what to buy and what to bring!

[helenm29]

This trip will just be my husband and I so we will be traveling a LOT lighter then usual from California.
The question I have is what is a MUST for us to bring and what should we wait and buy when we get there! my husband says we will buy all our "sundries" like soap and shampoo when we get there (I don't like the way my skin and hair feel with hotel sundries) spoiled I guess! lol
I am Pooh sized and am not sure if I need to buy shirts and shorts before I go...I do think things will probably be cheaper here. I just keep thinking I'm on a budget so here or there is the question! thank you!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

You won't find shorts in your size easily and shirts are also limited in the pooh sizes. I would bring your clothes with you for sure.

As far as soap and shampoo, if you are buying them at the resort they have limited selections. If you are renting a car, you can find everything at most drug stores so you'll be good to go then.

I normally just bring everything with me even when I go solo - saves me money and time.

 

[IrishNYC]

Unless you don't own any shorts and shirts at all, I don't see how buying any clothing at a vacation destination will save your budget.

 

[AllieBoo]

I personally would definitely bring all clothing items with me. I wouldn't want to waste time trying to shop and find stuff I liked in my size when I got there. If you are flying and can't pack things like shampoo, I can understand waiting to buy things like that, but any other personal items that I could take with me I would.

 

[GatorMama]

Even if you have to check luggage, the cost of checking one bag is less than the cost of a pair of shorts...

 

[beckyd13]

I travel a lot, and I think the biggest mistake people make when travelling is thinking they need to buy new clothes, new toiletries, new everything for a trip. I'm assuming since you live in California you already have shorts and t-shirts---bring those clothes with you to save time, money, and frustrations once you're there! New clothes are never fun to "break-in" on a trip. You're going to want to be comfortable. As for toiletries, I think it will be a waste of money to buy those while you're in Florida, too. Are you going to lug heavy shampoo bottles home with you? And if you leave them behind, aren't you just wasting money since you didn't use the whole bottle? Why not just bring travel size bottles with you instead? You can dispose of those when you leave if they're empty. As GatorMama said, checking one bag is really not that expensive if you're flying.

 

[ToddyLu]

I am also pooh sized. For references I am 5ft 4" and 215#, generally a 2x since I have an apple shape and I don't like anything tight. Sorry if the is TMI. Since Florida weather is different from California weather as far as humidity--this is what I wear for trips in May. We are headed down in about 6 weeks. I wear skorts that I get from Woman Within..cute jean skort with pockets (they run large so I had to size down), light t-shirts and sandals or sneakers depending on the outfit. I have recently found that I am much, much more comfy in t-shirt dresses. They hit me just above the knee and are so much cooler. I have bought several of the Issac Mizrahi dresses from QVC and they do not cling. I wear Jockey skimmies under them to give me extra coverage, in case I need it getting in and out of rides, but material is heavy enough that I do not need special undergarments.

The most important advise I have is taking care of your skin. I am a certified wound care nurse and have tried lots of products over the last 20 years. I have recommendations for protecting skin folds and sensitive areas from the heat and humidity so maybe this could help a couple of people. I always, always apply Microguard powder to my folds, at times I use a tiny bit of Baza cream if I catch a rash developing. These are not rx products and can be purchased by anyone. Both products I purchase from the Sween Store, free shipping and no tax for MS. Both have 2% miconozole which is good against yeast and heat rashes, plus as a powder it absorbs. DH, BIL and several other family members use Baza to prevent rashes becasue it is a bit thicker for them. Body Glide is also available at local store and prevents chaffing.

and of course sunscreen

The secret to my success though...and sorry if this offends anyone or is TMI.....bra liners. They are different lengths and not very wide. They are soft cotton and I purchase them from Walter Drake and other online places. I wear them everyday regardless what I am doing. They can also be folded and used along the lower tummy folds if needed. I have about 20 and just toss them in the wash after each use and they last FOREVER. You tuck them under and your bra holds them in place to absorb sweat and to keep the powder there. You usually get 3 in a pack for about $12. This is where I would spend my money ESPECIALLY since this sounds like a Septemberish trip. October is also hot.

As PPs said I too bring all my sundries from home since I like my stuff better.

 

[disnut8]

For toiletries, get a few empty small plastic bottles from a dollar store or Wal Mart and then fill those up with your supplies from home. That way, you don't have to take the entire bottle of whatever.

My husband and I both have "ditty bags". We have those small bottles of shampoo, conditioner (me), a small tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush, small thing of deodorant, nail clippers, nail file, contact case, small bottle of contact solution. Things we need every day. I also put in a few pain relievers "just in case". Band aids, whatever. The bags are small plastic cosmetic holders ($1 at Wal Mart). we filled them up about twenty years ago, just replace what we need for the next trip, then store them and we don't have to think about all that stuff before we go. We just grab the bag and toss into the suitcase. So all we need to pack are our clothes.