My marriage ended just a year ago. Now friends and family are advising me to get out and meet new people. I’ve always enjoyed traveling, and hope seeing sights will help me deal with being single again. Advice? MMJ, Atlanta GA

A: To ease loneliness, cruising can be an effective way to adjust to your situation. Check with a reliable travel agency and/or online services that specialize in single senior travel. Example: www.cnn.com/travel/article/breakup-tours-travel

When sightseeing around the Eternal City, know the rules that apply to tourists. No matter how tired you are, do not sit down on the Spanish Steps. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck did it charmingly in the 1953 film “Roman Holiday”. However, anyone who commits the dastardly crime these days is subject to a fine of 400 euros ($450).

Medical experts are shouting out the bad news that the end of 2019 and following winter months of 2020 could involve the worst flu outbreaks in 20 years. First, of course, for wandering oldsters to get your flu shots before venturing on the road or into the sky. Also, when buying gifts and and other shopping during this season, save time, avoid sneezy crowds and do as much as possible by online orders to be delivered to giftees and/or your home.

Protect yourself in jammed airports, airplanes, stores and other places where masses of people sniffle and sneeze too close to you. Carry a sanitized cloth mask for where holiday and travel dangers may be most severe. Also take along packs of medicated disposable paper towels for when you’ll be using toilets in stores, airports and airplanes.

www.accuweather.com/en/health-wellness/most-active-flu-season-since-2003-is-already-wreaking-havoc-in-the-us/644427

Of course, during the busy holiday and vacation seasons, everything about airports and aircraft boarding can be confusing to seniors. When unexpected delays happen, frustration and anger too often lead to yelling at the nearest airline people.

A bit of advice voiced by your travel4seniors.com editor and frequent flyer may help the next time, and it will, happen to you. No matter the problem, keep calm and respectful to the airport staff. I do and it paid off recently to me while hanging around hoping to board a flight. I was at the end of the long line of other people waiting impatiently for a possible cancellation. Suddenly my name was called, and this quietly respectful flyer was then seated as the last passenger before take-off. So, always remember: Politeness pays off!