#34003 - 04/09/03 07:37 AM
Re: What to pack?
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2363
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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Is it necessary to take your own flippers? We're quite happy to buy & pack a mask & snorkel, but flippers are huge! We thought we could use our resort's flippers, but not their mask & snorkel.
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#34004 - 04/09/03 08:24 AM
Re: What to pack?
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yllams
Member
Registered: 02/12/04
Posts: 121
Loc: Cleveland, OH, USA
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Suggestion for snorkel or dive equipment http://www.leisurepro.com Did a lot of research $ wise before buying for our scuba class and these guys by far have the best prices. The local dive shop was about 30 to 40 percent higher on just about every piece of equipment you could want.
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#34005 - 04/10/03 02:49 PM
Re: What to pack?
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Karyn
Member
Registered: 03/15/03
Posts: 60
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We just got back from Cruising on the Paul Gauguin, then 4 days on Bora Bora (Le Meridien).
For sure take your own mask and snorkel. We took fins too, but you could just borrow theirs for the week. One of the best things we took after reading someone elses suggestion, was a cheap blow up water raft. Cost us less than 5 dollars and was so great for drifting around in the water. We especially loved using it right from our overwater bungalow.
Life is very casual, so don't pack any fancy clothes. Bathing suits, sun dresses. For men, the restaurants are very casual on the islands. Most men wore just nice shorts and shirts for dinner.
Water shoes are a must too. Waterproof camera. We actually bought a waterproof casing for our digital camera - it worked out fantastic.
Everyone told us to take bug spray, but we never used it once.
Everyone speaks french there, so knowing a few french words before you go will be handy. Bonjour, Bon soir, Merci. etc.
It is extremely humid there, so take that into consideration when you pack. For me, (very curly shoulder length hair) I was glad to have certain hair products for my hair and a hat too once in awhile.
Have a great trip. Remember though this is a very expensive place. Drinks at all hotel range from $13.00 to $20.00. Hinano Beer (which is very nice beer) $5.00 Good idea is to take a bottle with you, then go to a market and buy some beer and mixes (juice etc).
Hope this helps.... do take a raft.
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#34006 - 04/10/03 02:53 PM
Re: What to pack?
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Karyn
Member
Registered: 03/15/03
Posts: 60
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Trish,
Restaurants not to miss on Bora Bora are Bloody Mary's and Top Dive. Both great. Bloody Mary's very casual (sand floor). Top Dive incredible setting and wonderful food. Make sure to have the Chocolate dessert (might be called Volcano). One restaurant to miss is Bamboo House - food was mediocre, small portions and pricey. The restaurants send a free taxi to pick you up and take you back.
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#34007 - 04/10/03 04:31 PM
Re: What to pack?
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Carol
Junior Member
Registered: 12/14/03
Posts: 0
Loc: San Diego, Ca. USA
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Don't forget that flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs (I blew two bulbs out-one in a flashlight, one in a book light) I did a lot of night reading when I was adjusting to the time change. Last time I was coming from Ohio and that was six hours; I live in California and that's only three hours so not quite so hard.
A travel clock..not that you need to know the time,but there are times when an alarm is really necessary.
We only take one pair of long pants-to wear on the plane or in case something is really dressy (haven't had that one yet, but it's always possible, isn't it?
Take shorts, sandals, bathing suit and tank top in your carryon. Change before you land and you will be comfortable and ready when you get off the plane and step into that lovely, warm, humid air. And if you can't check in to your room right away, you are ready for anything.
Pack an adequate supply of first aid stuff in case you scrape or bump something somewhere. Pharmacies aren't very available, and what they have is all in French and it's hard to get the equivalent.
Lots of books. Even though there may be a "library" at the place you are staying, there may not be anything you would enjoy or nothing in English. You can leave it or trade with another guest or just leave in the hotel.
Your own booze, buy mixer there..Schweppes Tonic is called Indian Tonic there and the juices-for rum drinks,- are great.
A flat rubber sink stopper...good for doing hand laundry (in that "pack light mode", and also to put ice and beverages in your sink.
A bag of candy like Jolly Rancher or M&M's to give to your maids or the kids you meet everywhere along the way.
Your own fins, masks and dry snorkels-the hotel stuff is traditionally a poor fit and very annoying. Yes, the fins are heavy and bulky, but worth it when you are not having to clear your mask or massage your feet.
A sweater or sweatshirt..it's almost always cool on the plane and sometimes I have used one after scuba diving when the body temp gets down, or when it's windy and cool and rainy.
A sharp knife--pack in checked luggage.. there are NEVER sharp knives in any kitchens so it's impossible to cut that delicious pineapple or pamplemousse, or even the yummy cheese and bread that you get at the market.
Forget the beach towel unless you are going to a pension or small hotel. Then take an old raggedy one and leave it there..they get pretty smelly over time.
A good sense of humor..you are going to need it and it makes life much more pleasant..only one sheet on the bed? No problem, it's the Tahitian way..slow service..ditto, bad weather...ditto, not enough towels, ditto and etc. etc. etc. Better to get a good chuckle out of it all!!
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#34008 - 05/05/03 10:03 PM
Re: What to pack?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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bring enemas. I got very constipated after the long flight. The bootie flush was very helpful. I messed up the bathroom and plugged the toilet, however. So you might want to bring extra cash to tip the maids  oops.
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#34009 - 05/05/03 10:32 PM
Re: What to pack?
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Submarine
Expert Advisor
Registered: 01/03/03
Posts: 1032
Loc: Gilbert, Arizona, USA
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TOO MUCH INFORMATION....
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#34010 - 05/09/03 06:23 AM
Re: What to pack?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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A collapsable cooler, small speakers that plug into the cd player ($10 @ Target) sandals, sunscreen travel book on Tahiti, a sweater for the plane and if you are going sightseeing, one pair of shorts and top for every two days. Everything stays damp in the islands. And bring a sense of humor and a smile and roll with the punches..The people are wonderful if you are nice to them...but they have no concept of our timing and you just have to get used to it..
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