From Death Valley to the Ozarks, Europe

Gadabout Tours, one of the leading tour operators specializing in senior travel, has just released its program brochure, which features thumbnail descriptions of more than 20 tours scheduled for this winter and spring. Destinations are both domestic and foreign, and tours vary from four to 16 days.

A sampling of Gadabout’s upcoming trips (all tours include transportation; prices are per person, double occupancy, at “first-class” accommodations, according to a Gadabout spokeswoman):

* “Death Valley Holiday.” Includes Death Valley, Scotty’s Castle and Badwater. Four days. Departs Feb. 13 and April 1, 1994. $429.

* “Costa Rica.” Features comprehensive sightseeing and attractions throughout the country. Eight days. Departs March 7. $1,588.

* “Sentimental South.” Visits New Orleans, Mobile, Atlanta, Tallahassee, Savannah, Charleston and Natchez. Fifteen days. Departs March 20. $1,694.

* “Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.” Visits historic and scenic sites in and around both Mexican cities. Eight days. Departs April 15. $1,186.

* “Happy Holland.” Participants fly to Amsterdam for a five-night visit, followed by a tour into the southern Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. Fourteen days. Departs April 21 and May 3. $2,598, includes all breakfasts and dinners.

Other destination titles include “Texas Bluebonnet Trail,” “Copper Canyon,” “Fabulous Florida,” “Old South Cruise/Tour,” “Easter in New York,” “Blossom Time in Washington, D.C.,” “Lake Powell,” “Canyonlands,” “Branson,” “Spring in the Ozarks,” “Greece and Turkey Cruise/Tour” and “Colonial Virginia.”

For a copy of the free brochure, see your travel agent or call (800) 952-5068.

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A Palm Springs hotel with only 14 units is offering AARP members a 10% discount off its rates, which are already moderate by Palm Springs standards. The charming Mira Loma is a single-story hotel with all of its rooms surrounding a central pool bordered by colorful flower beds. From December to April, rates range from $50 to $65 per night, before the discount. All rooms have a refrigerator and color TV, and some have full kitchens. Coffee and daily newspaper are included. For information and reservations, call (619) 320-1178.

On the subject of Palm Springs, the Living Desert Wildlife and Botanical Park has been expanded and completely refurbished with new and attractive exhibits. Seniors get a $1 discount off the $7 admission price. For a copy of the park’s new visitor guide, call (619) 346-5694.

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Mature travelers can receive an unusual holiday bonus for staying at any Holiday Inn between now and Jan. 16. More than 700 Holiday Inns are participating in a program in which guests over age 50 receive a telephone calling card entitling them to 15 minutes’ worth of free long distance phone calls anywhere in the United States.

To qualify, participants must first call a toll-free number to obtain a promotional coupon and a list of Holiday Inns. Upon check-in, the guest receives a long distance calling card in exchange for the coupon. Cards can be used while staying at any participating Holiday Inn. Guests receive a code number that allows them to make long distance calls, which are charged against an existing account balance until the 15 minutes are used up. To receive a coupon, call (800) 653-9473.

Room reservations at Holiday Inns can be made by calling (800) 465-4329. In addition, Holiday Inns also offer members of its Preferred Senior Travelers Program a 20% discount off published room rates and a 10% discount off meals in hotel restaurants.

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Doubletree Hotels, with more than 15,000 rooms in 21 states, is offering a 30% discount to members of AARP. Members also receive 10% off food and nonalcoholic beverages. For a free hotel directory or reservations, call (800) 222-8733.