Here's one neat magazine written just for active seniors. Seniors have 75% of the nation's wealth. They account for over 80% of the vacation travel trips each year. It is no wonder that there is a travel magazine devoted just to seniors. Although there are other magazines geared to the needs of seniors like Modern Maturity and Where to Retire? Magazine, this is the only travel magazine for this age group. And, it is not surprising that over 375,000 seniors agree that Travel 50 & Beyond is a great travel magazine for them.

Vacation Publications, Inc. publishes this magazine quarterly. I hope it eventually becomes a monthly magazine because it has so much to offer the avid traveler. The magazine has been around for 11 years but I just discovered it last year when it began arriving in my mailbox.

I'll also let you in on a secret; you don't have to be a senior to enjoy the unusual travel articles. Some are specifically aimed at older adults like the articles on retirement places. But, the magazine has lots of other interesting articles that travelers of all ages will enjoy.

I am reviewing the current Fall 2001 issue, which is a typical issue. It will be on newsstands until January 31, 2002. If you are searching for some different travel ideas in the upcoming months, check out this issue. Since most American prefer to stay close to home after the World Trade Disaster, here's a magazine that devotes itself mostly to domestic travel. The magazine is slim and has only 72 pages but it is packed with travel information. It contains 13 travel articles on a wide variety of destinations. In this issue there is also a unique article on Paris that older American will especially enjoy.

Yes there are ads but they do not overwhelm the issues. Most ads are only ˝ page or less. They are related to either travel or retirement. Some ads are very informative. This issue has a special advertising section called Northwest Adventure. There is lots of information about Hot Springs located in this area. Visiting Hot Springs is a great way for seniors to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The section lists and describes six different Hot Springs. About half of the two-page section is devoted to information about the Hot Springs. The other half is ads for other activities or accommodations in the Northwest.

Every issue also includes a 6-page Vacation Planning Guide and a 2-page Retirement Guide. Although this is all advertising, it is helpful for readers who wish more information on travel destinations or retirement information. Readers can request more information from any of 100 advertisers. A handy pre-paid postcard is bound into the magazine and is perforated for easy removal. The magazine offers a great deal here. If readers include the 6-digit code above their name with their request, the magazine will send them the next issue free. You can't beat this deal. Another great offer in this section is a free copy of Where to Retire? Magazine. I sent in my request for 10 brochures and the free issue of Where to Retire? Magazine. I have already received my brochures. Including the 6-digit code enables the magazine to get the information out to readers more rapidly and saves them time. The magazine rewards readers with the free issue.

Each issue has an attractive glossy cover photograph usually of active seniors enjoying a vacation spot. The current issue features two seniors on the beach at the Barefoot Resort community in North Myrtle Beach, SC. The cover lists six featured articles. Page numbers of articles are not listed on the cover. This really isn't a problem since the magazine is so slim. The Table of Contents is conveniently located just inside the cover. The layout is neat and articles are easy to locate. There is no need to thumb through the magazine to complete an article. All articles are concisely written on consecutive pages. I especially like this aspect.

Every article has lovely photograph and contains all the needed travel and contact information. Longer trip itineraries also include a map. Each article contains lodging and dining information at the end of the article along with information on how to get there. The writing is always interesting, thorough and informative. All the articles are entertaining as well. The descriptions of scenery inspire readers to want to visit the destinations. Lots of information is crammed into the short articles that usually run 8 pages or less in length.

Since I am a regular visitor to Florida, I really enjoyed "The Raw Bar." I never would have discovered the Indian River Pass Raw Bar on my own. It is located off the beaten path in the Panhandle section of Florida near Port St. Joe. This no-frills casual restaurant serves the best oysters in the region. They are smaller and sweeter than oysters served elsewhere in the area. The oysters grow in oyster beds owned by the restaurant's owners, the McNeills. The beds are in the Apalachicola Bay. A short menu is posted on a wall. It includes shrimp, hot dogs and tasty seafood gumbo soup. The place is so casual that diners pick out their own beverages from coolers. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available. Mostly locals frequent the eatery. It's a pretty well kept secret. Diners appreciate that nothing is fried here. Seniors will love the laid back atmosphere and affordable prices. They also have the time and inclination to drive through the scenic waterfront scenery to reach this remote spot. A dozen raw oysters costs $5.50. The article is very entertaining and driving directions are specific. There are also a couple of nice photographs

I also enjoyed reading "Arizona Odyssey" since I'm planning a trip to this state in the near future. This 6-page article covers a 10-day car trip through the state. Beautiful details of scenery, crafts and national parks are included. The trip is affordable and the article includes all the necessary travel information including getting there, lodging, dining, attractions and contact information. There is also a handy map detailing the route. Senior will appreciate the slow pace and inexpensive itinerary. I hope to visit the national parks and monuments on my trip out west. I love the beautiful cacti and rock formations in the several photographs that accompany the article. This is a great article for all lovers of wide-open spaces-not-just seniors.

Skiers living on the East Coast will enjoy "Skiing Snowshoe." This winter resort is located at the top of Cheat Mountain in West Virginia. It is the largest winter resort in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast. There is a snow tubing run, a snowboard terrain park, a long steep expert run and a half-mile beginner run. Slopes are lighted for nighttime use. The resort expects to add 50 acres of new trail over the next several years. The resort is turning into a year round resort. This year an Aqua Center is being built. It will include a water slide, hot tubs, a lazy river and heated swimming areas. Visitors can already enjoy golfing, mountain biking, hiking, sporting clays in the warmer months. There is an adventure program available for kids. Excursions for white water rafting can be arranged. The article even covers "What to do Off the Slopes." Here's one place I'd love to visit. I'm saving this article for future reference. Beautiful photographs entice the reader to visit the resort. Snowshoe's village has shops, restaurants, entertainment and lodging all in one area-perfect for the whole family-not just active seniors. Visit www.snowshoemtn.com for more information.

I've have been thinking about the Elderhostel Program recently and this issue gives me lots of information on it as it relates to its winter programs in Charleston, SC and other states in the southeastern United States. Elderhostel is an affordable educational travel program for active adventurous seniors with destinations all over the world. I have yet to take a trip with them but the itineraries are tempting. If you are interested in learning about this program, this article mentions lots of exciting trips. Check out the 3-page article "Adventures in Learning." I learned that their Mardi Gras program in New Orleans is their most popular course. Every year about 8,00 seniors sign up for this course. Also popular are the Mississippi Steamboat programs. Courses cover cultural, architectural and historical aspects of each destination. The arts are also covered as well. I know seniors who have taken these trips and think they are wonderful.

Anglers and hunters will enjoy the article "Sporting in the Wild." I almost wish that I enjoyed these activities so I could visit the unique floating Sportsman's Lodge of the Beau Rivage Hotel in Biloxi, MS.
This lodge has all the comforts at home for seniors, and others, who want to pursue these sports. The article included photos of the plush accommodations. The lodge is on a barge. Guide accompanies all trips. Many wives stay at the hotel for shopping and spa visits while their husbands stay at the lodge. Men and women are both welcome at the lodge. There are accommodations for up to 10 people. If you enjoy hunting or fishing but want your comforts, check out this place at www.beaurivage.com. Click on Marina, then Sportsman's Lodge for more information. This place sounds terrific!

If Sea Lions fascinate you; here's a great article for you. "Sea Lions and Scenery" takes readers across the nation to Oregon where 200 cave-dwelling sea lions live. View Oregon's spectacular scenery also. I doubt I'll ever visit here, but the article is interesting and entertaining. The caves attract 200,000 visitors each year. They are located 11 miles north of Florence. This is certainly an interesting trip. It sounds a little too chilly, damp and smelly for me but animal lovers will enjoy it. Who knows, I may change my mind? All the travel information is included in the article along with a couple of charming photographs.

For seniors close to retirement, there is a very informative article describing 10 wonderful retirement towns located across the US. The article covers climate, cost of living, average price of new homes and local accommodations. Contact information is given for each town. I think all seniors who plan to relocate in retirement will enjoy this feature. The writer describes the unique character of each town so seniors can sense if the lifestyle fits their needs. Although I have my retirement home in Florida, I did enjoy this article. Lovely photographs accompany the 8-page spread. The article "10 Great Retirement Towns" is very informative and well written.

The article "Revisiting Paris" is the writer's reminisces about his old haunts in Paris forty years ago. Read all about his return trip four decades later. Come along on a nostalgic tour of the charming town of Montparnesse. Lodging information, directions and dining information are provided. Someday I hope to visit France so I'm saving this article. The writer certainly brings alive to readers the essence and charm of the Left Bank. All travelers, whether or not they have visited Paris, will enjoy this beautiful article. The pictures alone are worth a look. The five-page article is a personal account of the writer view of this beautiful place. I hope to see it some day. The photo of the corner café is so French, readers almost feel as if they are there with the writer.

There are two other articles that travelers of all ages will enjoy. One gives the history and fascinating facts about the world famous Hollywood sign landmark. It's called "Hooray for the Hollywood Sign." It is an entertaining look at the famed sign overlooking Tinseltown. I'll never look at this sign quite the same again. The 3-page article is a fun and interesting read.

The other article is "Uncommon Scents." It's about the Yankee Candle Shop and museum in Deerfield, Ma. I visited here last year and loved it. I'm am not a candle person but I purchased some on my visit. It is well worth a visit if you live in the vicinity or are passing through western Massachusetts. I especially enjoyed the indoor Bavarian Village. Visitors can also purchase snacks, collectibles, toys and kitchenware among other items. There are lots of beautiful Christmas tree ornaments. There is more to do here than just shop. At the candle-making museum workers dressed in 19th century clothes make candles from beeswax and bayberry wax like the early American did. There is also a car and motorcycle museum here. I visited during the Christmas season and think it is the best time to explore the place. If you love candles, this is the place to come.

So, from the list of articles above, you can see that the magazine carries a wide variety of adventures. There isn't any letter from the editor or any readers' letters - just fascinating articles about travel spots of interest to seniors. The destinations are mostly domestic and inexpensive. I save all my issues for future reference.

Issues cost $3.95 on newsstand. A year's subscription cost $9.95. I think you'll find that the magazine is well worth the price. For an even better deal, be sure to visit their Website www.Travel50and Beyond.com for a free trial issue without any obligation. You can also get a free issue of Where to Retire? Magazine. The site is easy to navigate and has links to other travel sites. Request free travel brochures and read special reports. It's definitely worth a visit to get the free issues. In the current issue there are also excellent Websites for Alaska. If you are planning a trip to Alaska's Inside Passage read the article "Cruise Alaska's Inside Passage on the Net." I checked out all the sites suggested and they are terrific. If you are looking for a casual inexpensive trip through the Inside Passage read the details about the Alaska Marine Highway System. The one-page article refers you to a Website with schedules, fares and other important information. All travelers will love this exciting affordable way to explore the Inside Passage especial young people on a budget. I loved my visit to Alaska and hope you will also





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