Don’t hide your age! Seniors in England are usually classified as those aged 60 and over, and they’re privy to all kinds of price breaks, from lower admission prices at museums to a third off rail tickets (but you first have to apply for the Senior Railcard; www.senior-railcard.co.uk). You may hear seniors being referred to as OAPs, which stands for Old Age Pensioners. That acronym is falling out of use, perhaps because it’s rare to find a solvent pension fund anymore. Don’t be offended if you’re also referred to as a “geezer,” though—in England, it’s a compliment that means a fun-loving (if sometimes rowdy) bloke.
If you’re over 50, you can join AARP (601 E St. NW, Washington, DC, 20049; www.aarp.org; [tel] 888/687-2277), and wrangle discounts on hotels, airfare, and car rentals. Elderhostel’s well-respected Road Scholar (www.roadscholar.org; [tel] 800/454-5768) runs many classes and programs in London designed to delve into literature, history, the arts, and music. Packages last from a week to a month and include airfare, lodging, and meals.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
