Would travel4seniors.com encourage controversial travel ideas? Which brings the next question. Is this senior out of his mind? You be the judge.

Q: We’ve been all over the world since our retirement a decade ago. We’ve enjoyed every moment, and now we’re considering a bucket list destination ... North Korea. We got the idea when Dennis Rodman and his basketball players visited there and were treated well. We hope it caused attitudes to open up, and create normal travel to that country. What do you think? KRT, Waukegan IL

A: First a note. Senior travel pals from Hong Kong visited North Korea recently, and they found cities drab, people nice but fearful. They said NK resembles gloomy 1960s Russia. So, with all the welcoming places in the world to see, why go there?

We’re not against visits to former enemy nations. One of our ex-GI editors was in Vietnam last year. He found it all friendly, eagerly promoting Western tourism and dollars. There was a recent full-page Vietnam ad in the LA Times encouraging Americans to visit.

Q: I’m a 66-year-old single newly-retired teacher and would like to take my first cruise. However, the prices are out of sight for me. I understand that sharing a cabin cuts the cost in half, but I’m hesitant to bunk with a complete stranger. What do you suggest? MLF, San Jose CA

A: Go for it, but you may elect to start cautiously. First, get a friend or family member to bunk with you for a short, three-day cruise. If that works, for your next cruise join a group, such as church, education professionals or nostalgia theme trip. Make it a four- to seven-day cruise, sharing a cabin with an already-familiar group member.

After all that experience, and you’re still a happy cruiser, consider a longer and more interesting voyage. Prepare by surfing cabin-share websites, including those posted by cruise lines and senior travel sites, for compatible companions. One of the best and most reliable is the senior-friendly roadscholar.org

Just retired from a job that kept me cooped up in an office for 40 years, I want to travel and enjoy my freedom. My folks came from Sicily a century ago, and I plan to visit family in Palermo, their home town, for Easter. How’s the simplest way to get my passport? PDiG, Jersey City NJ

A: Dealing with government regs can be scary. We suggest the easiest way is to confer with a trustworthy travel agent in your hometown, who’ll take you through the steps.

If you elect to do it yourself, make an appointment at an official government passport agency. If you’ve never before had a passport, you’ll be required to be there in person. Before that day, pick up the required DS-11 passport application forms at your local post office or public library. Have a correctly-sized passport photo taken and bring it with you.

Q: Retired and no longer flying on a company expense account, I now always book the cheap seats and fly late night schedules. However, lately I’ve been having trouble sleeping while jammed into the ever more cramped seats. What do you suggest. PRT, Waco TX

A: The immediate suggestion is to take your problem to your family physician. He/she should already be aware of your health record and any reasons for sleeplessness. Maybe a simple prescription or over-the-counter sleep aid can do the job. We recommend that you do NOT take any medication on flights without your doctor’s approval.