The already strict Chinese government is getting tough on American visitors this year. Several tourists are currently charged with offenses and are being detained. We seniors can only guess that the already paranoid officials in Beijing are afraid of American spies posing as tourists.

Of course, those Chinese bosses want to continue unloading billions of dollars worth of crappy toys, computers, cars, clothing and other junk on America. They just don’t want us to return the favor by shipping a bunch of sneaky agents to spy on them.  

Before making China travel plans and reservations, keep in close touch for the latest potential problems info at state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory

According to reports, TSA plans to use the more friendly looking security mutts. They believe kids are less likely to be afraid of dogs with ears that lay flat. Will they also require airport police to have pointy ears, too?

Remember those Iron Maiden torture chambers from the Middle Ages? It seems United has installed today’s versions of the ancient racks. The most crowded seats offer very basic comforts to go with the airline’s lowest cost fares. However, so far there’s no announcement that those flyers will be served only bread and water on their journey. OK, your travel4seniors.com editor is kidding, but if you go, prepare to be squeezed.

Tragically, virtually half of it is dead. For visiting wildlife lovers and serious scuba divers, it could get worse unless drastic changes are made. So make 2019 the year you visit, and marvel at the world's most extraordinary coral ecosystem before it’s gone. Check the internet for scheduled trips to Australia that include visiting the beautiful work of nature.