aarp group travel tours

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

This site uses cookies. For more information, please see our cookie policy.

Mon - Fri: 7am - 5pm PST

Closed Sat & Sun

Contact us HERE

• North America
• Central & South America
• South Pacific
• Middle East
• Multi-Country Tours

Today's Top Trips

Best of italy, european whirl, national park wonders.

Manage My Booking

• My GET Tour Log In
• Uniworld Express Check-In
• Travel Restrictions/Guidelines
• South America
• US & Canada
• Australia & New Zealand

Top Destinations

• Great Britain
• Switzerland

Collections

• Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tours
• Europe's Christmas Markets
• Multi-Country European Packages
• CostSaver Tours
• Insight Vacations Tours
• Trafalgar Tours
• Uniworld River Cruises
• Women-Only Tours

For more than 40 years, Grand European Travel has been providing a wonderfully simple, and genuinely personal, way to travel.

Meet Our Team

Our Travel Specialists make planning your trip fun and hassle free

Guided Vacations

Top 10 advantages of taking a guided tour

Guest Reviews

As you plan your trip read our unedited guest reviews

Travel Insurance

Protect your vacation with travel insurance.

Responsible Travel

Powered by our not-for-profit foundation, TreadRight

• Small Group Tours
• Searching for Vacations 0" v-cloak>{{vacationCount}} Vacations No Vacations

Filter Vacations

• Search all of Europe
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Search all of North America
• United States
• Search all of Central & South America
• Search all of South Pacific
• New Zealand
• Search all of Asia
• Search all of Africa
• South Africa
• Search all of Middle East
• Up to $1,500
• $1,500-$3,000
• $3,000-$6,000
• Over $6,000
• Insight Vacations
• Insight - Small Groups
• Luxury Gold
• Highest rated
• Lowest price

{{vacation.name | truncate(85)}}

Order Your Free Brochure

Sign up to order your FREE travel brochure subscription and get exclusive offers only available to our subscribers

Brochures can only be mailed to United States addresses. Please call us for assistance at 1-877-622-9109

Thanks for signing up to receive our latest brochure. As a subscriber, you'll be the first to receive our new brochures as they are released, plus great deals in your inbox.

Download Brochure

View brochure online.

Get $300 per couple Travel Credit toward your first trip when you sign up to our newsletter. *

Plus, receive travel inspiration, news and latest promotions.

You can unsubscribe at any time. Your Travel Credit will be sent by email.

Email Sign-up Travel Credit: Receive a $150 per person ($300 per couple) discount toward your first tour (operated by Trafalgar or Insight Vacations) when you sign up for GET emails; valid for each full-paying adult who signs up with a unique email address. Valid for new bookings only made from 01 January to December 31 2024 for travel from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2025. Discount is not combinable with any other discount or offer, including GETAWAY Deals, Limited Time Offers, AARP member discount, Past Traveler Global Tour Rewards discount, Groups or Multiple Trip discounts. Offer cannot be booked online. GET reserves the right to validate bookings and will remove any additional offers added online that are not combinable. Other conditions may apply.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Senior Travel

14 Best Senior-friendly Travel Groups

These senior-friendly travel companies offer tours and travel experiences as diverse as their clients.

The benefits of travel, whether it's a refreshing weekend getaway or a month-long trip to a new destination, are undeniable. And for retirees and seniors who have time and a travel budget, the opportunities are nearly endless — their own city, state, country, and even the whole world are all waiting to be explored.

It should be recognized that seniors are as diverse as any other generation, perhaps even more so as their years of experience have taken them in many directions. While their interests, abilities, values, and habits may vary, it can safely be said that for many, travel is in their plans.

Seniors travel to visit family, learn about the countries of their ancestors , or explore new destinations. Many seek immersive experiences, educational opportunities, or adventure. And travel companies are responding to their needs and wishes by offering tour options ranging from independent to fully guided, budget to luxury, and group to individual. The 14 organizations listed below are either aimed specifically at mature clients or feature experiences that are flexible enough to accommodate a variety of travelers.

Walking the World

Operating out of Grand Junction, Colorado, Walking the World offers walking and hiking tours mainly for travelers over the age of 50 who want to be immersed in the destinations they choose. Experienced hikers will enjoy its Rocky Mountain National Park tour , for example, with treks of up to 10 miles on some days during the eight-day itinerary. Meanwhile, the Ireland trip covers 11 days of exploring fishing villages, rolling green hills, the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park. Daily walks range from four to eight miles and are described as gentle to moderate.

Road Scholar

Originally launched as Elderhostel in 1975, the company rebranded in 2010 as Road Scholar , recognizing the values and interests of lifelong learners who have participated in their lectures, tours, field trips, and educational experiences over the years. Participants are typically over the age of 50 and ready to learn from travel or focus on a specific interest. Trip themes such as grandparent adventures (special types of trips you can take with your grandchild), cruises, urban exploration, art and history, historical sites, and academic topics can be browsed by destination, activity level, and interest to help clients select their ideal tour experience.

Adventures Abroad

While Adventures Abroad largely caters to travelers over 50, tours are open to adults of all ages, and operate on every continent except for Antarctica. The company's "soft adventure" trips, which concentrate on the culture and history of a destination, don't include strenuous activities, though a reasonable degree of fitness and the ability to walk are required. Trips are rated from one to three based on physical activity, with the first level featuring only leisurely walks and level two meaning more time on your feet each day. Level-three trips might include walks or hikes on uneven ground for three to seven hours, though at a leisurely pace. Specific trips are suggested for each activity level for easy planning.

An adventure travel company designed for people ages 50 and over, ElderTreks offers small-group adventures — think wildlife safaris, hiking trips, cultural journeys, and other unique expeditions — in more than 100 countries. The tours are rated by activity level, ranging from one to five. At level one, travelers should be able to walk for one to two hours, whereas at level five, they'll need to be capable of hiking for eight to 10 hours.

Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

Senior Cycling

Specializing in bicycle tours for active adults ages 50 and up, Senior Cycling limits groups to a maximum of 13 participants. And they are always accompanied by the "sag wagon" in case someone needs a break from riding. Trips are rated at two levels: intermediate (for the occasional rider who prefers bike paths and flat terrain for 20–40 miles per day) and advanced (for those who are at ease with up to 50 miles per day, hills, and traffic). Custom tours can also be arranged for families or groups of friends.

Firebird Tours

With a focus on clients ages 50 and over, Firebird Tours offers small group trips to destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East that deliver value, comfort, and quality. Themes for guided tours include gastronomy, history, architecture, and the Northern Lights , as well as theater and opera. Private family tours are also available, with destinations and activities suitable for a wider age range depending on the group.

Seniors interested in active vacations should check out Backroads , based out of Berkeley, California. While tours are open to all ages, the majority of participants tend to be over 50. Guided biking, walking, and hiking tours to a variety of destinations are geared toward adults, but also include options for families traveling with "teens and kids," "older teens and 20s," and those in their "20s and beyond." The company's Dolce Tempo tours offer a more relaxed pace, and include trips such as the Easygoing E-bike Tour in California wine country and the Easygoing Multi-adventure Tour in New Zealand.

Overseas Adventure Travel

With a variety of trips available to destinations on every continent, Overseas Adventure Travel makes a great choice if you're interested in seeing the world via small-ship cruises. In addition to guided land tours for groups of eight to 16, OAT offers sailings through the Norwegian Fjords, along West Africa's coast, and throughout the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Mature travelers are often attracted to the flexibility of the trips and the ability to personalize activities. Recognizing that many of their customers travel alone — including a whopping 85 percent of their female clients — the company has created its getaways with solo travelers in mind, whether they're first-timers or experienced adventurers.

EF Go Ahead Tours

Operating out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, EF Go Ahead Tours offers a selection of small group tours for 10 to 22 guests. The senior-friendly trips focus on interests such as food and wine, adventure, and safaris, as well as specific destinations and seasonal events (think Oktoberfest in Germany, annual holiday markets in Europe, or St. Patrick's Day in Ireland). Traveling alone? The company's solo tours provide private rooms and personalized experiences especially geared toward those traveling by themselves. Clients can also gather their own group and take advantage of the services of EF's professional coordinators.

Kensington Tours

If you're looking to create a fully customized, privately guided trip based on your group's specific needs and travel preferences, look no further than Kensington Tours . Their expertise in more than 100 destinations worldwide makes planning easy, whether the goal is a culturally immersive experience, enjoying fine wine and dining, discovering the history of a place, or relaxation. While these arrangements are ideal for mature travelers who appreciate ease and luxury, the company also provides experiences for multigenerational travel in countries like Thailand, Japan, Iceland, and South Africa, featuring kid-friendly trips that come with private vehicles, local guides, and dining options fit for the whole family.

Intrepid Travel

A leading adventure tour operator known for its efforts to make travel accessible to all, Intrepid Travel offers a good mix of bespoke and ready-made itinerary options that can be adapted to suit your group's comfort level. Intrepid's Accessible Tours are especially inclusive, with trips that are designed for every type of traveler. Whichever trip you decide to book, you'll have access to local destination specialists to help you choose the perfect places to stay as well as organize transportation, activities, and guided tours, depending on your needs. The company's Walking & Trekking trips, suitable for a range of fitness levels, are especially popular with seniors, though adults of all ages are free to join in.

YMT Vacations

In business since 1967, YMT Vacations designs all-inclusive trips with mature travelers in mind. Prices cover hotel accommodations, guided sightseeing tours, baggage handling, and the expertise of tour directors and driver guides. Destinations include Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, North America, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, among others, and the company arranges travel for popular events such as the Rose Parade in California. A number of river cruise and transatlantic sailing options are also available.

Grand European Travel

Grand European Travel is an AARP-preferred travel provider (check the website for members-only discounts) that promotes itself as a one-stop shop to help clients plan their desired travel experiences. The company represents a collection of 30 travel brands — including the likes of Trafalgar and Insight Tours — which, altogether, cover seven continents. Offerings range from budget to luxury getaways, and everything from cruises to land tours. Thinking of taking a multigenerational trip? Browse the company's family experiences section, stocked with tours fit for all ages, whether you're into all-inclusive European river cruises or exploring U.S. national parks.

Country Walkers

Country Walkers aims to introduce travelers to new landscapes and cultures around the world by traveling on foot. Established in 1979, the Vermont-based operator offers walking tours in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. Tour types include guided (in a small group of up to 18) and self-guided (in a private group of up to 12), providing a great option for independent exploration. Travelers can choose from five levels, starting at "easy walking," which includes a daily distance of two to six miles for up to four hours per day. "Moderate walking," the mid-range option, suggests four to 10 miles and up to six hours of walking per day. Trips at the "challenging walking" level might go up to seven hours a day on foot, covering anywhere from six to 14 miles. Guests of all ages should be able to find a destination and tour that's best suited for their interests and fitness level.

How Anyone Can Use AARP to Save on Travel, Even If You Aren't Retired

Margaret Littman

April 4, 2024

In the spring of 2022, it seemed like everyone was hopping on a plane. (Others called it “revenge travel.” I just called it “happy to be out of the house.”) A friend whom I hadn’t seen since before the pandemic and I decided to spend a weekend in Charleston. We wanted to eat our way through the city, see the ocean, take some architecture tours, and catch up and hang out.

Everyone else had the same idea at the same time. Azaleas were in bloom. Rental cars were scarce, and hotels were overbooked. After being surprised by rates that were out of our budget, I logged in to AARP’s Travel Center and found a deal at Emeline, a design-forward boutique hotel in Charleston’s historic district. I snagged a car rental, too. They were both such a bargain, I double-checked that they were for real. 

I hesitated to tell my friend how I booked the room—I didn’t want her to think we were “old,” by getting help from AARP. But she couldn’t deny it: Our South Carolina getaway weekend was saved.

What is AARP? 

In the late 1940s, a retired school principal named Ethel Percy Andrus (in fact, the first female high school principal in California) saw that her peers needed health insurance. Medicare didn’t kick in until age 65, and those who retired before that age had few health insurance options and small pensions to pay for healthcare out of pocket. She started advocating for them, reaching out to insurance companies to see who would cover these retirees as a group during the pre-Medicare gap.

She was successful, and eventually, in 1958, the organization she founded became the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The organization has gone through many changes since then. Now, the acronym stands alone as its name as the group’s scope has broadened. But Andrus’s vision of an advocate for senior citizens remains. 

Today, AARP is a non-partisan 501(c) (4) non-profit. It advocates for people over the age of 50 on topics such as Medicare and Social Security and has lobbyists who raise those issues in Washington, DC.  State offices disseminate local information on health, safety, and politics. In addition, AARP shares information with its members through events, a magazine, an app, its website, and newsletters, covering everything from retirement planning to choosing a new puppy, and even provides entertainment, such as free movie screenings. 

Who can join AARP? 

AARP has more than 38 million members. Anyone ages 18 and older can join, although the organization is focused on peopl ages 50 and older. One way you’ll know that your 50 th birthday is imminent is you’ll get a red and white membership solicitation in the mail. 

While anyone can join, those between the ages of 18 and 50 may not be eligible for all the discounts offered (such as those relating to insurance and others with third-party requirements). Those under 50 do not receive  AARP magazine .

How much is AARP membership? 

To welcome you into the fold, annual membership is $12 for the first year (if you sign up for automatic renewal) and $16 a year after that. Lower rates are available if you choose a longer period: $43 for three years or $63 for five years. Black Friday and other specials occasionally lower the price further. Military service members and veterans are eligible for a 43% discount.

Members ages 50 and older are eligible for a free secondary membership for any other adult in their house.

AARP travel benefits and discounts

AARP members receive a host of different benefits and discounts, from small savings on retail gift cards to health insurance to resume services, cell phone services, and online games. All of those benefits are separate from AARP travel perks , which are offered on a separate travel center website (with a separate log-in) administered by Expedia. 

Many of the discounts and offerings change frequently, so it is worth checking back often, particularly if you are planning a big-ticket trip. While most of the travel partners stay consistent, the rates of discounts vary based on peak periods and availability, just like all travel deals. Some discounts are flagged with expiration dates, such as British Airways, but for the most part, those are renewed from year to year. There are no guarantees in life or in travel, though, so if you see a great deal that works for you, book it!

Some of the discounts are similar to modest deals you can get with AAA and other memberships or by searching various online sites. It is handy to have it all in one place, and the perks for packages (for booking hotel, car, and flights at the same time) are unusual. Typically, lower AARP rates cannot be combined with other discounts, so you won’t stack multiple discounts to snag a free trip. The website allows you to search for last-minute deals, finding even lower discounts (often an additional 10%) for trips within the next two weeks.

In addition to the cents off, AARP is an advocate for its members, so if there is a problem with a booking, you can get a live person to sort things out. A dedicated phone number, 800-675-4318, connects members to the Travel Center. When I needed to change my South Carolina car rental to a one-way trip so I could add a roadtrip to Greenville, it was an easy modification.

Once you get where you are going, you may also find AARP discounts on tickets for shows through Ticketmaster, as well as discounted gift cards and meals at some chain restaurants. 

Best Western Hotels and Resorts

Best Western hotels and their related brands—including BW Premier Collection, Executive Residency by Best Western, Glo, SureStay Collection by Best Western, SureStay Hotel by Best Western, and Vib—offer 5% or more off the best available room rate. These brands include more than 4,000 hotels. AARP members who are also Best Western Rewards members 10% more bonus points on each stay.

Choice Hotels

AARP members receive a 10% discount at brands under the Choice brand umbrella, including Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria Hotels, Clarion, Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Econo Lodge, Quality Inn, Radisson, Radisson Blu ,  Rodeway Inn, Sleep Inn, and others.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Nab up to 10% off rooms at this collection of brands, including Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Tru by Hilton, and Waldorf Astoria. In addition to the discounted rate, members can request lake checkout until 2pm at no additional fee. AARP members who are Hilton Honors members earn points as usual on the discounted room, which is not always the case when booking through a third-party site.

AARP members can save 10% off the best available rate at the chain that claims to “leave a light on for you.” Request a late check out until 2pm at no additional fee.

Red Roof Inn

Save 10% off the best available room rate with an AARP membership Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, Hometowne Studios by Red Roof, and The Red Collection .  Members also receive one free bottle of water per room at check-in.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Brands under the Wyndham umbrella—including AmericInn, Baymont, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, La Quinta, Microtel, Ramada, Super 8, Travelodge, Wyndham, and others—offer 10% discounts to AARP members.

All Resort Store

Find discounts of 10%-25% off on all-inclusive resort packages. Booking online requires setting up an account with All Resort Store.

Car Rentals

Avis and budget.

These car rental companies offer 30% off the base rate plus a number of other benefits, such as free upgrades, discount credits on future rentals, and additional drivers at no extra cost. An additional $15 off is available for three-day rentals that are paid in advance. In my experience, they also may have cars available through the Travel Center when direct booking flags locations as sold out.

AARP members receive 5% of the off of base rates, plus a free upgrade.

AARP members can choose car sharing, rather than traditional rentals, with $20 off an annual Zipcar membership.

Airport parking

Park Ride Fly offers 12% off parking reservations at 50 different locations across the country. Most reservations include airport shuttles and luggage assistance. 

Trains, tours, and cruises

Collette Cruise Tours

Receive $50 - $100 off per person on river cruises in China, Egypt, and Norway.

Grand European Travel 

AARP members are eligible for up to $100 off per person on luxury river cruises in Europe, Egypt, and Asia.

Holland American Line

AARP Members who book Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Celebrity Cruises will find limited-time discounted offers on specific routes for specific dates. In addition, AARP members receive a $200 onboard credit.

Hurtigruten Expeditions 

The cruise line offers 5% off cruises plus a €100 per-person onboard credit to AARP members and non-members who book with the member. Hurtigruten discounts and offers are stackable.

Vacation By Rail 

Snag 5% off on more than 40 rail and cruise combination trips to National Parks, Alaska, Canada, and elsewhere in the U.S.

Through a partnership with AARDY, a travel insurance marketplace, members can compare discounted rates on different travel insurance policies in the U.S.

AARP members receive 20% off memberships to Medijet, which provides hospital-of-choice medical transfers when you are 150 miles or more from home. Services include transport and evacuation services.

Flight and vacation packages through British Airways

Book a flight on British Airways and receive $65 off a round-trip economy flight (not applicable to basic economy rates) or $200 off a round-trip business class ticket.

Most deals Going finds are bookable directly on the airline. So, when Going sends you an alert about a deal on British Airways, you can save a little bit more by booking directly with British Airways to get that AARP discount. 

It also pays to plan ahead. Members who purchase everything all at the same time, be that a flight and a hotel room, a flight, and a car rental, or all three together, receive a $50 gift card to select merchants.

Passport and visa services

AARP members can purchase passport renewal bundles that include shipping and government fees. Special pricing and expedited services through Rush My Passport are available for all passport types, including renewals, name changes, passport cards, travel visas, and other services. This is handy if you need to expedite processing for an upcoming trip. This benefit also applies to members' family members. 

How AARP discounts work

Most of the travel discounts are accessed through the AARP Travel Center website, which is operated by Expedia. Limited-time and special offers relating to travel may also be posted on the AARP website or in the app and then are booked or redeemed through a third-party site, some of which require a promo code. Logging into the AARP Travel Center requires an AARP membership number. Reservations can be made by calling 800-675-4318, although it can be harder to browse options over the phone.

Members may need to show their AARP membership card on check in to verify the discount. AARP provides digital cards for those who don’t want to carry a physical card.

Frequently asked questions about AARP Travel

AARP members receive modest discounts on many aspects of travel, from hotels to car rentals to passport expediting, all accessible from the same website. AARP’s low-cost membership fee makes it relatively easy to earn back the cost. Unlike booking through some other third-party sites, it is still possible to earn reward program points, though some discounts may be subject to some blackout periods.

The bottom line: Even if you aren’t yet in the typical AARP demographic, the annual membership can pay for itself with the discounts available. And pair it with a Going membership that helps you save on flights, and you could be traveling a lot more this year for less. 

Freelance Writer

Published April 4, 2024

Last updated April 4, 2024

Articles you might like

How To Volunteer in the US National Parks

Apr 18, 2024

21 Tips for How to Sleep Better on a Plane

Apr 12, 2024

Everything You Need to Know About Staying in a Hotel with Your Pet

Apr 11, 2024

Popular Searches

Rolling Stones Presale

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

Suggested Links

AARP MEMBERSHIP — $12 FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR AUTOMATIC RENEWAL

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

• right_container

Work & Jobs

• Social Security

AARP en Español

• Membership & Benefits
• AARP Rewards
• AARP Rewards %{points}%

Conditions & Treatments

Drugs & Supplements

Health Care & Coverage

Health Benefits

AARP Eye Center

Tips to Protect Your Eyesight

AARP Hearing Center

Ways To Improve Your Hearing

Mental Health Resources

Coping with Depression and Anxiety

AARP Smart Guide

Prepare for a Good Night's Sleep

Scams & Fraud

Personal Finance

Money Benefits

View and Report Scams in Your Area

Take the Charitable Giving Quiz

AARP Money Map

Get Your Finances Back on Track

Budget & Savings

Make Your Appliances Last Longer

Small Business

Age Discrimination

Flexible Work

10 Part-Time Jobs to Beat Inflation

AARP Skills Builder

Online Courses to Boost Your Career

Age Proof Your Resume

Share Your Story

Stand Up to Age Discrimination

Get More out of Your Benefits

When to Start Taking Social Security

10 Top Social Security FAQs

Social Security Benefits Calculator

Medicare Made Easy

Original vs. Medicare Advantage

Enrollment Guide

Step-by-Step Tool for First-Timers

Prescription Drugs

9 Biggest Changes Under New Rx Law

Medicare FAQs

Quick Answers to Your Top Questions

Care at Home

Financial & Legal

Life Balance

LONG-TERM CARE

​Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance​

State Guides

Assistance and Services in Your Area

Prepare to Care Guides

How to Develop a Caregiving Plan

How to Find the Right Caregiver

Recently Played

Word & Trivia

Atari® & Retro

Members Only

Staying Sharp

Mobile Apps

More About Games

Right Again! Trivia

Right Again! Trivia – Sports

Atari® Video Games

Throwback Thursday Crossword

Travel Tips

Vacation Ideas

• Destinations

Travel Benefits

Entertainment & Style

Family & Relationships

Personal Tech

Home & Living

Celebrities

Beauty & Style

Editors' Picks

Best New Shows and Movies

The Weekly Read

Hot New Book Releases

Free Online Novel

Read 'Midnight at the Blackbird Café'

Sex & Intimacy

Make Your Bedroom More Romantic

Grandparenting

4 Ways to Connect With Grandchildren

Making Lasting Memories With Mom

Store Medical Records on Your Phone?

Maximize the Life of Your Phone Battery

Virtual Community Center

Join Free Tech Help Events

​10 Things to Clean in 10 Minutes

Home Improvement

​Your Home Checklist for Aging in Place

38 Ways to Boost Home's Curb Appeal

Driver Safety

Maintenance & Safety

Trends & Technology

Is Now the Time to Buy an Electric Car?

We Need To Talk

Assess Your Loved One's Driving Skills

AARP Smart Driver Course

Building Resilience in Difficult Times

Tips for Finding Your Calm

Weight Loss After 50 Challenge

Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams

7 Top Podcasts for Armchair Travelers

Jean Chatzky: ‘Closing the Savings Gap’

Quick Digest of Today's Top News

AARP Top Tips for Navigating Life

Get Moving With Our Workout Series

You're this close to getting so much more ...

Get access to this and all Members-Only discussions, plus a world of member Benefits when you Join AARP!

• AARP Online Community
• Leave a Game Tip
• Ask for a Game Tip
• AARP Rewards Connect
• Earn Activities
• AARP Rewards Tips
• Ask for a Rewards Tip
• Leave a Rewards Tip
• Grief & Loss
• Caregiving Tips
• Ask for a Caregiving Tip
• Leave a Caregiving Tip
• Benefits & Discounts
• General Help
• Entertainment Forums
• Rock N' Roll
• Let's Play Bingo!
• Leisure & Lifestyle
• Entertainment Archive
• Health Forums

Brain Health

• Conditions & Treatments
• Healthy Living
• Medicare & Insurance
• Health Tips
• Ask for a Health Tip
• Leave a Health Tip
• Home & Family Forums
• Friends & Family
• Introduce Yourself
• Late Life Divorce
• Our Front Porch
• Home & Family Archive
• Money Forums
• Budget & Savings

Scams & Fraud

• Retirement Forum
• Retirement Archive
• Technology Forums
• Computer Questions & Tips
• About Our Community
• Travel Forums
• Work & Jobs
• 🎵🎶  Concert Guide 2024: 25 Music Tours to See Th...

🎵🎶  Concert Guide 2024: 25 Music Tours to See This Summer (AARP Article)

• Subscribe to RSS Feed
• Mark Topic as New
• Mark Topic as Read
• Float this Topic for Current User
• Printer Friendly Page
• All forum topics
• Previous Topic

• Mark as New
• AARP Article
• Entertainment AARP FORUM

never-displayed

NEW: AARP Games Tournament Tuesdays! This week, achieve a top score in Space Adventure Pinball and you could win $100! Learn More.

Test your knowledge about the keys to well-being and longevity in the world's five Blue Zones, where residents are living longer and better. Play now!

Sync your smartphone or favorite tracker with AARP Rewards to earn points for hitting steps, swimming and cycling milestones Sync now.

From soft jazz to hard rock - discover music's mental, social and physical benefits. Learn more.

@AARPMaggie

AARP Staying Sharp

@MartinBooker

Budget & Debt

@anofziger17

@SarahLenzLock

@DrBarryJJacobs

Stress & Anxiety

@TaxAideExpert

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Get the Hottest Deals First!

.nationalparks { margin-top: -130px !important; } .nationalparks img { filter: drop-shadow(0 0 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.2)); } .nationalparks p { color: #fff; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-shadow: 0 0 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3); } .home-search-hero-form a.btn-primary { height: 4.8rem; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 1.6rem; padding: 1.6rem; margin-bottom: 15px; filter: drop-shadow(0 0 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.1)); } .collette-hero-overlay { border: unset; box-shadow: inherit; display: none; } .map-marker-center { color: #fff; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 400; text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.4), 0 0 70px #000000, 0 0 180px #000000; } .park-map-marker { position: absolute; left: 150px; color: #fff; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.4), 0 0 70px #000000, 0 0 180px #000000; margin-top:-10px; } @media only screen and (max-width: 991px) { .park-map-marker { left: -5px; bottom: -155px; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 853px) { .park-map-marker { left: -5px; bottom: -85px; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 767px) { .py-5.mt-5.d-none.d-md-block { display: block !important; } .nationalparks { margin-top: -40px !important; padding: 25px; } .nationalparks p { margin-bottom: 25px; font-size:16px } .park-map-marker { left: -5px; bottom: -105px; } } Explore America’s National Parks Step Inside Bryce Canyon National Park

Special offers, the collette difference.

Expertly Designed

We get it. You’re not the homebody type. We aren’t either. Your passion, needs, and desires have shaped our business. Destination experts hand-craft transformative experiences designed specifically with you – our fellow traveler – at heart. We wouldn't trust your experience with anyone else.

Guided Touring Reimagined

We know you want to explore and also dive in. We’re curious travelers, just like you, so rest assured, you’ll experience must-sees and connect with the people and culture that define the destination. You’ll eat in locals’ homes, take cooking classes, travel by trains and tuk tuks, explore cities with food tours, and stay in igloos, castles, and chateaus.

Value Beyond Price

Your time is one of your most precious commodities, so you should spend more of it in the destination, not driving between places. We design tours that spend the fewest hours on the coach. One-night stays are a rarity. This is your trip, and you shouldn’t feel rushed. With choice, flexibility, and free time, take it all in – this is your tour.

Confidently Collette

Travel with trust. Because this is your trip - something you've planned for and dreamed about. You should feel confident in your journey every step of the way.

Industry-Leading Travel Protection

Cancel for any reason (bad hair day applies) up to 24 hours before your tour leaves and get a full money-back refund. Collette issued a record-breaking $185 million cash back to travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experience & Expertise

We've been doing this for a long time. Since 1918, in fact. Collette is the most experienced and longest-running tour operator in North America. You choose...

Traveling Well

Our team is on the pulse of world events and protocols, so you are kept fully aware and feel well-prepared for your trip.

Service Rating

Independent

Why Guided Travel

You're a traveler with places to go. We'll take care of the details. You embrace the journey.

Social Connections

Meet a group of people who share your love of travel. Learn from locals. Forge friendships in the coolest places.

Independence

There's plenty of time built into our itineraries, plus optional tours, Choice on Tour excursions, and more. It's your trip, your way.

Expertly Planned

You know what you want to see and do - let a team of experts handle all the details from the must-sees to centrally-located accommodations and local lessons.

The Best Pacing

Don’t rush – this is your time to see the world. Get more time in the destination, and enjoy an ideal balance of included excursions and free time.

Our Best Moments

When you go, capture all those incredible moments, and use the hashtag #GoCollette so that we can share your joy!

Featured Tours

Collette travelers choose from 160 tours across all 7 continents, as well as 5 travel styles including small group touring and destination spotlights. Check out some trending tours for inspiration on your next adventure.

Explorations

Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside featuring Italy's Charming Hill Towns

African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania

Alaska's Northern Lights

Winter in Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast

Costa Rica: A World of Nature featuring Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio National Park

Icelandic Adventure

Mediterranean Coastal Journey Spain, France & Italy

The Best of Ireland featuring the Wild Atlantic Way

Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

$3,299 pp* $3,699 pp, historical greenbrier featuring washington d.c. & williamsburg, $2,299 pp* $2,499 pp, spotlight on northern italy featuring venice, verona & the dolomites.

Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid

Find a travel agency.

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

• Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
• Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
• I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

View or Download

• Things to Do
• Community Calendar

Ana Barbara Reina Grupera Tour

We want to hear from you if you have an event to share or updates to this event .

Images provided by AmericanTowns.com , Ticketmaster

Other Events You May Like

The Healing Art of Qigong

Real Bodies

Immersive Van Gogh - Las Vegas 2024

Upcoming AARP Events

Featured event, join aarp nv's south las vegas walking group, las vegas, nv - january 2024.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. PT

Las Vegas South Premium Outlets

Las Vegas, NV

AARP NV In-person Driver Safety Course

Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. PT

AARP Nevada State Office

AARP Caregiver Meetup

Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. PT

Springs Preserve (Cottonwood Room)

View All AARP Events

• Immediate access to your member benefits
• Discounts on travel and everyday savings
• Subscription to AARP The Magazine
• FREE second membership

Contact AARP Nevada

• [email protected]
• AARP Nevada

What community do you want to visit?

¿qué comunidad quieres visitar.

Members can access discounts and special features

Explore the world with these global getaways!

For a limited time only, book a 5-night stay at any international stay and get a $100 gift card of your choice., package image carousel.

A refined weekend away in Sonoma by Jessica Wright

Sonoma Valley is one of the most iconic wine regions in California. It's a place I've had the pleasure of visiting on several occasions, both on a family trip and couples' getaway. I love that there are new hotels to stay at in close proximity to the best things to do. Whether you're exploring the historic plaza, tasting local wines, or discovering the Sonoma cheese trail, there is something for everyone. Don't hesitate to book this as your next weekend away in Northern California!

• Roundtrip flight
• Airport transfer

Image gallery for The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences

The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences

Image gallery for the park city grand plaza kensington.

The Park City Grand Plaza Kensington

Image gallery for treehouse hotel london.

Treehouse Hotel London

Image gallery for ashburn hotel.

Ashburn Hotel

Image gallery for hotel shepherds bush london.

Hotel Shepherds Bush London

Image gallery for hôtel paris louvre opéra.

Hôtel Paris Louvre Opéra

Image gallery for porte de versailles hotel.

Porte de Versailles Hotel

Image gallery for hotel yllen eiffel.

Hotel Yllen Eiffel

Image gallery for hôtel de banville.

Hôtel de Banville

Image gallery for hôtel parc saint séverin.

Hôtel Parc Saint Séverin

Image gallery for hotel regina.

Hotel Regina

Image gallery for l&h la latina.

L&H La Latina

Image gallery for lawrence's hotel.

Lawrence's Hotel

Image gallery for pousada de lisboa, praça do comércio.

Pousada de Lisboa, Praça do Comércio

Image gallery for dom carlos liberty hotel.

Dom Carlos Liberty Hotel

Image gallery for porto a.s. 1829 hotel.

Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel

Image gallery for cà bonfadini historic experience.

Cà Bonfadini Historic Experience

Image gallery for albergo quattro fontane - residenza d'epoca.

Albergo Quattro Fontane - Residenza d'Epoca

Image gallery for secrets cap cana resort & spa - adults only - all inclusive.

Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa - Adults Only - All Inclusive

Image gallery for margaritaville island reserve cap cana hammock - an adults only all-inclusive experience.

Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana Hammock - An Adults Only All-Inclusive Experience

Terms and conditions.

Get smartphone savvy the easy way — join our seven-day email challenge to receive helpful tips each day.

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

AARP Dental Insurance Plans

AARP MEMBERSHIP — $12 FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR AUTOMATIC RENEWAL

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

• right_container

Work & Jobs

Social Security

AARP en Español

• Membership & Benefits
• AARP Rewards
• AARP Rewards %{points}%

Conditions & Treatments

Drugs & Supplements

Health Care & Coverage

Health Benefits

Staying Fit

Your Personalized Guide to Fitness

AARP Hearing Center

Ways To Improve Your Hearing

Brain Health Resources

Tools and Explainers on Brain Health

A Retreat For Those Struggling

Scams & Fraud

Personal Finance

Money Benefits

View and Report Scams in Your Area

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Free Tax Preparation Assistance

AARP Money Map

Get Your Finances Back on Track

How to Protect What You Collect

Small Business

Age Discrimination

Flexible Work

Freelance Jobs You Can Do From Home

AARP Skills Builder

Online Courses to Boost Your Career

31 Great Ways to Boost Your Career

ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Tips to Enhance Your Job Search

Get More out of Your Benefits

When to Start Taking Social Security

10 Top Social Security FAQs

Social Security Benefits Calculator

Medicare Made Easy

Original vs. Medicare Advantage

Enrollment Guide

Step-by-Step Tool for First-Timers

Prescription Drugs

9 Biggest Changes Under New Rx Law

Medicare FAQs

Quick Answers to Your Top Questions

Care at Home

Financial & Legal

Life Balance

LONG-TERM CARE

​Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance​

State Guides

Assistance and Services in Your Area

Prepare to Care Guides

How to Develop a Caregiving Plan

End of Life

How to Cope With Grief, Loss

Recently Played

Word & Trivia

Atari® & Retro

Members Only

Staying Sharp

Mobile Apps

More About Games

Right Again! Trivia

Right Again! Trivia – Sports

Atari® Video Games

Throwback Thursday Crossword

Travel Tips

Vacation Ideas

Destinations

Travel Benefits

Beach vacation ideas

Vacations for Sun and Fun

Plan Ahead for Tourist Taxes

AARP City Guide

Discover Seattle

25 Ways to Save on Your Vacation

Entertainment & Style

Family & Relationships

Personal Tech

Home & Living

Celebrities

Beauty & Style

TV for Grownups

Best Reality TV Shows for Grownups

Robert De Niro Reflects on His Life

Looking Back

50 World Changers Turning 50

Sex & Dating

Spice Up Your Love Life

Navigate All Kinds of Connections

Life & Home

Couple Creates Their Forever Home

Store Medical Records on Your Phone?

Maximize the Life of Your Phone Battery

Virtual Community Center

Join Free Tech Help Events

Create a Hygge Haven

Soups to Comfort Your Soul

Your Ultimate Guide to Mulching

Driver Safety

Maintenance & Safety

Trends & Technology

AARP Smart Guide

How to Keep Your Car Running

We Need To Talk

Assess Your Loved One's Driving Skills

AARP Smart Driver Course

Building Resilience in Difficult Times

Tips for Finding Your Calm

Weight Loss After 50 Challenge

Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams

7 Top Podcasts for Armchair Travelers

Jean Chatzky: ‘Closing the Savings Gap’

Quick Digest of Today's Top News

AARP Top Tips for Navigating Life

Get Moving With Our Workout Series

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Go to Series Main Page

What You Need to Know About Taking a Mystery Trip

Travelers typically don’t find out their destination until the last minute for a true surprise.

Sheryl Jean,

All Kaye and Jim Peloquin stipulated before their first “mystery” trip was that they wanted to go somewhere warm for four days and that they liked food and history. When they arrived at the airport, they opened an envelope to learn they were headed to New Orleans .

“The funny thing was that New Orleans was a place we had always talked about wanting to visit,” says Kaye, 59, who lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. “It was like Pack Up + Go was fulfilling a dream of ours.”

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

The Peloquins paid that Pittsburgh-based company to plan their mystery trip, which included airfare, hotel, a food tour and tickets to the National WWII Museum . They enjoyed the hassle-free experience so much that they’ve taken two other trips around the country.

They’re not alone. A recent Booking.com survey found that 52 percent of global travelers want to book trips where the destination remains a mystery until arrival.

Mystery or “surprise” vacations where the destination is hidden until the last minute are gaining in popularity as travel continues to rebound to pre-pandemic levels and people seek more spontaneity and less stress in their vacation planning.

At least 15 web-based companies offer mystery travel packages either in the U.S. or internationally.

Vacationers 50-plus comprise a large share of mystery travelers, some companies say. Pack Up + Go notes 33 percent of participants are 50-plus, including empty nesters, people too busy to plan a trip and those celebrating a milestone.

Trusting someone else to plan a trip can be a little scary, but it also provides a sense of freedom and adventure.

“My husband and I were like, ‘What if this is horrible?’ ” Kaye Peloquin says. “But I was really busy in my career, and I just didn’t have the time to plan travel. It’s exhausting, and it takes a lot of research.”

How it works

Although there are small differences between companies, the general concept of mystery travel is similar. You choose how to travel (by plane, train or car) and provide a financial budget based on how many people will travel for how many days. Then you fill out a 10-15-minute survey about past trips (so you aren’t sent somewhere you’ve been), interests, preferences (Do you like the beach or the mountains?) and any dietary or mobility restrictions.

London-based Brown & Hudson uses a psychological-based survey to tailor surprise travel worldwide to each traveler’s personality. Pack Up + Go’s pre-trip survey includes a checklist of about 35 interests. Because of that, “no two trips are the same,” says Lillian Rafson, who founded Pack Up + Go in 2016.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

Travelers usually receive a weather forecast, a packing list and instructions on when to arrive at an airport or train station before departure. They learn their destination at the airport in an Instagram-worthy moment of ripping open an envelope to reveal the place. Most companies provide clues in a series of envelopes mixed with emails to heighten the anticipation. The exact timing of deliverables differs from company to company.

Whym Travel doesn’t reveal departure details until 24 hours beforehand and the destination two to three hours before departure. With Black Tomato, a New York-based luxury travel company that offers Get Lost mystery adventures, travelers don’t learn of their destination until they get there.

Holland America Line

Up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises

The cost varies — from $30 for a road trip itinerary to tens of thousands of dollars for a multi-week, survival-type adventure overseas. Most trips don’t include food unless they’re billed as all-inclusive.

Pack Up + Go’s average price for a plane trip for two people for four days and three nights is $2,700, Rafson says. That includes airfare, accommodations, a guaranteed activity, dinner reservations and recommendations. If any budget is left over, it goes toward other activities. Train or car trips start at about $1,000 for two nights. All travelers receive printed and digital itineraries.

Another mystery travel company, Guess Where Trips offers one-day digital road trip itineraries for $39, or $65 for a “pretty package” that arrives in the mail, founder Jessica Off says. Prices exclude overnight lodgings but include recommendations. In the mailing, travelers don’t learn their final destination until the last of five envelopes.

What are the options?

Some surprise travel companies focus on shorter domestic trips.

“One day appeals to people because many don’t want to pay for a multiday surprise trip because it’s a little risky,” says Off, whose 2019 Christmas gift to her parents inspired her to start Guess Where Trips a year later.

The Canada-based company offers road trips in that country and certain U.S. cities in about a dozen states plus Washington, D.C. California was added this year, and Michigan, Ohio, Washington and Texas are also on tap for 2024, Off says.

Guess Where Trips’ 50-60-page itineraries include maps, facts, at least one free stop such as a walk, and recommended pay stops such as museums. Off boasts that the company sends someone to test “every single road trip.”

One California Day provides day trip itineraries in that state mapped with four surprise stops. It’s the least expensive option at $30 for a downloadable PDF.

Because Guess Where Trips’ and One California Day’s “itineraries to go” don’t include bookings, travelers can use them whenever it suits them.

Mercedes “Mercy” Mesa, 49, and husband Eduardo, 50, have taken two Guess Where road trips with their 20-something daughters near their home in Miami. She liked the affordability, easy-to-follow directions and the lack of crowds wherever they went.

“The Everglades was fantastic,” Mesa says. “We went to a little store that had so much history, and we got to meet the owner. We also went to the smallest post office in the U.S. [in Ochopee, Florida]. I was born and raised here, and I didn’t even know those places existed.”

Ramping up options

For more adventure, some companies offer mystery mixed with physical challenges similar to The Amazing Race television show.

On Competitours’ worldwide trips, teams compete in daily surprise challenges to win prizes. Most 10-day trips cost about $4,000 per person.

Black Tomato’s Get Lost trips go even farther — into remote areas on every continent. Travelers choose a terrain (polar, jungle, desert, mountain or coastal), and the company might plan trekking in Borneo or navigating the desert in Jordan, including any necessary visas, says Rob Murray-John, head of special projects. The company provides survival-skills training pre-trip and upon arrival, where travelers are outfitted on site with everything needed, including a satellite phone for emergencies, he adds. Trips start around $15,000.

Because of Get Lost’s complexities, travelers should start the process at least six months ahead. With other companies, such as Guess Where Trips, the planning process can take as little as two weeks.

Some companies, including Guess Where Trips and Pack Up + Go, offer wheelchair-accessible options.

Peloquin already is thinking about her next surprise trip — maybe this fall or next year.

“We love to travel, but I can only handle planning one big thing a year,” she says of herself and her husband. “It’s nice to go to places in the U.S. where we haven’t been.”

Sheryl Jean is a contributing writer who covers aging, business, technology, travel, health and human-interest stories. A former reporter for several daily metropolitan newspapers, her work also has appeared in the  Chicago Tribune  and  The Dallas Morning News  and on the American Heart Association’s website.

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Already a Member? Login

MORE FROM AARP

5 World-Class Museums at National Parks

Visitors can see fascinating exhibits at parks across the country

25 Great Ways to Save on Your Next Vacation

4 Amazing Trips Abroad

Passport-touting travel writers recall their favorite international destinations

Or Call: 1-800-675-4318

Enter a valid from location

Enter a valid to location

Enter a valid departing date

Enter a valid returning date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

+ Add Another Flight

Enter a valid destination location

Enter a valid checking in date

Enter a valid checking out date

Occupants of Room

Occupants of Room 1:

Occupants of Room 2:

Occupants of Room 3:

Occupants of Room 4:

Occupants of Room 5:

Occupants of Room 6:

Occupants of Room 7:

Occupants of Room 8:

Enter a valid date

You didn't specify child's age

There are children in room 1 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age for room 1

There are children in room 2 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 2

There are children in room 3 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 3

There are children in room 4 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 4

There are children in room 5 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 5

You have more than 6 people total

Please select a trip duration less than 28 days

There must be at least 1 traveler (age 12+) for each infant in a lap

Enter a valid From location

Enter a valid start date

Enter a valid drop location

Enter a valid drop off date

Select a valid to location

Select a month

Enter a valid going to location

Enter a valid from date

Enter a valid to date

AARP Value & Member Benefits

Hurtigruten Expeditions

5% off cruise fares and a €100 per person onboard credit

AARP Vacation Ideas

Ideas for every type of trip – from cruises to road trips

AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Car Rentals

Up to 30% off select car rentals

AARP® Staying Sharp®

Activities, recipes, challenges and more with full access to AARP Staying Sharp®

SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS