This is kind of a silly question.<BR><BR>I am curious for all of those who have traveled to Australia, how many suitcases do you usually take with you? I plan on taking 1, but then there is always the extra things you have from your travels and of course shopping that seem to accumulate and make closing that suitcase a little more difficult come time to go. Is it better to ship the extras home by mail so that you don't have to go through customs or do I bring an extra case for those things? Because of security being so much tighter due to 9/11 I don't want to get stuck in customs because of some do-dad I find and want to bring home with me. <BR><BR>What do you usually do? Thanks for the help!

Not a silly question...<BR><BR>I went for three weeks, and brought one 21" carry on with me. I also packed in my suitcase a nylon bag that can fold very tightly. All my souvenirs went in that bag back home. I did have to use the expand feature on my suitcase for the return journey (which meant checking it in...but at that point I didn't care if my dirty underwear got lost) I had no problems with customs coming back into LAX.

I, too, went for 3 weeks with only a carry-on. We traveled from Sydney to Cairns to Alice Springs to Tasmania. Layering was essential! Most of the hotels we stayed in had washers and dryers available for a small fee.

I went to Melbourne 5 days after 9/11 and took 2 small bags (that's all you're allowed) plus a carry on. Those 2 bags were not enough. It could have been because I had to purchase a few extra warm bulky items. And, well, yea, I bought a few more trinkets than I had planned on. Going again Dec. 26th for 3 weeks & I plan on taking larger suitcases this time just to be on the safe side. Can't wait to see my friends again. You'll have a great time.<BR>

Looks like the Americans are up to overnighters for travelling. Hubby and I were very surprised at all that fit into each suitcase. It met the airline's regulation (21") and we had enough clothes for Australia and NZ with something to wear going to dinner. We also took a nylon bag for bringing souvenirs back and then shipped larger items. There was no problem laundering clothes - there were always washers/dryers available. <BR><BR>We didn't get stuck in security but the lines at LAX were unbelieveable for security. The line went through the terminal, out the door, and down for almost 2 blocks. When we got inside the building they were suddenly rushing us down the aisle.<BR><BR>If you take perscriptions, have your doctor write you a prescription for a month or two week supply - don't carry large bottles and don't put your perscriptions into other bottles cause they'll confiscate them. They have to be in original bottles.

Would you please tell me how did you get your extra stuff shipped back? Also, how much opal are you allowed to bring back to the US duty free? What is the safest place to buy opal?<BR><BR>Thank you!<BR><BR>Pablo