There are many ways to keep your valuables secure while traveling. Most are simple actions most of us take wherever we are. Then, when on the road, at sea or in the air, we merely need to practice those basics with maximum attention to our surroundings and need for personal safety.

1. Your credit card is one of your most valuable possessions. It's not only because you can use it instead of carrying large sums of cash while traveling, but in the wrong hands, a stolen credit card can cost you dearly.

Use your credit card only when you're absolutely sure of its security, such as when paying for air travel and hotels. For many other purchases, such as at retail stores, taverns and restaurants, especially when away from home, it is much safer to use cash.

I haven't cruised as a single since my Navy days serving aboard a troop ship (WWII) and an aircraft carrier (Korean War). However, I couldn't recommend those kind of cruises, because the most fun activity was trying to keep some really angry guys from killing me.

Seriously, since retirement started nearly 20 years ago, my spouse and I have taken at least two dozen cruises, including Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Cunard and Holland-America. We weren't single for our cruises, but we did have frequent talks with lonesome fellow passengers, and learned the basics of single cruising. Here are some hints.

In your summer travels, whether by air, train or bus, you can’t miss the GIs around you in the terminals. Dressed in camo, often with big duffel bags on their shoulders, they’re on their way home after their third or fourth deployment. Or after a quick family visit, they’re on their way back to Iraq or Afghanistan to face yet another year of service in the war zones.

The war has dragged on for years, and in our everyday lives and travels, we tend to forget what our sons and daughters must endure every day they’re away from their families. No matter what your feelings about the war, you know those young men and women are out there fighting for you.

So, when you see those in camo gear during your travels, take a moment to thank them for their service. They’ll appreciate your consideration, and you’ll feel glad about doing those quick, but thoughtful, good deeds.

Every traveler knows the old one-liner. “The hotel room was OK, but the bath towels were too big. I couldn’t get even one into my suitcase.” Of course, there are hotel items you should not take, such as towels, bathrobes, hair dryers, sheets, pillow cases, TV remotes and those expensive goodies in the so-called honor bar. That’s just plain thievery.