This Tidbit is 4 tips for when you travel.  Some of theses tips are for Cruises, but no matter how you are travelling these tips will be helpful.    

• Once your major wardrobe selections are complete and the suitcases are ready, devise a streamlined packing strategy. Here are some suggestions:
• Make a packing list. Assemble everything on the list before starting to pack, and check items off when they’re folded and placed in the suitcase.   You can find a packing list in the ”pages” column that you can modify so it works for you, then you can print it.
• “Just in case” is never the case. Resist the urge to toss items that you are almost positive you won’t need.
• Zipper-top storage bags—a packer’s best friend. Undergarments and knits take only a third of the suitcase space they normally occupy when they’re compressed in these bags.  They also work well if you need to pack wet items.
• Go mini. Plan ahead and shop for sample containers of favorite toiletries.   You can usually find the 100ml (3 oz) bottles at the dollar store.  Please make sure if you are flying all liquids in your carry on must fit into a quart Ziplock baggie.
• Guarantee a smooth sailing. To help keep garments wrinkle-free, leave them on their hangers, cover them with dry-cleaning bags, and fold over once before placing them in the suitcase.
• Use the facilities… If the ship has self-service laundry facilities you can pack lighter and wash clothes midway through the cruise.
• …but remember life is short.  Use the ship’s laundry service instead. It’s pricier, but who wants to spend valuable cruise time washing clothes?
• Share space.  Cross-pack your luggage with your travel companion. Chances are if a suitcase is missing, it’ll turn up eventually. In the meantime, you’ll both have fresh clothing

Making Dining Arrangements on a cruise 

Cruise lines understand that strict schedules do not satisfy the desires of all modern cruise passengers. Many cruise lines now include alternatives to the set schedules in the dining room, including open dining room seating, casual buffets, and specialty à la carte restaurants.

However, when you’re sailing on a traditional cruise with assigned dinner seating, your seating selection can set the tone for your entire trip. Which is best? Early dinner seating is generally scheduled between 6 and 6:30 pm, while late seating can begin from 8:15 to 8:45 pm. The best seating depends on you, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences.

Choose early seating if:

• You have small children accustomed to an early meal and bedtime
• You retire earlier in the evening and are an early riser
• You do not want to experience that full feeling at bedtime
• You want to attend the early shows, enjoy the casino and other activities, and take in the midnight buffet

Choose late seating if: 

• You’re a night owl and do not mind finishing dinner after 10 pm
• Your itinerary is port-intensive and you don’t want to rush to get ready for dinner after a day of touring
• You like to sleep late in the morning or indulge in a late-afternoon nap
• You enjoy leisurely dining and linger over coffee at the end of the meal

Other factors to consider:

• Families and groups lean toward early seating, particularly when several generations are traveling together and ages vary widely.
• Older passengers tend to select early seating.
• Americans are more apt to select early seating than European and South American cruisers, who are accustomed to later meal times.
• Early seating diners are encouraged not to linger over dessert and coffee since the dining room has to be readied for late seating.
• Late seating is viewed by some passengers as more romantic and less rushed.

Have a safe and wonderful cruise

Jaye