Retirement Discount Travel Deals

Reaching 50 or 55 or 60 years of age has its privileges in the marketplace. Businesses want your business, and many are willing to give you a price break to get it if you carry credentials that prove your birth date. Policies do change over time, so always ask about discounts for senior citizens wherever you shop. Attractive current deals.-

* Free cruises for single men. Because unattached males of a certain age are very scarce, two cruise lines offer free travel to single men over 50 who will act as paid hosts to the many single women on board the ship. Duties include dancing, serving as dining partners, and mingling with female passengers. No favoritism, no romantic entanglements.

Royal Cruise Lines, Host Program, I Maritime Plaza, Suite 1400, San Francisco 94111.

The Delta Queen Steamboat Co., Robin Street Wharf, New Orleans 70130.

* Great Britain blanket admission. Great British Heritage Pass is good for admission to more than 600 castles, palaces, homes, and gardens. Included The Tower of London and Windsor Castle. British Tourist Authority, 40 W. 57 St., New York 10019.

* Great Britain by Rail Most European railroads offer senior citizens' discounts. But few can match those in Britain. Passes offer reduced rates on limited first-class travel throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. Note.- Passes must be purchased through a travel agent in the US BritRail, 1500 Broadway, Suite I 000, New York 10036.

* National parks passport. Golden Age Passport provides @ lifetime admission to all of the federal government's parks, monuments, and recreation areas for people over 62. Users also get half off on all fees-camping, boat launching, parking, tours, etc. The pass covers the holder and any passengers in a single family vehicle.

* Not available by mail. Passports can be obtained at any national park where an entrance fee is charged. Proof of age required. More information: National Park Service, Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013. The big discount Most airlines, car-rental companies, and hotels offer discounts of 10% or more to travelers over 50. When you make reservations, always ask if a senior citizens' discount is available. Required.- Some form of identification-a driver's license is usually sufficient.Warning.- Sometimes rates even lower than the senior citizens' discount are offered. Ask if the rate you're getting is the lowest one.

* Automobile insurance. State Farm Insurance Company, Nationwide Insurance, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Allstate Insurance Company, and AARP (American Association for Retired Persons) all offer special "senior rates" for good drivers.

* Cruises. IF you are willing to go on short notice, you can get discounts as high as 50%. Check with agencies such as Encore Short Notice (800) 6388976, Moment's Notice (213) 486-0505, Vacations to Go (800) 624-7338, or Last Minute Travel Club (617)267-9800.

* Lodging. You can stay in homes all over the world for very little or if you are also willing to take in some senior travelers. INNter Lodging Co-op, Tacoma, WA 98407, (206)756-0343 serves the United States and Canada, and Servas, II John St., New York 10038, (212) 267-0252, has an international network of hosts.

* Retail. Many stores offer 10% discounts or have special sale days for senior citizens. Check local newspapers for local deals for seniors or simply ask before shopping.