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We've had a few bad months of ongoing elder parent health problems and I have had no time to devote to getting ready for our trip to St. John in August. Can anyone please address: 1) packing essentials 2) can we really rent good snorkel equipment? Regards, and thanks so much for your help.
Packing Essentials:
-Any food you'd like to cook that you really want to have...it can be hard to find specific items on the island; my husband and I bring meat in a cooler, which saves us a lot of money, but some would rather avoid the hassle...totally up to you.
- Swimming suit, beach towels (I've found that the ones provided by villas can be a little skimpy), bug spray, sun block.
As far as snorkeling equipment goes, I'd highly recommend that you buy your own and bring it down with you. It can actually be cheaper to purchase a pretty decent set than it is to rent...and then you don't have to worry about returning it, and you get to use your own stuff that doesn't have teethmarks in it 🙂
The first year we went to STJ, my husband and I rented snorkeling equipment at Cinnamon Bay...then the whole time we were snorkeling, we were worried about what time it was because we'd lose our deposit if we didn't get the equipment back in time. There are places you can rent from for week or more at a time, but I prefer my own...I know it fits me well, and it's kind of like underwear, I don't want to use anybody else's 🙂
O- Do a search on this forum for packing. There's some great info you'll find. I concur with TeresaRae about buying your own snorkel gear. Have a GREAT trip. Sounds like you really need the break!
Lisa in CT
1. Swimsuit
2. Shorts and/or capris (although I found my capris too hot and almost never wore them)
3. Second swimsuit
4. Top/shirt for wearing with shorts while walking around town
5. Casual skirt or pants and casual top/blouse (no halters) for evening restaurants, depending on how nice they are
6. Sturdy walking sandals you don't mind getting sandy and wet
7. Flip flops
8. Sunscreen
9. Bug spray
10. More sunscreen
11. More bug spray
12. Anti-itch lotion and Benadryl tablets
13. HAT!
14. Underwater camera (even a disposable is good)
15. Satchel or small backpack for lugging stuff to the beach
I went to the VI for 9 days and took only carry-ons (including snorkel gear, laptop computer, bulky underwater camera, and food for 3 days except perishable items). I highly recommend this option unless you are wanting to bring a lot of food. You don't really need a whole lot of clothes. I practically lived in my shorts and swimsuit the whole time I was there.
