We retired recently to California, and settled in an apartment in West Hollywood. Of course, the very first chance we had to tour the city was to visit the famed streets of the movie capital of the world.

We strolled along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and read the stars’ name on sidewalk plaques in front of the venerable Grauman’s Theater (now TCL Chinese Theatre) www.tclchinesetheatres.com. Then, because we had spent time there several decades ago, we wanted to revisit a more intimate and hip Hollywood music scene we remember from those days. We spent an hour or two along the vintage Sunset Strip.

The Sunset Strip: It’s just a few blocks south and west of Hollywood Boulevard, in the incorporated city of West Hollywood www.weho.org. The Strip is on Sunset Boulevard between Crescent Heights and Doheny Drive, bordering the city of Beverly Hills.

All the address numbers are on Sunset Boulevard:

The TSA Cares program assists travelers with disabilities, fragile advanced age and medical conditions, including those in wheelchairs. To use the service when you arrive at the airport, call TSA at least 72 hours before your flight.

Ask how to prepare for airport screening and other info that will make your travel easier. The toll-free number is 1-855-787-2227. If you believe it necessary, include in your call a request for a TSA Passenger Support Specialist to be at the airport in person to help you through check-in.

Q: I’m a 66-year-old single newly-retired teacher and would like to take my first cruise. However, the prices are out of sight for me. I understand that sharing a cabin cuts the cost in half, but I’m hesitant to bunk with a complete stranger. What do you suggest? MLF, San Jose CA

A: Go for it, but you may elect to start cautiously. First, get a friend or family member to bunk with you for a short, three-day cruise. If that works, for your next cruise join a group, such as church, education professionals or nostalgia theme trip. Make it a four- to seven-day cruise, sharing a cabin with an already-familiar group member.

After all that experience, and you’re still a happy cruiser, consider a longer and more interesting voyage. Prepare by surfing cabin-share websites, including those posted by cruise lines and senior travel sites, for compatible companions. One of the best and most reliable is the senior-friendly roadscholar.org

American Airlines recently announced it will no longer offer lower prices for passengers who must take last-minute flights due of a death and funeral in the family. According to AA, the step is to conform with the existing no-bereavement policy of merger partner US Airways.

Actually, for seasoned citizen flyers and others likely to need such hurry-up flights, this new rule may not be as inconvenient as it appears. With savvy travel agents and/or expert personal internet surfing, flyers needing last-minute tickets can often get better prices with Southwest, Virgin America and other budget airlines.

www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-american-airlines-ends-bereavement-fares-20140227,0,1676004.story#axzz2uZ4IHRBO