After basking under the warm sun in Acapulco, Key West, Honolulu or at sea, it isn't easy to get back to the reality of work or retiree activities. Especially if you have to drive through the snow and slush.

If you must return to work, the same duties will be waiting. It isn't likely the boss or anyone else will allow you to do less until you’re gradually back up to speed. As they say in clichés, you'll be expected to hit the ground running.

Try it in several stages. First, as soon as you get home, unpack the bags quickly. Get all clothes and personal stuff back to where they belong and stash away the bags. Then they won't be around to remind you of the fun and sun that was.

This year, don’t drag supplies from the grocery, prep and schlepp in the kitchen, serve the dinner and clean up the mess at home. Go out for dinner!

Choose a local hotel restaurant or favorite in-town café. Or make a short drive to a beachside or mountain eatery. Or hit a casino resort and do the big buffet for Thanksgiving dinner. Then you’ll enjoy it as you gather together with the beloved members of your tribe.

If your travels take you to the Los Angeles area, consider spending a day on the venerable old luxury cruise ship. Because she was used as a troop ship during World War II, the restoration of her included remounting her anti-aircraft guns.

On a recent tour, your travel4seniors.com editor had some nostalgic moments to relive his WWII experiences as a member of a Navy anti-aircraft crew. For events, visit schedules and more info, go to www.queenmary.com

When wandering the world, practice all self-protective routines as you do at home. Common sense in the ongoing battle of the sexes of any age is absolutely essential. Here are some tips to help seniors participate in the travel dating battle without suffering wounds of the heart or worse.

1. For a first date, make it brief. Arrange to get together at a public place, such as a café, where the initial face-to-face is for lunch or snack. While there, don't offer too much info about yourself, and listen carefully to the other person’s conversation. If the meeting makes you in any way nervous or suspicious, politely end it and refuse all further contact.