Senior Adventures


Feature Writer: Grace Lichtenstein
Grace Lichtenstein, K. Lyons

You've come to the spot for tips on mature adventure travel, cruises, tours and trips -- such as senior discounts, destinations, worst and best airlines, websites, active adult vacations, senior healthy travel alerts, best and worst airlines, adventure gear, AARP travels, memberships and deals. Find great senior cruises, senior travel sales, Elderhostel news and resources for older travelers. Here's active travel for those over 55 -- all seniors, including singles and couples. I'll post details on problems in air travel for seniors, travel gear, gifts, and resorts.

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New Mexico Hot Air Ballooning , NM Tourism Dept
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Grace Lichtenstein

Bad Airports: Worldwide Mess

In: Senior Adventures (general)

Seniors and Others Are Likely to Suffer Delays in Leisure or Business Airline Trips to Britain or Around US This Spring and Summer Based on Recent Records more...

Adventurous Seniors Packing Lists

In: Senior Adventures (general)

Got Toilet Paper? Photocopy of Passport? Hand Sanitizer? From AARP, CDC Come Tips for Senior Travelers on What to Pack in Carry-on Luggage Besides Clothes and Toiletries more...

5 Tips on Senior Trip Insurance

In: Senior Adventures (general)

Seniors Should Check Own Medical Plan Before Buying Insurance But Look Into Air Evacuation as well as Airline Flight Delay, Lost Luggage or Tour-canceled Coverage. more...

Jam at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp

In: Senior Adventures (general)

Live and Perform for One Day Like a Rock Star With Legendary Artists In July at Unique Adventure Program Offered in 5 U.S.Cities Plus London -- Talent Not Required. more...

Bad US Airlines Ranking Worse

In: Senior Adventures (general)

Latest Government Reports Warns Seniors And Others That Weather Not Lone Culprit In Rating U.S. Flight Delays And Cancellations. Good News? Fewer Bags Mishandled. more...

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Grace Lichtenstein

Oct 18, 2007

Discounts Are Everywhere

The rewards of reaching a certain age are that many events, transportation and culture costs less, but you have to ask.


Being a senior is great when it comes to discounted food, opera and transportation, among other things. When I was in Los Angeles a few weeks ago, I asked for and got a 10 % senior discount at one of my favorite already-inexpensive "healthy eating" chain restaurants, Souplantation.

The Brentwood branch at San Vicente and Montana was hopping on a weekday night with families and senior couples. I am a salad lover and at Souplantation (or its sister cafeterias, called Sweet Tomatoes) you can pile your plate high with good salad ingredients, add a muffin, a soft drink and a dessert, all for about $10.. This ain't fancy dining, but if you long for a fast, nutritious meal, these are great spots. They are located all over the West and Midwest.

In New York City recently, I got my hands on an orchestra seat for only $20 at the Metropolitan Opera to see "Aida." A friend scored one of the 50 tickets reserved for seniors at week-night performances and heard Natalie Dessay in "Lucia di Lammermoor."

Discounts don't get better than that. The Met reserves 200 orchestra seats (mostly on the side of the orchestra, but still...) for performances Monday through Thursday only. Of those 200, 50 may be available on the day of performance only to seniors online or over the phone. As these become better known, they'll be harder to get, and even now you have to keep redialing (phone) or refreshing (on the Web site.)

While in New York, take advantage of the senior discount on buses and subways -- the cost is half-price: $1 instead of $2 for a single ride. Plan in advance and you can order a discount card by mail. There is also a walk-in site in downtown Manhattan.

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