Despite what you've been told, tipping is not mandatory. Of course, every hotel patron who is ready to check out is made to feel that the maid is a grossly underpaid single mother with eight children and caring for a senile grandfather in a wheelchair. You shouldn't let that possibility ... which could be true ... influence your choice of whether to leave a tip, and if so, how much.

A tip ... the cliche original meaning is To Insure Promptness ... should be based solely on service. Is the room cleaned early each morning? Do you have adequate towels? If you have kids with you, has the maid taken extra steps to make the kids comfortable?

Of course, you're ticked off. And frustrated. And resentful. You've just gone through the hassle of driving to the airport, parking, fighting your way through the crowds, checking your bags, enduring security searches, checking in and finally finding your seat on the plane. Then, the inevitable squawk on the intercom: "This is your captain speaking. Sorry, folks, but traffic on the runways is a bit stacked up.

We'll be taking off in just about five minutes. Thank you for your patience."

Heard recently from a friend: “Community service trip? You telling me to sign up for a vacation that isn't a vacation, but just a tough job helping other people? I've worked hard this year and deserve to get away for relaxation.”

“Doggone it! I'm entitled to bask at the shore, toss dice in Vegas, sip vino in Tuscany or dine at an outdoor Paris cafe. Who knows? With the economy the way it is, maybe it'll be my last chance for years to enjoy a vacation.”

If that's the way you feel about signing up for a community service trip, maybe you're not really familiar with them. Actually, all you have to do is make a slight change in one of your future travel plans. You can do something as enjoyable and satisfying as a fun vacation, while at the same time earn the great satisfaction of knowing you're doing something of meaningful service to others.

Theme cruises are very attractive to travelers who want more than relaxation, spas, slot machines and buffets while at sea. Here are just a few of the many offered in the coming seasons:

Big Band Cruise on MSC Lirica and MSC Poesia, December 10 to 20, 2009, and February 27 to March 8, 2010. These dancing and listening themes feature the Les DeMerle Big Band. Veteran musicians in this group have played with the new Harry James Band, Wayne Newton, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. The DeMerle Band specializes in classic swing and jazz, including the sounds of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Broadway hits, from the 1940's and later.