Remember traveling back in the days before smartphones? If a serious amateur picture-taker, you dragged along a big camera bag. In it, along with the Nikon, several extra lenses, a flash unit and a heavy stash of 35mm film rolls.

Now in the digital age, you can do it all with just a Nikon or other compact brand. One very small camera, including flash, tele and wide-angle lenses and virtually unlimited pictures. And in some, you can also shoot video.

Despite being on the no-call list, your travel4seniors.com editor has suddenly been inundated with those hated phone calls at home. Some of the latest, coming in almost daily, promise free cruises.

The recorded pitches are usually spoken by women with American accents. However, the suspicion is that the racket originates in phone centers in Russia, China, Africa and/or Mexico.

Is your old infantry division from the Korean War getting together in New York soon? Are old crewman from your World War 2 ship gathering in Vegas? Will your Marine fighter squadron mates who fought in ‘Nam in the 1960s be gathering in Manhattan in the near future?

Do we have to remind you nor your former barracks buddies or shipmates that you’re not getting any younger? Make a special effort to attend the next reunion to renew old friendships and relive shared memories of your service times together.

Or if so inclined, volunteer to be the organizer and host a military reunion you create in your home town. Many major hotel chains schedule such events, and expert staff can help you with your plans.

A newspaper or online ad entices you book a cruise at $700 for a seven-day sailing. A bargain vacation, because it’s all inclusive, with cabin, meals, games, entertainment and much more included in the price.

However, these days, just like come-on airline bargain ads, you can expect to pay much more in hidden charges. Beyond port fees, taxes and a few other add-ons, many cruise lines now charge mandatory gratuity.