Tips for Travelers with Special Needs

Mention the fact if you're a senior citizen when you make your travel reservations. Many hotels, resorts and restaurants offer discounts to 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.

You can order a copy of the Mature Traveler Guide, which contains local discounts mainly on rooms but also on attractions and activities, from the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 8723 International Dr., Suite 101, Orlando, FL 32819 (tel. 800/643-9492 or 800/551-0181; www.orlandoinfo.com). You can also find it online at the CVB's website (click the "senior" link under "other areas" on the left side of the home page).

Members of AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons), 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.

Amtrak (tel. 800/872-7245; www.amtrak.com) offers a 15% discount on the lowest available coach fare (with certain travel restrictions) to people 62 and over.

Recommended publications offering travel resources and discounts for seniors include: the quarterly magazine Travel 50 & Beyond (www.travel50andbeyond.com) and 101 Tips for Mature Travelers, available from Grand Circle Travel (tel. 800/221-2610 or 617/350-7500; www.gct.com).