MMcT, Madison WI: I’ll be traveling in Europe this season, and worried about credit card identity theft. A friend had her card imprint stolen by a Taiwan restaurant worker, and the next month she got a bill for more than $5,750.

A: First, check with your credit card company to see what protections and/or theft insurance you have. In today’s high tech world, there’s actually no way to be absolutely sure some high tech thief can’t hack your card. Reduce the risk with a low-limit card credit card, such as a top amount of $1,000 or less. Then, use only that card while traveling.

Another way to avoid theft is not to take a credit card. Before leaving home, prepay for air travel, hotel, cruise and other anticipated major expenses. Then buy American Express or other travelers’ checks in amounts of $100 each. For incidental purchase and cash on trips, use ‘em as you need ‘em.

Q: In my 80s, I still enjoy roaming the world. Because of severe arthritis, I now require a wheelchair to get from the airport garage to the check-in line and on to the boarding door. Usually allowed to board first. I’m OK with help from a travel companion or airport valet.

However, it seems lately that more and more older passengers, some younger than me, arrive at security in airport wheelchairs. Then, when we’re all aboard, I notice those fakers suddenly can walk and move freely unaided.

This is particularly bothersome on Southwest and other no-reserved-seat airlines. The fakers not only grab the best seats, but also can stow their carry-ons without worrying about crowded overhead bins.

Q: We’re soon having a big family reunion in Las Vegas, and we’ll be gathering nearly 40 members from all over the U.S. and Mexico. Problem is some visitors and events will be in different hotels on the Strip.

They’re just short distances away, but many of us are elderly and can’t easily do the long walking from hotel to hotel. We also need scooters to navigate the long walks inside the big resort hotels. Are there electric scooter services in Vegas, and what are the prices? EMM, Santa Fe NM

I’ve been smoking for more than 50 years, and still enjoy it. However, recently I’ve found more and more of my travel destinations have become totally non-smoking. How can I deal with all the restrictions in flights, hotels, cruise ships and just about everywhere else? PJC, Atlanta GA

A: First of all, if you’ve been a smoker for so many years, and still alive ... congratulations! Seriously, the simplest situation for travel, as well as for your health, is just quit. Or at least start gradually to break the addiction by limiting yourself to a few smokes in places where it’s still permitted.

One of most effective ways to end smoking is to check with your doctor and set up an effective program. However, if you insist on puffing on your travels, just follow the rules to find smoking-permitted areas. Be sure to respect other adults and kids where smoking is totally banned.