These Adventures Abroad Could Be Permanent

One of the good points of the just-published “Adventures Abroad: Exploring the Travel/Retirement Option,” by Allene Symons and Jane Parker, is that the authors point out both the pluses and the minuses.

“Adventures Abroad” is a helpful tool, filled with practical advice from the authors and the more than 70 interviewed Americans who are living abroad or are moving to one of 15 nations, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, Thailand, Poland, France, Ireland, Greece or several Caribbean islands.

But Adventures Abroad, which focuses on Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain and Portugal, is more of a how-to than a where-to type of guide.

For example, chapters are filled with tips on how to decide where one might choose to retire abroad, including a list of questions people should ask about a potential retirement area.

“Adventures Abroad” also offers an in-depth questionnaire that helps people determine whether they would actually enjoy a foreign retirement.

The book, however, is a bit repetitious, even to using the same quotations twice in different chapters.

“Adventures Abroad,” 286 pages in paperback, is available in most bookstores or for $12.95, plus $1.75 postage from the publishers--Gateway Books, 13 Bedford Cove, San Rafael, Calif. 94901.

Vacationers flying USAir through Dec. 15 should keep their boarding pass. The pass is good for $4 off the admission price to Universal Studios in either Universal City or Orlando, Fla. Up to six people can get the discount on each pass.

For example, at Universal Studios in Universal City, mature travelers 60 and older pay only $19, and also get up to six $4 discounts for others in the party. Regular admission is $24.50 for adults, $19 for children 3 through 11.

The 10 Sheraton hotels in Hawaii will repeat their fall “Golden Guest” program, now to Dec. 20, offering a 25% room discount to mature travelers 60 and over and to members of the American Assn. of Retired Persons (AARP).

In addition, guests at check-in will receive a “Golden Guest” card and booklet that offers discounts at selected Sheraton restaurants and various stores, and for area sightseeing.

For more information, call (800) 325-3535.

AARP continues to expand its travel program through its association with American Express. The latest venture is Israel.

A nine-day trip features Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea, Jaffa and Tel Aviv, in addition to visits to the Dead Sea and Massada. Touring is by motor coach. Accommodations, 13 meals and five sightseeing days are included in the price of $1,792 to $2,069 per person, double occupancy, from New York City. Departure dates are through November.

There is also an 11-day Shalom-Israel tour highlighted by the use of a chauffeured car or van, from $1,832 to $2,116 per person, double occupancy, also from New York City. In addition, there are several independent seven-night tours of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

For more information, contact AARP Travel Experience, P.O. Box 37580, Louisville, Ky. 40233-9895, (800) 927-0111 (6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday).