Q: I was widowed last year, and after many months trying to get over my loss, I believe I now need to get back to a normal life. Friends and family all urge me to travel, and many claim a cruise is the best way to start living again. Suggestions? Leona F, Chicago IL

A: Maybe best if you ease into it with a short cruise of 3 to 7 days. Try first by going on a theme cruise as part of a group with similar interests, such as same age, religion, vocation, specific entertainment, etc. While on this initial cruise, take your time in mingling, by choosing when and where to be alone and when to be with the group.

Q: Flying seems to be getting more hectic, tiring and expensive all the time. When airlines post bargains of $99 flights, we know that’s the base price, and the actual cost can be as much as 50% higher.

Of course, it’s even more with so-called upgrades. Airlines offer seats that can go flat, but they can add considerably to the cost. My question: Is it worth the extra charge to buy a ticket for that convenience? PG, Atlanta GA

A: It all depends on the length of your flight. We can endure up to three hours crammed into the typically narrow cheap seats if we want to keep to a budget. Upgrades to lie-flat seats could cost from $75 and up, and we feel they’re only worthwhile on longer flights. There are variables.

Q: We’ve been to Las Vegas many times over the years, and are always eager to return. In previous visits, we loved strolling the Strip and Fremont Street. We also enjoy exploring inside various resorts, as  well as viewing the outdoor celebrations and general wandering.

However, the years are slowing us down, and we’ll need help getting around on our next trip. Vegas hotels have long hallways and we want to window-shop in big retail areas, such as the ones in Caesars and the Venetian. Can we rent something small and light like electric scooters on our next visit?

BL, Milwaukee WI

A: Las Vegas has scads of scooter rental companies, with prices that range from $15 to $50 a day. One example is yellowscooters.com. It offers free delivery and pick-up to your hotel. Two lightweight electric models, Pack’N’Ride 3 Scooter and V10 Portable HD Scooter, are advertised starting at $40 for a single day. However, they get much cheaper per day if you rent for additional days.

The entire city is scooter friendly, so you’ll find sidewalks, ramps, hotel elevators, shops, theaters and restaurants cooperating to accommodate your needs. Incidentally, similar scooter and wheelchair rental agencies exist in Disney Parks, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington and other senior-friendly destinations. Happy scootering!

Q: My company always used travel agents on business trips. I found them very helpful and great sources of information. We now plan to enjoy our sunset years with lots of private travel. With the internet so full of up-to-the-minute trip deals, should we just do our own booking?

Bob S, Seattle WA

A: We suggest the first thing you do is contact that agency you used on the job, and ask familiar experts there for advice on your intended start-up ventures into post-retirement wanderings. Book your first personal trips there. After that, you may arrange brief schedules by yourselves.

You may do better to continue with a trusted, experienced agent in making travel plans. For example, consider details you’ll encounter when considering tours, cruises, overseas destinations and visits to big cities. With caring, professional support of a trusted expert, you may find your trips more trouble-free and enjoyable. They could actually be less costly than if you do it all yourself via the impersonal internet.