Senior Highlights....

TOUR COMPANIES LEAD

THE WAY TO GREAT SENIORS TRAVEL

Though some people may think half the fun of travel is the planning, many more like to leave the arrangements to others. That's why many seniors love to use tour companies.

"A tour offers travelers many benefits, including companionship, savings, security, and peace of mind," says Peter McCormack, vice president of marketing at Trafalgar Tours (800/457-6891), one of the largest motorcoach tour operators to Europe, the U.S., Canada, and South Africa. "A tour provides an excellent way to experience new places while meeting people and making friends," continues Mr. McCormack. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Trafalgar Tours offers more than 125 different first-class and budget tours, which include hotel accommodations, most meals, a multi-lingual tour escort, travel by luxury motorcoach, and local sightseeing.

Seniors certainly see the advantages with tour companies like Trafalgar and the likes of Grand Circle Travel (800/248-3737). Founded in 1958 to serve members of AARP, Grand Circle Travel opened the company's unique vacation programs to all Americans aged 50 and older in 1985.

Grand Circle is now the largest U.S. direct marketer of unique senior travel programs, serving more than 50,000 older Americans each year. The company has more than 200 itineraries that span the globe. While the programs are diverse, each is built upon four fundamental components: excellent value, a range of choices, flexible pacing, and special activities that turn every program into an adventure of learning and discovery. These components are what make tours a great deal for seniors.

Grand Circle's variety of colorful brochures provide in-depth coverage of the possibilities, which include extended vacations, escorted programs, cruises, and cruise tour packages. Some of Grand Circle Travel's most popular programs include: China & the Yangtze River; a European Train Spectacular; Nova Scotia; Scandinavian Cruises; The Best of Eastern Europe; Mexico's Copper Canyon; Russian Waterways & St. Petersburg; The Canadian Rockies & National Parks; Switzerland & Austria; Turkey; Costa Rica; British Isles & London; Ireland; Italy; Trans-Canada Rail; Mediterranean Cruises; Scandinavia; Trans-Atlantic Cruise; Egypt; Panama Canal Cruises; Around the World; USA National Parks; Alaska; Paris & France; Greece; European River Cruises; South Africa; South Pacific Cruises; Spain; Portugal; India; Kenya; and Croatia.

Grand Circle also offers a free copy of their large and informative brochure, 'Going Abroad: 101 Tips for Mature Travelers,' to anyone aged 50 or older planning a trip overseas. The free resource booklet is filled with information gathered from 40 years of experiences by Grand Circle customers and staff. Coverage for seniors includes trip preparation, home security, packing, converting money, shopping, transporation, photography, communications, customs regulations, health and fitness, tipping, and a special section on cruise travel

Many seniors have discovered the joys of traveling with their grandchildren, but struggle with the logistics of planning appropriate trips. One call to Grandtravel (800/247-7651) is really all they need. This unique company offers seven domestic and 10 international programs for grandparents and granchildren. President Helen Koenig says, "For grandparents who are searching for creative ways to strengthen ties with their grandchildren, we offer an exciting idea--travel together as Grandtravelers!"

Educational tour companies are also popular. "There is an educational vacation available for anyone with a desire to travel and learn," says Ann H. Waigand, publisher of The Educated Traveler (800/648-5168), a popular newsletter for people who want more than good tans out of their trips. Each issue is packed with articles, lists, and other information about trips for learning, study, and much more. They also sponsor and participate in many specific group trips and tours.

Of course, the leader of educational tours and travel for seniors is Elderhostel (617/426-8056). Founded in 1975, Elderhostel is a non-profit organization that provides learning opportunities for people who are age 55 and older. Elderhostel combines the best traditions of education and hosteling (informal, inexpensive lodgings) in a program exclusively for older adults. Inspired by the youth hostels and folk schools of Europe and guided by the needs of seniors seeking new experiences and personal enrichment, Elderhostel is based on the belief that retirement does not mean withdrawal from meaningful activity and that later years should be viewed as an opportunity to enjoy new challenges.

Elderhostel consists of a network of more than 2,000 educational and cultural institutions. Hosts include colleges and universities, conference centers, state and national parks, museums, theaters, environmental/outdoor education centers, and many others. Their are programs year-round throughout the U.S. and Canada and in more than 70 countries worldwide.

Most programs in the U.S. and Canada last a week, while overseas programs are one to four weeks in duration. Domestic programs focus on a wide ranges of liberal arts and sciences subjects, often drawing on unique local and regional resources and features. Overseas programs have a strong cultural element, offering studies on the host country's history, literature, arts, culture, language, and natural environment. All programs also feature a variety of extracurricular activities, field trips, and cultural events.

More than 300,000 older learners participated in an Elderhostel program in 1996. That's lots of seniors with bigger brains and more like-minded friends.

Of course, your local travel agent is a great place to start planning a trip with a tour company. Travel agents and tour companies make it easy for seniors who like to take trips rather than plan them.