New Deal Gives AARP Members Discount on ZipCar Annual Rate

AARP’s 38 million members now have access to cost-effective and convenient ‘wheels when you want them’ at an exclusively discounted annual rate, thanks to a new agreement with Zipcar, the world’s leading membership-based car sharing network.

AARP members new to Zipcar save $20 off the regular $60 annual membership fee, a 33 percent savings, and in addition receive $40 towards free driving when reserving cars.  Zipcars are available 24/7 and reservations can be made via Zipcar’s mobile app, through http://www.zipcar.com, or over the phone.

Zipcar gives its members on-demand access to a variety of cars in hundreds of cities, airports and college campuses worldwide by the hour or day. The service is ideal for those who typically rely on public transportation but seek the flexibility the bus or train can’t provide, for those who simply do not want the hassle and cost of car ownership, or those that occasionally need to supplement car ownership with a second vehicle.

“When we look for new benefits for our members, we seek products and services that complement their lifestyles and offer savings from a trusted resource,” said Clay Buckley, vice president, lifestyle at AARP Services, Inc. “Our agreement with Zipcar offers deep savings and gives our members, and especially Boomers, the mobility they need at a fraction of the cost of car ownership.”

“With the reduced Zipcar membership rate, AARP members can now have a new way to experience the benefits of car ownership without the cost and hassle,” said Kate Roberts, director of global partnerships at Zipcar. “AARP members that join Zipcar can enjoy the benefit of paying for a car only when they need it – whether that’s a couple hours or a couple days. Additionally, access to this convenient and affordable option for transportation allows AARP members to redirect their time and money to achieving their retirement goals, such as moving back into a city or traveling to visit cities around the world.”

To take advantage of the special offer and to learn more about the benefits of Zipcar membership, AARP members should visit www.aarpdiscounts.com/zipcar.  To learn more about all the benefits of AARP membership, visit www.aarp.org.

 

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WARWICK HOTELS OFFERS LUXURY ROOMS TO SENIORS STARTING AT $55

The Warwick New York is in close proximity to important cultural sights, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, here at night © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Warwick International Hotels U.S. have polished-up their senior discount for those making travel plans, announcing rates starting from $55 for luxury accommodations in a major American city. Significant senior discounts are also available at 12 international hotels in the Warwick collection, meaning that amazing destinations from Fiji to France are on sale all year round.

The senior discount is available now and will continue to be in effect throughout 2011.

Participating locations are:

• U.S.: Warwick New York, Warwick Melrose Dallas, Warwick Denver, Warwick San Francisco and Warwick Seattle
• Europe: Barcelona (Gallery Hotel), Brussels (Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place and Warwick Barsey Hotel), Geneva (Hotel Warwick Geneva), London (Leonard Hotel & Residence), Lyon (La Reine Astrid), Malaga (Hotel Molina Lario), Nice (Splendid Hotel & Spa), Paris (Warwick Champs-Elysées and Hotel Westminster), Zurich (Central Plaza Hotel)
• South Pacific: Fiji (Naviti Resort)

Warwick Denver Hotel is offering the promise of a Classic King room at $55 during December 2010 and January-February 2011. For the remainder of the year, Denver will offer a significant discount off of its best available rates for guests 65 years of age and older.

“Last year, senior citizens accounted for over 21 percent of all U.S. travelers, and we want to make their travel more affordable and enjoyable than ever,” said G. Paul LeBlanc, vice president of sales and marketing for Warwick International Hotels. “The Warwick collection has much that appeals to this audience, from historic properties that have been elegantly modernized to gracious personal service.”

Warwick hotels in other cities will offer up to 30 percent off their best available rates for seniors throughout the year. A special feature of the Warwick senior rate is that it can be used for up to two rooms. Since statistics show that one third of U.S. travelers are joined by either children or grandchildren, this means “close” family can come along – without being too close!

All Warwick hotels and resorts offer ideal locations for exploring the cultural and entertainment offerings of the different cities. For instance, Warwick New York is across the street from the Museum of Modern Art and within four blocks to iconic attractions like Central Park, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and Fifth Avenue Shopping. Warwick Denver is within two and one-half miles of Denver’s Botanic Gardens or Elitch Gardens family amusement park. A Rockies game at Coors Field is only one mile away, or catch the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field, just over three miles from Warwick Denver Hotel. In London, the Leonard Hotel & Residence is only a two minute walk to the shops of Oxford Street and Bond Street and a short stroll to Hyde Park & Madame Tussauds. And in Fiji, the beckoning beaches and waters of the South Pacific are just outside your door.

These rates can be secured either through a professional travel agent or at Warwick’s Web site (the booking code is WKSNR), www.warwickhotels.com.

About Warwick International Hotels

Warwick International Hotels (WIH) was launched in 1980 with the purchase of Warwick New York, a hotel originally built by William Randolph Hearst for his Hollywood friends. Celebrating its 30^th anniversary of hospitality excellence, the WIH Group now includes more than 40 prestigious Hotels, Resorts & Spas worldwide located in city centres and resort destinations in the United States, Europe, Asia, Bali, the South Pacific, and Africa. Further details can be found at www.warwickhotels.com.

For more detailed features on destinations, hotels and resorts and senior travel, visit http://www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate.

MSC Has Special Rates for AARP Members, Family Cruisers

MSC Cruises has special deals for AARP members and family cruisers. Here, the MSC Poesia, during its first call at New York City’s port (© 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com).

AARP Members Save over 50% on Positioning Cruises

MSC Cruises is making available to AARP members savings of more than 50 percent with rates from $859 per person on select itineraries in its Distinctive Collection featuring positioning sailings from various locations all over the world. Positioning itineraries depart from and arrive in different ports and offer an array of cities in many countries typically unavailable on cruises.

Pre- and post-cruise stays and excursions are available at an additional cost. Kids 11 and younger cruise free when sharing a stateroom with two adults.

These special rates for AARP members are available on select sailings. Positioning cruise itinerary highlights include:

• 17-night cruise from Genoa to Cape Town or 16-night Barcelona to Cape Town on MSC Melody and calling in Barcelona, Cadiz, Tenerife, Mindelo, and Walvis Bay. December 1 or December 2; rates from $859 and $44.30 pp. in GFT’s;
• 18-night cruise from Kiel or 17-night from Copenhagen to New York on MSC Poesia and calling in Southampton, Le Havre, Vigo, Lisbon, Ponta Delgada, and King’s Wharf. September 4 or 5; rates from $1,149 plus $65 pp. government fees and taxes (GFT’s)];
• 16-night cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona or 17-night to Genoa on MSC Poesia and calling in San Juan, St. John’s, Port Castries, Funchal, Malaga, and Alicante. March 6; rates from $949 plus $84.43 and $82.85 pp. in GFT’s;
• 18-night cruise from Venice to Rio de Janeiro or 19-night from Rio de Janeiro to Venice on MSC Musica and calling in Dubrovnik, Valletta, Malaga, Funchal, Tenerife, Fortaleze, Recife, and Salvador de Bahia. October 31 or March 29; rates from $919 plus $143.30 pp. in GFT’s;
• 17-night cruise from Genoa to Santos or 19-night from Santos to Kiel on MSC Orchestra and calling in Barcelona, Lisbon, Casablanca, Tenerife, Recife, Salvador de Bahia, and Rio de Janeiro (Funchal, Vigo, Southampton and Copenhagen on 19-night). November 11 or April 12; rates from $999 plus $187.20 pp. in GFT’s;
• 18-night cruise from Venice to Santos or 17-night from Santos to Southampton on    MSC Opera and calling in Katakalon, La Valetta, Malaga, Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife, Recife, Salvador de Bahia, and Rio de Janeiro. November 25 or April 20; rates from $919 plus $206 pp. in GFT’s;

Restrictions apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion including standard AARP member offers.

Third/Fourth Person Cruise Free on Fall Foliage Cruises until July 31

Third/fourth adults and kids 17 and younger cruise free when sharing a stateroom for select fall foliage, Canada/New England cruises onboard MSC Poesia; reduced rates begin at $599 per person, double occupancy through July 31.

This latest promotion offers affordable rates for guests of all ages to recognize the beauty and charm offered at the ports along the Canada and New England coastline.

Fall foliage cruises vary from 6-10-nights and depart from New York City and Quebec City.  Prices listed below are per person based upon double occupancy with third/fourth person in stateroom cruising free-of-charge. Government fees and taxes for all guests in stateroom are additional.

• 10-night “Dazzling Fall Foliage” cruise roundtrip from New York City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Quebec City, Quebec; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York, New York.  September 22; rates begin at $999; was $1,399 for a $400 savings (plus $72.90 pp.);
• 7-night “Scenic Splendors of Fall” cruise from New York City and calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; and Quebec City, Quebec; October 2; rates begin at $699; was $999 for a $300 savings (plus $78.50 pp.);
• 7-night “Captivating Colors of Canada” cruise from New York City and calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Quebec City, Quebec. October 16; rates begin at $719; was $999 for a $280 savings (plus $79.25 pp.);
• 9-night “Autumn Leaves to Palm Trees,” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; New York, New York; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. October 23; rates begin at $849; was $1,199 for a $350 savings (plus $102.40 pp.);
• 6-night “Maple Leaves & Mansions” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York, New York. October 23; rates begin at $599; was $899 for a savings of $300 (plus $81.40 pp.).

MSC Cruises has the most modern fleet in the world with 11 ships: MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, US and Canada, (Fall 2010), South America, the Indian Ocean, and South and West Africa.

For more information, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional.

To see more cruise reviews and destination stories, visit http://www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate