New York State’s Erie County SPCA has started a program of providing a free service to travelers at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Aptly named Paws For Love (PFL), it consists of  well-trained dogs that are guided through the airport waiting areas to visit with harried passengers. The canines provide relaxation and friendly companionship while people wait for their flights.

The SPCA PFL airport services is an extension of its traditional programs of sending volunteers and dogs on visits to hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions. The PFL is also operating at other U.S. airports, including San Jose CA, Ft. Lauderdale FL, San Antonio TX, Grand Rapids MI, Los Angeles CA and Miami FL. For more info, go to www.pawsforlove.info

Many older people, widowed or otherwise without traveling companions, decline ocean voyages because of high cabin rates. Until recently, cruise lines always charged an extra fee for those sailing solo. Singles who occupied cabins alone often had to pay as much as for two people.

NCL now offers economical and compact, one-passenger studio-sized cabins on some of its ships. The nearby area also has an exclusive lounge for those singles who choose to mingle. For schedules, prices and other information, check with your travel agent or go to ncl.com

Starting Sunday, June 15, the airline offers its new Mint business class service on flights between New York's JFK Airport and Los Angeles. The round-trip cost starts from about $1,200.

Mint service on the seven daily flights to those cross-country destination includes flat beds, private suites, dual power outlets with USB ports, amenity kits and an upscale dining menu featuring tapas.

For schedules, prices and other info, go to www.jetblue.com

According to industry reports, more and more people are signing on for long cruises of from 30 to 100 days and beyond. It seems some vacationers, including retirees, have so much time (and money) on their hands, they can indulge in such luxuries.

The adventurous can sign on for what could seem as long as a Navy enlistment. However, except for lifeboat drills, it will all be for fun. No such all-hands assignments as swabbing the deck, standing dog watch or mess duty in the scullery.