British Booklet Gives Advice and a Few Laughs

“Britain: For the Very Good Years” is a highly recommended 64-page guidebook that provides mature travelers to England, Scotland and Wales with sound advice, money-saving tips and a dash of humor.

In it you will discover, for instance, that “rumblethumps is something you eat rather than something you get after eating,” and that a home-brewed cider called scrumpy “should be approached with extreme caution--preferably with a whip and chair.”

Published by the British Tourist Authority and available free for the asking, the pocket-size paperback points out how people aged 60 and over can qualify for substantial discounts on air, rail and bus travel in Britain.

There is some understandable favoritism in the guide toward British Airways and its “Privileged Traveller” program for those 60 and up, but this is nothing to quibble about because BA does offer seniors a 10% discount on fares and a host of side benefits, too.

For example, each week British Airways has more than theater tickets available exclusively for its passengers. These can be booked before departure and include not just dramas and musicals but the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet at Covent Garden.

The advantage of British rail and motor-coach travel for mature travelers also is detailed in the guide, including the use of BritRail Pass, Flexipass and Rail Rover tickets. In addition, the guide contains information on the Senior Citizen Railcard, available for those 60 and over for 16 (about $25 U.S.).

The Senior Citizen Railcard is good for a year and allows one-third off the price of all British rail fares, and even greater discounts on off-peak day sightseeing excursions and other fares.

Still more senior discounts (again for those age 60 and up) are available for motor-coach travel on the National Express coach network in England and Wales and the Scottish Citylink service. Together, the two cover more than 1,600 destinations in the three countries.

The booklet contains plenty of tips on sightseeing tours and accommodations, including bed and breakfast inns, farm stays, budget apartments, university stays and the like. In many cases these do not offer senior discounts, just good savings.

There is a listing of more than 50 of Britain’s leading attractions such as castles, gardens and museums, along with the senior discounts they offer; also included are helpful addresses and telephone numbers as well as tips on shopping and food and drink.

The guide can be obtained free by writing to the British Tourist Authority at 350 S. Figueroa St., Room 450, Los Angeles 90071 or calling (213) 628-3525.

In case you’re wondering, rumblethumps is described as “an enthusiastic mixture of mashed potatoes, cabbage and cheese.”

America West Airlines is offering mature travelers age 62 and over “Senior Saver Pack” coupon booklets. Coupons can be used to pay for flights. In most cases only one is needed, but some flights require two.

The eight-coupon booklet costs $598 (or about $75 per ticket) and the four-coupon booklet for $348 ($87 per ticket). Both prices are lower than other major carriers offer.

It’s important to note, however, that two coupons are required for flights from Los Angeles to Honolulu, as well as to New York area airports, Boston and Washington, D.C. Even then it’s still a good deal. But it’s best to compare regular senior discount fares, both on America West and other carriers, to those offered by coupon-book savings.

Reservations must be made at least 14 days before departure and coupons must be exchanged for tickets. All coupon travel must be completed within a year of the date of purchase. They can be bought from travel agents or the airline.

CIE Tours, a major tour wholesaler to Ireland, is offering mature travelers $75 to $100 off its regular 11-day fully escorted tours of Ireland. CIE defines seniors as those “55 ‘n’ smiling.”

There are two basic tours. The $1,199 coastal circuit of Ireland has deluxe and first-class hotels, full breakfast daily, 10 dinners, all sightseeing and such features as reserved seats at Dublin’s Abbey Theater and a medieval banquet. Six departures, June 16 and 30, Aug. 25, Sept. 15 and Oct. 6 get the $100 discount.

CIE’s “Irish Welcome” tour is also an 11-day trip and features overnight stays in private homes as well as hotels. It’s regularly priced at $689, with six remaining departure dates and a $75 discount.

See any travel agent for a brochure or more information.

Lotus Travel, a new member of California’s Senior Travel and Recreation Activities Council, offers mature travelers age 55 and over a 10% discount on its two all-inclusive tours of Egypt.

The 11-day Lotus Tour D’Egypte includes Cairo, Aswan and Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. It runs $1,825 per person, double occupancy, from Los Angeles with first-class hotels, most meals and sightseeing, tips, transfers and taxes.

There’s also a 15-day Nile Adventure that features the same destinations plus a seven-day cruise on the Nile with outside cabin and private bath. It costs $2,450 per person from Los Angeles.

For departure dates and more information, contact Lotus Tours, 5405 Garden Grove Blvd., Suite 111, Westminster, Calif. 92683; (714) 892-8502.