You called in your room request long in advance, gave your credit card information and the hotel confirmed by email a guaranteed reservation number. But, after a long, tiring flight, you arrive and the front desk clerk tells you there’s no room for you. The lame excuses start. The hotel’s all booked up solid, and many people who were supposed to check out decided to stay another night. So sorry. However, he can get you a room at a hotel nearby. Of course, the rate is a bit higher ... etc ... etc.

First, if you’re going on a four-meal-a-day cruise or to buffet-crazy Vegas, you’ll probably forget everything I write here. On the the other hand, maybe this year you’ll make up your mind to travel with a sensible healthy diet and exercise strategy. It sounds very simple. Just eat lower portions of low-calorie food and get regular daily exercise.

With travel costs dropping way down from their impossible heights during the past several years, now’s a great time for savvy seniors to do some homework. Turn on your computer and phone to get the very best possible bargains for springtime getaways. Forget list price, rack price, posted price, Vincent Price, deep discounts and last-minute deals. Go in with eyes and ears open for bargains and grab ‘em while they last.

First of all, it doesn't have to happen. Simply, just don't check any luggage! When we first retired 15 years ago, we traveled with enough bags to qualify as movie stars. Big suitcases, over-the-shoulder bags, cosmetic cases, dress bags, suit bags, whatever. Then, after several were lost and others came off the airport carousel smashed or with valuables pilfered, we got smart.