When travels take you to Los Angeles, in addition to cruising Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, spend an hour or two where those famed stars shop and snack. And be prepared to shell out a dollar or two.

Your travel4seniors.com editor wrote for a newspaper in Beverly Hills more than 60 years ago. Prices since then have risen a teeny bit. For example, city homes just north of the sign sold for $40,000. Today they cost $4,000,000 and up.

If you plan to dine there, restaurant prices are very high at some famed eateries, including the Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Lounge, Spago, Jean-Georges and others. Also be prepared to shell out mucho bucks at iconic apparel shops, such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Chanel, Prada and Harry Winston.

My widowed mother recently retired after a lifetime of world travel. She was recently diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer’s, but is otherwise physically OK. We’re planning a Caribbean cruise, and she has asked to go along. Ideas? BRL, Boston MA

A: First, check with mom’s doctor and ask that question. If OK, be sure she will be with another person, day and night, throughout the trip, and takes required meds correctly. When boarding flights and the cruise ship, let employees know about her condition, and ask for help when needed. For advice before you go, consult the Alzheimer’s Association 24-hour helpline at 800-272-3900.

Friendly dogs roam as participants in Pets Unstressing Passengers in one of the world’s busiest terminals (LAX). Nearly 100 local volunteers regularly bring their friendly dogs to roam the huge airport to help people deal with the typical anxiety, delays and other troubles. There’s nothing like a happy tail wag and smiling canine face to ease the stress.

Remember the old TV series, Have Gun, Will Travel? It sees too many people are taking that too literally these days. According to a USA Today report, last year TSA agents in U.S. airports had to confiscate nearly 4,000 illegal guns from passenger check-in bags and clothing. And the numbers keep increasing every year.

Before you decide to pack heat on your next flight, it’s best not to do it. If you have a legit reason to take firearms, be absolutely sure you know the rules that apply and have the papers to prove it. And, while checking in you notice another passenger with an unauthorized weapon or other illegal item, to insure safety for everyone on the flight, report it immediately to the nearest airport security officer.