Guest Senior Traveler, TVMcR, West Hollywood CA: I live in the Los Angeles area, just a city block from historic Route 66, as it proceeds westward along Santa Monica Boulevard. Every time I see the nearby street sign, I’m reminded of a long-ago popular tune, and the lyrics that declare Route 66 “winds from Chicago to L.A.”

Those lyrics didn’t go far enough. Route 66 actually continues past Los Angeles for another dozen miles to the coastal city of Santa Monica, where there’s a final Route 66 sign just a few feet from the amusement pier, beach and Pacific Ocean. It's the actual end of the famed road's 2,451 miles.

Q: My spouse and I want to sign up for a trip to China with our church group. We hope to enjoy it, but are concerned by news reports about the unhealthy air in Beijing. We’re both in good condition for our age, but have medical histories of respiratory conditions. What do you recommend? LBG, Milwaukee WI

A: You’re right about the smog in the Chinese capital. Sometimes the air gets so thick with pollution, everyone walks the streets wearing surgical masks. Here's some advice from a traveling senior who has been there, seen that several times. Of course, other big cities in the industrial world often match Beijing in unhealthy air.

Native American tribes regularly celebrate their heritage with gatherings for traditional music, dancing, storytelling and exhibits of their artistic crafts. Check for this year’s schedules and other current information. For example:

Gathering of Nations, Albuquerque NM: University of New Mexico Arena, Avenida Cesar Chavez Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM, gatheringofnations.com/powwow. Producers claim it's the largest in North America. Colorful exhibits and activities make for great photo and video memories.

Included are contests for best costumes, dances, original music and crowning of Miss Indian World. Offered are many varieties of freshly-prepared Native American foods, jewelry, clothing and other products.

Many of today’s senior travelers may never see it happen. However, as every other form of transportation is getting automated, it’s just a matter of time before pilotless commercial air travel will become a reality.

When that happens, you can first expect to experience mechanized security body searches before boarding. Those steel robot fingers on your intimate body parts will be even icier than those of Homeland Security geeks.