PJ, Panama City FL writes: My first cross-country driving experience was nearly 50 years ago. Three Navy shipmates and I had just returned from ‘Nam, and had to get from San Diego to New York City.

Train, bus and air traffic were jammed by a million other guys trying to get home. We chipped in and bought an $800 1958 Plymouth sedan. We then hit Route 66, took turns driving and made the 3,000-mile trip home in about 50 hours.

At the time, gas was 25¢ a gallon. That was then. Today, despite grossly inflated costs, there are many intelligent ways savvy senior drivers can economically and safely do the journey. Consider some suggestions:

Guest Senior Contributor JKT, Milwaukee WI: When a friend first suggested this long-retired traveler try a hostel, I sneered. Did I want to spend nights in a crowded, sweaty dorm with a bunch of pot-smoking, rock music crazed, unwashed and unemployed juvenile delinquents?

He insisted that the impression was wrong, and told me about hostel rates compared to hotels and other advantages. That got my attention.

Costs: Hotel rates have risen every year for at least the past decade, and show no signs of falling. It’s not unusual today to pay $300 a night at a small, very basic hotel room in New York, London or Tokyo. Hostel rates in the same cities may range from $25 a night in a bunk room with shared bath, to a private room and bath for $40.

According to a recent USA Today article, an advanced security system will take over at airports within the next decade.

Instead of passengers required to be body-searched by human TSA agents, remove clothing and endure other current inconveniences, they’ll just need to walk through an electronic corridor. Super-sensitive scanners will make all the necessary observations as they pass.

Along with allowing passenger boarding comfort, the state-of-the-art system is expected to be much more efficient than the current manual one. It will be better capable of detecting illegal, as well as potentially dangerous, items hidden on passenger bodies, clothing and carry-ons.

When making your travel plans, learn all about the intended destination. Study the history, people and culture. Research places and events within the city you can enjoy, fit into your travel budget and allow yourself to blend in.

If it will be a foreign city and there’s time before your journey, learn basics of the language. It will be appreciated by the natives and get you added benefits in service and courtesy. Surf the web for the official city site, as well as others on lodging, restaurants, entertainment, museums, night life and other offerings.

Look for ads, coupons and other items you can print and bring with you for free services, bargains and discounts. Check out social sites that list meetings, exhibits, classes and other sessions where you can meet and mix with locals.