Travel is . . .

. . . Comfort

Yesterday a friend said "I still want to travel, but my choice is a cruise. That running through airports, packing and unpacking isn't appealing. I prefer a cruise."

Well, yeah.

A cruise is much easier and much more comfortable than a program of six cities in 10 days or flying 9 hours in a middle seat in coach. Then, when you get to your destination, force yourself to try and stay awake and get on to another time zone experience. Plus with today's dollar exchange rate? Travel overseas is a challenge.

I'm not even referencing age. But cruises make good sense for travelers of all ages.

And, a cruise is comfortable.

Unpack once, see what you choose to see, spend days at the pool, in the spa or the casino and basically do what you want to do. Sightsee in port or enjoy a cool drink in a local hot spot, make new friends or opt to go it alone. You can dance until dawn or take a sunrise hike around deck. The choice is yours.

But if your life-long goal has been to climb Mt. Everest, explore the Galapagos or wander through Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, do it. Make plans to realize that goal.

If you find those experiences a little too physical or too daunting, consider a cruise.