While they’re always evolving, and depending on the airport, the security process must be faced. Therefore, it’s important to know your choices before you proceed into it.

Be aware when inspectors offer the millimeter wave scanner or backscatter machine. You may be able to ask instead for the traditional pat down. If approved, you're entitled to a private screening room and a witness.

If you have no traveling companion, ask before screening that the airline provide an employee accompany you. Also, be aware that you may request a security screener of the same sex to conduct the body search. However, if that will slow up the process too much, it may be refused.

Of course, airport security ordeals are always rushed and stressful. Keep in mind that they’ll go more smoothly when you’re pleasant, considerate and cooperative.

Here are some you may not have experienced yet, and are just waiting for you to explore and enjoy:

1. American Samoa: Three islands, Tutuila, Ofu-Olosega and Ta’u, were dedicated as a National Park in 1988. American Samoa is nearly 5,000 miles and a ten-hour flight from Los Angeles, and its sunny beaches, South Sea island tranquility and wildlife make it well worth the journey.

2. Dry Tortugas: On a vacation in Key West, Florida, take a tourist boat headed 70 miles west to the Dry Tortugas National Park. It offers uncrowded beaches, turtle nests and coves famed as pirate hangouts in the 17th and 18th Centuries.

That phrase from Proverbs 15:1 continues with: but grievous words stir up anger. We’ve all experienced it. Hotel desk clerk rudeness. Flight crew ignore your requests. Airport security unnecessary roughness. Taxi driver from hell.

Sturdy seniors who enjoy frequent travel throughout the world by air, plane, train, bus, car and on foot tell us some basic truths about smart eating and wandering. Here they are in the most simple terms:

1. Keep it clean: In your travels, you’ll touch many surfaces. Before you grab food you’re about to gobble, wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Street cart food: No matter how quaint and attractive the stuff bubbling in the pot looks, refuse it. If you’re tempted, think of how long it has sat in the cart, how many people have handled it, including the charmingly-slovenly vendor.

3. When wandering in the market area, use medicated wipes to clean your hands after touching anything. Of course, this applies when you use a public toilet.