WHAT TO WEAR ( or what NOT to wear) IN ST. JOHN???
Jun 9th, 2006, 12:32 PM
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WHAT TO WEAR ( or what NOT to wear) IN ST. JOHN???
Hello to all of you wonderful travelers,
My husband and I are celebrating our 25 th anniv.in St. John (Caneel Bay)in Aug. and now I am rethinking the check/carry on luggage thing since reading that San Juan loses luggage (we go thru there). So if I do carry on I will need to pack less. My questions to you experts are;
What do I need to pack? will we live in shorts and bathing suits? when we go out to eat at some of the nicer restaurants (like Asolare, ZoZo's , Stone Terrace..) what should we wear? will we need more than sandals and tennis shoes (you know us women and our shoes!!)? will I ever have a reason to wear capris? We have never been to Carib. so I'm just not sure how to pack, I know it seems weird to ask how to pack but you guys ALWAYS have the answers!! Thanks for any info. offered !!
My husband and I are celebrating our 25 th anniv.in St. John (Caneel Bay)in Aug. and now I am rethinking the check/carry on luggage thing since reading that San Juan loses luggage (we go thru there). So if I do carry on I will need to pack less. My questions to you experts are;
What do I need to pack? will we live in shorts and bathing suits? when we go out to eat at some of the nicer restaurants (like Asolare, ZoZo's , Stone Terrace..) what should we wear? will we need more than sandals and tennis shoes (you know us women and our shoes!!)? will I ever have a reason to wear capris? We have never been to Carib. so I'm just not sure how to pack, I know it seems weird to ask how to pack but you guys ALWAYS have the answers!! Thanks for any info. offered !!
Jun 9th, 2006, 02:09 PM
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fisherstan,
I hope you love Caneel as much as we do. We are going for the third time in six years in November.
We only take a carry on whenever we go anywhere in the caribbean. We take our own snorkel gear plus a flotation belt. We have had our luggage delayed one time too many. You really don't need that many clothes since you will be spending most of your time in a swimsuit. I used to take numerous pairs of shoes, but no longer. I have one pair of sandals that I wear on the plane, sandals that can get wet, and running shoes. I take a nice skirt or sundress, pair of nice shorts/top, and that is about it. I'm sure someone else will give advice also. Enjoy Caneel, Owa
I hope you love Caneel as much as we do. We are going for the third time in six years in November.
We only take a carry on whenever we go anywhere in the caribbean. We take our own snorkel gear plus a flotation belt. We have had our luggage delayed one time too many. You really don't need that many clothes since you will be spending most of your time in a swimsuit. I used to take numerous pairs of shoes, but no longer. I have one pair of sandals that I wear on the plane, sandals that can get wet, and running shoes. I take a nice skirt or sundress, pair of nice shorts/top, and that is about it. I'm sure someone else will give advice also. Enjoy Caneel, Owa
Jun 9th, 2006, 02:16 PM
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The dressiest you will need to be is to have long pants and a collared shirt for your husband (golf shirt, or a Hawaiian-type shirt are fine), and possibly closed-toe shoes for him. Boat shoes are ideal.
For you, you'll need something that's not shorts and not blue jeans--capris, a skirt, pants, or dress will all be fine.
Most places you'll both be fine in nice shorts and a nice shirt--I tend to not wear t-shirts that have any kind of advertising or slogans when I want to be neatly but casually dressed.
My husband and I always do carry-on luggage for our trips, anything from 4 nights to a fortnight. It's easy to do--just pack things that can be worn in a combination of ways--pack tops that can be worn with all of your shorts + a pair of capri pants, etc. I also save space by wearing my bulkiest items on the plane--my biggest shoes (anything but flipflops), my capris or long pants, and maybe a twinset. I personally don't like wearing shorts unless I'm being active, so when I go out at night I tend to wear either capris or a skirt anyway, but that's just me.
I also like to pack fabrics that will breathe and that are wrinkle-resistant. Tencel is a fabric that I like quite a bit. I also like cotton-linen blends that don't wrinkle as much as pure linen.
For you, you'll need something that's not shorts and not blue jeans--capris, a skirt, pants, or dress will all be fine.
Most places you'll both be fine in nice shorts and a nice shirt--I tend to not wear t-shirts that have any kind of advertising or slogans when I want to be neatly but casually dressed.
My husband and I always do carry-on luggage for our trips, anything from 4 nights to a fortnight. It's easy to do--just pack things that can be worn in a combination of ways--pack tops that can be worn with all of your shorts + a pair of capri pants, etc. I also save space by wearing my bulkiest items on the plane--my biggest shoes (anything but flipflops), my capris or long pants, and maybe a twinset. I personally don't like wearing shorts unless I'm being active, so when I go out at night I tend to wear either capris or a skirt anyway, but that's just me.
I also like to pack fabrics that will breathe and that are wrinkle-resistant. Tencel is a fabric that I like quite a bit. I also like cotton-linen blends that don't wrinkle as much as pure linen.
Jun 9th, 2006, 03:45 PM
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I absolutely agree with both previous posters (tho I think you need a couple of the kinds of things they mention, not just one. Things can stay damp in the Caribbean and it's not convenient to do laundry at Caneel.) And don't forget some sort of cover-up for bathing suits.
Happy Silver Anniversary!
Happy Silver Anniversary!
Jun 9th, 2006, 04:41 PM
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Owa, Ejcrowe, and Poss THANK YOU so much for such helpful info, all of it is so insightfu and practical. I now feel like I have a handle on the clothes part of our trip. I so would of overpacked ! Not now !! Ya'll are the best !!
Jun 9th, 2006, 04:55 PM
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POSS,
I had a much needed smile about your reference to "bathing suits"
My adult daughters continually tell me that they are now called "swimsuits" !
Fisherstan...whatever you choose to call them, I hope you will enjoy every moment of your trip !
Marion
I had a much needed smile about your reference to "bathing suits"
My adult daughters continually tell me that they are now called "swimsuits" !
Fisherstan...whatever you choose to call them, I hope you will enjoy every moment of your trip
!Marion
Jun 9th, 2006, 05:32 PM
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LOL on the "bathing suit" comment, boy I kinda dated myself on that one. Your right Marion my daughters have corrected me as well one referring to them as "swimsuits" Thanks for your kind words also. I feel like I have all these great friends on Fodors that my husband is missing out on. It's fun, Such nice people !!
Jun 9th, 2006, 06:49 PM
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Had to chime in...I try to limit to 4 pairs of shoes, running, day, night, night....guess I still overpack...LOL. My DH stands over me while I lay out our stuff. When I have been walking the last few weeks, I have been planning the shorts/capris/skirts that I hope to take in 11 days so that I can mix and match. Our 14 year old basset became paralyzed on Tues., so we may have to reschedule.....
Jun 9th, 2006, 07:46 PM
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jw so sorry to hear about your dog, our pets are like family (esp. 14 yr. old), hope she or he will be ok !!! So you are supposed to go to St. john in 11 days? Hope you get to go and that you have a wonderful time !!
Jun 10th, 2006, 05:28 AM
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iw, I'm so sorry to hear about your Bassett. Do you know what is causing the paralysis yet? It happened with one of our dogs nearly three years ago. He was fine one night, and then the next morning he wasn't. If you can, please keep us posted.
Marion, I had to chuckle when I read your post. When I moved to Mississippi from Wisconsin, I said "swimsuit" and teased everyone around me for saying "bathing suit." (No wonder they called me a damn Yankee) I couldn't figure out why someone would call it a bathing suit--you don't actually bathe in it, after all! But eventually the term became a part of my language, and now that I've moved to New England, I stand out when I say "bathing suit." Some kind of linguistic justice, I suppose.
Marion, I had to chuckle when I read your post. When I moved to Mississippi from Wisconsin, I said "swimsuit" and teased everyone around me for saying "bathing suit." (No wonder they called me a damn Yankee) I couldn't figure out why someone would call it a bathing suit--you don't actually bathe in it, after all! But eventually the term became a part of my language, and now that I've moved to New England, I stand out when I say "bathing suit." Some kind of linguistic justice, I suppose.
Jun 10th, 2006, 06:31 AM
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Thanks for the kind thoughts about the pup. She just all of a sudden couldn't walk Tues. night...so after many hours and $$$ at the ER, we have her at home on the screened in porch. And, yes, we are sleeping on a blow up mattress beside her?????? crazy, but true! I have made arrangements for her, if she improves since we will be gone to St. Kitts/Nevis/St. Martin from June 21-July 3. I had purchased trip insurance, but it is not the best deal if you cancel, IMHO. Oh, and at 38 I still call them bathing suits!! LOL
Jun 10th, 2006, 06:57 AM
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iw, has her condition improved at all? From what point along her back is she paralyzed? It happened to our English mastiff nearly 3 years ago and it affected his rear legs and most of his torso, but he still had "purposeful motion" (vet's term) in his front legs. Even so, at 160 pounds, he was a large bundle to try to move on our own--we bought an extra large dog sling so that we could lift him outside to use the bathroom--that was an exercise in the ridiculous, I'm afraid. But while we still had downstairs, I slept down there with him every night on a pallet. I hope to hear a happy ending for your story!
Jun 10th, 2006, 07:21 AM
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iw...
From another dog lover...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your beloved Bassett. And sleeping on anything, to be close , makes perfect sense to me.
I'm not trying to diagnose, but have Lyme disease tests been run ?
The hindquarters are usually affected first if it is Lyme.
There are many pet lovers who post here. Maybe start a thread asking for advice/help. It could be travel related considering your upcoming trip.
Marion
From another dog lover...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your beloved Bassett. And sleeping on anything, to be close , makes perfect sense to me.
I'm not trying to diagnose, but have Lyme disease tests been run ?
The hindquarters are usually affected first if it is Lyme.
There are many pet lovers who post here. Maybe start a thread asking for advice/help. It could be travel related considering your upcoming trip.
Marion
Jun 10th, 2006, 07:24 AM
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ej...not sure where the movement begins/ends....her tail can wag a bit...it's the lower back region. She's happy and alert...I did find someone to watch her at a vet. I will keep all posted....We don't have children ( I teach) so this is our 14 year old child.
Jun 10th, 2006, 08:07 AM
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I am so sorry to hear about your dog, jw. I know how you feel. We cancelled a big trip to Bermuda once because our wonderful black cat was mysteriously sick. The vet said "I cannot guarantee he will not die while you are gone." (Makes sense. ) So we didn't go, and he didn't die, and lived many more years to the ripe old age of 19.
I hope your pet is better soon.
I hope your pet is better soon.
Jun 10th, 2006, 08:43 AM
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Sorry, Marion, I forgot to respond...Lyme's disease is a good thing to consider. Our pup, Ellie, had weak hips at 10 weeks of age, so I guess we were all expecting a repeat at some point. She is a runt for a bassett at 40-42lbs. She eats hamburger and pasta twice a day heated up for 60 sec on power level 8....Does this give you guys a look at how hard(ha ha) her life has been? She can't/doesn't tolerate dog food. Again, LOL. The xrays show a disk weakness, so that is probably the source ot the leg issue. Again, thanks for the kind thoughts.
fisherstan. Sorry to take over your post. I do think ej had good advice...the less the better. You won't wear it all anyway, IMHO. I have gotten soooo much better over the years at packing. I amaze myself! I pack 2 shirts for each pair of pants, shorts....If you are wearing the outfit at night, you can wear it twice....
fisherstan. Sorry to take over your post. I do think ej had good advice...the less the better. You won't wear it all anyway, IMHO. I have gotten soooo much better over the years at packing. I amaze myself! I pack 2 shirts for each pair of pants, shorts....If you are wearing the outfit at night, you can wear it twice....
Jun 10th, 2006, 10:13 AM
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hi phyllis!
i just thought of a few more things about clothing and stj. if you eat at caneel at turtle bay estate house (if there are no private parties/weddings when you want to go), you should wear a dress, or nice capris and shirt. men were wearing long pants and button down short-sleeved shirts. some women wore dresses, heels, while others were more casual, like me.
also, this is the first vcation of mine, where i felt that i packed just enough. i ALWAYS over pack. for 4 nights, plus one red eye flight, i only brought 4 pairs of capris (one to lounge/sleep in), one pair of bermuda shorts, 2 pairs of sandals (we wore sneakers on the plane), 4 swimsuits, 2 sarongs, 5 tanks tops (two to lounge/sleep in), 1 casual dress/cover-up, and 2 shirts (one a little nicer, one to hike in).
you will love their bath products. coconut shampoo and conditioner (and they give you plenty), mango body wash and lotion, a bath sponge, two soap bars, a hair dryer, and i'm sure i'm missing other things. i guess my point is, don't over pack...we brought four carry-ons, with no problem. you may want to bring hair products other than shampoo and conditioner if you need to. oh, a hat was very useful, too.
also, no swim suits while shopping in cruz bay (i think it's against the law!). dress casual though, unless you are going to a nicer restaurant like paradiso in mongoose junction.
oh, canceel also provides raid (we sprayed the door entry and a couple of other entry points to the room nightly and only had a few bugs in the room), and they also provide OFF! bug repellent and a citronella candle. they provide robes and flips flops, too, and a TON of towels! i miss it already!
hope this is not too boring to read, and that it is useful.
i just thought of a few more things about clothing and stj. if you eat at caneel at turtle bay estate house (if there are no private parties/weddings when you want to go), you should wear a dress, or nice capris and shirt. men were wearing long pants and button down short-sleeved shirts. some women wore dresses, heels, while others were more casual, like me.
also, this is the first vcation of mine, where i felt that i packed just enough. i ALWAYS over pack. for 4 nights, plus one red eye flight, i only brought 4 pairs of capris (one to lounge/sleep in), one pair of bermuda shorts, 2 pairs of sandals (we wore sneakers on the plane), 4 swimsuits, 2 sarongs, 5 tanks tops (two to lounge/sleep in), 1 casual dress/cover-up, and 2 shirts (one a little nicer, one to hike in).
you will love their bath products. coconut shampoo and conditioner (and they give you plenty), mango body wash and lotion, a bath sponge, two soap bars, a hair dryer, and i'm sure i'm missing other things. i guess my point is, don't over pack...we brought four carry-ons, with no problem. you may want to bring hair products other than shampoo and conditioner if you need to. oh, a hat was very useful, too.
also, no swim suits while shopping in cruz bay (i think it's against the law!). dress casual though, unless you are going to a nicer restaurant like paradiso in mongoose junction.
oh, canceel also provides raid (we sprayed the door entry and a couple of other entry points to the room nightly and only had a few bugs in the room), and they also provide OFF! bug repellent and a citronella candle. they provide robes and flips flops, too, and a TON of towels! i miss it already!
hope this is not too boring to read, and that it is useful.
Jun 10th, 2006, 04:04 PM
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Hi Jw happy to hear your beloved basset is doing a little better and you have someone to "babysit" while you are on your fabulous trip !! And to all you pet lovers, absolutely we sleep where they sleep (our dogs sleep w/us) We can have different boundaries with our pets than we do with our kids, tee hee.
Jackie, you are awesome girl, I'm soaking up all your great info., it is all needed and will be used (esp. how you packed
) I'm not going to bother packing shampoo stuff if it is provided, afterall we sure are paying a pretty penny to be there might as well get all we can for it. Jackie your trip report and shared knowledge are going to make our trip so much more stress free and I'm even more excited to go because of yours and others enthusiasim. I will write a trip report too and maybe it will help someone else too !!
Jw yes we girls can wear our outfits twice (no one knows us anyway) Please keep all of us posted on Ellie's condition, I will be praying for her along with Marion.
Ejcrowe, you live in New England how wonderful so who cares if you say bathing suit, it just makes you unique.
Toppy how sweet to hear your story about cancelling your trip for your cat, that is pretty darn unselfish !!
Thanks to each of you terrific ladies for sharing your lives on this forum, have a peaceful sunday phyllis
Jackie, you are awesome girl, I'm soaking up all your great info., it is all needed and will be used (esp. how you packed
) I'm not going to bother packing shampoo stuff if it is provided, afterall we sure are paying a pretty penny to be there might as well get all we can for it. Jackie your trip report and shared knowledge are going to make our trip so much more stress free and I'm even more excited to go because of yours and others enthusiasim. I will write a trip report too and maybe it will help someone else too !!Jw yes we girls can wear our outfits twice (no one knows us anyway) Please keep all of us posted on Ellie's condition, I will be praying for her along with Marion.
Ejcrowe, you live in New England how wonderful so who cares if you say bathing suit, it just makes you unique.
Toppy how sweet to hear your story about cancelling your trip for your cat, that is pretty darn unselfish !!
Thanks to each of you terrific ladies for sharing your lives on this forum, have a peaceful sunday phyllis
Jun 10th, 2006, 08:27 PM
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Everyone has been so sweet. Can you tell that I'm from the south???? I came home today to a very big mess on the porch... I think DH is starting to see what this is all about. We will meet with the dr. on Wed. and I, sadly...sniff,,,,sniff.....think that will be the end.....off to my air mattress and my pup and crazy DH!
Jun 11th, 2006, 06:20 AM
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oh, iw, I'm so sorry to hear that. So far, your story has read almost identically to the way our story played out with pup Truman. I will still continue to hope for the best for your sweet Ellie.
