Packing misc bulky things

[Artistammy]

We haven't flown much at all so we usually pack alot of misc things like cameras & books in boxes. How do you pack those things in with your clothes. On the bottom, top, sides, or what?
Thanks,
Tammy

[Rev22:17]

Tammy,

Originally Posted by You

We haven't flown much at all so we usually pack alot of misc things like cameras & books in boxes. How do you pack those things in with your clothes. On the bottom, top, sides, or what?

I usually take cameras and film in a small carry-on bag that the airlines count as a "personal item," along with medicines and other items that I might need en route or immeduately upon arrival. DO NOT put a film camera or film in your checked luggage, as the machines that scan checked luggage will expose photographic film completely.

There's really no reason to take a lot of reading material, as most cruise ships have well stocked libraries, but you might want to take a book or two to read en route. I would pack what I intend to read en route in a small carry-on each way and books for the other leg in my checked luggage. If you must lug books to read onboard, put them in your checked luggage as well.

And put books in your smallest checked suitcase so you won't exceed the weight limits at the airport, as they tend to be more dense than clothing!

Norm.

[Divemaster]

Cameras, jewelery, film, passports, meds, glasses, laptop - carry in small computer bag, purse etc. Trade the books for magazines - lighter, disposable and rigid enough to use as packing for small paper items, drawings, paintings, etc.. Binoculars and etc. in center of bag wrapped by soft clothes. "Kit" your things with quart/gallon freezer ziplock bags.

One more thing - get TSA luggage locks and figure your luggage will be opened for inspection. Keep a quart ziplock in the purse in case you forget about the new carryon liquids rule...

Originally Posted by Artistammy

We haven't flown much at all so we usually pack alot of misc things like cameras & books in boxes. How do you pack those things in with your clothes. On the bottom, top, sides, or what?
Thanks,
Tammy

[Artistammy]

Thanks. any tips help.
Tammy

[kmm44]

Artistammy--As mentioned above, always carry your camera and supplies in your carry-on in a plastic zip bag for easy removal at the security check. I take paperbacks to read because they take up less space and are lighter in weight than hardbacks. I put them in the outer zip pockets of the suitcases. If I run out of books, I check out the ship's library and have also bought a paperback on the ship for the trip home. It's a blessing for me that I've "outgrown" the motion sickness that used to nail me just reading maps in the car. I discovered that in '96 when we were driving from our campground in GA to an Olympic event in Athens. It was an hour away and I had bought a newspaper to check some event results from the day before. I was amazed to find us driving into the shuttle parking lot, still reading and not sick. I was 52 at the time, so pretty old to have outgrown anything. As long as we're on a straightaway in a car, no turbulence in a plane and no major motion in a boat/ship, I'm OK.
For saving space inside the case, try Space Bags (as seen on TV) or the roll method using dry cleaner bags. I always take a wrinkle reducing spray to use if necessary.
We are leaving on our 7th cruise a week from Mon., so I will be packing again soon. Every time, I am able to take less and less and better resist the urge to take everything but the kitchen sink.
Have a great cruise!!

1/02 Explorer E. Carib.
1/03 Explorer W. Carib.
8/03 Summit Alaska cruise/tour
2/04 Adventure S. Carib.
2/05 Galaxy Panama Canal
6/06 Jewel Brit. Isles/Nor. Fjords + 3 days in London
1/29/07 Mercury Mexican Riviera