When we had extra luggage allowance allowed in the past we found the luggage was just weighed altogether although we did tend to pack all the charity things into one holdall for ease when we arrived in Goa. No need to unpack it then.

Jules, Just a suggestion but you could buy crayons, coloring books, toothpaste/brushes in Goa then you could take more clothes for the children ( or for yourself if needed). Many items are cheaper over there although they do like UK childrens clothes as the quality is generally better. When you know what Rob at CWT needs you can make a decision, we've bought a lot of stuff at Bardez Bazaar in Mapusa and then taken our purchases to our chosen childrens home at Tivim. You would be surprised how far the money goes doing it this way. Fizz

hi
we have also been allocated the extra allowance for c.wt,and like you are taking various items,when i spoke to tomsons they said to use a seperate bag,and not to go above the 10kg,as we would be charged,and yes fizz we have also decided to shop where you suggested when we get there

I have applied for a coupe of people recently (for Thomsonfly flights), hopefuly if one of them was you I have sent you an email - if not then do 'shout at me'. It is always advisable to pack the charity items seperately, no need to put it in a suit case, you can just use really light weight canvas or similar bags, some people use those thin white/blue/pink plastic bags which you can get from the markets? or maybe the pound shop, just put a bit of tape round them and you should be fine...

I've stopped using suitcases at all now as most suitcases themselves weigh a few KG's some as much as 4 or 5kg!! It reall makes a dent in the weigh allowance.

Clothing is good, before Christmas small presents would be great (small toy cars, footballs, tennis balls, skipping ropes, dolls, 'punch balloon are great, hair bobbles (nice ones), fake jewellery, nail polish (probably cheaper in India)), last year we gave out 1000 wrapped presents, would be nice to do the same this year. Other UK items which are good are children's vitamins, bathroom items, we've actually got a Wii now, so some games people have got bored of would be good... anything is good (as long as it's related to children).

Crayons, Pencils felt tips and stationary is probably cheaper (for better quality) in Goa itself, unless you have a cheap supplier in the UK.

Thanks

Hi everyone

Thanks for getting back to me regarding the luggage etc as usually the HT memebers come up trumps again I hadnt thought about buying thing over in Goa , best just find an shop and a bar close together as the hubby dont like shopping at home so I've no chance in Goa lol lol

Rob I have received any email this morning so have faxed to Thomson and hopefully they will get back to me over the next day or so. I have asked my daughters when making room for this yrs christmas present etc to let me have any sturdy (light weight) toys that are no longer played with, we arrive between christmas and they new year so prob no good for this christmas but Im sure they will come in handy thoughtout the year.

Regards

Jules

Glad you received the lugagge form ok, can I just put a general comment out - if people are contacting me via our forms can they please make sure your email address is OK on the form - if it's not I can't reply!
We have been known to give out a few presents during Xmas and new year.. Otherwise I can start saving for next year...