Best Books for Senior Adventures
'Unbelievably Good Deals' Is Top Travel Guide To Over-50 Bargains
Apr 14, 2007
Do you have the 2007-2008 edition of Joan Rattner Heilman's book Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can't Get Unless You're Over 50? Seniors who are frequent fliers, riders and travelers will get their money's worth fast from this valuable $16.95 paperback.
"Don't be misled by the title," Betsy Wade, former Practical Traveler columnist for The New York Times told me. "She is concise, to the point and relentless in her research for the best values only we seniors can get."
Heilman promises hundreds of deals that can save you a fortune on everything from golf to globetrotting, and she delivers. In 19 chapters, she describes how to make your age pay off, which airlines offer discounts on air fares, which hotels and motels give you markdowns, where thrifty wanderers can find B&Bs and other alternative lodgings and how to beat the cost of high car rentals.
She also shows how to "save a bundle" on trains, buses and boats in North America, how to cut costs when traveling abroad, what companies cater their trips and tours to mature travelers, how to find cruising deals on oceans, rivers and seas, how to locate inter-generational adventures, how to find learning expeditions, how senior singles can save money.
There are also chapters on "good deals for good sports" (bicycling, tennis, walking, golf, skiing, motorcycling), perks for the AARP crowd at state parks and national parks, shopping breaks and volunteer trips and experiences.
The book winds up with a section on over-50 organizations. Even if you follow through on just one tip, you'll recoup the money you spent on the book.
Heilman also offers this advice: "If you're one of those people who hates to be identified as a "senior," I suggest you get over it.
"You'd be pretty foolish not to take advantage of your age because it can save you lots of money and take you places you've never thought of going," she told me a few days ago while packing for her next trip.
A few additional best books for seniors who travel include: The Fit Traveler - Senior Edition by Eide ($17.95), Senior Sporting Adventures by Verne E. Gilbert ($13) and Live Your Road Trip Dream: Travel for a Year for the Cost of Staying Home by Phil White and Carol White ($17.95). Naturally, budget buyers can find these books at discounts at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Alibris.com, among other online sellers.
