Youth Hostels Not Just for Young

American Youth Hostels is continuing its low-cost Discovery Tours for active travelers over 50.

Hiking and cycling tours in the United States, Canada and Europe will combine travel with learning sessions about the areas being visited.

Tours are rated for all skill levels, and are usually limited to nine participants plus an AYH-trained tour leader. When possible, hostels with dormitory-style lodgings that separate men and women are used for overnight accommodations. Lodging is in a variety of quarters, including a lighthouse in California and a castle in Germany.

Cycling tours range from a nine-day tour of New York’s Finger Lakes region ($350 for the land portion) to a 44-day cycling tour of Europe ($2,995 for land).

European cycling tours include 16 days through England, 16 days through the chateau country of France’s Loire Valley and 22 days in the Greek Islands.

Hiking tours include a nine-day hike in California’s John Muir wilderness for $250, a nine-day hike through the Lochs of Scotland for $425 and a 23-day hiking tour of the Rocky Mountains for $1,475.

Tour prices include lodging, group-prepared meals and transportation. Travel to the tour point of origination is not included. For more information on tours, send for the American Youth Hostels Discovery brochure, American Youth Hostels, Dept. 860, P.O. Box 37613, Washington, D.C. 20013-7613.

People 55 and over who want to overnight near Los Angeles International Airport can take advantage of a package called the “Great Spa Escape” at the Stouffer Concourse Hotel. The package provides a spa suite complete with private outdoor patio and hot tub.

Guests also have access to hotel health club facilities. The discount reduces the regular one-night package price of $199 to $169 per night for two, including a full breakfast, either in the room or the hotel coffee shop. The package is available to people 55 or older who are members of AARP or other qualifying senior organizations. For travelers en route to the airport, free limousine service is provided.

For information or reservations, call (213) 216-5858 or Stouffer Hotels at (800) 468-3571.

Mature travelers visiting the San Francisco area can enjoy a substantial discount on rooms at the Dunfey Hotel through its recently established “Seasoned Traveler” rates.

Regular rates of $100 are discounted to $55 per room for people over 50. A discount of 20% is offered on food and beverages in the hotel’s restaurant and bar.

The Dunfey is in San Mateo, a 10-minute drive south of San Francisco International Airport.

Membership is free and information can be obtained by writing to: Seasoned Traveler, Dunfey Hotel, 1770 S. Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo, Calif., (800) 238-6339.