road scholar senior trips 2023

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By Dimitra Lavrakas Senior Voice Travel Correspondent 

Travel, education in one package from Road Scholar

Or tour from home with online options

November 1, 2023 |  View PDF

Photo courtesy of Road Scholar

Pile onto a Swiss train with your fellow Road Scholars for a thrilling ride through the Alps.

"You can't beat the prices, and it saves lots of time," McCool said. "No way could I have planned that-hotels, river trips, transportation."

Road Scholar, the name a play on the Rhodes Scholarship for college students from around the world to study at Oxford University in England, offers world-wide tours for seniors age 50 and older, although you can travel on a grandparents' trip with grandchildren. Its educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, a non-profit specializing in educational travel.

Anywhere you want to go, Road Scholar takes you there. Once arrived, you are in the able hands of a local who knows everything about their home territory.

"Everyone is a local who tells you everything about their land," McCool said.

His latest trip was "On the Road: The Oregon Coast, California Redwoods and Crater Lake," 11 days for $4,149, complete with hotels, meals and transportation.

The West Coast trip is outlined on Road Scholar's website: "From the jagged alpine terrain of the Cascade Mountains to mossy rainforests and wave-battered headlands, discover why the Northwest landscape is as awe-inspiring as it is unique. Learn alongside experts as you explore some of the world's grandest natural wonders. Marvel at a massive volcanic caldera at Crater Lake.

"Experience the thrills, excitement and breathtaking scenery of the Rogue River on an expert-led jet boat ride. Touch trees rooted when Caesar ruled Rome in the world's largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods. Explore ancient redwood forests, see the clear waters of America's deepest lake and learn about unique Northwest landscapes alongside experts."

The site also includes advice on the physical exertion of each offering. For this trip it states, "must be able to walk up to two miles a day. Be prepared for walking on uneven ground, unpaved trails or sandy beaches. There are steep stairs at some locations that will require you to be sure-footed. Elevations of 4,000 to 7,100 feet."

McCool's favorite countries are Austria and Switzerland.

"If you rent a car in Austria, the music on the radio goes from yodeling to Mozart to classical music to yodeling," McCool says.

He has fond memories of a lovely meal of wiener schnitzel in Austria, a nice salad, all by candlelight.

Questions answered

In these times, travel can be difficult due to weather and, recently, lack of pilots.

After you enroll, you'll receive a confirmation, basic information about your order, your rooming selection and payment information.

An information packet will arrive that includes an up-to-date daily schedule, contact information, travel directions, a packing list, a reading list-everything you'll need to prepare.

Emergency assistance and evacuation insurance is included with Road Scholar programs. It is recommended to update your vaccinations, especially if traveling abroad.

Online adventures

Can't travel any longer but still want to see the world? Road Scholar offers online courses of differing lengths.

Forty-five- to 60-minute lectures range from "Pacific Northwest First Nations Culture-Art & Ecology" to "Greek Gastronomy-A journey of Flavors, People and Landscapes." Cost is $25 per class!

Multiple days of lectures delves deeper into topics like "Advanced Digital Photography Techniques" and "Exploring Religions of the World," as well as travel destinations.

Go to http://www.roadscholar.org/collections/adventures-online/ .

Feel the passing of time while being dwarfed by a giant sequoia in California.

In 2023, free lectures in memory of August Ferretti, a Road Scholar enthusiast, are offered at http://www.roadscholar.org/collections/online-lectures/free/ .

There is also a scholarship for online courses. Fill out an application at

https://roadscholar.wufoo.com/forms/financial-assistance-for-online-adventures/ .

Taking care of caretakers

Knowing that family caregivers need rest and recuperation from what can be full-time emotionally draining care of a loved one, Road Scholar offers a Caregiver Grant of $1,500 applied to programs available in the United States or Canada that cost no more than $2,000.

• Free medical flights with angel pilots
• Cruise ships sail into the far north
• Travel, activities sparkle in the fall
• Summer offers festivals and fairs, near and far
• Kenai Peninsula senior centers welcome travelers

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8 Best Senior Travel Tour Companies in 2024

These top tour companies are a particularly good fit for older travelers..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

With tours around the world and experiences that are hard to replicate as an independent traveler, senior-friendly tour companies are a great vacation option for anyone over the age of 50. The best senior travel tour companies offer a wide range of formats to fit the varied needs, preferences, and interests of older travelers, too. And if you’re a senior who’s traveling solo, some of these tour companies also offer discounts so you don’t have to pay full price for a double room.

2024’s Best Senior Travel Tour Companies

The best tour companies for seniors stand out for a variety of reasons. They all have robust plans and protocols in place for such things as cancellations, changes, and other unforeseen circumstances; are very clear about the psychical requirements for each tour; and offer seniors tours to meet the interests all kinds of older travelers. Most also offer flight reservations and optional travel insurance. Here are the highest-rated and most trusted senior travel tour companies in the world.

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1. Trafalgar Tours

One of the oldest and most respected names in group travel, Trafalgar Tours has logged more than 75 years in the travel business and offers a wide variety of destinations and travel styles: guided tours, river cruising, next-gen and family tours , luxury and customized private tours, and safari and adventure travel.

Trafalgar’s “Be My Guest” experiences allow you to visit and dine with local families in homes, farms, and restaurants. “Mini-stays” of three to five days appeal to the busy traveler or to those who want an “add-on” to a longer tour or stay. “At Leisure” trips have a relaxed pace, longer stays at each accommodation, and later starts in the mornings.

FAR AND WIDE: 10 Best Trafalgar Tours to Take in 2024

Because Trafalgar’s customer base is international, tour participants are likely to be English-speaking citizens of a variety of countries—a plus for North Americans who would enjoy traveling with people from all over the globe. A travel director accompanies each tour group and coordinates with local tour guides at each destination. Many of the travel directors have five years’ experience or more.

Trafalgar has a “Very Important Traveler” program that offers 5% savings on selected trips. For solo travelers, the cost of a single supplement depends on the trip. Optional experiences on each tour cost extra but also offer the flexibility to create your own custom tour: You may opt out of the activity and choose to do something else—or just relax.

THE SCOOP: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours Before You Book

Trafalgar is the anchor brand of The Travel Corporation (TTC), which comprises 42 travel brands, including tour operations that specialize in different destinations, age groups, price range, and travel styles. For example, the CostSaver brand is very inexpensive, while  Insight Vacations  is a premium tour company, and  Luxury Gold  is TTC’s high-end tour company.

Quick Facts about Senior Tours with Trafalgar

• Average group size: 22 to 29 people on small group tours; 40 to 50 on classic tours.
• Price range: Moderately inexpensive but “optional experiences” are not included and can be expensive.
• What’s included: All accommodations, meals as stated in itinerary, and most tips.
• What’s not included: Optional excursions, some meals and tips.
• Primary audience: Travelers from around the world; 60% of clients are ages 50 to 71.
• Destinations: 303 trips in 72 countries across six continents.
• How to book: Directly through Trafalgar ; via Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar , all which are tour specialist online travel agents (OTAs) that offer hundreds of Trafalgar trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

2. Tauck Tours

Tauck Tours offers deluxe and highly inclusive tours to more than 100 destinations on all seven continents. With nearly 100 years in the tour business, Tauck prides itself on quality and on the experience of its Tour Directors, who come from 40 countries and average 10 years of experience. The hotels it selects are always excellent and well-located.

Tauck aims to appeal to people of all ages by offering land journeys, European river cruises, small ship ocean cruises, and multi-generational “Tauck Bridges” family travel. Each tour has ratings for activity level and pace (rated one through four), but, like many tour companies, Tauck warns that travelers with mobility issues must bring their own assistance.

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Seniors who prefer to have the majority of their experience planned for them will appreciate the full itineraries and the many included meals in fine hotels and restaurants. With individual excursions included rather than optional, Tauck travelers are encouraged to try experiences (e.g., a raft trip or a helicopter ride) they might not otherwise have considered.

Tauck promises to “manage the unexpected—big and small,” with its Global Response Team, a comprehensive support system that takes care of all details, including such exigencies as accidents and quarantines.  The company has a frequent traveler savings program and offers some savings for solo travelers on selected journeys.

Quick Facts about Senior Travel Tours with Tauck Tours

• Average group size: 35 to 44 people for land trips; 24 for small group journeys; river boat and small ship group sizes depend on size of ship but shore excursions are in smaller groups.
• Price range: Upscale/Premium with many inclusions.
• What’s included: All accommodations (generally upscale), tips, most meals, luggage handling, airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, entertainment, local excursions and visits, any taxes or surcharges.
• What’s not included: Tips for Tour Director (and bus driver, where applicable), some meals (usually lunch).
• Primary audience: “People of all ages,” but the company caters to seniors.
• Destinations: More than 70 countries on seven continents (with land journeys on six); river cruises in Europe.
• How to book: Directly through Tauck ; via Travelstride , a tour specialist OTA that offers hundreds of Tauck trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

3. Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), part of the Grand Circle Corporation since 1978, focuses on active travelers over 50 who are looking for hands-on experiences in destinations around the world. The seniors-only company prides itself in taking travelers off the beaten track with immersive “Day in the Life” experiences such as shopping at local markets, visiting children at school, and taking part in home-hosted meals. OAT opts for accommodations that offer authentic local experiences—think smaller family-run hotels, paradores , and hotels close to city centers.

Both land and small-ship tours for seniors are available. Most trips last two weeks or more, with optional pre- and post-trip extensions, appealing to retirees and working people who have saved vacation time as well as travel funds. The physical requirements of each tour are described in detail, with an activity level rating system of one (easy) to five (strenuous). Each itinerary outlines the included meals and local tours; optional tours require an additional fee, but the itineraries also recommend many free or inexpensive options for your free time.

BRING THE GRANDCHILDREN:   8 Grandparent-Grandkid Vacations for Active Seniors

OAT has made itself a leader in solo travel: More than a quarter of its senior citizen clients are solo travelers, and of those, 85% are women. Roughly 92% of its single spaces are free of any singles surcharge, others are heavily discounted, and the company also offers a roommate matching program. In 2019, OAT began offering some women-only departures.

While not a cut-rate tour company, OAT works hard to provide senior tours at low per diems—giving you more for your travel dollar. The Travel Channel recognized it as a top provider for budget-conscious travelers, and the Grand Circle Foundation received a Global Vision award for leadership in tourism and philanthropy.

Quick Facts about Over-50 Tours with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

• Average group size: Small-group land tours have no more than 16 travelers; small-ship adventures have no more than 25 participants.
• Price range: Moderate.
• What’s included: All accommodations (comfortable hotels), most meals, daily cultural activities, some tips, and airport transfers.
• What’s not included: Some optional tours, meals, and tips.
• Primary audience: “Curious lifelong learners” age 50+.
• Destinations: 76 countries on six continents; no tours in North America
• How to book: Directly through OAT

4. Road Scholar

Road Scholar is a senior travel tour company that emphasizes lifelong learning and educational travel for older travelers. Founded in 1975 as the nonprofit Elderhostel, the organization changed its name in 2010 and now provides study tours throughout the U.S., Canada, and in more than 100 other countries. All of its senior-focused tours include guidance and lectures by Road Scholar faculty who are experts on topics relevant to the destination. Lodgings are always comfortable and “sometimes even iconic.”

Road Scholar programs include theme-based travel (such as arts, philosophy and religion, and nature studies), outdoor adventures, service learning trips, adventures afloat, intergenerational tours, and independent city discoveries. The “Choose Your Pace” feature allows you to choose among multiple options of tour length, challenge, and pace. Extended-stay programs range from eight days in Florence to 45 days in southern Spain.

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Activity levels for tours range from “easy-going” to “outdoor: challenging,” with the physical demands of each tour described in its itinerary. An “easy” tour might cover a week of Chautauqua lectures in New York, while a “challenging” tour might include hiking and kayaking in Alaska.

Nearly 25% of Road Scholars are traveling solo; the senior tour company offers some discounts on single rooms, provides supportive advice to women traveling solo, and emphasizes “learning in the company of a small group of individual friends, rather than traveling with a collection of couples.”  Road Scholar travelers tend to be curious and open to new ideas and cultures. The travel company recently added a virtual Adventures Online series of in-depth lectures for those who wish to supplement an in-person journey or simply learn from home.

Quick Facts about Senior Travel Tours with Road Scholar

• Average group size: 13 to 24 people on “small group” tours; 12 or fewer on “micro group” tours; other group sizes vary by tour type and destination.
• Price range: Moderate to expensive, but with lots of included perks that other tour companies charge extra for.
• What’s included: All accommodations, most meals, tips, excursions, expert lectures (in addition to your tour director), and airport transfers if you book flights through Road Scholar.
• What’s not included: Porterage and airport transfers if you arrange your own flights.
• Primary audience: Lifelong learners over the age of 50.
• Destinations: Road Scholar’s senior tours cover all 50 U.S. states as well as 100 countries on all continents; the emphasis is on North America.
• How to Book: Directly through Road Scholar ; via Travelstride , a tour specialist OTA that offers more than 1,500 Road Scholar trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

5. Smithsonian Journeys

Like Road Scholar, Smithsonian Journeys is a group travel company for seniors that focuses on educational travel. It offers specialized land journeys, active outdoor journeys, small ship cruises, and cultural stays. At least one expert accompanies each tour or stay, providing lectures and local tours appropriate to the destination. Tours include culturally immersive experiences like visits to homes, meals with locals, and demonstrations of local crafts and cuisines. High-quality accommodations are included in the price and reflect the character of the local culture.

ADVENTURES FOR WOMEN: 9 Travel Companies That Specialize in Women’s-Only Tours

Smithsonian also provides special interest tours for older travelers, including study at Oxford, cave art exploration, and observation of the total solar eclipse in 2024. Its Cultural Stays allow travelers to “unpack once” and spend from one to three weeks exploring and learning in and around a single destination.

A branch of the 175-year-old Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian Journeys has operated tours for more than 50 years. Its wide range of travel options appeals to many age groups, but the average age of travelers with this company is 55+. (The typical age range on active tours is 45 to 70; on special interest tours, it’s 55 to 80.) Smithsonian’s five activity level ratings are somewhat more demanding than Road Scholar’s, ranging from “Easy” (easy walking and shorter travel days) to “Challenging” (e.g., climbing Kilimanjaro).

Quick Facts about Senior Tours with Smithsonian Journeys

• Average group size: 12 to 24 people for most land journeys; cruises from 36 people (river boat) to 264 (small ship cruise).
• Price range: Moderate to expensive, but with lots of included perks.
• What’s included: Excellent accommodations, most meals, most tips, excursions, experts and lectures, and airport transfers. Some itineraries also offer airfare-inclusive pricing
• What’s not included: Some meals and some tips.
• Primary audience: Travelers 45 to 80 years old who want to better understand the world.
• Destinations: 130 itineraries on seven continents (with an emphasis on Europe).
• How to Book: Directly through Smithsonian Journeys or through a travel agent such as AAA .

Established more than 90 years ago, Globus heads a family of travel brands that also includes Avalon Waterways (river tours) and Cosmos (budget tours). The company offers travel styles for a variety of fitness levels and interests, with an emphasis on freedom and flexibility that works especially well for seniors. It ranks among the best escorted tour companies for the 55+ age group because it recognizes that the one-size-fits-all mentality does not work for everyone, especially older travelers.

FOODIE VACATIONS:   9 Best Companies for Culinary Tours

Free time on every tour allows for “adventure a la carte.” A wide array of optional excursions and activities is offered on each itinerary: some are extra-cost activities provided by the company, while others are simply helpful suggestions for independent exploration. Globus provides tour directors and local guides from the region for every tour, as well as “skip the lines” access to sites, centrally located first-class hotels, opportunities to meet local families, and some “experiential dining” meals.

Globus tours come in many different formats. Globus Undiscovered tours take you off the beaten path where there are fewer crowds; this option is attractive to seasoned travelers who have already seen famous sights like the Tower of Pisa and the Mona Lisa. Escapes by Globus offers up to a 40% discount on tours taken between November and March. Choice Touring and Independence by Globus provide itineraries that allow you to choose excursions and have more “I-time” while the company provides lodging and the help of a tour director.

Quick Facts about Guided Tours for Older Travelers with Globus

• Average group size: 24 people (small-group discovery) to 36 people (average size of a coach tour).
• Price range: Inexpensive, but optional excursions cost extra.
• What’s included: All accommodations, some meals, airport transfers on published tour departure and return dates, and admission to sites included in tour.
• What’s not included: Optional experiences (may be $50 to $100 each), tips, and some meals.
• Primary audience: Adults who want a wide variety of travel options.
• Destinations: More than 50 countries on six continents.
• How to Book: Directly through Globus ; via Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar , all which are tour specialist OTAs; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

7. Intrepid Travel

Founded in 1988 in Australia and now employee-owned, Intrepid Travel offers 1,100 escorted tours worldwide, with an average of 10 travelers per tour. The company focuses on small group active trips off the beaten track. Its tours often use public transportation and stay at locally owned accommodations.

Intrepid has an age-inclusive philosophy (“18 to 70”) and aims to provide tours for all interests and comfort levels. Tour styles include “ Basix ” for the budget travel crowd and “ Comfort ,” which tends to attract older travelers. The travel tour company also offers retreats and tours for women, solo travelers, and the 18-29 age group. Note that while Intrepid tours are active, its tours are “not a constant endurance test.” A general level of health and fitness is adequate for its trips.

HIT THE TRAILS: 9 Best Tour Companies for Walking, Trekking, and Hiking Tours

Examples of Intrepid tours include a winter journey to Iceland to view the Aurora Borealis, a hiking-cycling trip in Sri Lanka, snorkeling in Bali, kayaking in Alaska, and enjoying the Naadam Festival in Mongolia or Day of the Dead in Mexico. A “Comfort” trip to Jordan might include some moderate hiking to sites, floating in the Dead Sea, a stay in a desert camp, and snorkeling in the Red Sea. Intrepid also offers small ship adventure cruising to such places as the Galapagos Island, the Greek and Turkish Islands, Antarctica, and French Polynesia.  

Intrepid conducts safety assessments of all included and optional activities; experienced local leaders provide instruction and advice to travelers who are new to an activity or area. It also has an excellent record of corporate responsibility. Intrepid focuses on sustainable travel and has been carbon neutral since 2010.

Quick Facts about Guided Tours with Intrepid Travel

• Average group size: 10 people.
• Price range: Moderately inexpensive but extra cost for premium upgrades.
• What’s included: On general tours, you get accommodations, breakfasts, and local experiences. On premium tours, you can expect additions like breakfast and some other meals, tips, and airport and luggage transfer.
• What’s not included: See above.
• Primary audience: Active adult travelers of all ages.
• Destinations: More than 100 countries on seven continents, including polar regions and more South Pacific destinations than most other senior tour companies.
• How to Book: Directly through Intrepid ; via Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar all which are tour specialist OTAs (online travel agents) that offer hundreds of Intrepid trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

8. Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises specializes in European river touring, but it also offers small ship ocean cruises and expedition voyages. The company is more than 25 years old and is among the most awarded river cruise lines worldwide. Viking owns and operates its own ships; it also owns some dock locations.

SINGLE TRAVEL: 10 Best Tour Companies for Solo Travelers

Viking does not try to be all things to all people. There are no casinos on its river boats, for example, nor are children under 18 allowed. Viking also has a “no nickel and diming and no umbrella drinks” policy. However, you can expect outside rooms, onboard enrichment lectures, destination performances, onshore excursions in every port, introductions to local life and people, and an experienced staff. (In fact, 90% of the company’s river cruise staff returns each year.) Optional pre- and post-tour land extensions are offered.

With a philosophy that travel “should be a doorway to cultural insight and personal enrichment,” Viking could be regarded as a waterborne version of Road Scholar or Smithsonian Journeys. The company owns a learning channel (Viking TV) and provides recommended readings and other materials before you depart.

Quick Facts about Cruises for Seniors with Viking

• Passenger limit on river boats: 190 people  (up to 930 on ocean ships)
• Price range: Moderately expensive but inclusive.
• What’s included: Onboard accommodations, meals, shore excursions, entertainment, tips; and transfers with air purchase through Viking. Some tours also include free international airfare.
• What’s not included: Transfers and porterage for those not using Viking for air reservations, some tips.
• Primary audience: Adults, but primarily older adults.
• Destinations: Mostly Europe for river tours, also cruises on the Nile, Mississippi, and Mekong Rivers; expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Great Lakes; ocean cruises to various destinations.
• How to Book: Directly through Viking ; via CruiseCritic ; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

More Senior Travel Tour Company Options for Older Travelers

If you can’t see yourself in any of the senior tour styles I’ve mentioned above—or maybe you just want even more options—I have a few more recommendations.

1) Those who loved travel experiences in their student days and prefer an inexpensive tour may want to look at EF Go Ahead Tours .

2) Those who are physically fit and want active travel like cycling tours and walking tours with a mixed age group have many good options, including Backroads and Country Walkers , which can be a good fit for senior cycling and walking enthusiasts.

College graduates should check to see if their alumni association sponsors any tours: AHI , Odysseys Unlimited , and other companies work with these associations to provide excellent tours at good prices.

Finally, seniors planning a multigenerational family vacation or skip-gen trip with the grandkids should consider a company like Adventures by Disney , which is a hit with all ages.

More from TourScoop:

• 4 Great Tour Companies with Independent Tours
• 9 Tips for Choosing the Right European Tour for You
• 10 Things to Know Before Your First Group Tour

New Vacation Trend: European River Cruise Companies Are Now Targeting Family Travelers

New Year Tour Sales: They’re Big and They’re Limited Time

Why Older Women Are Increasingly Choosing to Travel Solo

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6 Best Senior Travel Groups

Senior travel groups, designed exclusively for curious older globetrotters, offer an unparalleled opportunity to venture on unforgettable travels, forge new friendships, and unlock the magic of exploration.

• Road Scholar  – Road Scholar is a non-profit organization that offers educational travel adventures for seniors. They provide a wide range of trips, including cultural explorations, outdoor adventures, and learning experiences worldwide.
• ElderTreks – ElderTreks specializes in adventure travel exclusively for people over 50. They offer small group tours to exotic and off-the-beaten-path destinations with a focus on cultural immersion and wildlife experiences.
• Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) – OAT is a travel company that caters to older travelers seeking immersive and active adventures. They offer small group tours to destinations globally.
• Saga Holidays – Saga is a British travel company that focuses on holidays for people over 50. They offer a variety of trips, including cruises, cultural tours, and beach vacations.
• Walking the World – Walking the World is a senior travel group that specializes in guided walking tours, offering enriching adventures for mature travelers seeking to explore the world’s natural wonders on foot.
• G Adventures – G Adventures is a globally recognized adventure travel company offering small group tours with a strong emphasis on sustainability and authentic experiences.

All these travel groups are tailored to cater to the diverse interests and desires of mature travelers.

What to Look for in a Senior Travel Group

When searching for a senior travel group, consider the following key factors to ensure an enjoyable and fulfilling travel experience.

Itinerary and Destinations

Look for a travel group that offers diverse and well-planned itineraries to destinations that align with your interests and preferences, whether it’s cultural exploration, nature-focused trips, or a mix of both.

Check the group size to ensure it is comfortable for you. Smaller groups often allow for more personalized experiences and flexibility during the trip.

Travel Pace and Physical Requirements

Assess the travel pace and physical demands of the trips offered to ensure they match your fitness level and mobility needs.

Tour Guides and Expertise

Review the credentials and experience of the tour guides leading the trips, as knowledgeable guides can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Accommodations

Check the quality and suitability of accommodations provided during the trip to ensure they meet your comfort standards.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Check the package details to understand what’s included (e.g., meals, activities, entrance fees) and what additional expenses you might need to budget for.

Group Dynamics and Social Activities

Consider the social aspect of the travel group, as meeting like-minded individuals can greatly enhance your journey, so look for groups that offer ample opportunities for group interactions and social activities.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Read reviews and testimonials from previous travelers to gauge their satisfaction and overall experience with the travel group.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a senior travel group that aligns with your interests, preferences, and requirements, making your journey a memorable and enjoyable one.

Best Senior Travel Groups

Whether you’re a culture enthusiast yearning to dive into the past, a nature lover seeking the embrace of untouched landscapes, or a curious soul eager to discover the world’s hidden gems, these groups promise interesting and purposeful travel experiences.

Road Scholar

Road Scholar is a non-profit educational travel organization catering to seniors and their families (grandchildren). They offer educative and immersive adventures in diverse destinations worldwide with programs in nearly 80 countries and 50 states, on land and by ship. Participants engage in small-group learning experiences, exploring cultures, history, nature, and more. Expert-led programs provide unique access to renowned sites, while fostering camaraderie among like-minded travelers.

Tailored for mature adults, Road Scholar journeys accommodate various activity levels and interests, allowing participants to discover new horizons, build lasting friendships, and embrace a lifelong love of learning through curated educational travel experiences.

Read WHAT IS SKIP-GEN TRAVEL AND WHY IS IT TRENDING?

ElderTreks is an adventure travel company dedicated to offering extraordinary and specialized trips for people over 50. As a pioneer in senior adventure travel, ElderTreks focuses on providing small group tours to off-the-beaten-path and exotic destinations worldwide.

Their itineraries are designed to offer unique cultural encounters, wildlife experiences, and active adventures tailored to the interests and physical abilities of older adults. With a strong emphasis on cultural immersion and sustainable travel, ElderTreks provides an enriching and safe environment for mature travelers to explore the world, form lasting connections, and create treasured memories.

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) is a travel company specializing in small-group adventures for seasoned travelers seeking immersive and active experiences.

With a focus on exploring lesser-known destinations worldwide, OAT offers journeys designed to connect participants with local cultures, traditions, and people. Their itineraries often include off-the-beaten-path destinations and unique activities, allowing travelers to engage deeply with the places they visit.

OAT emphasizes sustainable and responsible travel, striving to benefit local communities and the environment. Their experienced trip leaders and small group settings foster camaraderie among travelers, creating a sense of community and a shared passion for discovery and cultural understanding.

Saga Holidays

Saga Holidays is a British travel company that specializes in providing vacations and tours exclusively for people aged 50 and over. With over 65 years of experience, Saga Holidays offers a wide range of holiday options, including escorted tours, ocean and river cruises, stays at handpicked hotels, and more.

Their itineraries cover various destinations, catering to different interests and preferences, from cultural explorations to leisurely beach vacations.

Saga Holidays aims to provide exceptional service and unforgettable experiences tailored to the needs and desires of mature travelers, ensuring they can explore the world with like-minded peers in a comfortable and enjoyable environment.

Walking the World

Walking the World, a close-knit team of avid explorers traverses the globe in search of life-enriching adventures, and their delight lies in crafting remarkable walking journeys.

Their tailored experiences intertwine active travel, cultural immersion, and savoring delectable global cuisines. Throughout these expeditions, trekkers encounter untold beauty, foster newfound friendships, rekindle the primal joy and wonder within, and rejuvenate muscles eager for the challenge.

G Adventures

G Adventures is a renowned adventure travel company that offers small group tours to various destinations worldwide. With a commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, G Adventures focuses on providing authentic and immersive travel experiences.

Their tours cater to a wide range of interests and ages, including adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and cultural explorers. Led by knowledgeable and passionate local guides, G Adventures tours allow travelers to connect with local communities and support local economies.

Whether it’s trekking through remote landscapes, experiencing unique cultures, or engaging in meaningful wildlife encounters, G Adventures is dedicated to creating unforgettable and socially responsible travel experiences for all.

Read 10 SAFEST CITIES TO TRAVEL AS A WOMAN OVER 50 .

Also read 5 SURPRISING PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2023 FOR SOLO WOMEN OVER 60 .

Remember to research each travel group carefully, read reviews, and consider your specific travel preferences and needs before choosing the best one for you.

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Sandra Roussy

Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

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Road Scholar Trips

by Sandra Shelley

February 28, 2023

For seniors, Road Scholar offers learning adventures around the world.

Alyssa Bichunsky

As a child, Bill Baker remembers learning about the world beyond his Massachusetts home from his uncle. “He was an avid reader who would go on trips, then gather the family for a slideshow.” 

Today Bill, 79, and his wife, Susan, 77, of Blacksburg, are the ones sharing travel stories. The couple have taken 36 trips with Road Scholar. The world’s leader in educational travel for the 50-plus set, Road Scholar offers cycling tours of Cambodia, wine tours through Portugal, and far-flung adventures in Mongolia, Patagonia, and Polynesia.

This year, the Bakers left their home at Blacksburg’s Warm Hearth Village: to cruise Alaska’s iceberg-laden waters and, again, for five nights of opera in Santa Fe. Next year, they’ll spend 17 days exploring the Australian outback and the Great Barrier Reef. 

While these itineraries may sound luxurious, Boston-based Road Scholar makes jet-setting affordable for seniors. “Because we’re a not-for-profit, we can keep costs low, value high, and we can offer financial aid, including caregiver grants,” says company spokesperson Kelsey Perri. 

All-inclusive trips range from $750-$4,000, some including airfare. A 14-day trip to Antarctica can run $11,000, but 54 Road Scholar “adventures” are less than $750, including many online opportunities that start at $25. And while a 103-day Queen Mary II cruise—with stops in 18 countries on four continents—comes with a $40,000 price tag, it’s still less than $400 per day. 

Learning from Experts

The company was founded in 1975 by Marty Knowlton and David Bianco, colleagues at the University of New Hampshire who adapted the Scandinavian tradition of residential folk schools to launch Elderhostel, a program designed to introduce U.S. seniors to lifelong learning through travel. 

Back then, Elderhostel destinations were limited to college campuses. Participants stayed in dorm rooms to attend professor-led lectures during the summer months. Today, the organization offers over 4,000 learning adventures per year, “from Albania to Zimbabwe,” says Perri, “in all 50 states and 100 countries.” 

Accommodations now include four-star hotels and offer “immersive field learning,” Perri notes, “with experts ranging from archaeologists and docents to local winemakers and shrimp boat captains.” 

Road Scholar attracts nearly 100,000 travelers each year, from ages 50-90. Some trips even include the grandchildren.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Each trip is graded by activity level and comes with a reading list. Clients can choose how much challenge they’re up for, knowing that Road Scholar is prepared to support those with mobility or health challenges. For one 90-year-old traveler, the organization even arranged dialysis treatment at local stops along the itinerary.   

For a bike trip through Cambodia, Bill Baker says a boat followed their group along the Mekong River—ready to pick up anyone needing a break. “We were on dirt roads, going through all these little villages. The children hadn’t seen many visitors before, so they would come out and wave and give us high fives,” Susan recalls.

The trips, Baker says, “widen your perspective. I think people can become so insular that they lose perspective. We’re all human beings, we share the same desires.” 

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Connie Marchese Baum, 73, of Warrenton, was a widow when she first traveled with Road Scholar in 2008. Now, after more than 60 Road Scholar trips, she’s a program ambassador and says about 30 percent of the group’s travelers are single. “People reach out,” she notes. “And the guides make sure everybody feels included.’’ 

Baum applauds the trips’ educational focus and the camaraderie of fellow travelers. “The people who sign up really want to learn. It’s not a shopping tour,” she says. “The accommodations are always comfortable, and the food is very good. Once you sign up, basically everything is paid for. You don’t have extra tips or transport fees.” 

Closest to her heart is the trip she took to Kentucky in 2009, billed as “Mystery and Beauty of Appalachia.” There, she met Bill Baum, 70, a retired New Jersey music teacher who, like her, had also been widowed. Both had booked the trip at the last minute, never imagining they’d find love on the program.

But they hit it off. Once home, their correspondence led to trip planning—then romance. And in 2013, on a Road Scholar choral trip to Abingdon, Bill and Connie made their feelings official, surprising their fellow travelers during the talent show finale. After Bill invited Connie onstage, he sang Jim Croce’s, “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song,” then introduced a justice of the peace—who married them on the spot. 

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the place,” Connie recalls.  

Since then, the couple has explored rainforests in Costa Rica, volcanoes in Hawaii, and kayaked in the Florida Keys. In September, they traveled from Quebec to the Maritimes by train. A month later, they saw Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon National Parks. 

Although he’s taken 70 Road Scholar trips since he retired in 2006, Bill still gets excited when a new catalog arrives in the mail. Storm watching on the Oregon coast still ranks among his favorites. “The wildness of the Pacific coast was just amazing,” he says.

Adds Connie, “the one trip that I probably would want to do in the next year is Alaska—because I’ve been to the other 49 states.”

Travel for Caregivers

Adventure is just one benefit of travel. It can also be therapeutic. When Kim Wright learned about Road Scholar’s caregiver grants, through a support group at the University of Virginia’s Memory and Aging Care Clinic, she nominated her mother, Peggy, 78. 

Her parents, Peggy and Gary Wright had founded Tiffanys Bridal shop in Richmond. Together, they’d traveled to Chicago on frequent buying trips for the store. When Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body dementia, Kim convinced her mother that he’d need 24-hour care. Even after he entered residential nursing, “I still went every day to feed him lunch,” Peggy says, of Gary’s final months. 

After years of devoted caregiving, Peggy wept with joy at the news of her $2,000 Road Scholar grant. She could pick any trip in the U.S. or Canada. To top it off, Road Scholar offered a matching grant, so Kim could join her. 

The two chose Chicago. “It was our bust-out-of-Covid trip,” says Kim. “But it ended up being a celebration of dad—it felt like he was with us.” This time, instead of bridal buying, Peggy took in a mural tour, an architectural cruise, and visited Wrigley Field, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Shedd Aquarium. 

At 54, Kim was the youngest person on the trip. “But there was another mother and daughter traveling together,” she notes. Would Peggy choose Road Scholar again? “It’s a wonderful way to travel,” she says. “Everything is taken care of. They’re very accommodating and very careful. They take everything into consideration.” RoadScholar.org 

This article originally appeared  in the  February 2023  issue.

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4 replies to this topic

Welcome to Trip Advisor Holly!

I have done 13 tours with Road Scholar, 2 post-pandemic, none to Costa Rica. Of the 2 post pandemic - one to SW France was excellent. One to Belgium and Netherlands was really heartbreakingly awful. However, with neither would I try to draw conclusions about Costa Rica tours. Road Scholar does not actually run the tours, they contract with providers all over the world to do programs for them. The France office is excellent. The provider in Netherlands is not.

Do you do FB? There are 2 FB pages I follow that might be helpful to you. Women of Road Scholar and Friends of Road Scholar. There are frequent comments about Costa Rica programs.

For myself, I do separate insurance. RS uses AON insurance and some have had good luck, others not so much. I prefer to get my own travel insurance, using Travel Guard or Allianz BUT I've never had to make a claim with either. I honestly just prefer for my insurance provider not to be associated with the tour company.

BTW, the Road Scholar forums are useless if you can even find them. The FB pages are very active.

In general I do recommend their programs and Costa Rica seems to be very popular.

We did the road scholar multi sport adventure in Costa Rica this year in August. It was fabulous! We had a group of 12 who were all friendly, adventurous people along with a fantastic guide Reimer Palma. We saw abundant bird and animal life, flowers and plants and the most fun for me was all the adventures. Kayaking, rafting, outrigger canoe, ziplining. It took me out of my comfort zone but I had so much fun - didn't want to come home!

If you can arrange your own travel it might be better. We went with road scholar travel and I think they only book American airlines. Taking a red eye was definitely not optimal but that was what they arranged. We did buy the trip insurance but fortunately didn't need it.

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Road Scholar Trips for Seniors: Exploring new horizons

As we age, we often have more time to travel and explore, but we may also have concerns about safety and accessibility. Road Scholar trips offer a perfect solution for seniors seeking adventure, culture, and education in a secure and friendly environment.

Road Scholar Trips inspire and cater to seniors seeking adventure, culture, and education in a secure and friendly environment. With over 5,500 programs in 150 countries, Road Scholar's programs offer unique opportunities for travelers to explore the world, learn new things, and make lasting friendships. All trips are designed for older adults, with comfortable accommodations, easy transportation, and expert guides. Join the adventure of a lifetime and embark on a memorable journey with Road Scholar Trips.

Southwest Canyons and National Parks

Embark on an exciting adventure through the stunning landscapes of Arizona and Utah, while exploring the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks. The Western side of the USA offers a thrilling journey and the opportunity to hike among red-rock formations, learn about local wildlife and geology from expert guides, and visit ancient Native American sites. With the warmth being present from the end of March to the beginning of May and the midst of September to November, it is the perfect time to schedule this trip as the weather is mild and suitable for these outdoor activities.

Highlights:

- Hiking in the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Parks; discovering the natural beauty of the area.

- Visiting Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly; move through the terrain to learn about the indigenous people and their history.

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Explore the lively culture and history of Cuba in this fascinating 13-day trip. This itinerary covers destinations such as Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba, meeting local artists who fill the vibrant country with music and art. Participants get to learn about the Revolution, the Afro-Cuban culture, and how the embargo affected the island's economy. November to April is the perfect time to visit Cuba due to the mild tropical weather and breeze.

- Exploring Old Havana's colorful architecture and vintage cars; soaking up the essence of the city.

- Meeting local artists and musicians in their homes and studios; learning about their inspirations and gaining knowledge about the community.

- Visiting the Bay of Pigs; exploring the history of the place.

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Love art, history, and culinary delights? This 7-day trip to the Italian Lake District covers picturesque towns like Como, Bellagio, and Stresa. Learn about the region's famous wines and cheeses and experience art by visiting villas and gardens overlooking the lakes. Participants delve into the rich artistic heritage of the Lombard and Venetian regions. Visitors can comfortably secure their reservations at any time between May and October when the weather is pleasant.

- Cruising on Lake Como and Lake Maggiore; enjoying the scenic surroundings.

- Visiting Villa Balbianello and Villa del Balbiano; marvelling at the grand and intricate architecture.

- Tasting local wines and cooking with Italian chefs; learning the art of Italian cuisine and enjoying the culinary experience.

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Take an 11-day adventure and experience the wild beauty of Alaska's Inside Passage. The trip includes a small ship, and participants get to observe glaciers, fjords and wildlife reserves up close. Witness brown bears, humpback whales and sea lions as the ship moves through. Along the way, visits to historic towns such as Sitka, Skagway, and Juneau allow participants to learn about the Native American cultures and gold rush legacy. June to August provides longer daylight hours and warmer weather, making it the perfect time to travel.

- Seeing the Mendenhall Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park; experiencing the beauty of nature at its best.

- Hiking in Tongass National Forest and Admiralty Island; observing the wildlife and exploring the scenery.

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