Find great vacation-planning ideas under any of the topics listed below.     Last month’s topic:   What's the perfect way to get your day started onboard?   Previous month’s topics:   What's the best cruise destination for holiday travel?   How do you keep memories from your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation?   What's your favorite city or country to shop in?   What's the best way to get to know the local people and customs of your vacation destination?   What's your most indispensable travel item?    What's your idea of a real vacation?   Where would you go if you had all the time in the world?   What's the best souvenir you've ever bought?   What's your favorite destination and why?   What's Your Secret To Traveling With Small Children?   What Are Your Best Sightseeing Tips?   How Do You Budget For Your Vacations?   What's Your Best Packing Tip?   How Do You Decompress And Get Into The Vacation Mindset?   How Do You Research Your Vacations?

What's the perfect way to get your day started onboard?       Submitted by Valerie Ryder Hopatcong, NJ   I love lying in bed, looking at the blue sky and the sunshine, and feeling so excited about the coming day's activities, especially if we are docking somewhere I haven't been to before. I make sure to look through the Daily Compass and plan the day's activities. Then it?s off to breakfast in the Windjammer for several cups of tea and croissants with peanut butter         Submitted by A. Kaseno Green Bay, WI   The perfect start to my day involves a wake-up call from an excited nine-year old, hanging over my head from her Pullman bed. It's great to be able to take a vacation where everyone in the family is so excited to get started every day!         Submitted by Kathleen Hahn Woodridge, IL   It's invigorating to get up early and walk or jog around the ship. No matter where you are, the view is always breathtaking and looking at the wide-open sea definitely beats urban sidewalks. Follow that up with a buffet breakfast and the day is off to a great start.         Submitted by Meredith Masel Galveston, TX   The perfect way to get a day started onboard is to hit the Shipshape Fitness Center for an amazing aerobic workout class. You'll feel energized and ready for a full day of activities. And you can justify getting a delicious dessert that night at dinner!         Submitted by Claudette Parker Houston, TX   For our perfect morning, we love waking up to a glorious sunrise while looking out from our beautiful balcony. After getting room service, we enjoy breakfast and coffee as we contemplate all the new and exciting things we're going to do the rest of the day.

	What's the best cruise destination for holiday travel?

Submitted by Deborah Bouknight Columbia, SC		For us, the best holiday cruise destination is the Caribbean. If you live in a cold weather climate, it is awesome to travel to a warm destination at that time of year. The ship is beautifully decorated and so are some of the ports, like Cozumel and the Cayman Islands. There are also lots of great places to buy unique Christmas gifts. And what better gift to yourself than a swim with the stingrays!

Submitted by Kay Blackwell Alpharetta, GA		Last year, my husband and I were in Belize exploring the Lamanai ruins on Christmas Day. As we traveled through Belize City, we saw several laughing children being brought to church in their Sunday best. Many modest houses lined the road with more Christmas lights than space in their yard. Do you want to know the real meaning of Christmas? Go to Belize on Christmas Day.

Submitted by Glenda McMurray Georgetown, IL		The best cruise destination is the Caribbean, not just because it is warm, but because you can see real poinsettias growing in the wild. There are palm trees lit up like Christmas trees. And Santa comes to the ship, barefoot, and dressed for warm weather. He is so believable that our son tried to follow him out to the pool to see the reindeer. Best of all is listening to the international crew sing their own native carols. It reminds us that the holiday spirit is felt all around the world.

Submitted by Kimberly Harding Rockville Centre, NY		For me, the best cruise destination for holiday travel would be Hawaii. It would be great to have a Hawaiian holiday and enjoy the wonderful weather while getting away from the cold back home. Of course seeing Santa in shorts is a plus as well. Mele Kalikimaka!

	How do you keep memories from your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation?

Submitted by Janice Dorn DeSoto, TX		On every island we always pick up small trinkets and such. But most importantly, we buy a small picture or painting of the island that's done by a local artist. Now we have these wonderful pictures throughout our house, and we are reminded daily of the beautiful places we've been.

Submitted by Cari Larsen Manitowoc, WI		I take all of our camcorder footage and burn it onto DVDs. Then I give one of the DVDs to each person that was in our traveling party. Now they can share in all the wonderful memories too.

Submitted by Marguerite Harrington South Elgin, IL		When we took our Alaska Cruise on Radiance of the Seas, we purchased the video that was produced specifically for our cruise. It's fun to watch, and we get to remember not just the cruise and ship itself, but the many people we met along the way. Thanks for the memories!

Submitted by Martin Orlando Raynham, MA		Every night of our cruise, before we go to bed, I write down everything that we've done in a journal. The people we've met, the food that we ate, and the entertainment that we saw. Then I copy these pages and place them at the beginning of a photo album of our cruise. I place all the copies of the Cruise Compass with the activities we participated in circled at the end of the album. When I want to refresh my memory, I just take out the album, read my journal, and look at all the great pictures.

Submitted by Susan Rayfield McHenry, IL		I set up our screensaver on the family computer to run a slide show of our cruise pictures. The computer is in our family room so everyone can see it. Two years ago we took a cruise with my in-laws. It was their first trip anywhere. Later, my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, and he has since passed on. There's one great picture of him from our cruise where he's twirling his dinner napkin over his head during a waiter parade. That picture in particular always makes everyone smile and reminds us not only of him, but also of the great adventure we had on that cruise.

	What's your favorite city or country to shop in?

Submitted by Deborah Corsi Fairfax, VA		Italy provides a complete and emotionally satisfying shopping experience. Beautiful things beckon from shop windows and outdoor carts alike. Merchants helpfully and eagerly discuss the pros and cons of every choice from an elegant pair of leather boots to a simple gelato. And whether you shop in the Via Veneto or at a farmer's market, you most likely will conduct your business under the benevolent gaze of priceless works of art.

Submitted by Luz N. Ruiz Morell Isabela, PR		My favorite place to go shopping when I cruise is St. Maarten. There are so many shops to go into and so many friendly people. I like that the shops are conveniently located downtown where all the streets are so colorful. But most of all, I like the good deals. Last December I brought home everyone's Christmas present with just a $100. I'm traveling there again this December, and I'm going to double my efforts!

Submitted by Pam Morrison Lexington, NC		Mexico is my favorite country to shop in, and it's not just about great prices and products. It's about the people and the culture! The people of Mexico are the most polite and pleasant you will ever meet. If you can speak a little of the language, the experience is even better. Everything is up for negotiation in Mexico - the fun of the shopping is the bartering. Did you know that a common belief among shopkeepers is the first customer determines how their day (their sales) will be? If they make a sale to the first customer in the door, then they believe they'll have a very successful day.

Submitted by Karen Bozell Columbus, IN		Barbados! We had an awesome time there. We took a taxi tour of the island and bought some Highland Pottery. Our taxi driver let us off at a great shopping spot near the port that sold only items made on the island. We found a large variety to choose from: more pottery, spices and sauces, wire sculptures, batiks, etc. The prices were very reasonable and were always listed by the Barbados price and the U.S. price. We loved shopping there and talking with the locals.

Submitted by Donna Bockisch Fort Myers, FL		My favorite place to shop is St. Thomas. Not only does this beautiful Caribbean island offer a variety of stores with reasonable prices, but the people of St. Thomas are very friendly and helpful. There's no pressure to buy anything and nobody follows you after you leave a store hoping to make a sale. They always offer a smile to every customer, making you want to come back and shop again.

	What's the best way to get to know the local people and customs of your vacation destination?

Submitted by Dora Rohan Collinsville, IL		When I am on a cruise and go to a destination I am not familiar with, I take a taxi ride. I find a local taxi driver who is familiar with the area and pay him to drive me around the island. You get quite an educational sampling of information. The drivers know the best places to eat, have a drink, sightsee, shop, etc. I make mental notes during the ride, and later I go back to the areas I enjoyed most.

Submitted by Janice Dorn DeSoto, TX		The best way to get to know the local people and customs of your destination is to just smile at them. They will open their hearts and tell you about themselves and their country. Even if you don't know the local language, it's fun just trying to figure it all out. A smile makes it easy. People know it's a universal "Hello".

Submitted by Jacqueline Krause Mocksville, NC		We prefer to take public conveyances and talk with folks on the bus, train or boat. We have found the most delightful sights, restaurants and shops that way. Local people are always receptive to questions about their hometown.

Submitted by Sally Kuhn Whiteland, IN		The best way to get to know the local people and customs of your destination is to go a day early before boarding your ship. Then you'll have the chance to experience the local culture while shopping and exploring. My lady friends and I plan to do just that in Puerto Rico.

Submitted by Mark Wakefield Palmyra, PA		What's the best way to get to know the local people and customs? Research them before you embark. Before we cruised with Royal Caribbean to Alaska, we researched Alaska and networked with family members to find friends or acquaintances who had been there before. That's how we rediscovered old family friends who had moved to Juneau! We contacted them, they were excited to see us, and they took us on the best tour of Juneau we could have asked for.

	What's your most indispensable travel item?

Submitted by Terri Mutsch Delafield, Wisconson		My most indispensable travel item is a business-sized envelope for each day of the cruise. I jot down notes about the day's activities and highlights, and then put any ticket stubs, coins, stamps, brochures, etc. inside the envelope for that day. When the day is over, I just seal the envelope and put the next day's envelope in my purse. When I get home, I have a "vacation journal" with trinkets that are all organized so that I can remember all the wonderful places I've been.

Submitted by Lee Bassett Bowmanville, Ontario		My most indispensable travel "items" are the Grandparents. It's great having extra sets of eyes and hands to help look after our little girl. And what better opportunity to spend quality time together as a family than on a Royal Caribbean cruise? I think the most special moment on each cruise is stepping back to see the biggest smiles on your loved ones' faces as they enjoy life together without a care in the world.

Submitted by Lynne Carr Palm Coast, Florida		My most indispensable travel item is my big yellow highlighter. There are so many fun things to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I read through the daily activities list and highlight what I want to do!

Submitted by Tom Murray Orland Park, Illinois		My most indispensable travel item is my address book. Whether I'm on the ship e-mailing a "wish you were here" or mailing a fun postcard from shore, it's important to have the correct address.

Submitted by Nannette Berkley Mouth of Wilson, Virginia		My most indispensable travel "item" is my husband. He treats me like royalty when we're on vacation. Carries the bags, gets me morning coffee, takes walks with me, applies suntan lotion, makes me laugh and on and on. I could do without a lot of other items, but he makes my vacation great!

	What's your idea of a real vacation?

Submitted by Trent Rollings Okotoks, Alberta		My idea of a real vacation is getting away from normal everyday life and heading out on an adventure. Some of my dream adventures include going on an African safari, bungee jumping, parasailing, and white water rafting. And it's not a real vacation unless I have a camera with me to take really cool pictures of things I do while I'm on vacation. There may be some time for relaxation, but I'd spend most of my time on adventure. Whether it's light adventure, like a walking tour in a new city, or extreme adventure, like running with the bulls in Pamplona, to me a vacation means seeing the sights and exploring the unexplored.

Submitted by Jean Baltazar Houston, TX		My idea of a real vacation is to leave the rat race at work behind for three months and take a world cruise. I am absolutely enthralled with the idea of living at sea and meeting interesting people from all over the world.

Submitted by Marian Noto Ballston Spa, NY		My idea of a real vacation is having someone else cook all my meals, clean my room, entertain me, pamper me, and shower me with sunshine and happiness.

Submitted by Luba Steblynsky Thunder Bay, Ontario		My idea of a real vacation would be to spend some time with my closest friends and family. If it were winter, the location would be a warmer climate. If it were spring, summer or fall, I would want to explore Europe, with plenty of time to relax, learn, and enjoy the scenery, the food and the company.

Submitted by Kurt Parent Coraopolis, PA		A real vacation is one where there is no need to look at your watch. No hurrying to be anywhere, just relaxing and enjoying life in a picturesque surrounding.

	Where would you go if you had all the time in the world?

Submitted by Sue Huhn Franklin, WI		If I had all the time in the world to travel, I would start in the United States. There are so many beautiful treasures to discover right here in this country. Since my favorite vacation is cruising, I would visit Alaska and Hawaii by ship. I also think it would be great to cross the Atlantic on a cruise ship. What an unhurried and luxurious way to travel! In Europe, I'd want to see everything, but especially the castles in Germany and Austria. Continuing my eastward trend, I would have to go to China and Japan. I would love to experience their cultures. Finally I would head to Australia and New Zealand, so I can experience for myself the beauty I've seen in pictures.

Submitted by Lee Bassett Bowmanville, Ontario, CANADA		If I had all the time in the world, I would take another cruise to Alaska with my wife and little girl. We would get off in Anchorage and go backpacking through the wilderness. We'd find a beautiful meadow to set up a tent, and then just sit back and listen to the silence and watch nature go on living.

Submitted by Cordie Kalafut Chicago, IL		If I had all the time in the world, I would take a 7-night cruise every two months. I wouldn't really care about the destination. I just want to be on the ship. No cooking, cleaning, or bed making. Just day after day of rest and relaxation. Hopefully, I will have lots of money to do this.

Submitted by Cheryl Jordan Taylor, MI		If I had all the time in the world for a vacation, I would go to Costa Rica. The thought of spending unlimited time in a tropical place is very appealing to me, and the cost of living in Costa Rica affords you much more vacation for your money - especially if you do your research and find out where the ticos (locals) hang out. There are so many things to do there. There is shopping, of course. The most popular market is Mercado Central, with a range of goods from live turkeys to leatherwork and some of the cheapest meals in town. Then there are the museums: The Museo Nacional, which displays Costa Rican archaeology, costumes and religious art. The Museo del Oro Precolombino, which houses gold artifacts dating back to 500 A.D. The Museo de Jade, where you can explore the unsolved mystery of the only site in the hemisphere where jade is found. And, finally, the Teatro Nacional, which hosts plays, operas, ballets and performances by the National Symphony Orchestra. There is swimming or relaxing on Costa Rica's beaches off the Pacific Ocean. There are plenty of national parks and volcanoes (some very active!) to capture your attention. There are rain forests (and dry forests), lagoons, boiling mud pools and hot springs. There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica. I can't wait to plan a very long trip there.

Submitted by Cheri Sampson Fort Worth, TX		If I had all the time in the world, I would go to Belize. I went on a snorkeling excursion in Shark Alley there last year and found the water amazing and the people, extremely friendly. We had an hour of travel time to get there and our tour guide was so informative about the political history of the area that the time flew by. We also went to the Cayes, which was unbelievably beautiful. I cannot say enough about the time I spent in Belize - and I can't wait to go again!

	What's the best souvenir you've ever bought?

Submitted by Emily Mensch Piney Flats, TN		My favorite souvenir is the stone statue my husband bought on Labadee. It's a beautiful, stylized rendering of a couple embracing. It's also huge and my husband carried it home in his backpack (carry-on, no less!). We had to explain the weird shape at EVERY airport checkpoint, but it was so worth it. It's the conversation piece in our living room - and a great reminder of our trip.

Submitted by Charlene B. Dwyer Woonsocket, RI		We recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary on a Western Caribbean cruise aboard Explorer of the Seas. Every night, following a romantic dinner in the Magellan dining room, we purchased after-dinner cordials that came in love cups. By the end of our vacation, we'd collected a set of cordial love cups in a different color for each night of the cruise. The cups are now lovingly displayed in my dining room hutch - except on those special occasions when we take them out to share with family and friends. Thanks to Royal Caribbean for such fond memories.

Submitted by Thomas Bottom Dekalb, IL		The best souvenirs I've brought home have been the wonderful CDs I've found on different islands. Many times I was lucky enough to see these bands playing live and purchase music directly from the artists. They seem happy to chat about their music and the island's own distinct musical flavor. Two cruises ago, I purchased a disc from a member of Bob Marley's old band "The Wailers" in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I picked up some fantastic steel drum music from a band playing just off our ship pier in Antigua this past January. And I found some great ?chill out? music at a little shop called "Serenity" in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Now whenever I listen to my island CDs, the music of the islands always takes me back to the days at sea on our Royal Caribbean cruises.

Submitted by Mary Beth Jarka Woodbridge, NJ		I fell in love with Australian black opals on our first cruise to Bermuda, but didn't get one until my daughter took a repositioning cruise from San Juan to New York City a few years later. She found a ring for me in St. Thomas, and then went back inside and ordered one for herself. We both love to cruise, and our rings remind us of the beautiful shades of blue in the waters of the Caribbean and Bermuda.

Submitted by Julianne Bedel Akron, OH		Several years ago, I started bringing home cookbooks from my vacations instead of t-shirts or other souvenirs. I may not be a gourmet Royal Caribbean chef, but I love using them to inject a bit of island sunshine into our winter dinners!

Submitted by Brian Herzog Battle Creek, MI		Whenever my wife and I travel we plan some time to find artwork from local artists. We do as much preparation as we can before we leave, then talk to the locals when we arrive at our destination. We have our walls at home decorated with the artworks from our trips as a reminder of the great times we've had and the new friends we've made while searching for our treasures!

	What's your favorite destination and why?

Submitted by Brian Bushnell Lake in the Hills, IL		Having cruised with Royal Caribbean many times in the last 20 years, we always look for an itinerary that includes "our" favorite port of call: Labadee, Hispaniola. What makes it our favorite? It's the sight of the lush green mountains as you pull into port. It's the calm bay for snorkeling and relaxing. It's the Atlantic side of the island with the crashing waves and Dragon's Breath Point. It's everything, really. But what we love most about Labadee is that despite how much the island has "developed" over the years, it still remains pristine.

Submitted by Toya Baldwin Stratford, CT		My favorite destination is Aruba. With the trade winds blowing and the sun shining, you can spend all day on the beach. The food is excellent and the people are courteous and friendly. It's the best Caribbean island I've been to - and I've been to several.

Submitted by Sylvia Roque Bridgeport, CT		Although my husband and I used to think the Cayman Islands were the most impressive place for snorkeling, we were blown away on our March 2003 stop in Belize. Snorkeling by the barrier reef in the crystal clear waters of Nurse Ray Alley near Ambergris Caye was amazing in itself. But getting up close to friendly nurse sharks and stingrays - with the help of some fabulous local guides - took it to a whole other level. What an incredible experience!

Submitted by Christy Whipple Hendersonville, TN		I've taken three cruises, all with Royal Caribbean, and so far my favorite destination is Grand Cayman. The island is so beautiful, with so many gorgeous beaches. We went snorkeling with sting rays, touched them, held them, and even kissed them! It was the most exciting excursion we have ever experienced. The people on the island were very friendly, not pushy, and it just made for a fabulous experience. Plus, just about anywhere on Grand Cayman you could see the majestic Navigator of the Seas. It made us proud knowing we were sailing on her.

Submitted by June Reilly Delray Beach, FL		My favorite destination is - and always will be - a Royal Caribbean ship. I'm on vacation as soon as I step onboard, and from there it's just fun, relaxation and a luxury that I could only dream about before I took my first cruise 15 years ago. The ports of call are the icing on the cake, but the cake is my favorite.

Submitted by Louise Kautenburg San Leandro, CA		It's difficult to choose, but Costa Maya is one of the loveliest spots we've ever seen. There is almost no development as yet, and the beaches are beautiful and the people, very friendly. The natural surroundings and the wonderful port development with the open-air amphitheater featuring native dances is fantastic.

Submitted by Karen Dudt Pittsburgh, PA		My favorite destination is San Juan, Puerto Rico. The beaches are beautiful, with soft sand and clear blue water. My husband and I love walking around Old San Juan. The history of the area, along with the old churches and buildings, is fascinating. It's great for shopping, nightlife and dining. The residents of the island have always been so friendly and helpful. And who wouldn't love listening to that romantic salsa music in the evening! San Juan, Puerto Rico, has it all.

Submitted by Jean Brion New Cumberland, WV		Alaska on Royal Caribbean! You get all the unforgettable beauty of a region like none other on earth plus the absolutely superb, caring service and beauty of a cruiseline unlike any other. If you think I'm biased you're right - and you will be, too, if you ever get the chance to experience the two best destinations in the world!

	What's Your Secret To Traveling With Small Children?

Submitted by Janet Dooley Rochester, NY		Traveling with small children is always a challenge. But with some advance planning, it can be fun for everyone. Here's what we've learned: Pack a backpack for each child filled with their favorite travel games, stuffed friend from home, books for quiet time, treats for snacks, and juice boxes. Pace the activities so as not to overwhelm the kids. Trying to pack too much into a day makes everyone miserable. Plan for some quiet moments along the way. Children need to recharge their small engines. Try to stick to a normal schedule for meals and bedtime. Children's tiny systems will respond better - and their temperaments will be more enjoyable - if there's some normalcy to their day.

Submitted by Dorothea Bussman Freeport, NY		Two words: Think small. Build up the excitement for an upcoming vacation by reading stories to small children that are set in the place you're visiting. Let your kids help plan the trip. You can offer a choice of activities and then give them some control over the itinerary. Go at the child's pace. Kids can't go 24/7 without getting tired & cranky. If you know two hours is their limit, stop at an hour and a half. And remember, great works of art may impress you, but not your pre-schooler. Oh, and skip the fancy restaurants.

Submitted by Tina Lambert San Leandro, CA		My son has been traveling with me since he was 6 months old and he is now 16. From the time he was old enough to listen and understand I would give him travel advice on the do's and don'ts that would be age-appropriate for him. Now at 16 he has wonderful travel etiquette. Our best trips have been cruises, since there were activities we could do together as well as kids programs he could attend on his own (while I got some adult time). A cruise provides that balance like nothing else.

Submitted by Tammy Luckenbill Burlington, IA		When traveling with small children always expect the unexpected. The best way to do this is to be flexible with your schedule. It's still a good idea to make plans, but the best plans are usually the least complicated ones. So whether your day includes a shore excursion or just relaxing at the beach, keep it short and simple.

	What Are Your Best Sightseeing Tips?

Submitted by Carmen Henesy Daly City, CA		Keep your eyes - and your mind - open. Often the most precious vacation memories come from really looking at your surroundings. So, while you're admiring the ruins of Greece or Ephesus, take a minute to observe the people who live in that place, smile at the children playing in a park, imagine what went into painting that masterpiece, get in touch with your own spirituality in that magnificent church. You get the picture.

Submitted by Pat Duttlinger Ocala, FL		Number one on my list of "musts" for sightseeing is to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as not being comfortable can ruin an otherwise once-in-a-lifetime day. Also on my list: I wear a pouch under my clothes to carry valuable documents securely. And I make sure that the camera is ready, and I have a hat, sunglasses, and a bottle of water to take along. My final "must" is a folding tote bag to carry purchases made during the day.

Submitted by Karen Dudt Pittsburgh, PA		I carry a lightweight (nylon) tote bag where I can store items like a pouch with two hooded ponchos for those sudden rainstorms, a bottle of water, a few packs of crackers and sunscreen/sunglasses. My husband and I are then ready for any weather we might encounter. If I know the weather is going to be chilly and/or rainy, I might also throw in two extra pairs of socks - just in case.

Submitted by Wendy Scrimgeour Yakima, WA		I try to get as much info from people who have already visited the area I'm going to. Like their top spots and bargains or a "don?t miss" list. Going online is helpful, too, as is contacting visitors' bureaus and chambers of commerce. Both are great sources of tips and willing to send brochures. Planning ahead is key and, upon arrival, talk to the locals since they will usually have great suggestions on where to shop and eat. Not to mention tipping you off to the best and sometimes overlooked areas that you might miss otherwise. Also, don't forget to ask your travel agent if they have visited the area and what they wouldn't want to miss. And most of all, be sure to gather all your info in a notebook. Happy sightseeing!

	How Do You Budget For Your Vacations?

Submitted by Linda Harding Carson, CA		I set up a savings account called "Vacation" in addition to my regular savings account. Then each pay period I automatically make a direct deposit to it. After a while, I build up a nest egg. Then when I'm ready for a vacation, the money is there and the trip is paid off ahead of time.

Submitted by Donald First Plano, TX		I always take two wallets with me on a cruise. I use one for daily spending money and the other for my weekly allowance. I keep the wallet with my weekly allowance and my credit cards in the room safe. When I go shopping, I take an extra $50 with me ? and a credit card just in case.

Submitted by Anthony Chiorazzi Goodview, VA		We do three things to make our vacations easier to afford and to avoid sticker shock when we get home: 1) We take money every paycheck and put it in a separate savings account for our next cruise. 2) We have a "Cruise Fund" jar on the counter where we drop our spare change for spending money. 3) When shore excursions are available online, we book a month in advance and pay it off before the cruise. When it's time to sail, we have the money we need.

Submitted by Tina Lambert San Leandro, CA		I am paid two times a month and I save at least $50 from each check for my vacations. I also put aside money from rebate checks or refunds. I save a portion of my tax rebate for travel. And I cut back on eating out and shop sales as much as possible. My friends always ask me how can I afford to travel as a single mother. I tell them that travel is not only one of my passions but a necessity for my peace of mind, and I am determined to save enough to continue to do it.

Submitted by Susan T. Hicks Gainesville, GA		When using cash to pay for anything, I never use my $1 bills. At the end of the day, I empty my pockets of all $1 bills and put them in my $1 bill bank. You would be amazed at how fast those $1 bills add up.

Submitted by Leah McLaughlin Grove City, OH		We have a garage sale at the end of the summer and put the proceeds into our vacation fund. Surprisingly, this can add up to about half of what we need. It's a lot of work, but when I think about trading a bunch of junk for a week in the Caribbean, I'm more than willing to do it!

	What's Your Best Packing Tip?

Submitted by James Peebles Santa Rosa, CA		We use zip-loc bags in all sizes. Large ones for sweaters and shirts. Medium for underwear. And small ones for socks and pantyhose. We use the snack size for jewelry, and label them for each evening outfit. We squeeze out the air in each bag to make more space. This method not only facilitates unpacking, but helps if you are selected at the airport for a luggage check. Everything goes neatly back into place.

Submitted by Carmen Henesy Daly City, CA		Two years ago, I made a packing list on my computer - and I haven't forgotten a thing since. I update it periodically, and about two weeks before my travel date I print it and start packing. I carry a copy of the list with me, just in case my bags get lost. The list goes in my carry-on bag so, should a suitcase get lost, I know exactly what was in them. I also put some dressy clothes and casual clothes in both of my two suitcases. That way, if one doesn't arrive on time, I'm not stuck in a T-shirt and shorts on formal night. Last but not least, as I head out the door, I remind myself that this is a vacation. I need to relax and roll with the punches and remember that travel is the joy of new experiences, new places and new friends.

Submitted by Gerri Hill Leesburg, VA		After numerous cruises, I finally realized that the concept of recycling can also apply to the travel wardrobe. It's really okay to plan on wearing an outfit on two different evenings. Your suitcase will be lighter! And since we all dread the possibility of lost luggage, my husband and I divide our clothing among our two suitcases. That way, if one piece of luggage is lost by the airline, we hopefully will still have part of our cruise wardrobe until the rest arrives. It's good to consider "joint" packing instead of the "his" and "her" tradition.

Submitted by Carol Robinson Kansas City, KS		For each vacation I pick a color scheme and then everything in my bag is centered around two or three colors. For example, I might pick white, black and yellow. In that case, I would pack a fancy black dress and possibly a simple white dress, a pair of slacks and shorts of each color, a cover shirt and maybe a skirt that includes all the colors, one t-shirt from each color, and a white sweater. I'd limit my shoes to a pair of black slingbacks, one pair of white tennis shoes and possibly a pair of yellow slip-ons. From there, jewelry and accessories are easy.

Submitted by Jean Haka Waukesha, WI		My best advice is two words: Pack light! Remember, you're on vacation to have fun and relax, not to stress out about your clothes or to haul around a heavy suitcase. Now think about your shoes. You need a pair of dress shoes (yes, I said a pair - not a pair to match every outfit, but one pair that will match every outfit), a pair of sandals, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Wear the heaviest pair in transit!

	How Do You Decompress And Get Into The Vacation Mindset?

Submitted by Claudia Poor Seattle, WA		We have a tradition. Once we reach our destination, my significant other and I drop our bags and take a long, deep breath. Then, while he is chilling our carefully selected bottle of champagne, I pull out the special champagne glasses that we use just for this purpose. Then we step outside with bubbly in hand, take another long, deep breath, and toast each other with wishes for a wonderful vacation and say, "let it begin this moment." Voila! We are now on vacation. This works even for a weekend getaway.

Submitted by Emily Mensch Piney Flats, TN		We always take a day off the day BEFORE we leave for vacation to get into the right frame of mind. And since we pack throughout the week before our vacation, we can spend the whole day before just rereading all our brochures and getting psyched up. We go to bed early that night and get up early the next morning, with no need to rush. By the time we board our flight to the ship, we are relaxed and in a great mood.

Submitted by Janice Resnick Miami Beach, FL		The first thing I do is get a massage. Then I get a good meal and try to find a quiet place to sit under the under stars and just look up and marvel at the beauty.

Submitted by Reverend Jan Thackeray Gulf Breeze, FL		I find that I decompress and get into the vacation mindset by being organized and packing far in advance a little at a time. Our luggage includes a list of "don’t forgets" from the last vacation. Then, on the way to the ship, my husband and I familiarize ourselves once more with the background on our destination and how much time we'll have in each port. As we step onboard, we're in the right mindset and ready for seven glorious vacation days.

Submitted by Michelle Armstrong New York, NY		Several weeks before my trip, I put a screensaver on my computer that shows the location I'll be traveling to, like a picture of a beautiful tropical sunset or the Eiffel Tower. I also listen to music that's representative of where I'm going, like Reggae, Classical or beach tunes.

	How Do You Research Your Vacations?

Submitted by Melissa Ragsdill Kingwood, TX		Besides using a friend who is a travel agent, recently I made up a Travel Party Hotline and had a ball with it. I emailed everyone I could and asked them to send me stories about their travel plans and vacations. The best ones got a souvenir and I got some great stories to tell on my trip, plus a ton of good advice for traveling in general. My address book got bigger, too, both before the trip and while on vacation, so I will be doing that from now on.

Submitted by Evelyn Winter Lakeland, FL		Once my husband and I have decided where we'd like to go, I start my research by doing a spreadsheet comparing the information I get from various travel companies. For cruises, I include the number of days, the cost, what's included in the cost, the ports of call, the excursions offered and what's offered on each excursion. I check maps of the areas to get acquainted with the destinations. Then I go to the local bookstore and/or library and read up on the ports of call and excursions on my spreadsheet. I also check out online resources. Finally, I ask around for recommendations from friends and relatives who have taken the trip or been to the place we're interested in. From there, my husband and I either adjust our choices or go ahead with our original decision, only with greater peace of mind.

Submitted by Deborah Krause Madisonville, LA		I have found that the best information comes from a variety of sources. First, call your travel agent. They can be helpful with particulars about any place you wish to go and lots of activities you may want to pursue. Second, talk to your friends. Find out where they've been and what they liked best. They may know of a secret getaway or the best spot to see a certain show. Third, hit the library or bookstore. There are travel books for every nook and cranny on the planet. These books are written by travelers for travelers and offer practical tips on every phase of vacation planning. The tour or cruise people will also have information to offer. Remember that everyone on the vacation has a voice in the planning. And their ideas can be great!