As traveling seniors, in the minds of some sleazy operators, we wear big virtual signs: EASY OLD MARK! Consider some ways to prevent this.

1. Avoid overly friendly ads and phone sales people who try to sell you attractive travel deals. The old rule: If it sounds too good to be true, it ain’t true. When offered packages of air, hotel and all-inclusive prices, check how each item adds up. You may discover that paying separately is actually cheaper.

Bargain deals are usually advertised with just the base price, such as flights for $99.99, three-day hotel stays for $199.99 or a four-night tropical cruise for $299.99. Those come-ons don’t reveal they may cost another whopping 20 to 50 percent added on for local taxes, fuel fees, mandatory tips, in-room phone charges and other hidden charges.

According a TSA report, passengers who are required to put belongings in those plastic boxes are very forgetful. While going through security last year, they neglected to claim over $765 thousand in loose change, paper money, credit cards and other valuables.

And the careless trend rises, now double what it was a decade ago. Not that seniors are the most forgetful air passengers, but next time you fly, be thorough. Make sure to empty all of your belongings out of that plastic box at the end of the security line.

When you travel next time, consider stay at a b&b. It will be totally unlike booking big hotels with all their crowds, noise, elevators and high prices. The comfy little inns offer quiet locations, down-home service and much lower prices. Here are ten unique b&bs.

1. Barangay Bed and Breakfast, Amsterdam, Holland, is in a neat 18th Century canal row building near the Anne Frank House. Its owners claim to have the best b&b breakfast anywhere, featuring Dutch and Filipino delicacies. In the Golden Reaal neighborhood, close to galleries, shopping and coffee shops.

2. The Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, Fall River, MA, is the most infamous house in New England. The innkeepers attract travelers by boasting it’s where Lizzie Borden murdered her parents with an axe. Breakfast menu features the last meal ill-fated mom and pop Borden ate before Lizzie did them in.

Q: I’m a 56-year-old male college prof, and widowed for five years. There’s a woman prof in our department who was divorced several years ago. She’s been a great friend and colleague for a long time, but now I’d like to establish a deeper relationship.

She’s a fan of Road Scholar travel programs, and takes one or two every summer. I’d like to invite myself to join her on a trip, or suggest one we can take together. Do you think it can help us get closer? Lonesome Prof, Boston, MA