After years of US road trips, which continue, I finally got to Europe at age 60, and return regularly. TripAdvisor has been a boon, even for finding a fabulous inexpensive place for an overnight in nearby SF. During travel I like to birdwatch, though not too intently, take photographs of people, enjoy historic sites big and small, eat only where locals eat, and be car-free as possible.

Our travel abroad is based on Rick Steves: one suitcase, mass transit, and friendly small lodgings. It really works! The Parisians were helpful. Learn the basic words of politesse for every country, and luck follows.