For Seniors

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Back to Las VegasFor Seniors

One of the benefits of age is that travel often costs less. Mention the fact that you're a senior when you make travel reservations. Although all of the major U.S. airlines except America West have canceled their senior discount and coupon book programs, many hotels still offer discounts for seniors. In most cities, people over the age of 60 qualify for reduced admission to theaters, museums, and other attractions, as well as discounted fares on public transportation.

Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) offers seniors travel discounts. Choice Hotels (Clarion Hotels, Quality Inns, Comfort Inns, Sleep Inns, Econo Lodges, Friendship Inns, and Rodeway Inns) give 20% to 30% off their published rates to anyone over 60, provided you book your room through their nationwide toll-free reservations number (tel. 877/424-6423) instead of directly with the hotels or through a travel agent. Those over 50 receive a 10% discount. For a complete list of Choice Hotels, visit www.hotelchoice.com.

Members of AARP, 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049 (tel. 888/687-2277 or 202/434-2277; www.aarp.org), get discounts on hotels, airfares, and car rentals. AARP offers members a wide range of benefits, including AARP: The Magazine and a monthly newsletter. Anyone over 50 can join.

Many reliable agencies and organizations target the 50-plus market. Elderhostel (tel. 877/426-8056; www.elderhostel.org) arranges study programs for those ages 55 and over (and a spouse or companion of any age) in the U.S. and in more than 80 countries around the world. Most courses last 5 to 7 days, and many include airfare, accommodations in modest inns or hotels, meals, and tuition. Its Las Vegas options include sessions on the city's entertainment and gaming industries.

Recommended publications offering travel resources and discounts for seniors include the quarterly magazine Travel 50 & Beyond (www.travel50andbeyond.com); Travel Unlimited: Uncommon Adventures for the Mature Traveler (Avalon); and 101 Tips for Mature Travelers, available from Grand Circle Travel (tel. 800/959-0405; www.gct.com).