Unloading a Mailbag of Travel Advice

A number of companies are offering various travel packages and deals of interest to seniors. All of the information available can be obtained either through a toll-free phone number or via postcard.

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The United States Tour Operators Assn., whose members must have been in business for at least three years and carry a $1-million-minimum consumer protection plan, is offering a free consumer guide. “How to Select a Tour or Vacation Package” is valuable for understanding the language of tour and vacation package brochures, including meals, air transportation, lodging, car rentals and other elements of tour packages. To receive a copy of the brochure, plus a current list of USTOA member companies, write to USTOA, 211 East 51st St., Suite 12-B, New York 10022.

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Mature travelers constitute the most pro-cruise consumer group. In order to shed some light on the subject of cruising, World Wide Cruises is offering two free brochures, part of a series called “Integrity in Travel.” One pamphlet discusses how to protect your cruise travel dollar and answers some typical questions posed by would-be cruise passengers. The second brochure, “How to Book the Perfect Cruise,” offers advice on how to select a cruise and save money. Call (800) 882-9000.

The cruise line also will send a brochure published by the Cruise Lines International Assn. (CLIA) that gives cruise advice, charts listing all major cruise lines and their destinations, activities and services available on each cruise line for children, and activities available for active adults. To obtain a copy, send a self-addressed long envelope, with 52 cents postage, to World Wide Cruises-CLIA, 8059 W. McNab Road, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. 33321.

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American Youth Hostels are offering a reduced membership price for seniors. Annual membership is $15 (other adults pay $25) for anyone 55 or older. Among the benefits:

* A directory of 6,000 hostels in 70 countries worldwide.

* Discounts on air fares, railway tickets, ferries and ski lifts.

* A “Hostelling in North America” directory.

* Bulletins on programs and tours.

You can also receive a booklet entitled “Discover California Hostels!” that lists 24 hostels in the Golden State. To obtain a copy, write to American Youth Hostels, 1434 2nd St., Santa Monica 90401.

For an application form that describes membership benefits, plus the international directory, write to AYH, Dept. 481, P.O. Box 37613, Washington, D.C. 20013.