trixiee Posted February 24, 2018 #1 Share Posted February 24, 2018 I promised DH I wouldn't pack "everything but the kitchen sink" this time. We're doing a 7 day Caribbean. Looking for tips to pack light - what is the one thing I should leave at home? ..Go! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted February 24, 2018 #2 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Often people take too many clothes. When you decide what to take drop a few of the items off your list. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxmantoo Posted February 24, 2018 #3 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Some folks have been known to bring a thermometer to measure the temperature of their eggs or hot chocolate :confused: I don't think I would bother ;) I would also leave my measuring tape at home; the actual size of the balcony in inches isn't that important to us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Eyes Are Sailing Posted February 24, 2018 #4 Share Posted February 24, 2018 I've never been able to pack light my whole life....a skill I never acquired. However, like a good Girl Scout, I am always prepared and have never needed something that I didn't bring along. I put a lot of thought into it. Everything has a purpose or possibly a need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted February 24, 2018 #5 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Depending on the port you are embarking from of course, and, assuming you are embarking from Florida.. one thing you can do is not pack a bunch of toiletries. Pick them up in your port, throw them in your bag and don't bring them home. Saves room and weight for your baggage. We all have a tendency to pack the "what if's". Best thing to do is to make a list or get out the stuff you plan to take and then take a hard look. Do you really need..... I find it helps if you do that, but that being said, I do believe in taking certain OTC drugs, band aids etc. especially when I am travelling to areas where they may be hard to find or have a lot of sea days. Different things work for different people. If you fail, I'd rather have 2 lighter bags than one super heavy bag. Easier to manage IMO. Good luck :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare *Miss G* Posted February 24, 2018 #6 Share Posted February 24, 2018 I lay out all the outfits I think I'd wear. Then I eliminate a third to a half of them. I accomplish this by choosing my favourites and putting the rest of them away. With shoes I decide which ones go with the most outfits and put the rest away. I also eliminate clothes that weigh a lot. If I find I really need something while I'm traveling I will buy it. But first I ask myself if I really need it or do I just really want it. That usually helps me walk away. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alberta Quilter Posted February 24, 2018 #7 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Coordinate your clothing/shoes. I went to a packing seminar in which the presenter packed a carry on suitcase with enough clothing/shoes for 14 days. Basically, for every bottom (pants, skirts, etc), have 3 - 5 tops. Use packing folders and cubes. Scarves are lightweight and can be used to dress up a casual outfit or just change the look. Wear your heaviest shoes and clothing on your travel days. And, yes, don't take all the shoes. You really only need two to three pairs: walking, dress and sandals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT1962 Posted February 24, 2018 #8 Share Posted February 24, 2018 The one thing I will definitely leave out in the future is a suit, since a dress shirt and tie is fine for formal / gala nights. One dress shirt and 2 ties covers both gala nights on a 7 day cruise. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
towhee Posted February 24, 2018 #9 Share Posted February 24, 2018 You can wear the same outfit twice. No one will notice, but you and perhaps your cabin mate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisemom42 Posted February 24, 2018 #10 Share Posted February 24, 2018 What I don't bring: pop-up clothes hamper over-door toiletries bag books (I have a Kindle instead) hair dryer duct tape night light or "fake candles" special cup for beverages ....and all the other "extra" stuff people frequently mention What I limit: Shoes (I bring 2 pairs of walking shoes because most of my cruises are in Europe; if in the Caribbean would only bring 1 pair of walking shoes, 1 pair of dressy shoes and one pair of casual sandals or flip flops) Purses (1 everyday, 1 small dress) Jewelry Make-up/Personal care (I decant into travel sizes) Also, I don't bring too many "what if" items. Almost anything can be purchased if really needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Copper10-8 Posted February 24, 2018 #11 Share Posted February 24, 2018 I promised DH I wouldn't pack "everything but the kitchen sink" this time. We're doing a 7 day Caribbean. Looking for tips to pack light - what is the one thing I should leave at home? ..Go! :D A drone :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trixiee Posted February 24, 2018 Author #12 Share Posted February 24, 2018 A "must pack" for me, are my running and work out clothes. I do try to limit my stuff to 2 workout outfits, and wash them in between Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talex831 Posted February 24, 2018 #13 Share Posted February 24, 2018 I leave DH at home! [emoji23][emoji23] Seriously though, he doesn’t like cruises so I cruise with my boys. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare albingirl Posted February 24, 2018 #14 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Also, if you are going to the Caribbean, you don't need a new bathing suit every day. I bring 2 or 3 for a 2 to 3 week stay. And shoes, one pair I'm wearing, one dressy, and one sandal. Kindle, one dress, some casual clothes and that's it. You can use the soap and shampoo provided on board. One place I don't skimp is for suntan lotion. Lots of it comes with me where ever I travel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted February 24, 2018 #15 Share Posted February 24, 2018 a drone :cool: LOL :D:');p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OlsSalt Posted February 24, 2018 #16 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Don't pick fewer clothes, pick lighter weight fabrics. Same for shoes. Pick silk, linen, cashmere and Bernie Mevs! And look for bargains of each on ebay so you don't mind shedding a few items to make room for souvenirs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Eyes Are Sailing Posted February 24, 2018 #17 Share Posted February 24, 2018 A drone :cool: That's just too funny!:D:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCLCrazy Posted February 24, 2018 #18 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Match several tops with one or two pairs of shorts. Beige shorts go with lots of tops. :) Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAllenTCY Posted February 25, 2018 #19 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Multi outlet extension cords. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeeniEncinitas Posted February 25, 2018 #20 Share Posted February 25, 2018 OMG 😆 LOL At hotel doing a 30 day from our home town on The Maasdam tomorrow!!! We are 20 plus cruises under our belt and pack light but still ??? Need I say more? One thing left at home 🙄 husbands fault our little bag with wine opener stoppers champagne stopper!! Never leave at home!!!! We brought some wine and he was upset it wasn’t packed thought he did. So was able to go to concierge and they opened it up👍 So for us we reverse it and say what not to forget! Have a wonderful cruise. Denise :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilvertoGold Posted February 25, 2018 #21 Share Posted February 25, 2018 OMG 😆 LOLAt hotel doing a 30 day from our home town on The Maasdam tomorrow!!! We are 20 plus cruises under our belt and pack light but still ??? Need I say more? One thing left at home 🙄 husbands fault our little bag with wine opener stoppers champagne stopper!! Never leave at home!!!! We brought some wine and he was upset it wasn’t packed thought he did. So was able to go to concierge and they opened it up👍 So for us we reverse it and say what not to forget! Have a wonderful cruise. Denise :) Super post! You're off on a great cruise - enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ithaca gal Posted February 25, 2018 #22 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Buy the $20 bag of laundry and you won't need to pack undies for every day. And then you can bring fewer outfits because you can wear it, launder it and wear it again. No one knows OR CARES. Same with pajamas or nightgowns -- get the $20 bag of laundry and just bring a couple of pj's or gowns. I will NOT cruise in the Caribbean without my RTIC cup. I refuse to drink watered down beverages. I fill it with things inside my suitcase, so it really takes up NO ROOM at all. Shoes. I agree with other posters: One pair dressy for all evenings, one neutral pair of sandals and one pair of walking shoes (in port and exercising, if interested, on the ship). Jewelry -- a pair of earrings and a necklace that goes with most outfits. You do not need to change your jewelry every day or every other day. Again, no one knows OR CARES. I use a beach bag as my purse when I board -- I don't need a purse when I'm on the ship or in ports -- the beach bag does double duty. If I need a clutch or Gala Nights, I stick it in the beach bag for boarding. Hope this helps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madera1 Posted February 25, 2018 #23 Share Posted February 25, 2018 OMG [emoji38] LOL At hotel doing a 30 day from our home town on The Maasdam tomorrow!!! We are 20 plus cruises under our belt and pack light but still ??? Need I say more? One thing left at home [emoji849] husbands fault our little bag with wine opener stoppers champagne stopper!! Never leave at home!!!! We brought some wine and he was upset it wasn’t packed thought he did. So was able to go to concierge and they opened it up[emoji106] So for us we reverse it and say what not to forget! Have a wonderful cruise. Denise :) Oh no. My husband always makes sure he has a corkscrew but tend to not need stoppers as seldom have leftovers. See you on board in two weeks! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare *Miss G* Posted February 25, 2018 #24 Share Posted February 25, 2018 OMG 😆 LOLAt hotel doing a 30 day from our home town on The Maasdam tomorrow!!! We are 20 plus cruises under our belt and pack light but still ??? Need I say more? One thing left at home 🙄 husbands fault our little bag with wine opener stoppers champagne stopper!! Never leave at home!!!! We brought some wine and he was upset it wasn’t packed thought he did. So was able to go to concierge and they opened it up👍 So for us we reverse it and say what not to forget! Have a wonderful cruise. Denise :) How exciting for you Denise! Have a wonderful cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted February 25, 2018 #25 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Best way to pack light would be to ignore most packing lists on CC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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