I believe you're in our car!?" Sure enough, our car was right next to it. One was silver, the other was a light metallic blue. But who remembers that? What's more amazing is our key opened their car, although of course we couldn't start it.

Note for next trip: bring a piece of ribbon or yarn to tie to antenna!

Non-stick spray like Pam

Several people mention Pam. Is there a concern about packing aerosol for a plane trip? Here's a non-aerosol, greener solution: get a Kitchen Spritzer. You fill it with oil of your choosing and pump it for aerosol pressure. I also use a silicone basting brush and put a bit of oil in a dish to use to wipe pans with just a touch of oil.

On a driving trip, I'll bring a non-stick skillet. Might buy a cheap one locally for our Orlando trip at the grocery store. We mostly make breakfast in the room and that means a lot of egg beater omelets.