Another story just broke about an incident in New York City of an assault against a tourist. Travelers encounter the fake Sesame Street and Disney characters day and night on Times Square, Hollywood Boulevard, the Vegas Strip and other busy tourist walkways.

A recent CNN article reported continuing problems of airport workers stealing from checked luggage. It happens to just a tiny percentage of the millions of bags that go through the system. However, if it’s yours that gets a $1,500 watch or $500 bracelet swiped, the problem becomes very seriously personal.

There’s a supremely simple solution that travelers apply to avoid theft from their checked bags. Taking a cue from the Biblical Joseph and his coat of many colors, savvy seniors fly wearing coats of many pockets.

You worked hard during your career and deserve golden years of rest and fun wanderings you've planned for years. However, as it happens with many new retirees, you feel you also want to give something of yourself to help others.

You can volunteer at local fundraisers, teach a Sunday school class, make cookies for a charity bake sale and many other contributions. Beyond that, you also want to do something constructive with your hands, heart and bucket.

It could involve painting a home for a needy family, repairing a church roof, cleaning the local park grounds or volunteering for other bucket-ready tasks. Here are some sources where you can pitch in and help in your area or across the world.

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program: www.seniorcorps.org
Volunteer Abroad: www.goabroad.com
Senior Corps: www.nationalservice.gov
Cross-Cultural Solutions: www.crossculturalsolutions.org
USO: www.uso.org 
American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
Habitat For Humanity: www.habitat-for-humanity.org
Salvation Army: www.salvationarmyusa.org

Tired of rising costs, delays, cramped aircraft seats and airport Gestapo, many wandering seniors today are returning to railroad journeys. Although U.S. train service hasn’t yet matched the super speed and upscale comfort of those in Europe and Asia, it still offers a sensible and economical alternative to flying.

To get you in the mood for your next train ride, here are our nominees for some great nostalgic film memories:
Planes, Trains And Automobiles; Von Ryan’s Express; Murder On The Orient Express; Strangers On A Train; The Train; Shanghai Express; Some Like It Hot; A Hard Day’s Night; Silver Streak.

They’re all available on DVD, and some you can view any time for free at YouTube and other online sources.