If you are looking for a fun, educational trip with the 55+ crowd, you must check out Elderhostel. Bill and I took a trip with them in 2006 and enjoyed it immensely. Elderhostel is a nonprofit, travel organization that organizes trips for the 55+ up, based on educational themes such as Arts & Photography, Crafts, Computers & Technology, Cooking & Cuisine, Health & Fitness, National Parks, Homes & Gardens, Language Study, Exploring North America, etc.
For example, our trip was based on Photography and was located in Utah. During the trip, we attended classes where we learned how to use our digital cameras. Then went out in the field to practice what we learned. Our photo trips were to Zion State Park, the arches, Monument Valley, and more. We got up early to photography the sunset and went back to photograph sundown. It was truly an amazing adventure.
Once you arrive at your destination, everything is planned out for you, including your hotels, transportation, dining, admission to museums, etc. We had to do nothing! The tour guides were friendly, the classes were interesting, the food was excellent, our hotels were clean and comfortable, and the scenery was sensational. We had a few hours on some days to do our own thing, but mostly we were too busy or too tired to do anything else. Note: Each trip lets you know if there is a lot of walking, hiking, etc. You can choose the level of activity that you prefer. The people on the trip were all a lot of fun and I even made one friend from New Jersey with whom I continue to keep in contact.
Because this is a nonprofit organization associated with universities, the prices are lower than traditional travel agencies. It’s a very good value for your money. Although some of the trips would not suit us as Christians, there are enough appropriate ones that we will definitely go on another. Check it out for yourselves. Their website is: Elderhostel. You can search their trip offerings by location, educational theme, or by time you want to travel. You can stay in the US or go overseas. Sign up for their catalog!
