Today's the third full day on board the ship (day 1, day 2) - I'm on a sponsored cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas. While I'm here, I've been test-driving the Vitality program - tonight I'm helping moderate #gno on Twitter.

Although the following ten tips apply to cruises, they're also applicable to travel life in general.

1. Drink

On today's Cruise Compass (a six-page informational bulletin we receive each evening before bed) there's an "environmental tidbit." The bit: "Did you know that Oasis of the Seas has two incinerators that can burn 25 cubic meters of garbage in 12 hours? Talk about an efficient way to reduce and dispose of waste." 

I travel with a tea mug that I use in lieu of disposable paper cups. The cruise ship offers drink programs that provide you with a cup if you're getting refills on fizzy drinks. (My advice to travel-related businesses: provide a reusable mug for all guests, even those going the tea and water route. Think about how many fewer cups would need to be incinerated!)

Another staple/overlooked tip - stay hydrated.

2. Food

Take what you'll eat, even with buffets. Set limits on what you'll eat before you set off on the road/air/ocean. Stick to it. I only eat sweets on the weekend (the rule says I have to prepare it myself - I have room to grow on that). Monday through Friday, I'm off dessert. Saying "no" takes more strength when you're on vacation - take a breath and remind yourself why you're saying "no" before you begin your meal - and before the inevitable question is asked.

3. Schedule

You don't have to do everything that's on offer. Build down-time into your schedule while on the road. You need it even more than while you're at home.

4. In-room

You see signs in hotel bathrooms reminding you to save the oceans. Use your towels more than once - you would at home, right? Signal to staff that you want to do so by picking towels off the floor. While we're on the topic of toilets, hesitate before flushing. I think that advice goes double while you're at sea.

Take post it notes with you and leave notes at the door reminding yourself/loved ones to turn off lights when you leave the room. You can also use them to post your schedule on a mirror - it's easy to get thrown off schedule while on the road. I find that posting it helps when internet access (and therefore access to digital calendars) is limited.

5. Sun

Even if you don't go minimal with the sun, go maximum with the sunscreen. (We see a lot of ski goggle tans in Boulder...)

6. Wellness

Don't know about you, but just seeing my yoga mat reminds me to practice. Bring your own yoga mat. At the very least, you can put it over the hotel gym mat and save your toes. Rug travel best. While we're on the topic, a jump rope weighs next to nothing; pack it and hang it somewhere visible in your hotel room. (Read this post on 10 excuses for not getting into shape - frequent travel needn't be one of them.)

7. Pack

The rule of thumb is pack it all and then halve it. That's extreme minimalism. I pack mostly black clothing and go nuts on accessories - they're small and lightweight. A black dress is elevated by whatever you pair it with.

(and skipping dessert gets you a dessert deficit!)

8. Tidiness

When you get into your hotel room, clear all surfaces. Put away ads, notepads, pens, bottles of water you won't need. Put them in a drawer first - before they get mixed in with your personal belongings.

Keep your hotel room tidy - make the bed, clean up before bed. Keep your space minimal and your trip will go more smoothly. (Or your money back!)

9. Complaints

It's your vacation. And it's her 4:30 on a Monday afternoon. Consider the impact your words will have before you complain - and what you'd like to accomplish with the complaint. Keep the  your complaints light and tight. Be minimalist when you do deliver one.

10. Compliments

Travel lightly by reminding yourself of this. Every airport staff person, each flight attendant, all hotel employees - are doing their best to serve you. 

Traveling light isn't just how you pack your bags. It's what you do once you're on the road that matters.

Lighten your approach, lighten your load.