Some modest exercises make airport delays bearable

When you’re stuck in the airport waiting area for an hour or more, as we all too often are, use the time to to benefit your body. You’ll see everyone around you sprawled out, squeezed in or squirming uncomfortably in the torture racks they call seats.

Try some simple exercises to fight the boredom, nervous fidgeting and ever tightening muscles. First, make sure your carry-on and other stuff is secure with a companion, or do your flexing close-by with it all in sight. Here are some suggested movements:

1. Stand with your hands on your hips or clasped behind your head. Turn your upper body slowly from side to side, stretching toward the back as far back as you can. Do this 25 times on each side or until you feel limber enough.

Going through airport security can be the most unpleasant part of traveling by air. Until all the raghead terrorists are put out of action, we can expect the ordeal to continue. There’s no way to avoid it, but there are ways to make it a bit easier and quicker.

1. If you’re slowed down by years or handicapped in any way, whether in a wheelchair or not, get a note from your doctor asking that you be permitted to board early. First, when you get to security check-in, show the note, and you may be permitted to go quickly through a separate, shorter line. Do the same at the check-in desk. It’s especially helpful when you fly Southwest or other no-reserved-seating airline.

Tourist destination: The Great Wall of China

If travel to Europe, the Orient or other parts of the world is in this season’s itinerary for you, some simple rules can help make your trip safe and more enjoyable. Here are a few suggestions from experienced senior travelers:

1. Don’t make yourself a clueless tourist. The obvious one makes big ceremonies of showing money and loudly ordering everyone to do his/her royal bidding. Carry just enough money for that day’s activities, and for convenience and courtesy, make it the money of the country you’re visiting.

We certainly don’t advise it for married people who want to act unmarried, but one of the best aspects of a singles only cruise is a chance for singles to meet new people. No matter what your age, there may be romance awaiting you. Ignore your maiden aunt's advice. Just leave your inhibitions and shyness ashore, and join in on the fun at sea.

There’s something magical about a cruise that brings people together. As Sinatra sang: “Strangers in the night ...Two lonely people, we were strangers in the night. Up to the moment when we said our first hello, little did we know love was just a glance away, a warm embracing dance away.”

The sea air, tranquil ocean, visits to exotic ports, midnight get-acquainted dances and a score of other activities and experiences tend to bring out the most sentimental moods in everyone. For your next vacation, consider signing up for a singles only cruise.

For example, check with vacationstogo.com for a very attractive list of singles only cruises scheduled for the upcoming season. Give it a try. What have you got to lose, except your loneliness?