Q: I retired almost a year ago and not enjoying it. Going from 40 years of working every day to just sitting around is driving me nuts. A friend told me the best thing to solve my problem is just get up off my butt and travel. What do you have to say about it? JKMcC, Pittsburgh PA

A: Your pal is absolutely right! That restless feeling is normal, because you went suddenly from a full daily routine into a do-nothing lifestyle. The solution is to start a regular activity that requires planning, meeting schedules and seeing new sights. In other words, you should really get off your butt and venture out into the world.

Reno  calls itself The Biggest Little City in the World. But sometimes the reality is that its casinos, shops, restaurants and nightlife often play second fiddle to the main attraction surrounding the city: the great outdoors.

Reno has a Class III whitewater park on the Truckee River that runs through the heart of downtown. Outside Magazine named it the nation's best town for whitewater paddling.

Cable cars have been a part of the city’s scene for nearly a century and a half. The Tony Bennett song portrays every visitor’s image of the beloved form of transportation:

“I left my heart in San Francisco;
High on a hill, it calls to me.
To be where little cable cars
Climb halfway to the stars...”

Just asking often works. Unlike air travel, speaking up (politely) can go a long way to get a hotel upgrade. At check-in, ask the front desk clerk if you can have a higher-class room for the same quoted price.

Have a good reason. If you're celebrating a special occasion, arrived late in the day (and the hotel has vacant rooms that won't be filled), or are a frequent guest.

Make brand loyalty count. Book your room directly with the hotel chain and state you've stayed at the property before. Join programs, such as rewards credit card or frequent-guest club. If you have any other affiliations, such as AAA, military or AARP, be sure to speak up about them.

Try tipping your way to an upgrade. Depending on where you're traveling, an extra $10 or $20, discreetly offered at check-in, may get you a roomier room. It never hurts to offer and/or inquire to get a better room for free or at a discount.