So many great ideas here. I'm thinking money belt which is what Rick Steeves recommends in his books and we found invaluable for our trip. However, the last thing you need when traveling on a long trip with carry-on only is a lot of stuff. And, as I learned when packing for my Europe trip, a lot of it is very personal. And buying sizes or what looks good is very difficult. I know for a surprise you can't do a "gift registry" and I know money is very useful but people don't like to give money, but is there something to give that doesn't require packing? Does she need someone to check her house? Take care of a pet? Her mail? Pay her bills while she's gone? Water plants? Can you all chip in on a gift card that can be used internationally or something to offset the phone charges internationally? Or how about helping prep the house before her return...buy her milk and other basics to stock her fridge? Maybe have a casserole waiting that just needs reheating? Turn up the thermostat? A ride to and from the airport?

Lori, I was literally close enough to touch her soft, fuzzy nose and was *very* tempted. Janie, those are elk. The one who is facing the camera would not leave me alone. I kept trying to get a clear shot of the males rutting in the background and she would come right up to my face and stand there. Running to another location just made her follow me. I had to snap photos before she caught up with me. I have dozens of photos of her face in my camera. LOL I should have linked to the better upload at YouTube earlier. Following the link below, you will see a better quality slide show and a clearer reflection of me and Rita in the moose's eyeball. Jodi- Here is a link that might be useful: Much better quality slideshow

Hi Lori, most cruise ships have computer rooms with perhaps a dozen computers where they might schedule classes plus they will have another area that has maybe 5 or 6 computers if people wish to purchase internet minutes to check email. If you take a media stick, they will let you transfer your pics on their equipment usually free of charge. They do have cd's available for purchase & you can put your pics on those too but they charge something like $5 each. You could carry a few blank cd's & transfer your pics too. The passport pouch is a good idea but on the cruiseline we travelled with, they suggested we just carry photocopies of the identification pages on the passport when we went ashore in the various ports. The passports themselves and other important valuables were locked in the room safe. We had no problems. I think that you'll find that you would be required to remove your passport from the pouch yourself and hand it to the Customs/Immigration Agent by itself. When I was a newbie traveller, I purchased a pouch that goes around your waist inside your clothes. It held money, passport, traveller's cheques, etc. I used it the first year we went away & dropped it like a hot potato. Now I have the wallet that I use. It is easier for me but I usually travel alone (hubby stays home, I go with my sister). If you have kids that are going with you & you carry all their ID, you'll have to hunt around for a suitable method of carrying them. I'm sure you will enjoy Princess Cruise Line. My brother & his wife have 28 or 29 cruises under their belt with Princess so the perks are VERY good for them right now. My sister & I usually travel on Celebrity...not much for perks but we love the luxury. Have fun on your vacation!!

Yeah, Lindakathy's link sounds like it might be more realistic. But both say the Salvation Army's discount is "up to 50%." I'm there a lot, and never heard of anyone getting a senior discount. I'll bet when I ask, the employees will stare blankly at me. LOL I'll ask at Wendy's and Burger King, too. I'm not there often, but every little bit helps. I'll check out Big Lots, although I suspect it's not actually 30%. And of course I'll look for an excuse to stay at the Waldorf so I can get that $5,000 off the Presidential Suite. ;-) Thanks for bringing this to our attention!