The discount private rentals vs hotels offer lower-priced overnight stays. However, with success and corporate greed taking over, senior travelers should be aware of unadvertised extra Airbnb costs.

Hotels, resorts, cruises and other travel businesses have long been infamous for advertising low rates. Then at check-out time they tack on another 20 to 50% for so-called resort fees, local taxes and other rip-offs. Now the Airbnb homeowners are getting into the add-on routine.

For example, to the advertised fee of $100 a night there will be added charges for cleaning, service fees, local taxes and other extras. It could make what comes out of your pocket $150 a night or more. So, when you’re making that great Airbnb deal, always ask and hope for an honest answer: Tell me the actual total of what I’ll have to pay.

Your travel4seniors.com editor caught this fantastic scene shot from an upper floor balcony of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. It brought back long-ago memories of the Top Of The Mark. In war years of the 1940s and 1950s, Navy crews had a last visit and drink at the rooftop bar before shipping out to combat in the Pacific.

Then, after coming back to San Francisco from wartime sea duty, they’d gather again at The Top Of The Mark to celebrate their good fortune. Then with nostalgic toasts, remember those shipmates who would never return.

They may look cute and cuddly in their unauthorized dress-ups as Minny Mouse, Superman or other famous icons. When you encounter them, understand that they’re hanging out at the popular tourist spot for one reason: to get as much cash as possible from clueless tourists.

You pause to take a photo or just look at them, and they’ll expect money. Often, angrily demand it. Worse, recent city police arrests involve some of the characters that verbally and physically molest female and child tourists. If your group or family visits Times Square, especially if it includes teen or younger girls, be especially aware of unwelcome contact with the costumed predators.

It’s embarrassing, especially when I’m in the middle seat of a very crowded aircraft. How can I prevent the gas attack or at least keep it quiet? PLJ, Denver CO

A: Gas happens to seniors and other flyers due to increasing air pressure that causes your stomach to bloat. You can reduce the pressure before you fly by avoiding carbonated beverages and fatty foods. Also, when you feel gassy, leave your seat and move around the cabin to get rid of bloating. Sip water to reduce gas attacks.