Remember the Sinatra song inviting you to take to the air? The lyrics don’t mention the normal human need to use the onboard toilet while up there in the sky.

Airlines continue to create and hike all kinds of extra fees for flying. Therefore, a recent news item about a top airline official mentioning the possibility of putting pay toilets on passenger planes shouldn’t be surprising. His reason was to raise “discretionary revenue.” Hmm. Wouldn’t that better be described as “excretionary revenue”?

Of course, pay toilets are still flourishing in tourist cities around the world. When in Rome recently, we visited the Colosseum, and its toilets were coin-operated, pay-as-you-go. Also, in Paddington Station in London, it was similar rip-off. 

One newswriter said if they install pay toilets aboard flights, it could have a backlash effect of losing money for the airline. He predicted passengers would then avoid buying expensive drinks, so that they wouldn’t have to use the toilets while in flight.

To misquote a phrase by Sir Walter Scott, “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we charge to relieve!”

The United Nations named its annual Human Development Index (HDI), and one Scandinavian utopia is on top for the 12th straight year. Norway, Land of the Midnight Sun, again was first on the HDI, which ranks 188 countries based on three dimensions of human development: health and life expectancy, access to knowledge and the average standard of living.

Norway has a life expectancy of nearly 82 years, its citizens average 12.6 years of schooling, and it has a per capita income of $65k. That latter number is part of the reason why it was also named the world’s most prosperous country (for the7th straight year).

Norway offers 20 hours of sunlight per day through late July. For visiting seniors, that’s perfect for biking, extended midnight summer swims, mountain trail hiking, outdoor dining and other fun activities.

For seniors who are internet message enthusiasts, the term troll was created in Norway. Originally, it was an ugly forest creature who can only be defeated by sunlight. Then it turns into stone. So, next time you encounter an offensive internet complainer, turn him/her off by flashing some sunlit truth at it.

For more info, go to www.visitnorway.org

The private car ride company has been hugely popular with providing a driver when you’re on the street and need an immediate ride. Now, with its expanded service, Uber will send a car when you call for future needs from 30 minutes to 30 days.

So far, the new service is limited to several cities. As it becomes available in more locations, riders can make contact thru the app UberX. At the time of the rider’s call, a fee estimate will be quoted. However, as usual, rates will depend on time of day, location, major city events and other factors that may influence prices. For more info, go to uber.com

If your travels take you to the Nation’s Capital this political election season, you may want to consider staying in an infamous location. The scandal of snooping at the hotel sent Richard Nixon packing 40 years ago. Now, after being shamefully shuttered for nearly a decade, the Watergate has reopened.

The hotel is extensively updated and boasts a five-star rating and many new luxury features. Conveniently located at Virginia and New Hampshire NW, it’s in the busy Foggy Bottom neighborhood. Nearby is the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, George Washington University and the National Mall.

Rates, including taxes and other add-ons, start at about $300 a night. When you check in, the desk clerk may not appreciate it if you do the V gesture and shout, “I am not a crook!” For more info, go to www.the watergatehotel.com