Guest Writer Pamela J., Westwood CA: Doris Day sang about springtime in Paris. We enjoy visiting the beautiful city any time of year. We never fail to have a marvelous experience, whether in a quiet neighborhood inn or upscale hotel. Some hints for having fun days in Paris:

Champs Elysees: Though often filled with tourists, we enjoy wandering this famous street. The InterContinental Paris Avenue Marceau is there, and offers terrace suites for enjoying a more luxurious experience and views of the famed avenue.

Some of the city’s greatest monuments and historic sites offer visitors VIP and backstage access. These tours bypass the lines and crowds.

Eiffel Tower: France's famed monument offers an official behind-the-scenes experience, starting deep under the Champ du Mars. VIP visitors see machinery that operates the tower's elevators, along with vintage wartime bunkers.

Next, visit the tower's second level, home of the Jules Verne restaurant. The special tour proceeds to the roof of the restaurant and top of the tower for great views of Paris, off limits to regular visitors. Tours are 10 a.m., noon and 4:30 p.m.

Since Biblical times, Jerusalem has been one of the world's most popular destinations for travelers. Continuing the tradition, some go there seeking the roots of their religions, while others want to experience the ancient history and cultures of the venerable city.

Jerusalem hotels, as in any other tourist destination city, can be very expensive. For each night, the American Colony Hotel charges may be from $400 and up, and King David rates may start at $800. For young wanderers, as well as adventurous senior travelers on limited budgets, Jerusalem hostels can be a satisfactory alternative. Here are examples of three bargain hostels in Jerusalem:

The exotic city-state is one your travel4seniors.com editor’s favorite world destinations. The former British colony and now independent nation offers some of best restaurants. Here are several favorites:

Gattopardo: The traditional Italian pastas are enhanced by fresh seafood harvested in nearby Pacific Ocean waters. Some eclectic dishes are flavored by Asian ingredients and exotic spices. I've enjoyed the tasty bucatini con la sarde. It's made of generous tubes of spaghetti with fresh-caught sardines, fennel, saffron and pine nuts. Gattopardo, Hotel Fort Canning, 11 Canning Walk. gattopardo.com.sg