Featured Story

Universal Orlando Resort: Where to Stay & Play for a Few Days

By

My recent stay at Universal Orlando Resort was so much fun and I’m going to share and highlight my favorite moments with you. First and foremost, I stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort on the property which allowed me early access (one hour) to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. It was my first time experiencing Diagon Alley™. I took advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to Universal Studios Florida and was able to … [Read More...]

Life & Style

Navigating Disney World During a Pandemic

By

I recently had an opportunity to visit Walt Disney World as part of my Goofy Getaways FAM Training. It was exciting and I was a bit anxious because even though some restrictions are being lifted, guidelines are more relaxed, and travel is starting to … [Read More...]

Strike a pose at Pose Selfie Studio

By

I recently had an opportunity to visit the NEW Pose Selfie Studio in Raleigh, NC with my daughter and it was so much fun. The great thing about this studio is that you have all the tools you need to capture your perfect photos alone or you can go … [Read More...]

Taste the Flavors of St. Thomas USVI

By

I am excited to be collaborating with my fellow foodie lover Hannah Victoria on this listing of places to eat in St. Thomas USVI whether you are visiting or local to the island. We are giving you our personal opinions based on our dining experiences … [Read More...]

More Top Stories

Tech

Travel

Navigating Disney World During a Pandemic

By

I recently had an opportunity to visit Walt Disney World as part of my Goofy Getaways FAM Training. It was exciting and I was a bit anxious because even though some restrictions are being lifted, guidelines are more relaxed, and travel is starting to … [Read More...]

Taste the Flavors of St. Thomas USVI

By

I am excited to be collaborating with my fellow foodie lover Hannah Victoria on this listing of places to eat in St. Thomas USVI whether you are visiting or local to the island. We are giving you our personal opinions based on our dining experiences … [Read More...]

Food

Rosé All Day at Seasons 52

By

I recently had the opportunity to experience the Seasons 52 Summer Menu paired perfectly with Rose cocktails. The menu changes with the season and I can really appreciate that. My reservation was for 7:00pm and it … [Read More...]

How I packed for a week in the Virgin Islands with one carry-on

Packing for a week in the Virgin Islands seemed straightforward until I started checking the details. I needed swimwear, light clothing, sandals, toiletries, a few practical items and enough space for souvenirs, while keeping everything inside one cabin bag. The islands are warm, but a tropical holiday still involves ferry rides, restaurant evenings, sudden showers and plenty of walking.

I travelled with a soft-sided carry-on suitcase and a compact personal item. That combination felt easier than managing a large checked bag through airports, taxis, hotel lobbies and boat terminals. It also helped me resist the familiar habit of packing an outfit for every possible mood.

For Australian travellers, the biggest adjustment is the climate. Leaving winter in Melbourne or Sydney can mean arriving in hot, humid Caribbean weather, so I wore my bulkiest travel clothes on the flight and changed after landing. I also checked the cabin baggage rules for every airline, since Australian carriers can have different weight limits from an international connection.

My aim was a practical holiday wardrobe rather than a perfectly styled one. I chose fabrics that dried quickly, colours that worked together and shoes that could cope with sand, uneven paths and casual restaurants. The result was a lighter, calmer way to travel.

Packing approach What I took Why it worked
Clothing 5 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 swimsuits, 1 light layer Enough combinations for seven days
Shoes Trainers, sandals, water-friendly slides Covered flights, walking and beaches
Toiletries Small refillable containers and solid products Saved space and avoided leaks
Beach gear Microfibre towel, sun protection, dry bag Useful for swimming and boat trips
Technology Phone, charger, power bank and eSIM Kept connectivity simple

Choosing the right carry-on

I used a lightweight case with four wheels, a zip divider and an expansion section that I kept closed. The internal compression straps were more valuable than extra pockets because they stopped loose clothing from shifting. A soft bag can be useful for squeezing into smaller spaces, but a structured case gave my belongings better protection.

The carry-on limit mattered from the beginning. I weighed the packed bag at home rather than guessing, and I left a little room under the allowance for airport scales that might be less generous. This is especially worthwhile when an itinerary includes an Australian departure, a United States connection and a smaller regional flight.

My personal item was a medium backpack rather than a handbag. It held my passport, wallet, medication, headphones, travel documents, phone charger and a change of underwear. I kept anything important for the first night in that backpack in case the suitcase had to be separated from me during a flight or transfer.

Building a small tropical wardrobe

I packed five lightweight tops, two pairs of shorts, one casual skirt, one loose pair of trousers and a simple dress. Neutral colours made it easy to combine everything, while one brighter top gave me an option for photographs and dinners. Linen-blend and quick-drying fabrics were more useful than heavier cotton because humidity can make clothes feel damp for hours.

Two swimsuits were enough for the week. I could wear one while the other dried, and I packed a thin cover-up that worked as a beach layer, a poolside dress and something modest for walking into a café. I also took a lightweight long-sleeved shirt for sun protection and cooler, air-conditioned spaces.

My flight outfit consisted of breathable trousers, a T-shirt, a light overshirt and trainers. That was comfortable for a long journey and prevented bulky shoes or layers from taking up valuable suitcase space. A packable rain jacket would have been sensible for a longer outdoor itinerary, but I chose a small umbrella because it had more everyday use.

Shoes, sun protection and island practicalities

Shoes can quietly take over a suitcase, so I limited myself to three pairs. I wore supportive trainers for airports, sightseeing and uneven pavements, packed flat sandals for dinners and brought water-friendly slides for beaches, hotel pools and boat days. I avoided delicate footwear because sand and salt water are hard on anything precious.

Sun protection was a priority. I packed a broad-brimmed foldable hat, sunglasses, reef-conscious sunscreen and after-sun lotion in travel sizes. Australian travellers are used to taking sun safety seriously, whether spending a summer day at Bondi or walking around Brisbane, but Caribbean sun can feel particularly intense when reflected from the water.

I bought a larger sunscreen after arrival rather than carrying a full bottle from Australia. Small shops and pharmacies on the islands stock many essentials, though prices can be higher because goods are imported. That made me glad I had packed prescription medication, basic pain relief and a few personal products I would not want to search for during a busy travel day.

Toiletries and technology without the clutter

My toiletry bag contained solid shampoo, a small conditioner bar, face cleanser, moisturiser, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste tablets. I transferred liquid products into labelled containers and placed them in a clear pouch. This reduced spills and made airport security less stressful, especially during a multi-leg itinerary.

I packed minimal make-up: tinted moisturiser, concealer, mascara and lip balm. Humidity made a full face feel unnecessary, and I preferred a quick routine after swimming or travelling by ferry. Hair ties, a small brush and a few laundry sheets were more useful than styling tools.

For charging, I took a universal adaptor, one multi-port charger, a short cable and a power bank. I downloaded maps, booking confirmations and entertainment before leaving Australia. An eSIM was convenient for navigation and messages, although I checked whether my Australian phone plan included international roaming before activating anything.

The islands use United States-style plugs in many locations, so my Australian adaptor was essential. I also carried photocopies and digital versions of my passport details, travel insurance and accommodation information. My phone went into a waterproof pouch on boat trips, along with a small dry bag for cards and room keys.

Packing for ferries, beaches and evenings

I divided the suitcase into simple categories: everyday clothing on one side, swimwear and beach items on the other, with underwear in a small packing cube. This made it easy to grab what I needed without unpacking everything in a compact room. I kept one complete outfit at the top for the first evening.

A microfibre towel was useful when accommodation did not provide one for excursions. I also packed a collapsible tote for groceries, beach items and short walks. It doubled as a personal day bag and folded almost flat when I did not need it.

Ferry journeys changed how I thought about packing. I wanted my hands free when moving between taxis, docks and accommodation, so I avoided loose shopping bags and kept valuables in a zipped crossbody pouch. A light scarf helped with wind on the water and worked as an extra layer in strongly air-conditioned spaces.

I had previously learned that accommodation can shape a packing list through my treehouse resort experience, where practical layers and comfortable footwear mattered more than dressy extras. The Virgin Islands required a different wardrobe, but the same principle applied: pack for the way the trip will actually unfold.

What I left at home

I did not take a beach towel, hairdryer, full-size beauty products, heels, formal clothing or multiple handbags. Most accommodation provides towels and basic hairdryers, while sandals and a simple dress covered the few occasions that felt more polished. Leaving these items behind created room for food, small gifts and anything bought locally.

I also skipped denim jeans because they were heavy, slow to dry and uncomfortable in humid weather. A lightweight pair of trousers gave me the same coverage without the weight. I packed no “just in case” outfits, choosing instead to wash a few pieces in the sink if necessary.

My final packing check happened the night before departure. I wore the heaviest shoes, removed duplicate toiletries and confirmed that my passport, medication, chargers and travel insurance documents were in the backpack. I also checked Australia’s departure requirements and the rules for returning with food, shells or other natural items, since Australian biosecurity regulations are strict.

Packing for a week in the Virgin Islands using only a carry-on bag worked because every item had a clear purpose. The lighter luggage made transfers easier, reduced waiting at baggage carousels and encouraged me to enjoy the destination rather than manage my belongings. A small, flexible wardrobe was enough for beaches, boat rides, casual meals and warm island evenings.