Guest Writer Matt F., Tucson AZ: When I retired, we sold our empty-nest home and decided to move from the wet, icy East to a warm, dry climate. In the three months before the new owner took over our old house, my spouse and I traveled to many retirement areas in Florida, California and Arizona.

When we found an ideal site in Tuscon, Arizona, instead of buying immediately, we took a one-year lease on an apartment. The Desert Southwest was totally new to us then, and we wanted the freedom to go elsewhere if necessary.

In this hectic holiday season, roaming seniors are often more affected by the crowds and confusion of airports than younger travelers. To maintain health and energy we need restful pauses, particularly in busy airports.

Medical experts in geriatrics recommend finding quiet places for naps of 15 to 30 minutes. Because it’s necessary to get to the airport at least an hour before take-off, use the time for some snoozing. Find a quiet place on a bench or hallway and get as comfy as possible.

Use a wrap-around coat and sleep mask to create comfort and privacy. Keep your smartphone working so you can block out noise, and hear update annoucements about your flight.

With war memories from that part of the world fading into the distant past, Vietnam is becoming more popular and accessible for senior American tourists. When making your plans, be sure to be thoroughly familiar with all requirements. Unless you're traveling for special purposes, such as funeral, family illness, disaster aid or other emergencies, a valid tourist visa must be obtained several months in advance.

There are four variables. A tourist visa can be for a single entry or multiple entries, and can be valid either for thirty days or ninety days. The visa cost depends on those variables.

Now’s the time for all roaming seniors to start planning for next spring and summer cruises. When you’re at sea, some ports your ship may visit are modern, all business and totally uninteresting. Beyond all that, these cities also welcome travelers with sights, history, entertainment, fun, shopping, dining and charm.

1. New York: For centuries, New York has been one of the major ports where cruise ships sail to and from all parts of the world. In the late 19th Century, the port and Lady Liberty welcomed immigrants from Europe to America. During wartime, they carried GIs to battlefields and home again.