Hey, I'm Not THAT Old...Yet!

OK, now I am ticked off. Last week I received a solicitation in the mail to join AARP. Yes, that AARP! The American Association of Retired Persons. Sure, I have the silver hair, and my kids think I am ancient, but believe me, the only way I'm going to enter their little club is kicking and screaming every step of the way.

But indignation did not stop me from perusing the AARP flier and checking out the benefits of being what I prefer to call "maturely young" (or, as my girlfriend's mother says: "an immature 45"). Actually, AARP membership is a pretty good deal, and that got me thinking about travel perks for seniors. My travel agency has a good number of senior clients, and I've noticed that more and more suppliers are courting the senior market with everything from airline and hotel packages to discounts on rental cars and area attractions. And why not? Seniors are good guests. They have money, they behave well, and they will tell their friends when they have a good time. Which makes me wonder, then: Why would they want me? I rarely behave, never have any money, and tend to keep my mouth shut (I learned my lesson once).

I strongly recommend that seniors work with a qualified travel agent. Most agents will have access to senior specials or "state of residence" specials available to you. Sure, go to the Web and hunt for deals, but before you commit, check with your agent. If he can't get you a better deal, you've lost nothing but a phone call. If you don't have an agent, contact the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), which can refer you to some qualified senior travel specialists.

Here are some tips for getting the best senior deal.

Ask for senior info

A good deal probably won't fall in your lap all by itself. Ask. Ask about a senior rate and at what age it takes effect. Some travel suppliers offer discounts for the over-55 set, while others require you to be 65 or older. United Airlines offers a club for passengers 55 and older. For $240 annually, members receive discounted fares, double miles and discounts on participating hotels and area attractions. Alaska Airlines and Air Jamaica have also been known to offer reduced rates for seniors. With a deal on airfares, that tropical or Alaska vacation that you've been pining for needn't deplete your savings.

Another way to ask about senior travel bargains is to visit online forums. There are specialty forums out there like AARP's Senior Travel Forums and more general ones like our own Tripso forums that can answer almost any question you have. They are usually free, and very worthwhile.

Get a senior card

Many hotels, airlines and rental car agencies honor AARP's membership card, and it can save you hundreds of dollars while you are vacationing. The annual fee for the card is $12.50, and the AARP Web site provides you with information on where you can use it. The only requirement to join is that you be over the age of 50.

Another card that can save you money is a AAA (American Automobile Association) card, and you don't have to be a senior to get it. Once you sign up, you will receive a monthly magazine that will give you ideas on how to make the most of your membership. AAA also has travel agencies nationwide that can help you get senior discounts.

If you are a grandparent, check out the Disney Rewards Visa Card from Chase. It's a rewards credit card that can help you out with a trip to Disney with the grandkids. If you are already planning to take the grandkids to Disney, here is a good article to read before you go.

Some good finds

Train and bus companies also extend savings to senior travelers. Greyhound and Amtrak offer fares that are 10 percent to 15 percent less than the published fare. To qualify for Greyhound or Amtrak's senior rate, you must be over 62.

Many hotels also offer senior rates, with or without an AARP membership. Marriott offers senior travelers 15 percent off the usual rate, and the discount is honored at more than 2,000 hotels worldwide. Marriott has beautiful resorts throughout the Caribbean and Europe. Just show your ID -- my fake one is on the way!

Choice Hotels offers a program called "Mature Travelers" for vacationers over 50. With this rate, you will save 10 percent on hotels like Clarion, Cambria Suites and Comfort Inn. For seniors over 60, a 20 percent to 30 percent discount is applied when you make reservations in advance. This rate is honored at most U.S. locations.

Rental car agencies are looking for seniors' business as well. Budget and Enterprise Rent-A-Car are two agencies worth checking out. Depending on the location and type of vehicle, these companies may offer discounts from 5 percent to 15 percent. With these savings, you can upgrade to that convertible you've always wanted and cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway.

When you arrive at your destination, be sure to check for senior rates at museums, amusement parks, golf courses and other attractions. The admission may be only a couple of dollars less, but those few dollars can add up. Even McDonald's has a senior rate for a cup of coffee!

Your hotel concierge can be a big help in identifying local discounts, so be sure to stop by the front desk for a chat.

One caveat

Senior discounts are great, but they may not be the best deal out there. For example, AAA rates are often lower than AARP rates, and individual hotels may offer a more attractive rate than the chainwide rate. This goes back to point one: Ask. And if you have a trusted travel agent working for you, double check with him before booking a discount rate. Agents know the rates and can help you maximize your dollar.

Every traveler wishes to have a great vacation without breaking the bank. Now, as a senior, you can have a better trip by spending more on the things you enjoy and less on travel expenses.

NOTE: Murphy and his law are in full force. Just after this column appeared, I received a release from United Airlines that they will be discontinuing their Silver Wings program for seniors effective July 1, 2007. My apologies to my readers and a big "boo hiss" to United. JWF 6/22/07

Oh No! Is It Summer Already?

Procrastination seems to be my middle name. Late last week, I got the dreaded e-mail from my editor reminding me that I was once again past deadline for one of my Tripso columns. This one, in fact. So after I lied to her ("It's almost done!"), I sat down and put pen to paper only to realize that not only had I procrastinated writing the column, I also hadn't I figured out what to do with my three kids for a summer vacation. In the interest of killing two birds with one stone, I did some research on summer vacations for the column. That's when I made an amazing discovery. When it comes to travel planning, procrastination can sometimes pay off.

Being a middle-aged single dad isn't all that bad, but traveling with three kids ages 10 to 15 is challenging. A vacation with one or two of them usually goes smoothly, but juggling three can be a chore. To say nothing of money. I already have a fall trip planned for us with Adventures by Disney, so funds are a little tight. Looking for a bargain, I returned to one of my favorite resources, Single Parent Travel, and sure enough, in addition to the staff's wonderful tips and advice, I found a couple of late-summer trips that appealed to me, my kids and my wallet.

One of the best things about Single Parent's programs is that the company negotiates with the suppliers to reduce or waive the penalty for not having two adults on the trip. On other vacations, my son will be counted as the second adult (trust me, he's not that mature) and be charged accordingly even though he doesn't want to drink, smoke, gamble, golf or take a "Yoga for Seniors" class. The two trips that Single Parent Travel offers in August are all-inclusive (no surprise bills when you get home), in the Caribbean (all of us like some fun in the sun), and take place during hurricane season (oh well, two out of three ain't bad -- and besides, there is always travel insurance.

Single Parent Travel: Beaches Boscobel Resort and Golf Club, Boscobel, Jamaica. I have been to this resort before and it is a lot of fun. Rumor has it that it was one of the original Playboy Clubs back in the day, and if it's good enough for Hef, it's good enough for me. The resort's idea of "all-inclusive" is almost literally all-inclusive: activities, entertainment, meals, drinks, booze, snacks, water sports, golf, scuba, pools, etc. are all included. It is very easy to leave with a bill that has a big fat zero at the bottom. The extras are personal purchases, spa treatments and any off-site excursions; otherwise, from the time you step off the plane to the time you get back on, it's all there for you.

Single Parent Tours adds a bit to the package. First off, they have the lowest price out there. Secondly, they cater to single parents, creating a group with a lot in common (and it's nice not to feel like a fifth wheel for a change). Third, they have some fun events planned, including a welcome cocktail party and reception, contests and games. Group members are identified by a red tattoo on their foreheads (kidding -- just checking if you are still with me; in fact, they are identified by a bead necklace) so you can seek out other single-parent families if you are looking for some group fun. Seems like there is plenty of together time for family bonding as well as adult and kid time apart -- the best of both worlds. As a bonus, everyone gets a signed copy of "The Single Parent Travel Handbook." I own this book, which was written by noted single parent, world traveler and travel expert Brenda Elwell, and it is an invaluable resource.

This trip is offered just once, from August 18 to August 25, but your stay can be shortened or extended if you like. Prices begin at $1,764 (for one adult and one child for the week), and that includes it all -- taxes and everything. Airfare is additional. For more info, check out the Web site or give them a ring at 888-2-SPT-KIDS (888-277-8543). The pricing is actually lower than is shown on the site and it looks like a bargain to me! A perfect end to summer and a great start for school.

Single Parent Travel: Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort and Spa, Providenciales, Grand Turk. Like Boscobel, this resort is all-inclusive. I have been to this property as well, and it is a water wonderland. Pristine beaches and a fantastic kids' water park are two of the highlights of the resort, which is larger than Boscobel, and features five pools, 10 restaurants, 12 bars and one kick-butt kids' water park. The Single Parent Tours amenities are the same as at Boscobel -- tattoo and all (still with me?).

This trip is more expensive, with a room for a week beginning at $2,389 for a parent and child, because the deluxe rooms have already sold out. But the premium rooms have a private balcony or patio and they are a bit larger than the deluxe rooms, which is probably a good idea for a weeklong stay with the kids. Airfare is extra. Again, the best bet is to give Single Parent Travel a call at 888-2-SPT-KIDS (888-277-8543) to check on availability and pricing.

Well, there you have it: two fabulous choices for a last-minute summer getaway for a single dad, three kids and a happy wallet. I know I will be there; I'm just trying to decide between the two.

Jamaica or Turks? ... Jamaica or Turks? Do you have a preference? Have you been to these resorts? Shoot me an e-mail and help me decide.