Many hotels, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, travel vendors and travel services offer discounts to seniors. When planning your travels and on your vacation make sure to tell your actual age. Always ask if there is a discount available for a senior as there are many unadvertised discounts that you can only find out about by asking.

Airlines offer many unadvertised discounts. Sign up for any communication airlines are running: email, newsletter, frequent flier program, etc. You can also register for e-mail alerts about specials for your desired routes at www.airfarewatchdog.com.

Bring your AARP card as there are all kinds of discounts for AARP members. The AAA also has a discount for senior members so if you are a member bring this card along too and ask for the discounts you are entitled to.

Discounts generally run from 10% to 50%. Starwood Hotels which include Sheraton, W, Westin and Four Points offer 50% when available and Hilton has a Senior Travel Honors program but it requires a $55 annual membership fee. Always call to double check the availability of a senior discount when making a hotel reservation.

Hotel chains that have senior travel discounts up to 50%

Starwood Hotels
(Sheraton, Four Points, W Hotels, Westin Hotels and Resorts): Though they caution that the discount can be withheld during periods of peak business, and is not applicable to minimum-rate rooms, virtually all Sheratons give a 50 percent senior travel discount to those 60 and older. Phone toll free 800/325-3535. Web site: starwood.com/.

Marriott Hotels:
At more than 2000 Marriott Hotels in the United States, senior travelers (62 and older) save at least 15 percent off normal rates. This includes Marriott's Fairfield Inns and Courtyards by Marriott (two subsidiary chains), and Marriott's Residence Inns. Phone Marriott itself at 888/236-2427, Web site: marriott.com/.

Days Inns:
AARP members receive 15 percent off at participating Days Inns, and all Days Inns offer 10 percent off to senior travelers over 60 with proof of age. Reservations: 800/329-7466. Visit daysinn.com/ for more information and online reservations.

Howard Johnson's:
Twenty percent off for AARP members, at all the nation's Hojos. Phone toll free 800/IGOHOJO. Web site: hojo.com/.

Ramada Inn:
AARP members get 20 percent off normal rates. Phone toll free 800/2-RAMADA. Web site: ramada.com/.

Radisson Hotels:
Begun in September of 1997, the "Senior Travel Breaks" program allows persons 50 or older to stay at any Radisson Hotel Worldwide (there are 427 in 300 countries) at a discount of 15-40 percent off the regular rate. For more information, call 800/333-3333. Web site: radisson.com/.

Choice Hotels
(Clarion Hotels, Quality Inns, Sleep Inns, Friendship Inns, Rodeway Inns, Econo Lodges) offer 20-30 percent discounts to senior travelers over the age of 60, and 10% for people 50+. AARP members get 15 percent off. Reservations must be made through the chains toll free number (800/4-CHOICE), so check first with the local hotels to make sure the "discounted" price you're getting from the nationwide reservations center beats any local discounts (sometimes it won't). Web site: choicehotels.com/.

B&B Bargains for Seniors.
Consider a bed-and-breakfast club paying only $10 to $20 a night, breakfast included, to stay in the homes of travelers like you. In return, you offer your spare room for others. Members of the Evergreen Club (800.962.2392) must be 50-plus.

Travel Discounts for AARP members
www.expedia-aarp.com