~ Mail overflowing your mailbox is a neon sign to thieves that you aren't home. You can request an "Authorization To Hold Mail" card from your letter carrier, by visiting your nearest post office, or now online at the www.usps.com website. Mail that accumulated while you were gone can be delivered on a date you designate on the card or you can retrieve it yourself at the post office. Contributed by Timothy Hickey

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

~ 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. Contributed by Kay Meyerett

~ 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. Contributed by Joe Reynolds

~ With limited/expensive laundry facilities on ships, it's convenient to bring along a pack of 'Bibsters' (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! Contributed by Stephanie Harrison, Miami, FL

~ 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 Kim Cornelius

~ 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.

~ If you carry on your laptop computer, you may be asked to "boot it up" at security—both at the airport & at pier check-in.

~ 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. Contributed by Jen

~ 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.

~ For families with small children, a cabin with a veranda might not be the best choice. Children are incredibly quick and accidents can happen, even on balconies with solid barriers beneath the railing.

~ Pack toiletries, clothing, and other items in clear zipper top bags for faster security examination of your carry-on at the airport and pier. This method makes it easier to repack if your bag is emptied and searched.

~ Pack a pad of Post-It notes to leave messages for your cabin steward, family, and shipboard friends.

~ This idea is for anyone who lives in a colder climate and is traveling in winter to a warm weather cruise. When you put your summer wardrobe away for the winter, set aside the casual outfits, sandals, swimwear, and sleepwear you want to wear on your cruise and store them in the suitcase you plan to use. You'll be at least half packed and won't be hunting down an outfit or a pair of shoes later. You will also free up some drawer and/or closet space at the same time. Hang your evening clothes in a separate area of your closet and pack them when you're ready to leave for your trip.