We all remember adjoining passengers we’d rather forget. Crying babies, 700 lb. arm rest overflows, barfing alcoholics and tobacco-breath addicts. Therefore, if our fondest history fantasy could be answered, what memorably pleasant seating companions would we choose?

To be happily shoulder-to-shoulder on long red-eyes or cross-ocean journeys to London or Beijing. Consider:

1. Jesus: If a prayer for safety becomes necessary, who better?
2. Abe Lincoln: We’d discuss politics, tho the poor guy in the smooshed-in seat in front of long, lanky Abe never stops whining.

Guest Senior Writer PLG, San Antonio TX: Friends and family often ask about my most enjoyable trip. These three are at the top of my world wanderer list. Although they look very different, there’s a similarity. In each, the most meaningful experiences were when I just blended with friendly locals.

Peru: Visits included Cusco, the cities of the Sacred Valley and fantastic Machu Picchu. Much enjoyment was from exploring the non-tourist areas of the cities. We found the restaurants in Cusco where the locals eat feature amazing ethnic meals for under $10.

Senior correspondent PLL, Buffalo NY: I retired at age 65.5 on a snowy January day, and 24 hours later we were escaping from icy cold and damp Buffalo. We drove 2,000 miles to the hot, dry desert of Arizona. After relaxing and sending up-yours sun and swim photos to former fellow workers still freezing in Upper New York State, we traveled.

Another retired Arizona couple suggested we accompany them on a cruise along the Pacific coast of Baja, Mexico. My immediate reaction: A cruise! Who the hell wants to go on a cruise? When I cruised along Vietnam with the Navy, a lot of angry guys out there tried to kill me! No, no! I'll never, never, never go on a cruise!

A week later we were at the pier in Long Beach, California, to board our cruise ship. Griping and moaning, I went up the gangway and to our cabin. I had to admit it was a bit more grand than crowded Navy crew compartments. Later, I reluctantly realized that the dining room on the cruise ship offered somewhat better food than Navy mess halls.

Guest Writer Mary M., Phoenix AZ: This beautiful Italian city has been one of the world's most desired destination for tourists for ten centuries. We were there recently while on a Mediterranean cruise, and it was the highlight of our trip.

Venice is one of the few places in the world that exceeded our expectations, more fantastic in reality than what we had learned from history, TV, movies and travel guides. The first sights when you board the shuttle boat are scenes along the Grand Canal.