Mountain Villages, Monasteries in China

Canada’s leading operator of exotic adventures for seniors is featuring two remote and seldom-visited provinces of China: Yunnan and Tibet. The program by ElderTrek consists of a 15-day trip through Yunnan Province in southwest China, followed by a 12-day trip through Tibet. The two trips can be combined to form a single 26-day adventure through the mountains of Yunnan and the open plains of the Tibetan plateau.

Yunnan is a lush, rugged landscape of mountains and gorges cut by the rivers of the Yangtze, Salween and Mekong rivers. A program of day hikes includes visits to tribal communities. The Tibet tour includes monasteries in old Lhasa, the palaces of a former Dalai Lama, the base of Mt. Everest in Nepal and Katmandu. The price for the full 26-day tour is $3,900. Group size is limited to 15. The Yunnan-only tour is $2,150, and for Tibet $1,895. Prices include all meals and guides. Air fare is not included. Departure dates are available in October and November. For information, call ElderTrek at (800) 741-7956.

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The Nevis Hotel & Beach Club on the Caribbean Island of Nevis is offering a “Senior Summer Celebration” package for travelers over 60 through Dec. 15. A 20% reduction in rates provides lodging at $96 per day for two in a deluxe twin-bed room including daily continental breakfast. A junior suite with kitchen is priced at $140 per day. Each of the spacious rooms has either a patio or a balcony with views of the sea. For information or a brochure, call the Mt. Nevis Hotel & Beach Club at (800) 756-3847.

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The Biscayne Bay Marriott Hotel & Marina in Miami Beach is offering senior discounts on a 21-day advance-purchase basis. Standard rates are $160 to $235 daily, but are reduced to $90 to $115 for members of American Assn. of Retired Persons. Health club privileges are included. For brochures or reservations, call (800) 228-9290. Also in Florida, visitors to Kissimmee, which is near Disney World, can rent units in a complex called Affordable Florida, with fully equipped and furnished three-bedroom, two-bath duplex or quad-plex units. All have a kitchen with range, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer, refrigerator, utensils, pots and pans, linens and towels, and a cable TV. Units can be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. AARP members or seniors over 55 receive 15% off published rates from Aug. 18 to Dec. 21 as follows: $66 per night, “$660 per week or $2,500 per month. A deposit is required and there is a three-night minimum. Maid service is not included, but is available at extra cost. For brochures and information, call (800) 999-0188.