Guest senior writer PRL, Philadelphia PA: We were there last year, and had a great time. When most people think of  Monaco, the last images they imagine are cheap hostels and budget restaurants.

Our fantasies were more likely to conjure up elegantly expensive hotels, posh casinos and gourmet restaurants. Of course, there would also be smartly dressed gamblers and James Bond in a tux at a casino table, checking out his cards and a nearby bevy of beautiful babes.

When we arrived in the Principality of Monaco, we weren’t driving Ast0n Martins nor were we carrying Louis Vuitton luggage. We wore casual hiking clothes and backpacks served as our luggage. We wanted to visit some of glamorous places there, but were on a tight budget.

Traveling seniors enjoy exploring museums in many world locations, including the Louvre in Paris, London’s British Museum, St. Petersburg’s Hermitage and Rome’s Vatican. Many U.S. cities also offer interesting museums, especially Los Angeles. On your next trip to the West Coast, save a day or two to wander through one or more:

Los Angeles County Museum of Art  5905 Wilshire Bvd., Los Angeles CA 90036, www.lacma.org. With a million visitors annually, LACMA is one of America’s most popular museums. In addition to permanent collections, there are frequent special exhibits, lectures and other events.

Seasoned travelers who love the French capital can find unlimited delights in the City of Light. These are just a few of the best from one who has been a happy visitor many times, and plans to return again and again.

1. Getting There: Major world airlines serve Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the most active in Europe and 8th largest in the world. Trains from throughout Europe visit Paris at all hours of the day and night, including the famed English Channel underground Chunnel train from London.

2. Parlez Vous:  Before you visit Paris, enlighten yourself with the basics of the language. My two years of high school French have helped me benefit with more friendly responses, helpful directions and enhanced experiences.

Retired Business Traveler Contributor LKL, Oklahoma City OK: Over nearly five decades, I had the pleasure of visiting some of California’s most outstanding hotels. Sometimes the room rates were sky-high (and even higher today), but once I experienced the posh surroundings, I always believed the price was well worth the enjoyment. These are my favorites:

The Fairmont (950 Mason St., San Francisco CA 94108, fairmont.com/san-francisco) Current rate from $250. Under construction when the 1906 earthquake devastated the city, the Fairmont survived. Since then, the magnificent hotel has stood like a proud sentinel on Nob Hill, offering sweeping views of the city to its guests.

My first visit to the hotel was in early 1944 when assigned to the nearby Treasure Island Navy Base. While awaiting sea duty, a shipmate and I treated ourselves to a night and dinner at the Fairmont. Costs then were $8 for the room and $5 for a steak dinner, dessert and drinks.