President Obama officially opened the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the nation’s capital. Attending the ceremonies were members of America’s oldest African American church, First Baptist of Williamsburg VA.

A highlight of the event was the ringing of the 150-year-old church Freedom Bell. The congregation was established in 1776, the year the American Revolution began. Many of the first members were slaves and freed-slaves. In the pre-Civil War days, church services were held secretly in nearby Virginia farm fields and forests. When your senior travels include Washington DC, for more info, go to nmaahc.si.edu/about/museum.Smithsonian Institution

Adventure travel requires more than a ticket and a suitcase. Depending on destination and what to expect, you’ll need all kinds of intelligent planning. It includes necessary clothing, personal care items and everything else to make the journey a safe, enjoyable experience.

If plans include backpacking, you’ll need equipment for the trail, bike or water travel. If for more than one day, and not in a city, you’ll also need tenting, sleeping bag and other essentials for overnight stops. Other suggestions may help in planning.

Giving advice about how to be a frugal gambler may often be like telling a 300-pound chow hound to gobble just one helping at all-you-can-eat Vegas buffets. Once you start gambling in Las Vegas or at any other casino, you can easily become hooked, and throw frugality to the winds.

Understand the reality. Las Vegas doesn’t provide all those big shows, bright lights, cheap rooms and buffets just to be nice. It’s because they expect you to forget moderation while you’re in Sin City, and gamble away lots of money.

Whatever the weather, your travel4seniors.com editor always has a bright time while visiting merry olde England.