TXgalSAM

Thanks for the medication tips. :) With the ziplocs, do you have issues at security? I though medication was supposed to be in the original packs with the pharmacy labels/boxes etc. I travel with my doctor's list of medication, but still sort of double stack the insides of the boxes with sheets to save space, but haven't broken the packs into individual doses.

We have done this for many years and have had ZERO issues with security. The meds still have the RX label so that seems to be satisfactory. The snack size Ziplocks handle a month's worth of pills and the tiny holes let the air out so they don't take up much room . I keep the weekly meds in her normal pill box to help consistency for her on the trip. She's 90 and still going! We just completed a cruise in January.

Y'all have great ideas! I'd like to make this my mantra, too, Live4Cruises! "For last year's trip, I changed my list concept from an odds and ends "don't forget" to a detailed "if it's not on the list it doesn't go". "

Shebely, I agree 100% with your wedding ring idea. I've been traveling with an inexpensive band (and all jewelry, for that matter) for the last 30 years. It is a great reminder, though!

Ritabob, I had never heard of this tip and it's a good one! Someone can always use bubble wrap on the way home for fragile items purchased on the trip. Thanks!

When I originally posted this inquiry, I intended for it to be a general travel question and not exclusive to cruising. That is why I posted about the baby shampoo as an example of a "double duty" item. :o

Again, thanks for the tips. :)

Thanks to everyone for their input. :D:D:D I was really looking for double-duty items but these packing tips are fun, too.

Medicines: (especially for Yggdrasil98) My mom travels with about 20 meds. I ask the pharmacy to print an extra label for each. Then I use snack size Ziplocks. The secret is to use a straight pin to puncture the Ziplocks in a couple of places. Then the bags pack really flat and take up very little room. I usually take one of her med boxes that holds a week of meds and just refill it when the time comes. For over the counter meds, I just peel off the label from an old bottle or Xerox it. (I also take a few extra days of meds, in case of a travel delay.)

Scarf trick: To "iron" a scarf overnight, just wet it and stick it on the mirror. It will fall off the mirror when it dries, nice and flat! This also works with ribbons. (Of course, be sure the material is washable.)

There is a great little, inexpensive ebook on Amazon that has lots of packing tips, including what kind of cloth works best for hot and cold weather. If anyone is interested, let me know and I'll look up the actual name.

Thanks so much for the response! :D

I live near enough Houston and Galveston to drive in a day ahead so I would also be interested in cruise lines departing from those two places.

I tried to do a search on Cruise Critic for this info but didn't see anything. I find it hard to believe that this hasn't been discussed previously. I looked under the terms: flash sale, pack and go, and last minute deals. Is there another term I should be using to search online for these deals?

Regarding last minute discounts:

Surely this question has been asked and answered...but how do I find the discounts when a cruise line is just trying to fill the last few cabins (particularly for Houston or Galveston departures):confused:?

*** Thanks in advance for any suggestions! ***

I am looking for packing tips about items that have multiple purposes. I always over pack. How can I be prepare with the least amount of items?:confused:

For example,

Baby Shampoo - can be used as laundry detergent, can be used as defog for snorkel mask, and as a shampoo, of course.

What are your ideas? (Please don't criticize the suggestions of others, unless the tip is dangerous somehow.) Thanks, in advance, for any input!:)