Diane's Travel Tips

~ A "pop-up" mesh clothes hamper packs flat in your suitcase and keeps your closet neat on board.

~ Don't bother packing beach towels, they will be provided for your use on board the cruise ship as well as when going ashore.

~ Have a supply of one-dollar bills handy for tipping airport skycaps and porters at the pier.

~ Don't pack photo film in checked luggage as new airport screening equipment could ruin it. Put it in your carry-on instead.

~ An endlessly ringing phone is a hint that you aren't home. Before leaving the house, either turn off the telephone ringers or set the answer phone to answer at two rings.

~ Notify the cruise line of any special dietary restrictions when booking your  cruise and follow up on the arrangements a couple months before embarking.

~ When it's possible, store your valuables in the ship purser's safe rather than the one in your cabin. Some insurance policies will not cover the loss of items left unsecured in your cabin or in your personal guest safe.

~ One of my traveler friends showed me about putting a rubber band around my wallet to inhibit pickpockets. Another friend mentioned that her dad’s wallet was knocked out of his front pocket on a commuter train during a recent trip. He didn’t have his rubber band around it.

~ With limited/expensive laundry facilities on ships, it's convenient to bring along a pack of disposable bibs for mealtimes, available at grocery stores, Target, etc. They keep baby's clothes cleaner and stain free, avoiding messy garments after meals. The last thing on my mind while cruising is doing laundry!

~ When selecting sunglasses, the most important considerations are the amount of UV light that is blocked by the lenses and a proper fit. The lenses should shield your eyes from most angles. Darker lenses do not necessarily offer better UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 99% of harmful UV rays.

~ Ladies, don't weight yourself down with a heavy hand bag or backpack and become a target for purse snatchers or pickpockets. Carry only what you need and carry it inconspicuously.

~ Items confiscated by airport security will not be returned to you. If you're uncertain whether something will pass the security test, pack it in your checked luggage.

~ Moms, bring along an umbrella stroller for walks around the ship and in port with your baby. It also comes in handy at the airport. Wheel baby right to the departure gate—the stroller is gate checked and will be waiting for you at the arrival gate. Contributed by

~ Pack and WEAR a hat to protect your scalp, ears, and face from sun damage and premature aging. Excessive sun exposure contributes to wrinkles and dark spots.

~ Wrinkles are caused by under-packing (clothes shift) and over-packing (which squishes clothes). Avoid wrinkles by packing light and tight.

~ Toss a few empty plastic bags into your suitcase. You may need them later to pack dirty or damp clothes.

~ Airline carry-on restrictions are being updated continuously. Check with your airline before packing and be aware that purses often "count" as a carry-on item!

~ Folding or inflatable travel hangers are useful if you need to dry out hand laundry or a bathing suit in your cabin.

~ Tap water on your ship is perfectly safe to drink; purchasing bottled water is only necessary if you prefer the taste. 

~ Tuck fabric softener sheets between garments as you pack to keep clothing fresh during travels.

~ Bring your own travel alarm clock; most staterooms do not have them. 

~ Keep track of your boarding pass, on board charge/key card, as well as a picture ID to take ashore by slipping them into a bi-fold business card style carrying case. Cases with a "suede" finish are less likely to fall out of your pocket.