One happier situation for road trippers this year is that the cost of gasoline has dropped significantly. However, if you’re on a budget, it’s still a significant part of the overall cost. The simplest way to cut into that expense is to travel with another two to four companions in the same car.

The savings can be hundreds of dollars when costs are pooled on a long road trip, money better spent on lodging, food, excursions, entertainment and souvenirs to take back to the family. Additionally, with four or more in the car, driving duties can be divided to avoid fatigue and potential dangers, especially during long night hours on the road.

Because all travel-related businesses are hurting for customers these days, now is the first time in years when you can find real bargains for your upcoming summer ventures. And the process is super fast. No longer do you have to wade through piles of brochures, study the Sunday newspaper travel sections and sit through lectures at your friendly neighborhood travel agency.

Now, when clicking your computer, within seconds you can find hundreds of bargains as summer competition heats up for your travel dollar. A good way to start is to check out the online agencies, including Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, Sherman and many others, all now eager to sign you on as a customer. They offer new and newer deals all the time, often posting last-minute bargains that just beg to be snapped up by savvy senior travelers.

Because it has no reserved seating, Southwest Airlines allows people in wheelchairs to board first. On a recent SW flight out of Chicago, we observed a fragile-looking senior gentleman being wheeled to the aircraft entrance, where an attendant helped him slowly to a seat. When the flight landed in Los Angeles, the man walked briskly off the plane and into the terminal. When he saw the angry stares from other passengers, he stopped, lifted his arms heavenward and exclaimed, “Thank the Lord! It’s a miracle! Look what California air does for my arthritis!”

Warning: Don’t try the same scam next time you fly SW. The airline requires a written note on a doctor’s prescription form explaining your physical limitations, and requests early boarding. SW is under no obligation, but usually will accept it.

Q: We’re often seated aboard a flight, and just before take-off, an attendant announces that the flight has been overbooked and asks for passengers to volunteer to get a later flight. The promise is a reward of a free flight, and sometimes another $100. We’ve never volunteered, fearing Murphy’s Law will kick in and the later flight will somehow be delayed or cancelled. What’s your opinion about volunteer “bumping”?