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Overnight Luxury Bus Between Los Angeles And San Francisco

One-way fares on Cabin start at $85, and it takes about eight night hours. That’s city center to city center, and a comparable airline trip isn’t that much quicker nor cheaper.

Although the actual in-air flight time is only about two hours, consider getting to and from the airport, parking, security check-in and tarmac delays. The total flying journey takes about the same time as the bus ride. And without the private, stretched-out sleep comfort and California dawn window views. For schedules, ticket prices and other info, go to www.ridecabin.com

Q: Is It Worth Booking A Balcony Cabin On A Cruise?

My spouse and I want to celebrate our anniversary with a ten-day cruise. This isn’t our first, but we’ve never before sailed for more than four days. On those, we always took an inside cabin, and were only in it to sleep. We figured we could view enough ocean scenes at any time by going up on deck.

On our new cruise, should we book a cabin with a balcony, so we can get private vistas day and night? PRJ, Harrisburg PA

A: First, understand that balcony cabins can cost $100 a day more than inside ones, so determine if you think it’s worth the extra charge. One way to consider it depends on the ship’s destination.

If your next cruise is entirely on the ocean from port to port, do you want to sit on your balcony for ten days and nights and see nothing but water and sky? We’d suggest considering a balcony cabin if your ship visits many ports and/or frequently sails along waters with scenic views of nearby land.

Messina, Sicily: Was Will Shakespeare Born There?

As Williiam (Guglielmo) might have written, Essere o non essere (to be or not to be), that is the question for seniors who consider traveling to Sicily. We’ve visited the Italian island several times, and despite the negative image fostered by “The Godfather” and other Hollywood fiction, we found Sicily and its people peaceful, friendly and inviting.

A recent outlandish theory about Shakespeare has some scholars wondering. The locale of the Bard’s play, “Much Ado About Nothing” is Messina, a picturesque city in northeast Sicily. Other plays are also set in Italy, including the immortal, “Romeo and Juliet”, “The Merchant of Venice”, “The Taming of the Shrew” and at least a half-dozen more.

West Hollywood CA: Looking Up From Route 66

San Francisco doesn’t own all the beautiful hilly city scenes. This is Olive Street, as viewed from Santa Monica Boulevard, as it reaches up to Sunset Boulevard and the Hollywood Hills.

We beg to differ with Nat King Cole's lyrics about Route 66. He sang: Get your kicks on Route 66. It winds from Chicago to L.A. The famed 2,500-mile highway, which does start in Chicago, actually ends in the city of Santa Monica at the Pacific Ocean. This scene is at about the 2,490-mile spot.

Savvy Seniors = Generous Tippers

We all know it’s customary to tip cabbies, waiters, bellhops, bartenders and all the usual service people. Have you ever wondered about others encountered in your travels who may also deserve your consideration?

Some examples are airline desk employees, hotel clerks, kind strangers who give you directions in foreign cities, street performers, gallery guards, police, delivery guys and others. They're people who perform a good deed for you who don’t ordinarily get a tip.

They sometimes at first refuse, but when you smile and say their next lunch is on you, they may accept. And you’ll feel good about doing a good deed.

First Cruise In A Wheelchair...Will It Be Safe For Me?

Q: To celebrate my retirement, I’m considering going on a first cruise. As much as I hope to enjoy it, I’m a bit hesitant because sometimes I need a wheelchair. Have you any suggestions on how I can cruise in safety and comfort? RBL, San Francisco CA

A: Many wheelchair-bound people take cruises. Actually, for the physically-challenged, sea journeys can be much safer and more convenient than vacationing at resorts and big cities. Once aboard, everything is within a few yards or elevator ride away from your cabin. This includes dining, pool, spa, theater, casino and much more.

Most areas of a cruise ship are wheelchair-friendly. However, for insurance purposes, few if any ships will furnish wheelchairs aboard. It’s best to take your own or contact a rental company to have one delivered to the dock before you board.