Remember just a few years ago, when all that was available in flight was a tiny movie screen way up forward on a bulkhead? You could get the sound with earphones and severe eyestrain trying to make out the movie.

You could also choose to listen to music by plugging in earphones to an armrest. Of course, you had no control of what the airline decided to broadcast. Today, everything has improved, and keeps on evolving.

Some airlines, including United and British Airways, now offer a large library of movies, videos, games and audio music that play constantly on the back of the seat screen in front of you. Of course, you can opt to take along your own iPod, iBook, DVD player, laptop and other portable electronic digital devices and choose from their virtually endless entertainment and other  menus.

Speaking of menus, many airlines plan to lend out pre-programmed individual iPads to passengers as they board. In addition to offering choices for entertainment and reading, there will be digital menus listed. All they’ll require is for the passenger to tap in orders for food, drink, information and other services from flight attendants. If it weren't for the groping security check-in, flying could once again actually be a pleasant journey.

If you’ll be visiting Las Vegas soon, you may want to spend a few hours remembering the long-ago fun times when you and Sin City were much younger.

For those who’d enjoy recalling the old Vegas of the 1960s and earlier, a trip to the Neon Museum may be a nostalgic way to spend a few pleasant hours away from the casinos and buffets. The museum was recently opened in the lobby of the former La Concha Motel, 770 Las Vegas Blvd. N. It’s the final resting place for 150 old signs and artifacts from yesterday’s glittering glory days and nights of downtown Las Vegas and the Strip.

They include displays from the Golden Nugget, Desert Inn, Frontier, Moulin Rouge, Silver Slipper, Stardust and other long-gone Sin City relics. The museum is open daily except Sunday. Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for seniors/students/veterans.

Tickets must be pre-purchased  online at neonmuseum.org.

As in previous years, entrance fees are waived on select dates in the nation’s beautiful national parks. In 2013, free days will be January 21 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), April 22 through 26 (National Park Week), August 25 (National Park Service Birthday), September 28 (National Public Lands Day), and November 9 through 11 (Veterans Day Weekend). Savings could be from $25 to $50 per family.

We recently flew Virgin Atlantic from JFK to London, and had an unusual and somewhat humorous problem. Because of advanced age and gradual loss of hearing, we often carry small, portable amplifier buds for our ears.

However on this overnight flight, the devices weren’t on when a flight attendant approached our seat. The lights were low and most other passengers were asleep. She leaned over and whispered something we couldn’t hear. In a loud voice, we responded with, “What did you say?”

Of course, it awakened everyone nearby, who shot dirty looks our way. She gave us a frown and said in a normal voice, “Virgin is training us in proper whispering. Would you like a cup of tea?”

Later we found out Virgin has hired voice coaches who instruct crew members on how to whisper when cabins are dark and passengers asleep.