Well, the suitcases are coming out today. Clothes (most of them) are folded and ready for their spacebags. Toiletries will be all packed tomorrow. Have this week to wind down work and we're almost there!

I friend sent me this about some essential items we will need for PIP....(lol)

Click here to check out the essntial items! :D

Oh boy, Kathy, you are very organized. My suitcases will come up tomorrow for airing, but I have not started ironing yet. I have piles of things around the house, but still a few things to buy, and lots to do!

I travel with a suit bag (on wheels), so I iron slowly, constructing hangers full of outfits. I won't fill the bag up until a couple of days before we leave.

You flying out on Monday the 16th, right?

Tooooo funny, Kathy!!!!!!!!!

Betty

No we're leaving on the 17th. This is the first time I will be going somewhere and not packing the night before. I still have a few minor things to get, but, for the most part, we could go tomorrow (Don't I wish?)

Betty - I agree with you - Way too funny, Kathy!!! LOL!! Except for the thong strategically placed, I'd swear that one of those lovely ladies is me!!!!

Wendy & Kathy, I've got all my clothes in my suitcase, ironed, folded and in ziplock bags. Now I'm working on the misc. items.

I still have just a few little things to shop for, but almost done. I also need to get all my paperwork gathered up and put in my accordian folder for my travel purse. I THINK I'm getting in decent shape. But you know that goes. No matter how much we try, there are still so many things to do at the last minute. Oh well . . . .

Question for Kathy & Cyndi, Do the spacebags and ziplock bags wrinkle your clothes a lot? Maybe you pack things that don't matter about the wrinkles. Do the bags work well keeping out the air?

Woops, I forgot to add a handy hint my Daughter told me about. If you have a larger prescription bottle handy, place your finger nail polish inside for protection. Good idea for other small breakable stuff. :D

Mounds - I'm certainly no expert. I've only used the ziplock bags twice now and have never used the spacebags. If something is prone to wrinkling a lot, it still may wrinkle some. But things don't wrinkle as much because they don't slide around in the suitcase. By stacking the folded clothes in the ziplock bag, they help each other stay in place. I don't take all the air out, I leave just a little air in. In my opinion, that keeps the clothes from wrinkling. When you take all the air out, the clothes get all squished together and just look like they are already getting wrinkled. I'd certainly be open to others opinions, though. I could be wrong about how I'm doing it.

Another reason to use the ziplock bags is to keep things dry. I've heard horror stories about suitcases being left out in the rain for hours or even being dropped in the ocean by mistake when the crew was transporting them to the ship.

Also, many people say that when the clothes are packed in clear ziplock bags, the airport security people like that better because they can easily see what you have and then they don't mess up all your carefully planned packing by rummaging through loose clothes in the suitcase.

Any other opinions?

First and foremost - I am green with envy! Sure wish Alan and I were packing for PIP too! :(

We've used both the ziplock bags and the space bags. I really recommend using one or the other. You'd be amazed at how much you can get into your luggage after squishing all the air out of the bags. It also makes for great organization, rather than the clothes remaining loose in the suitcase. Especially, underwear and socks. Everything is compact. And, this method did cut down on wrinkling.

We also cover suits, dress shirts, skirts, dresses, etc. with long dry cleaner bags before hanging them in the wardrobe suitcase.

YOU GUYS ARE GONNA HAVE SO MUCH FUN!!!

Now, back to sulking for me! :(

On our last trip we used the Eagle Creek packing folders and I was very impressed with how wrinkle free our clothes were. They also made for a very organized suitcase. We did use the space saver bags, but only for dirty items on the way home.

Denise, Oh, I wish you were going on PIP too!!! You would add a special touch to the group.

So you do squish all the air out - and things don't wrinkle? I think I'll experiment and try it this time with the bags with my T-shirts and see what happens. Can't go too wrong with T-shirts :) I definitely will squish all the air out of the underwear, socks, etc. Can't wrinkle those and it will save space. I've all heard about the dry cleaner bags. Luckily, this trip we don't have to worry about that - all resort casual!!!

You are allowed a little sulk. Then go back to your big smile and think of your Baltics cruise!! Then I'll be sulking :D :D

Thanks, Cyndi, for your sweet words!

Sulking to cease in a little less than 3 months! Sure wish you were sailing with us!

Based on experience - the 3 months will FLY!!!!! What fun!!!

I actually have the Brookstone "space" bags and some Samsonite brand of the same item (from Costco). Those Eagle Creek packing cases look intereting .I find that when you squish the air out it just makes more room to take more stuff and then the bags are really heavy! If you pack with things carefully folded (Shirt collars inside for example) the wrinkles are minimal. Those bags are really great for the dirty laundry on the way home too. If you aren't careful, call Tony for lessons on using the Rowenta!
I like that the TSA people aren't handling my stuff with their gloves that have handled other peoples dirty clothes too. I'm pretty finicky about that.

One warning about the space bags....after you "squish" everything and fill your suitcase, weigh it...it's very easy to be go over your limit thanks to these space savers. You may actually be able to use a smaller bag and still be at the allowable weight.

Luggage designers plan for an average weight in a certain space, the bags seem to change that formula.

P.S. At the end of your cruise, you'll have to ask your room steward to "vacumn" your packing! LOL

I too use a wardrobe suitcase (suitbag, on wheels). I use the dry-cleaning bags to great effect, usually putting one outfit in a bag, but sometimes putting three or four men's shirts inside one (have to limit the number of hangers.

I love that bag, but it necessitates carrying another regular suitcase--not much room in this one for other kinds of clothes. It's heavy, but it wheels very nicely, and my matching carryon attaches to the top. The regular suitcase will contain the casual wear. And this way we accomplish the "mix and match"--if one suitcase gets lost, we will both have clothes, albeit all dressy or all casual! I only use a spacebag for undies. Comes in handy for dirt stuff coming back as well.

My carryon will contain cosmetics, camera, jewellery, airplane reading material, a change of clothes, my bathing suit, and a pareo!

All you PIP people, I feel the excitement building for your wonderful cruise. You are going to have sooo much fun, and I am happy for you!

Denise, You are not alone. I have my own "pity party" going on, 'cause I am not going on PIP.
While the PIPsters are motu...ing, this will be me.

Just color me green!!

Betty

Kathy, very cute. I am taking several pairs of thongs, but don't worry, they will be on my feet!
We use the spacebags as well. The cheapies from Target/Walmart work great. You stuff them, zip them, and roll them. This forces the air out through a valve. I've found the wrinkles are usually only wherever the item was folded. I was hesitant about the wrinkling, but found them to be very worthwhile. Less wrinkles, and more room! But, Margo is right. After using them, you realize how much room you have left. It's very tempting to throw in a few more outfits, and before you know it, your bag weighs 100lbs. I don't think Tahiti will be such a problem. The clothes are lighter (in my case anyway). I'm definitely taking less than I would to say, Europe during the winter. The first time we used them going over to Europe I was so worried, I had sweaters, heavy things. A full suitcase literally became half a suit case after using the bags. My problem is the shoes!! I must think I'm Karen! On DDD I think she had like 20something pairs. I have nowhere near that number, but even 7-8 pair are taking up too much room.
To you guys that aren't going, <img border="0" alt="[c]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" /> shame on you! We want you there! I suppose we will have to a raise a glass to you in your absence!

You guys are going to have such a great time. The board will be very quiet while you are gone and those of us left behind will be doing the usual things, i.e. eating kebabs, doing laundry, sulking with Denise...Will be waiting to hear a report when you return.

Trish

I'll do my best to report in while we are gone and at least try to share some of the fun.

I got some paper goods - cocktail napkins, cups and plates for our progressive party today - Fish/Ocean themed!

I am still in baggage denial. Baggage - do we need stinkin' baggage (apologies to Bogart)? :eek: Do we really leave in a week and a half? :eek: :eek:

It'll be a Friday morning special throw-a-thon into the gaping maws of the empty suitcases around here if past performance is any indication ..

Looking forward to meeting all of you! We will be boarding with a special project for any of the PIPsters who are game. All I'll tell you at this point is Ngaire didn't deep-six the idea. Hope you enjoy! Cheers, Anne (and Gary who reminds you he is Sgt. Schultz - he knows NOTHING)

Anne,

Just don't forget your swimsuits and sunscreen - we probably have enough extra everything else for 1/2 the ship!

Someone (nameless) told me she was bringing 20 pairs of shoes.

Just a guess, but it has to be either Sheri or Kimmie (maybe Suzanne? nah...)

I resent(represent)that! :D :D Karen is the shoe queen, but she isn't going so.....hmmmm, I'm thinking it's Cyndi. Although, I will admit I do currently have about 12 pairs lined up. But, several of them are for the beach, pool (flipflops). They don't count.

I hear no evil and speak no evil about my cruise buddies.

!

You are right, Kimmie, flip flops don't count! I am on a cruise with Karen in October, and she was thinking about reducing the shoe thing. Just wouldn't be her. Maybe if I had all those shoes I would bring them too!

Can I smash the shoes down in those space saver bags? Now that would be sweet.

Relief!

Now that I have been informed that flip flops (even bejeweled and sequined ones??) don't count, I'm only bringing about 12 pair of shoes!! I feel much better...

My big problem (shoes are never a problem) is that I bought 6 different "floatation devices" for Motu days ranging from lounge chairs to florescent inner tubes to a Mickey Mouse air float (even bought an air pump). The plan was to see what was the most feasable for packing and then leave it on the PG. Problem is, I put all the receipts in a "safe place" (probably with LeeAnn's air tix) and now can't find them. Good thing I have a pool!

Sheri will come with 20 pairs of shoes and leave with 5 because she'll have lost them all! :D

Masaki

Ain't that the truth!

At the risk of getting a reputation for being too serious (I already have that reputation here at home), I try to keep my shoes down to 3 or 4 on a trip like this. I know, I know, I'm a traitor to my gender, etc. etc.

But I will make a bet with whoever, that you will not wear half the stuff you bring, shoes or clothes. Even I, on my third trip, will end up not wearing some of the clothes that I am bringing, and I'm on for two weeks.

Oh, and my reef shoes don't count!

Now, on the subject of jewellery ...

I'm beginning to think that I must be "shoe challenged" as I was TRYING to keep my # of shoes down. I didn't know we were supposed to bring 12 - 20 pairs!!!! I've packed 4 pairs for our evenings, wearing sneakers on the plane over (I'll wear on some excursions) and bringing 2 pairs of flip flops and my water (reef) shoes. I'm still trying to be practical. Buy you guys are breaking down my resolve :D

Suzanne - I can't wait to see all your shoes!!

Denise, Betty K., Trish and other "left behinds", it's pitty part for PIP for us or...ppfPIP!

About the packing, I've used the space saver bags for bulky things and Alan's shirts but I've never packed everything in bags. Something to consider. Sometimes I roll clothes. Also, I put tissue paper or drycleaner bags between my clothes when folding and a drycleaner bag between layers of clothing in my suitcase. Really cuts down on wrinkles.

My motto is wear everything I take. Ok so maybe I have to change clothes alot but I'm determined to wear it all!

Good advice, Donna. I guess I will be changing often!

I do have about 16 paid of shoes (really sandals) and flip flops laid out, but, I will probably put a few pairs back. I can't decide!

Donna, good advice. And in the tropical heat, several changes a day are in order, for sure. Especially when you come back from a hard day in the water, and then you have late afternoon on the ship, before dressing for dinner!

But Cyndi, I'm bringing only 2 pairs of shoes for evening, and one of them is a pair of sandals that I can wear during the day as well. So you can all laugh at me every night I guess! :rolleyes:

Just read this thread.

For those interested (which will be zero I know) I am prepared to give a lecture on how to travel with two pairs of shoes. One on your feet and one in the bag. I will of course add that I also dont think reef shoes count. I may bring one extra pair or you may all come over and "egg" my cabin.

Ken did revolt on the shoe issue. I had one pair black/brown - can be worn with anything. He recently bought a nice pair of black shoes for formal nights. Said since he carries the cases he can put things in the cases. So it is two pairs of shoes for him now in the suitcase. I said "fair enough".

AHEM!!! I just read this, and FYI, I have never traveled with more than 3 pairs of shoes!!!!!! Not even my 3-week cruise to Australia & New Zealand. :D In fact, I sometimes try to get away with 2!
I MIGHT splurge and go crazy on this trip and take 4!!! :eek:

I can't pack until the night before, because I end up throwing more in each day...and I forget what I packed. You guys are ALL more organized than me. HOWEVER, I don't think I have forgotten much over the years....perhaps the occasional toothbrush or toothpaste.

One bit of advice, which has probably been said often here in my absence...take more than enough film (for the old fashioned cameras)...it's outrageously expensive there, and sits in the heat for too long.

Ngaire, I am sorry I will miss your lecture, I have always wondered how to wear 2 left shoes ;)

If I learn your secret, I can leave all the right footed shoes home and save a ton of space!

Well yes that is true Karen I have been in trouble before. I guess I had better bring one extra pair to make up for lack of common sense to be sure I have one matching pair. You made me laugh with that post.

Sheri - it sounds like you are a victim of guilt by association (w/Suzanne!!) I can't remember how many shoes I took on the Aust/NZ cruise, but it wasn't more than 4 pairs.

Ngaire - I won't let anyone "egg" your cabin. Sign me up for any lecture on travel tips. Can never get enough.

Karen - I still like your idea about having space saver bags for shoes. Come up with that and you can be a millionaire!!

Donna - I like your answer to justifying all the clothes brought!!! I can do that.

Kimmi, Suzanne & Kathy - Let us know how many pairs you end up with. And, how you pack them all :) What sizes do you wear? Maybe you can rent them out when you aren't wearing them to those of us who are jealous. :D :D

Wendy - I won't laugh at you at all. I'll be taking notes of how I can lighten my suitcase for next time!!