Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Members of
AARP
(formerly known as the American Association
of Retired Persons), 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049
(
&
888/687-2277
; www.aarp.org), 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.
Seniors, known in Ireland as OAPs (old age pensioners), enjoy a
variety of discounts and privileges. Native OAPs ride the public
transport system free of charge, but the privilege does not extend to
tourists. Visiting seniors can avail themselves of other discounts,
however, particularly on admission to attractions and theaters.
Always ask about a senior discount if special rates are not posted.
The Irish Tourist Board publishes a list of reduced-rate hotel
packages for seniors,
Golden Holidays/For the Over 55s.
These
packages are usually available during the hedge months, from
March to June and September to November.
Some tour operators in the United States give notable senior dis-
counts.
CIE Tours International
(
&
800/243-8687
or 973/292-
3438; www.cietours.com), which specializes in Ireland, gives a $55
discount to travelers age 55 and up who book early on selected
departures of regular tour programs. In addition,
SAGA Tours
(
&
800/343-0273
or 617/262-2262) operates tours to Ireland
specifically geared to seniors or anyone over 50.
Elderhostel
(
&
877/426-8056;
www.elderhostel.org) offers a range of educa-
tional travel programs for seniors.
FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS & YOUTHS
With almost half its population under age 25, Ireland is geared to
students, whether you're planning to study or are just passing
through.
An excellent source book that will help you explore the opportu-
nities for study in Ireland is
The Transitions Abroad Alternative
Travel Directory,
published by Transitions Abroad (
www.transitions
abroad.com
) and available in bookstores.
Ireland in general is extremely student-friendly. A range of travel
discounts are available to students, teachers (at any grade level,
kindergarten through university), and youths (ages 12-25). Most
attractions have a reduced student-rate admission charge, with the
presentation of a valid student ID card.
Two popular student ID cards are the ISE Card (International
Student Exchange Card) and the ISIC (International Student
