You don’t need a date on the calendar to know when to start those sunset years. You just seek the right signs... finances, health, dreams, family and peace of mind. Let us count the ways:

1. Finances: The amount of post-retirement income, pension, savings, investments and other assets are critical in your decision. Their positive figures will let you know when you’re nearing the time to decide.

If you’re accustomed to comfortable living, adequate retirement income should be enough to allow you to let go without worries. The usual measure is that retirement income should be at least half of what you’ve been earning.

Guest Editor Ford M., Montreal, Canada: The exotic city has long been at the crossroads of European and Asian trade. Still today, the modern metropolis retains that blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

Turkey has a long history of friendly relations with the U.S., a good tourist infrastructure and direct flights from the States. All combine with the exoticism of daily calls to prayer from the mosques, women in traditional dress and unique shopping and cuisine.

There are great markets and traditional retail stores throughout Istanbul, but any serious shopper should experience the city's magical bazaars. Originally collections of tents along city streets, bazaars eventually evolved into covered, permanent structures.

Glamping means glamor camping. It’s for those who like to enjoy the outdoors with some comforts beyond the usual spartan conditions. For example, instead of simple canvas shelters with sleeping bags, glampers prefer colorful tents with screened openings, and sleeping on inflatable mattresses and pillows. Consider some favorite destinations for glampers:

Grand Canyon, Arizona: This natural wonder offers all kinds of camping, from trailers to pup tents. Some of the most convenient glamping is at Trailer Village, near the South Rim.

Q: In broad daylight in front of the Trevi Fountain, some innocent-looking kids moved in on us. While several stood in front begging for money, two slipped behind, cut our purse straps, grabbed the bags and took off. As traveling seniors who’ve been all over the world, this is the first time we were mugged. How can we prevent it in the future? MBMcK, Boston MA