1) I would inform your credit card companies where you are going, making purchases while on the trip would not fall within your normal buying patterns and the credit card company may put a hold on the card after the first purchases. This happened to a friend in Grand Cayman. If this happens call the company from the store to explain the situation.
2) Use a backpack as one of your carry-ons, works great to carry all your new purchases or your towels to the beach.
Magic 2/8/03