With warm weather approaching, many seniors consider giving of themselves. Lifetimes of business, teaching, travel and other skills make seasoned citizens very valuable to their communities and beyond. Here are just a few major volunteer programs to ponder:

USO: Since World War II, the USO has provided services to members of the Armed Forces and families. Seniors may participate in ongoing activities, as well as for special events. USO volunteers are at many major airports, train stations and bus depots, offering snacks and comfortable waiting areas for traveling military.

Senior Corps: Among other services, the volunteer program includes foster grandparents, senior companions and RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Programs). One volunteer service is driving physically-challenged seniors to medical appointments and for grocery shopping.

I like the convenience of a rental car after a flight, but the fees, insurance, city parking and other add-ons just keep going up. Last time I rented, it cost me more than $70 a day. Considering everything, what’s your opinion on the best way to get to the city from the airport? GLP, Houston TX

A: Of course, when on company expense account and/or you need to drive to different locations when in your destination city for several days, a rental car was the best choice. However, if you just need to go once from airport to hotel with no need to drive anywhere, today many airport-to-city train and bus services are best.

These days seniors find typical hotel bills in Miami, London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles to be $400 a night and up. Avoid the tourist traps by checking with online travel experts. For example, Rick Steves knows where to find economic digs. He offers continuously updated lists of inexpensive hotels and bed and breakfasts. www.ricksteves.com

Consider mom and pop hotels and b&bs, and pay $75 a night or less, which often includes a full breakfast. We never eat much breakfast at home, so while traveling we have rolls and coffee, then make sandwiches from breakfast fare. That gives us free picnic lunches, saving from $20 daily.

If traveling in Europe, learn some conversational French, Spanish, German and/or Italian. It helps find where the locals eat, at half of what the same meal  costs in a tourist trap restaurant. Even better, they serve basic, much healthier meals.

In London, as in New York, we line up daily at the two-fer booth and see excellent plays and musicals for half price, sometimes even free on certain days and times. Everywhere you wander, expect to be exposed to tourist traps, whether traveling in Manhattan, Madrid, Manila or Majorca. Escape overpaying by intelligent pre-trip planning and smart shopping around for the most at the least prices.

Q: Now in our late 60s, we’re retired empty-nesters and raring to travel. We plan to take several months to see Europe. However, checking hotels in London, Paris, Venice and other potential destinations, we found prices of $500+ a night way over our budget.

An experienced traveler friend suggested we stay in hostels at about 1/4 the cost. We thought those places were just for backpacking youngsters. What’s your opinion? AAR, San Diego CA

A: Reminds us of our own post-retirement travels. Also in our 60s, we did what you’re considering. We backpacked through France, the Netherlands and Belgium. At first, we tried small hotels, and while most were adequate, the $200+ prices were not worth the short, eight-hour stay.