Joan Rattner Heilman is the American author of Unbelievably Good Deals & Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can't Get Unless You're Over 50. When it comes to finding the best for less, this woman is a diva. We're delighted to count her as a member of the Journeywoman Network. Joan writes... "Only 49? Forget about it! But if you've hit 50--or better yet, 60, 62, or 65--you qualify for hundreds of money-saving offers as well as special perks and privileges that make your age pay off..."

Her hotels for less...
	At 50, you'll never have to pay full price for a hotel room again. Virtually all lodging chains and most individual establishments will give you a break on room rates. Most take a mere 10 percent off your bill--better than nothing--but some do a lot better than that. For example, Canadian Pacific Hotels & Resorts offers a 30 percent discount to members of AARP or CARP. All of Choice Hotel brand names (Clarion Hotels, Comfort Inns, Quality Inns, etc.) in the U.S. and Canada give 15 to 30 percent off regular rates to people over 50 who make advance reservations via their toll-free number (1-800-4CHOICE). At Radisson Hotels, you'll get anywhere from 25 to 40 percent off the standard rates starting at age 50 on this continent and 65 in Europe. Show proof that you're at least 55 and you pay only half price at Novotel's hotels in the U.S. and Canada. Caution: Make sure your senior discount is the best deal available before going for it. Sometimes there are special sales or promotions that are even better.
Half-price flights...
	You must be 62 or older in most cases (although occasionally 55 or 60 will do) to fly for less than other people. The majority of airlines, both domestic and foreign, give you a 10 percent discount on most published fares and sometimes even on sale fares. That's a valuable perk but senior coupons can save you even more if you use them for long-distance flights. Here's how they work: for a flat fee--currently $540 to $596, depending on the airline--you may buy a booklet of four coupons which you may exchange for one-way tickets. That makes the cost $135 to $149 per flight, about half the typical fare for a transcontinental trip.
Frequent flyers...
	For very frequent flyers, the best airfares today may come from senior travel clubs offered by four major U.S. airlines. These clubs sometimes offer prices that beat even the lowest sale fares or those provided by senior coupons. Check out American Airlines' AActive American Traveler Club, Delta SkyWise, Continental Freedom Flight Club, and United's Silver Wings Plus.
B&B heaven...
	Join a bed-and-breakfast club and pay a pittance for accommodations. The Evergreen B&B Club, limited to people over the age of 50, charges annual dues of $40 single or $50 per couple for the privilege of staying at the homes of other members here and abroad for $10 a night single or $15 double. To contact the network, write to the Evergreen Bed and Breakfast Club, PO Box 1430, Falls Church, VA 22041 or call toll-free at 1-800-962-2392.

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