French Polynesia - Bora Bora or bust! Part Four

*** I'm sad to say that Blog 3 b. disappeared shortly after I completed it. It needs to be redone and will hopefully be up soon.                     

                                                 PACKING ESSENTIALS

I must say that packing is sometimes a problem. It's easier to comment on this now, after the fact, to detail what I did correctly, and what might have been excessive luggage. Actually, I'm an experienced enough traveller now that pretty much everything I need goes into one small suitcase and an even smaller carry on bag.

Without a doubt sunscreen and insect repellent are obvious must haves. Even parts of my body that were totally covered, burned in about ten minutes. Understand that it is currently winter, such as it is in French Polynesia. I did not use too much insect repellent despite the fact that we went in rainy season...take a small size.

Water shoes or water socks of some description  are essential. Many of the French Polynesian beaches have rocks and coral which can be challenging to negotiate in bare feet. A waterproof shoe bag is also handy for when you remove and carry this wet and sandy footwear.

If you have a cell phone that you carry with you, it might be worthwhile to invest in a cell phone cover such as this one (left).  I'm not saying it will save the device if it falls in the ocean, but I found that it was helpful on excursions, particularly on boats and catamarans. There are often rogue splashes that come without warning. This one even has an around the neck attachment so that it's easily accessible. Speaking of around the neck and easy access, experienced cruisers know that a lanyard is a great way to hold your ship card. It affords easy access to the card for use on the ship and for getting on and off the ship.

Other than these extras, I recommend a small first aid kit with essential medications, bandaids, and polysporin, towel clips, clothes pins, a hat, wet wipes, some form of  antifog lens cleaner. Otherwise, it takes awhile for lenses to clear when going into the heat from the air conditioning. It's just long enough to miss some special photo opportunities.

As far as clothing goes, it all depends on the type of trip. We were fortunate to have laundry services with a three day turn around included on our cruise. I still washed a few items by hand. They seemed to dry well.

Other than that, t-shirts, capris, bathing suit and coverups, and a nice sun dress along with a more dressy outfit are usually essential.  My dinner outfit had black and white pants, a camisole and cover up type matching coat. I mixed and matched the cami (white to black) and the covering for a different look. Black pants are always practical as well. Go easy on the shoes. I took a pair of almost flat dressy sandals, Birkenstocks for daily use, and water shoes. They don't use much luggage space. I wore running shoes on the plane (had to, it was snowing when we left) and left my boots and coat in the car in the airport parking lot. I put on a two layers of clothing covered by a windbreaker/rain type jacket for the flight, removed pieces and put them in my carry on as the trip progressed.

I am proud to say that I wore everything that I packed. That's often not the case if we pack too much.

Packing for Pack Rats and Pachiderms

I am currently procrastinating. I am fearful of packing for my three day weekend trip to Bermuda. I thought I had it all figured out...a carry on bag and a purse. I would colour co-ordinate my clothing and take only red, white and blue items, just like the British flag. Of course, the clothing pieces would be few, and all would be relatively conservative and multifunctional.

I have always admired people who could go on major vacations with only a small suitcase, so I thought this would be a good opportunity for me to try it. It certainly makes life easier, expedites travel and with some airlines, saves money. 

My friend just announced that she would be taking a "real" suitcase. She had a good argument. Lots of space in case you buy something. You never know what you might need. You don't know for sure whether it will be hot, cold or in between. Everyone else will have to wait for luggage before getting on the hotel bus, so we wouldn't save time.

Now, I'm conflicted. She'll have more "stuff" than me. I might be envious. After all, taking only a carry on bag does not allow for many things which some people deem essential. Corkscrews, scissors, gallon tubs of wrinkle cream, matches, knives, hair cementing products, drinks and spare cannisters of butane are definitely not permitted. On the other hand, they are fine in luggage, although, depending on the uniqueness of the item, there might be the risk of finding a government baggage inspection slip in your suitcase.

At the moment, I have set out 2 pairs of long pants, three jackets, 4 t-shirts, two camisoles, 2 dresses, one navy silk outfit, a bathing suit and wrap, one pair of shorts, two additional pairs of shoes, drugs, undergarments, socks, toiletries, cosmetics, hair products, makeup, camera equipment, a flashlight, money, tickets, passport and a c-pap machine. I wonder if that's enough for 3 days? What if it rains? Should I take an umbrella and raincoat as well?

I believe I've made up my mind. I'll try the carry on for my next overnight adventure. For this particular trip however, I too shall take a "real" suitcase.