In need of some packing advice...

[spub]

Clarity-

Just my experience. My first trip to Jamaica was an impromptu trip from Florida in 1975. I was there with a friend, and when she left I decided (on some advice from a couple that had just returned) to go to Negril. I had one hard sided suitcase and an old guitar. In those days, you either bought a ticket for 6 weeks or less, or more than six weeks. I bought the cheaper one thinking "I won't stay anywhere near that long". Almost three months later I showed up at the airport with my 6 week ticket. After it was determined that I actually had NO MORE MONEY they just told me "Get on di plane mon". Since I've started going back with my wife over the last 7 or 8 years I've been back 16 or 17 times. Everyone with just a carry on. My wife also is just carry on (besides her huge purse ;>).We go for between 10 and 12 days each time. We have never had a problem running out of anything (except maybe money ;>). We've learned over the course of time that we can get many things in Jamaica as cheap or cheaper than in the states. Shampoo, creme, conditioner etc.. We also leave anything not used behind for the staff. Also, I've been on many types of planes from many airlines (USAir, Delta United, American) and have NEVER had a problem with my carry on fitting either in overhead storage or under the seat. Whatever you decide I know you will have a great trip. As I'll be in Negril at the same time (4-17 - 4-27) hopefully I'll run into you and Marcus at the beach (or canoe, or the Jungle, or wherever ;>). I'll be the thin guy with the chinese tattoo on his back.

Respect

Kirt

[Angel]

Ok Clarity if you go for the bags you vacuum don't forget you need to vacuum them to get them home. In Jamaica may be harder to do.there are bags you can roll to get the air out. I personally check bags. and have a carryon. also going from place to place and moving the clothes around is another adventure. Whatever you settle on the main thing is have a nice trip.

[booger]

I'm a check bag guy, as I tend to bring all sorts of schwag with me.

Thanks for the tip on the Chinese lanterns, I have a 10 pack on the way to add to my schwag.

Now when I travel and hit multilple spots, it's all about weight and I get by with next to nothing. Since my bags will go from the airport, to a car, to my hotel it's not a big deal. Hell, I was even considering bringing an inflatable kayak for this reach.

[Ann Theresa]

Clarity....I only do carry-on's....and half the time I have my stuff plus some of my kids stuff....snorkels and masks and stuff. I could go away for 12 days easy with a carry on, large purse, and a fanny pack for my camera and passport, money and lipstick. 4 bathing suits, 4 shorts, 6 t-shirts, 2 skirts, 4 tank tops, and 2 or 3 sundresses in the carry on, and of course your unmentionables...wear a jogging suit and sneakers or jeans and a light jacket on the plane. 2 or 3 pairs of sandels stuffed in my large purse and your snorkel gear. I also have a very small travel hairdryer, and a small makeup and jewelry bag. Plus there is room to bring things down to give away...coloring books, lipsticks, ect. Now...the only problem I had with carry on is on the way back if I want to bring back some liquor....had to give away a bottle of Jameson at the airport....the airport worker I gave it to didn't have a problem with it though....LOL
You can do it Clarity....especially if you are going to be moving around...you don't want to be packing and unpacking....live out of the carry on.....just think about how good it will be to fly right by all those people waiting in line....and you're in the cab drinking a red stripe.....and swimming before everybody else even gets to their hotel.....keep it simple and have a blast!

[cinnni]

Clarity....I use ziplock baggies when i want to "vacuum seal" my clothes. You just have to kneel on them and keep squishing the air out of them. I got 4 tankinis on a gallons sized baggie and I am not all tiny like you And you'd be surprised how many panties you can fit in a baggie too lol.

[Patty Sather]

This Patty Sather THE JUDGE situation has the entire pool of competitors heading back to the drawing board in consideration of an appropriate winning strategy. I'm considering some sort of Red Bull Flugtag like human winged manatee get up... http://www.redbullflugtagusa.com/

HAHAHA!!!!! there has to be something to say about creativity! I love it .........get that in a suitcase.......

[irieworld]

I would say pay the 30 dollars for one checked suitcase for the comfort of having enough stuff with you. Honestly collecting bagsfrom baggage claim in JA was never an issue for me and in 15 trips never a bag lost. I am always so excited to be there that I could care less about a short wait. That said, I know you travel from SF--so maybe added hassle when changing planes on the way back? I would rather have a few pair of shoes (one nice pair of sandals, one pair of sneakers or water shoes, and one pair of flip flops) and enough stuff to get by with minimal clothes washing. True you can wash and hang things--but thicker items don't dry well in humidity and/or rain. I have done it both ways and after a couple of times with just carry on--switched to checked bag. I take my snorkel gear as a carry on and my lap top as my personal item--so checked bag was necessary.

[tfw73]

I am aiming for just carry-ons for ten nights this trip. Our luggage was 'delayed' our last time in Negril and it was stressful. I think the thing that is going to give me a problem is the shampoo and conditioner type stuff.

[BCBud]

I am aiming for just carry-ons for ten nights this trip. Our luggage was 'delayed' our last time in Negril and it was stressful. I think the thing that is going to give me a problem is the shampoo and conditioner type stuff.

I love the Jamaican produced shampoos, conditioners and skin lotions (I have dry hair as do a lot of JA ladies) and most shops in Negril carry them (including Valumaster and HiLo as well as smaller shops such as Shamrock Grocery Store on the beach) ... but I do buy the imported from USA insect repellant and sunscreen which are available at the Negril pharmacies if the other stores do not carry them.

[SweetSue]

I use the zip lock baggies also - do you know you can get TWO (2) Gallon size also? One would probably compress at least a couple days worth of stuff. For the return trip home, you can always use one for any damp bathing suits you may be traveling with. Plus, if you really have to, you could check one of your carry on bags to transport home any liquid refreshment you purchase before going to the airport. I always travel with a little nylon sack that I can clip onto the outside of my bag but unfolds to a good size perfect for the overflow.

You can do it!!!

Isn't it funny how this particular topic is guaranteed to generate a plethora of responses no matter how many times the question is posed?