Coursing a Way to the Rockies

For the third year, a Colorado-based company called Explore is offering one-week study programs for people over age 50. All the seminars take place Sept. 10-16 at the Hyatt Regency Beaver Creek, about 110 miles west of Denver in Vail Valley. A wide variety of subjects include international gourmet cooking, fly-fishing and mountain orienteering, creative writing, watercolor painting, computerized geography, and archeological and environmental field trips. Two specialized topics are “The European Union and the Transformation of Europe” and “Finding Our Home in the Universe,” led by an astrophysicist. Price for a one-week session is $1,775 per person, double occupancy, which includes six nights lodging, three dinner events, all breakfasts and lunches, five days of classes with materials and equipment, use of health club and spa facilities, and a before-you-go handbook. For information, call (800) 323-4386.

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The Westin Hotel in Kansas City, Mo., offers a senior discount any day of the week, but subject to space availability. A room for two with a rate of $172 is priced at $59 through 1995. Grandchildren ages 7-12 who accompany their grandparents get free membership in the Westin Kids Club and receive a baseball cap, sports bottle, free family movie, free soft drinks when dining with adults and custom kid menus in three Westin restaurants. For a brochure or reservations, call (800) 228-3000.

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The Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs is a small resort hotel with only 28 rooms, villas and suites. Some of the guest rooms have terraces, steam baths, fireplaces or whirlpools. Regular rates for double rooms range from $75 to $235 while mini-suites range from $205 to $285. Guests over 60 who reserve three-night stays Sunday through Thursday will receive a fourth night at no extra charge. The offer is not valid on major holidays and only when space is available. For reservations, call (800) 772-6655.

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The Waikiki Parkside Hotel in Honolulu is offering reduced rates for travelers over 50 through Dec. 19. A standard double room is regularly $100, but is reduced to $69 for seniors. A deluxe room is regularly $136, reduced to $89. The Parkside, located near the Ala Moana shopping center, has a pool, gift shop, indoor parking and a fitness room. For a brochure or reservations, call (800) 237-9666.