These hints are a trip!

As a VETERAN TRAVELER, I’ve picked up a few “do’s and don’ts” along the way, and here are some important ones:

• Do pack a hat of some kind — knit for winter, and something to keep the sun off your face in warm climates.

• Do bring a gift if you are staying with someone else, or take that person out to dinner.

• Do pack a small traveler’s firstaid kit — believe me, you’ll use it.

• Do keep your shoes on while flying, especially when using the plane’s lavatory.

• Don’t pack more than one dressy outfit, and don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket. Women should use a crossbody bag.

• Don’t take a picture of anything if you’ve been instructed to not photograph.

• Don’t pack more than two bags or one carry-on and one bag. Travel light.

— Anita R. in Connecticut

DEAR HELOISE »

If I am lucky enough to receive cut flowers, I have found that by adding ice cubes to the water, starting on day one, you can enjoy the flowers days longer.

— Helen W., Manchester, N.J.

DEAR HELOISE »

A friend of mine injured her elbow, so to secure a bandage on it, she cut off the toe of one of her socks and slipped the sock up her arm, with the heel part covering the elbow. I did the same thing recently when I injured my arm. It worked great.

— Jean in Elizabethtown, Ky.

DEAR HELOISE »

While visiting my son and his family, the morning was hectic. I opened the refrigerator to get some cream for my coffee and saw my daughter-in-law’s car keys with the children’s lunches. She said she sometimes misplaces her keys, so she puts them with the lunches so she can grab everything on the way out the door to drive the kids to school.

— Patricia M., Potomac, Md.

DEAR HELOISE »

As I’ve aged, I find it’s harder to get a good night’s rest. Falling asleep and staying asleep is so difficult. I’m up every couple of hours at night. My doctor wants to give me sleeping pills, but I don’t want to depend on them. Got any hints to help me fall asleep?

— Leigh N., Salem, Va.

DEAR LEIGH N. »

Leigh, there are a few things you can try, such as adjusting the temperature of your room. Researchers say the best sleeping temperature is 60 to 67 degrees F. Try getting up and reading for a while to help you relax. Stay away from your phone and computer for at least one hour before bedtime. Think positive, happy thoughts (yes, it really helps). Are you under a lot of stress, feel depressed or have suffered a traumatic event? Sometimes these will trigger a bout of insomnia. If so, speak to your doctor about this. Don’t drink alcohol before bedtime; you’ll go to sleep but won’t stay asleep. Try to relax and establish a regular bedtime every night.