While some US cities are not the friendliest destinations, the recent rise in gang crimes in Mexico urban areas is becoming a major problem, especially for older tourists. Unfortunately, they are the easiest victims. Professional robbers and quick-grabbing kid gangs roam the streets and parks of many Mexican cities.

When you’re sightseeing, day and night, always be aware of your surroundings. Keep wallets in buttoned or zipped pockets. Hold handbags with straps, and when walking, tightly under an arm. Attach a case and wrist strap to your smartphone, and keep it wrapped around a hand when texting and shooting photos.

Use only registered taxis from airports and on city rides. Always ask hotel desk employees about the safest tourist sites, restaurants, entertainment and other nearby local features. When dining, especially outside, don’t leave personal items, drinks or food unattended when taking bathroom breaks. Nights are most dangerous, so stay on well-lighted streets and walk with at least one physically-fit companion.

They did it back in the 70s to start the roaring inflation that painfully continues today. Now the Middle East bedsheet bandits, international oil cartels and your unfriendly neighborhood gas station owners are doing it to you again.

Despite the reality that wells in the US and around the world are pumping more oil than ever before, the crooked cartels are once again pumping up the prices. While you’re forced to pay $5 a gallon for a product that should cost less than half of that inflated thievery, there are ways to fight back. 

If just a short distance from home, use public transport, hike and bike to the local store. Get together and share car journeys with neighbors. Make your next car all or part electric. Check GasBuddy and other daily websites on where to find cheapest prices locally and at travel destinations.

When gassing up, let the station owner know your anger and determination to fight back. Also, with the next election time approaching, tell current political candidates to address the international thievery. Their priority should be to know that grossly inflated gas prices are one of the most important issues hurting our economy.

All senior flyers have experienced it. The disruptive guy in the next seat had too many Martinis in the airport bar. These days, the rowdy behavior is also happening when a large noisy group is on the same flight. It often occurs after holiday parties, family reunions, business conferences and college sports events.

If you’re traveling with a celebrating group, be sure all participants are aware of the cost of unruly and desructive behavior on flights. Not only could it result in big fines, you may also get kicked off the aircraft and headed for the hoosegow. www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/sep/19/partygoers-on-flights-warned-excessive-drinking-will-lead-to-hefty-fines

With thousands of homeless wandering downtown, street dangers in the City By The Bay is now at a constant high level. The recent crime happened when reporters set cellphones, purses and other items in a parked car that were shown on video as they were stolen. The fast-working, window-smashing thieves were not caught.

When travels take you to San Francisco and any other large world city, always obey personal safety rules. Keep your parked car locked, preferably in a commercial garage. Carry wallets in buttoned or zipped pockets. Keep strapped handbags secured under elbows. Always be alert, and at night, walk only with at least one companion on well-lighted busy streets.