Joan Rattner Heilman

Fifty is the new 65 for those seeking perks, privileges, discounts, special offers, adventures and bargains, says Joan Rattner Heilman, author of the soon-to-be published 17th edition of "Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can't Get Unless You're Over 50."

Heilman says those 50-plus can get all sorts of deals on travel plans, cruises, classes, car rentals, meals, transfers, tours, shopping and even singles events.
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For instance, Heilman said the Marriott offers seniors age 62 and older a 15 percent discount, Hilton, through its Senior Honors (which costs $50 in the first year) will save up to 50 percent off nightly rates, and Starwood offers a 50 percent discount as well.
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For the most part, however, Heilman says seniors may have to search long and hard to determine whether a hotel offers a senior discount."Sometimes they bury that information on the Web site," she said.In other cases, Heilman said seniors should make sure they are getting the best discount by comparing the rates they get for being a member of AARP or another affinity group such as AAA.In some cases, the best discount isn't the one for being a senior, she said.

Flying for less

Most of the domestic airlines have put the kibosh on discounts for seniors, she said.
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"It's hard to get somebody who will tell you the truth about it," Heilman said.Her best advice is to find a broker who knows where to find the cruise discounts.

As for tour groups that cater to seniors, she said most don't offer a discount.
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Ultimately, Heilman said there are plenty of discounts and deals out there for the 50-plus set.