Many discounts are available for seniors traveling to Madrid, but often you need to be a member of an association to obtain them.
For information before you go, write for the free booklet, 101 Tips for the Mature Traveler, available from Grand Circle Travel, 347 Congress St., Suite 3A, Boston, MA 02210 (tel. 800/221-2610 or 617/350-7500; www.gct.com).
One of the most dynamic travel organizations for seniors is Elderhostel, 75 Federal St., Boston, MA (tel. 877/426-8056; www.elderhostel.org). Established in 1975, it operates an array of programs throughout Europe, including Spain. Most courses last around 3 weeks and are a good value, since they include airfare, accommodations in student dormitories or modest inns, all meals, and tuition. Courses involve no homework, are not graded, and are often liberal arts oriented. These are not luxury vacations, but they are fun and fulfilling. Participants must be at least 55 years old. A companion must be at least 50 years old; spouses may participate regardless of age. ElderTreks (tel. 800/741-7956; www.eldertreks.com) offers small-group tours to off-the-beaten-path or adventure-travel locations, restricted again to travelers 50 and older.
SAGA Holidays, 222 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116 (tel. 800/343-0273; www.sagaholidays.com), runs tours for seniors 50 and older. Many tours are all-inclusive; all cover air transfers and accommodations. Insurance, both baggage and medical, is also included in the net price of the tours.
In the United States, the best organization to join is the AARP, 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049 (tel. 800/424-3410 or 202/434-AARP; www.aarp.org). Members get discounts on hotels, airfares, and car rentals. AARP offers members a wide range of benefits, including AARP: The Magazine and a monthly newsletter. Anyone over 50 can join.
