As with everything else on the internet, thievery gets more technically updated all the time. A recent Los Angeles Times article reported that senior U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate a recent online scam.

The site's phony song and dance routine promises hotel rooms at greatly reduced rates. To qualify, you’re required to sign up and pay online with personal financial information. Then, when you arrive at the hotel, there is no record of your reservation, and your payment has been hacked by the crooks.

As an experienced senior traveler, I’m often asked: Is it safe to eat food from outdoor carts and stalls in a foreign country? If you have any doubts or fears at all .... just don't do it! If you follow that rule, you'll never get sick from that iffy type of food.

However, most senior travelers take the chance once in awhile. Since I retired many years ago, I've dined from street carts all over the U.S., and in many cities of the world: Paris, London, Rome, Acapulco, Venice, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen and others.

State highway rest stations are usually very safe for drivers and families to pause for relaxing, bathroom breaks and snacks. Visitors can usually depend on good lighting, cleanliness and personal safety.

However, when on long road trips, some basic self-protection rules should always be in place. They’ll help you feel more secure.

Because of tightening enforcement of an existing U.S. law, many cruise lines will no longer offer sailings of an overnight or two at sea and then return to their original U.S. ports. The law prohibits cruises out of U.S. ports without at least one stop scheduled in a non-U.S. destination.

If you’re considering one of those short sailings, contact cruise lines and/or your favorite travel agency.