Q: Haven’t cruised for a long time, but this year we’ll be with a group from our church on a week’s voyage to Acapulco. Not sure whether we should pack a lot of clothing to dress up for dinner, or go casual. The schedule we received said it would be a freestyle cruise. What does that mean? PFR, San Diego CA

A: We’ve all seen movies about how passengers on vintage luxury cruises dined. In “Titanic”, “Affair to Remember” and other examples, men appeared for dinner in tuxes and women wore long evening gowns.

Many cruises today still require passengers to dress for the evening meal, though not quite as strictly formal. Expected is coat and tie for men and cocktail dress for women.

I’m a widow and just got a birthday present from my son. It’s a round-trip flight to London and six nights in a city hotel. I couldn’t get any friends to travel with me, so I’m considering going by myself. I want to be able meet and talk with Londoners while there. What do you suggest? PTO’B, Boston MA

A: First, an example. A recent news story about a street protest in London emphasizes a unique way to meet new people. The reporter asked a sign-carrying senior why he joined the march. The American tourist shrugged his shoulders and said it was a great way to meet people.

Mingling isn’t difficult if you can be outgoing, friendly and socially creative. When you’re in busy, friendly London, you don’t have to join a protest march. Just get out there, get talking and get noticed.

Q: My widowed sister retires next month. When I asked her how she wants to celebrate, she said she’d love a bachelorette weekend in Vegas. What do you suggest?  PBL, Boston MA

A: Did you see Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline and Robert De Niro in the recent movie, “Last Vegas”? It’s about older bachelors’ reunion adventures in Sin City. Of course, senior women can enjoy the same fun activities. Some brief suggestions:

Do It Mid-Week: Compare weekend vs weekday airline, hotel, club, restaurant and entertainment prices. You’ll find mid-week visits are much more economical. Additionally, Las Vegas is less crowded then, allowing easier entry into all Sin City has to offer.

Q: My spouse and I want to sign up for a trip to China with our church group. We hope to enjoy it, but are concerned by news reports about the unhealthy air in Beijing. We’re both in good condition for our age, but have medical histories of respiratory conditions. What do you recommend? LBG, Milwaukee WI

A: You’re right about the smog in the Chinese capital. Sometimes the air gets so thick with pollution, everyone walks the streets wearing surgical masks. Here's some advice from a traveling senior who has been there, seen that several times. Of course, other big cities in the industrial world often match Beijing in unhealthy air.