Have you been getting more and more unsolicited phone pitches lately? You’re not alone. Along with the increase in capabilities of electronics, worldwide crooks get more sophisticated every day in offering phony deals.

Some of the calls are recordings, while others are from live solicitors at phone centers. Many speak in accented voices, usually indicating they’re from areas of Asia and Africa, and English is their second language. 

The best reaction is to hang up immediately without speaking. Asking questions or getting angry will only add to your confusion and may cause later trouble. With the thieves’ growing capabilities, it’s possible for them to record your voice and use it to access your bank and other financial connections.

And most important, if you do respond to an unsolicited call, never, ever give credit card nor other personal info by phone.

In today's often turbulent travel world, seniors need to prepare for the unexpected in airports and other destinations. They must anticipate political unrest, weather delays, glitches, rip-offs and other problems that savvy younger travelers face and solve every day. Several scenarios of what first-time and infrequent older travelers may encounter:

Don't advertise your travel inexperience in unfamiliar settings. Avoid being targeted by rip-off thieves. While at sea, you can strut into the cruise ship dining room all gussied up in your finest. However, when ashore in that quaint little seaside village, don't wear bright, gaudy clothing, big hat, designer sunglasses, shining jewelry and bulging handbag.

Although some savvy senior wanderers may not agree nor ever heard of several of them, the list is an interesting compilation. They’re popular destinations suggested by Lonely Planet. They are, including two U.S. cities, in rank order:

Bordeaux, France; Cape Town, South Africa; Los Angeles CA; Merida, Mexico; Ohrid, Macedonia; Pistoia, Italy; Seoul, South Korea; Lisbon, Portugal; Moscow, Russia and Portland OR.

Er .... is something missing from that list? Has any senior wanderer ever heard about such obscure destinations as New York NY, London UK, Paris, France and Venice, Italy?. And where is Tony Bennett’s favorite city with the little cable cars that go halfway to the stars?

Remember the lyrics of old songs about falling? They included falling for you, I fall in love too easily and falling in love with love. Also, tripping the light fantastic.

However, now in your sunset years, falling has a much more serious meaning. For senior travelers, accidents aboard ship, in airports, on ramps, in bathtubs, wet city streets and many other potentially dangerous situations are always possible.

Before every journey away from home, consult with your family physician. If a cane or walker is suggested, take it along. Also, be sure to have a companion with you at all times. Wear sensible shoes, be extra careful as you roam, and make sure the word trip only applies to your enjoyable and safe journey.