Tips for Senior Travelers

The National Park Service offers a senior free admission and discount program to those 62 or older under the ungainly name America the Beautiful -- National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass -- Senior Pass (formerly called the Golden Age Passport). The pass is good for lifetime free entrance to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges for a one-time processing fee of $10. Buy the pass in person at any park that charges an entrance fee. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm or call the United States Geological Survey, which issues the passes, at tel. 888/275-8747.

People over age 65 get reduced admission prices to many Alaska attractions, and some accommodations have special senior rates. Be sure to bring identification to prove your age.

Most towns have a senior center where you'll find activities and help with any special needs. The Anchorage Senior Center (tel. 907/258-7823; www.anchorageseniorcenter.org) offers guidance for visitors, as well as use of the restaurant, a gift shop and fitness room, and a chance to meet locals. Dances are held most Friday nights.

Elderhostel, 11 Ave. de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111-1746 (tel. 877/426-8056 or tel. 978/323-4141; www.elderhostel.org), operates many week-long Alaska learning vacations for groups of people 55 and older. The catalog of choices is on the website.