AARP Selects GRANDTRAVEL as Preferred Travel Provider

Relationship Provides AARP's 40+ Million Members Access to Rewarding Multigenerational Travel Experiences

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Services Inc. and GRANDTRAVEL today announced a new relationship that will provide AARP members with unique vacations, discounts and experiences that enrich the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren.

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GRANDTRAVEL is recognized as a premier provider of luxury vacations for grandparents and grandchildren and is committed to enriching multigenerational bonds through rewarding hands-on adventures. Under the agreement, AARP members will receive a $200 per person discount off GRANDTRAVEL's escorted tour vacations, which, in 2009, include trips to Alaska, Italy, London/Paris, New Zealand and Washington, D.C./Williamsburg.

"GRANDTRAVEL is uniquely positioned to deliver on the needs of AARP members who want to engage in memorable experiences that help them connect with their grandchildren," said Howard Byck, Vice President of Lifestyle Products and Services, AARP Services Inc. "Due to AARP's intimate understanding of the 50+ population, we know that many of our members want innovative, relevant and rewarding multigenerational family vacations."

Known for their deluxe features and the exclusivity of their excursions, GRANDTRAVEL tours offer a unique opportunity for grandchildren, ages 7-17, to bond with their grandparents and vice versa.

GRANDTRAVEL's diverse tours include:

• "London & Paris - Grandest Cities" - combining the history and traditions of London with the artistry and elegance of Paris.
• "New Zealand - Land of Legend & Adventure" - exploring a land known for its stunning scenery and incredible array of activities.
• "Italy's Splendor - Venice, Florence, Rome" - offering a view of the land of the Renaissance.
• "Washington, DC & Williamsburg - Exploring Our Nation's History" - puts faces to historical names in the world's most powerful city.
• "Alaskan Adventure - Glaciers, Wildlife & Dog Mushing" - shared activities include experiencing dinner in a gold mine, landing on a glacier in a helicopter and spending time with four-time winner of the 1,049-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race Jeff King.

"We all recognize that the quality of our lives is enriched when we are able to share it with loved ones," states Helena Koenig, founder and grandmother. "GRANDTRAVEL is proud to have found its 'significant other' with whom we can now make it easier for greater numbers of grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy the pleasures of exploring new places together as they expand the cultural enrichment of their lives."

GRANDTRAVEL offers tours worldwide with smaller, intimate groups. Activity Directors, who are certified teachers, accompany each group, enhancing the educational component for children by making learning fun and engaging. GRANDTRAVEL's professional tour managers are eager to share their extensive experience. Tour managers also manage the on-tour logistics to ensure grandparents and grandchildren can relax and enjoy their experience. The company takes care of all reservations, transportation, luggage handling, hotels and meals on tour.

To make a reservation or request a brochure, please contact your travel agent or GRANDTRAVEL at 1-800-247-7651. You may also log on to www.grandtrvl.com/aarp.

ABOUT AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40+ million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

ABOUT AARP SERVICES INC.

AARP Services Inc., founded in 1999, is a wholly owned subsidiary of AARP. AARP Services manages the wide range of products and services that are offered as benefits to AARP's 40+ million members. The offers span health products, travel and leisure products, and life event services. Specific products include Medicare supplemental insurance; member discounts on rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special offers on technology and gifts; pharmacy services; legal services; and long-term care insurance. AARP Services founded AARP Financial Incorporated, a subsidiary that manages financial products that carry the AARP name, including AARP Funds. AARP Services develops new products, manages and markets products and services, and creates and maintains sponsorship and other relationships.

ABOUT GRANDTRAVEL

Helena T. Koenig, founder and former president of GRANDTRAVEL, (and past owner of The Ticket Counter, a full-service travel agency), began GRANDTRAVEL in 1986 when she became a grandmother herself for the first time and realized there were no travel operators in the business of servicing the needs of grandparents and grandchildren wishing to travel together (without parents). GRANDTRAVEL is now in its 22nd year and is the leader in the field. Developed by Helena with a team of teachers, psychologists and leisure counselors GRANDTRAVEL is dedicated to helping grandparents create lasting memories for themselves and their grandchildren, knowing that when grandparents and grandchildren travel together, they are drawn closer and relate to each other in remarkable new ways. And, it is not just biological grandparent who are welcome to participate; surrogate grandparents, such as aunts, uncles and friends, are welcome as well. In 2003, Academic Travel Abroad, a cultural tour operator since 1958, purchased GRANDTRAVEL.