Anyone remember the 1947 movie, It Happened In Brooklyn? Sinatra portrayed a soldier returning home after World War 2. His co-star was the venerable Jimmy Durante. 

The Brooklyn Bridge is a 150-year-old New York City suspension structure in Manhattan that crosses over the East River into Brooklyn. Next time you visit the area, walk, drive, scoot and/or selfie across the span with smartphone camera clicking as you experience the beautiful views. Maybe along the way, you’ll sing the Sinatra song:

You’ll miss her most when you roam,
'Cause you'll think of her and think of home,
The good old Brooklyn Bridge.

OK, you want to take Fido and/or Fluffy with you. If on the road for more than a night or two, consider ways to make your pets comfortable and safe. Stop at least once every two hours to give your leashed pets food, water, exercise and toilet time. If your travel partner is a cat, bring along a sand box.

When in heavy traffic with frequent sudden stops, use safe restraining straps for pets. When booking a hotel, motel or private house, be sure to know the rules for visiting pets. Websites, such as BringFido.com, list thousands of pet friendly lodgings, restaurants, clubs, beaches and other places that accept and have facilities for pets.

Travel expert Rick Steves recently wrote a USA Today article recommending roaming through the beautiful Italian city after dark. Of course, his praise of night time Venice is absolutely correct. However, senior travelers should not forget safety rules there or anywhere else, especially at night. Watch your step and stay alert on streets, bridges and gondolas.   

Violent crime against tourists doesn’t happen often in Venice, but phony offers and potential pickpocketing are always nearby. Keep everything in buttoned pockets and handbags looped under arms in major tourist areas, especially while wandering San Marco Square after dark. And when a friendly vendor offers you a genuine Gucci bag at a bargain price, don’t buy the phony product.

With Airbnb and other legit short-term home rental agencies getting more popular, it’s inevitable that greedy imitators are now in the business. Often they’re mom and pop homes where the owners want to make some quick bucks from gullible tourists.

Some home rentals, as handled by established agencies, are very good. However, if you pay for the wrong one directly from the owner, you may find it below par in cleanliness. It could also be far away from beach, restaurants, clubs and other expected conveniences of a vacation hotel stay.

The best way to rent a private home is with Airbnb or other legitimate agency. By constantly checking with that resource, you’ll be informed of developments and updates with potential rentals. Beyond detailed descriptions of the home, you’ll get info about fees, convenience, location, history and other useful facts.