Get to the airport early enough so your innards will be ok when it’s time to board. On a short flight, you won’t have to visit the teeny airplane john. Also, during a longer flight, you won’t need to hop up and down in the aisle while six people wait in line ahead of you at the onboard toilet.

The old adage about there’s no such thing as a free lunch applies to crooked travel offers. You get a message saying you have “won” or “been selected for” a free cruise. What it really involves are costs including piled on charges and taxes you must pay while aboard. Plus you must sit through a high-pressure timeshare pitch meeting of four to five hours.

If you accept the so-called free cruise, when you go aboard, you’ll find you’re on an creaky old ship heading for a dingy little island port. Meanwhile, the pitch is still pushed to upgrade and pay more as you sail for food, drinks, shore excursions and other costly features. Just ignore the original pitch and book your cruise through a trusted travel agent and/or upscale cruise line.

I know Southwest frequently offers special deals, but it seems every time I need to book, there are no cheap SW flights in effect. TSF, Roanoke VA

A: Of course, the first rule for best fares is not to book to fly on busy weekends, and never on holidays, when airports are jammed. And be willing to fly late night, so-called red eye flights. Before booking, always comparison shop online and/or with a trusted travel agent. Airlines routinely match one another's fares on competing routes, and you’ll find Southwest isn't always the cheapest.

There may be a better deal or flight schedule on another airline, or snag a Southwest deal one way and a deal on the return on a different airline. Search on airline websites, travel search sites like Google Flights and online travel agencies like Priceline and Expedia. Southwest tickets can only be booked on its website, or through its reservations center (800-435-9792).

Selfies while traveling can be fun. Smiling in front of the Eiffel Tower, hugging at the Trevi Fountain and strutting in front of the Kremlin are all ok. However, if you’re on a cruise and climb up to point your camera or smartphone while standing on the ship’s railing is a no no.

Despite warnings, a couple did it while on a recent Royal Caribbean cruise. They were kicked off at the next port and had to pay all return home expenses. Additionally, Royal Caribbean banned them from ever sailing again on the cruise line. Simple solution: With or without your smartphone camera, when traveling, always be aware of personal dangers you may encounter, aboard cruise ships, high buildings and elsewhere, and follow all safety rules.