road scholar tours 2024

The Scoop: What to Know About Road Scholar

This nonprofit tour company has an inspiring educational focus..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

Part of what we do here at TourScoop is use our (human) travel expertise to vet tour companies so you have an easy way to get a bunch of trustworthy information all in one place. Today we’re digging into Road Scholar, a popular tour company that’s been around for nearly 50 years. Read on to find everything you need to know to confidently make the decision about whether it’s a good fit for you.

Road Scholar (previously known as Elderhostel) is a tour company with a difference: Since 1975 the company has been run as a nonprofit organization with an educational mission as its primary focus. That means a few things: since it’s a nonprofit, Road Scholar offers excellent value (tours aren’t priced for profit). I also like that it’s unusual among tour companies because it offers both financial aid and caregiver grants. And since it’s education-driven, the tour operator attracts a particularly curious and educated group of travelers, including many retired educators. 

Road Scholar’s 4,000 offerings include small group tours, grandparent-grandchild trips, cruises, private jet adventures, and tours focused on passions including birding, food and drink, and history.

TourScoop Takeaways: Road Scholar

• Continents Covered: 7
• Tour Size Average: Road Scholar’s small group programs max out at 24 travelers, but the company also runs larger programs with hundreds of participants who are then broken into small groups for activities. 
• Tour Types: Coach, ship, plane, train

How to Book

Road Scholar tours can be booked directly through Road Scholar ; here are all the ways you can contact the organization for information about trips.

Credibility Check

Road Scholar is a BBB accredited charity that meets the standards for charity accountability, and has a low complaint number and a high response-to-issues ratio. It has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Facebook . Tour-focused online travel agency TourStride past guests gives Road Scholar a 4.4 out of 5.

Tour Destinations

Road Scholar operates tours on seven continents and to nearly 100 countries. In the U.S., it offers itineraries to most states, and internationally, its most popular destinations include Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Italy. 

Road Scholar offers hundreds of programs on a variety of topics, with thousands of departures annually. Since it’s a nonprofit organization with an educational mission, everything it does is about learning, and it weaves in educational visits, lectures, and events into every trip.

On the website, you can filter trips by hobbies or what you want to learn about, from Military History to Native American Studies, Birding, Pickleball, or another topic. You can also filter the course catalog by activity level, from “Easy Going” to  “Outdoor: Challenging.”

Road Scholar also offers Adventures Afloat (cruises), skip-gen programs geared to grandparents and grandchildren traveling together, and virtual tours that range from one-hour lectures to multi-day online adventures. 

Tour Guides

As an education-focused tour organization, Road Scholar refers to its group leaders and instructors as faculty . Faculty members–many of whom have been working with Road Scholar for a decade or more–are local experts with years of experience in travel and academics. Group leaders receive initial training and receive yearly professional development to ensure they’re at the top of their game. 

In addition to faculty, tour participants meet a broad range of experts on tour, experts that range from shrimp boat captains to award-winning authors. 

Inclusions/Extras

Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive and have no optional extras or hidden expenses. The price of a tour includes: 

• Accommodations, 
• Experienced Group Leader
• Expert-led lectures and field trips
• Most meals (some meals during free time not included)
• Gratuities throughout the program, including group leader gratuities
• Road Scholar Assurance Plan   (24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during a program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation)

Flights to and from the tour are not included in base program prices, but Road Scholar will book flights for participants traveling internationally. Flights booked through Road Scholar also include complimentary airport transfers.

Typical Travelers

If you don’t count kids in the mix on the Grandparent and Family programs, the average age of a Road Scholar participant is 72. But trips generally include a wide range of older travelers from people in their 50s through 90s. About 30% of participants are solo travelers, and of that 30% about 85% are women traveling on their own. Road Scholar trips are generally reported to be very welcoming to solo travelers. 

Communication 

Once you’ve booked a tour with Road Scholar, the company sends regular emails leading up to trip departures. You can also access your trip information online: once you’re enrolled in a program, all trip information is accessible via your online account.

Road Scholar’s U.S.-based contact center (800-454-5768) is open 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday. Monday is the contact center’s busiest day, so to avoid long wait times, call midweek or at the end of the week if you can). Road Scholar has callback feature, which allows you to save your place in the queue without having to wait on the phone–a representative calls you back as soon as it’s your turn in line.

Loyalty Program

Because Road Scholar is a nonprofit organization, discounts are not offered, including for repeat travelers. But the company is dedicated to making travel affordable for more travelers, and offers financial aid and caregiver grants . 

Private Options

Groups made up of between 18 and 24 people can reserve private departures of existing itineraries with Road Scholar. If you organize a group of 20 or more, you can take advantage of group discounts or free travel for one person. 

Sustainability Efforts

Road Scholar offsets some of the carbon emissions created through travel on its programs. It invests in projects including rainforest preservation in Brazil, methane gas recapture in Florida, and reforestation in Kenya. The company also tries to use sustainability certified hotels, locally owned services, and restaurants that serve locally sourced meals whenever possible.  

Health and Safety Practices

Road Scholar has partners on the ground worldwide who monitor all areas visited by the company. If concerns arise, Road Scholar will find replacement content or cancel the program, depending on the severity and location of the issue.

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10 Must-See Destinations on Road Scholar Trips in 2024

By knbbs-sharer.

Are you looking for some new and exciting travel destinations for your next adventure? Look no further than Road Scholar trips in 2024! These unique and educational trips offer a wide range of experiences, from cultural immersion to outdoor activities. Here are ten must-see destinations to add to your itinerary:

1. Iceland: Discover the natural wonders of this stunning country, from the Northern Lights to geothermal pools.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru: This ancient Incan city is a marvel of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Explore the history and beauty of this quaint coastal town, famous for its lighthouses and seafood.

4. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: Home to an incredible array of wildlife and natural wonders, this destination will leave you in awe.

5. Tuscany, Italy: Experience the charm and romance of Italy’s wine country with its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

6. Patagonia, Chile: Hike among glaciers, visit vibrant cities, and witness some of the world’s most stunning scenery.

7. Japan: From tranquil gardens to bustling cities, Japan offers a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern culture.

8. Cuba: Explore a country that has remained largely untouched by modern influences and enjoy vibrant music, art, and cuisine.

9. Canadian Rockies: Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, lakes, and forests of western Canada.

10. Morocco: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this North African country, known for its stunning architecture and bustling markets.

No matter which destination you choose, a Road Scholar trip is the perfect way to experience the world’s wonders while learning and making new friends along the way. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable adventures in 2024!

(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

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$25 — 59,999

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Great for : Baby boomers & seniors who love in depth educational & cultural experiences

Travel style : Comfortable 

Physical level : Easy to moderate

Age Range : 50+

• Group Tours
• Small Ship & Expedition Cruises
• River Cruises
• North America
• Central America & Caribbean
• South America
• Rivers & Seas
• Australia & Pacific
• Middle East & North Africa
• Antarctica & the Arctic

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Road scholar reviews & ratings, not a good bicycle trip.

Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, th...

Travel Section Incompetent, Unhelpful, and Won't correct error

I booked a tour to Italy for May 2024. I cancelled in Oct. for a lot of reasons. Before I enrolled, I asked if Road Scholar would book the flights so that on the las...

Jane Johnson

There is a nonrefundable deposit

Please know that Road Scholar will always keep a nonrefundable $100 deposit. I cannot find that buried in all the paper and fine print but they state it is there???...

Air travel cancelled by airline

I love Road Scholar and have been on 14 trips. The accommodations are nice, the tours are interesting, and the guides are knowledgeable. I have always looked forwa...

Kathleen Yoh

Road Scholar flight bookings

I booked a trip and arranged my air travel through Road Scholar. I just discovered that Road Scholar travel never paid for my flight although I paid in full already...

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Editoral Review of Road Scholar

Founded in 1975 as Elderhostel, Road Scholar took its new name in 2010. The name change was meant to better reflect the non-profit educational travel organization’s mission, which is to offer lifelong learning opportunities to adults.

Besides it’s a clever play on words (the takeoff on Rhodes Scholar), “Road” stands for the journeys the group offers, while “Scholar” indicates the deep devotion to learning that participants possess.

Road Scholar Quick Facts

Founded in 1975

Single Traveler friendly ? Road Scholar requires a single supplement on most trips, though it is waived if you are willing to room with another traveler. 

Typical age range : 50+, Some special multi-generational trips offered

Travel Style : Culturally immersive, education focused. Think all the joys of school without the homework

Accommodation Style : Value (3 star) or Premium (4 star) range. Some trips include multiple hotels or guest houses while others have a "staycation" set up returning to the same hotel each night.

Top Regions : Europe, Africa, North America

Average trip price : $2,389

Similar tour companies : Overseas Adventure Travel, National Geographic Expeditions, Rick Steves

Find the best for you. Explore Road Scholar vs Overseas Adventure Travel »

What Makes Road Scholar Stand Out?

• Tours that appeal to a wide range of broad & niche interests
• Budget friendly
• Unique itineraries
• Learn from experts in a variety of fields

Tours with Road Scholar are specifically designed for older travelers and with a heavy focus on gaining deeper knowledge through educational activities, led by guides who are experts in a variety of fields.

Instructors accompanying Road Scholar trips are experts in their fields, delivering lectures and leading field trips. Trip themes may range from history and culture, language study, and music appreciation to birding , bicycling , and baseball (proving that learning can be light-hearted, too).

Traveling with Road Scholar is like a study abroad experience, with classes and instructors, with a group of people the same age who have a similarly extensive hindsight on life - and who love to learn.

They offer a very wide range of physical levels as well as many different trip styles. If you're not sure you'll find a trip to your liking with Road Scholar, take the time to browse the options first.  

What is a Road Scholar trip?

A Road Scholar trip is designed like a study abroad experience for 60+ travelers - whether you're exploring the diverse birdlife of Texas or the incredible culture of Morocco . Almost everything is included in the price and they cater to many different budgets.

Are Road Scholar trips good?

Road Scholar is consistently well reviewed, and they have a 4.7/5 rating on Travelstride. Travelers regularly praise the lecturers and educational aspects of Road Scholar trips as well as the itinerary planning, group dynamics, and organization.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Road Scholar?

• Senior travelers & baby boomers
• Life long learners
• Solo and single travelers
• History buffs
• Grandparents and grandchildren

The first thing to note is that Road Scholar trips are specifically intended for travelers 50 and above (often 65+).

Open minded, active, and worldly life-long learners who have a sense of adventure and willingness to try new things, will love the cadence of a Road Scholar trip. Road Scholar is often the first guided trip experience for older travelers.

Perhaps in your younger days you loved going it alone, planning out your itinerary, and loved the spontaneity of traveling off the beaten path. Now you’re ready to have that same spirit, but with a few more ducks in a row and maybe hit some of the classic sites you missed or didn’t truly appreciate before.

Road Scholar has recently added special grandparent-grandchild trips and programs for three generations traveling together. Keep in mind that the focus remains on education, distinguishing Road Scholar trips from most commercial tours.

Group sizes with Road Scholar vary, but many small group study tours are limited to 10-24 participants. They are also very friendly to solo travelers - offering many tours for solos and singles where you can meet new friends, and even romantic interests!

Road Scholar allows for particular good compatibility between you and your tour mates as each journey is designed around specific themes from an educational perspective.

Private groups are also available and a popular option for groups of friends or families.  

Top Destinations

• United Kingdom
• United States

Road Scholar operates tours in 150 countries, as well as every state in the U.S.

Aside from the educational days, many trips include activities in nature, with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoors experiences.

Road Scholar Travel Style

Road Scholar creates their itineraries to encourage learning - both in a scholarly way: from knowledgeable guides, scholars and experts in various fields; and in a holistic way: from the accommodations, meals, and transportation. Your entire journey with Road Scholar is designed as an educational experience.

Tours are referred to as “programs”, guides, tour directors, and leaders are “faculty” and they even have an online “campus store”. Programs are designed to be immersive, exploring a destination in depth, with the focus often on a niche subject. Don't expect to spend 5 minutes at a tourist attraction and then move on. Some itineraries spend a full week in one city, exploring a specific period of time or type of local craft.

Walking trips, train treks, small ship cruises, and riverboat voyages are among the options for trip style. Prices typically stay in the budget/value range consistent with the company’s roots.

Road Scholar offers may ways to save on their trips. These include scholarships, friend referrals, and various specials and deals throughout the year.

Why Choose a Tour With Road Scholar?

On a Road Scholar tour you can expect a lot of unique cultural, artistic, historic, and local insights. Meet artisans, learn local crafts, and feel the camaraderie of being around other travelers who enjoy the educational aspect of travel.

The original Elderhostel grew out of the vision of the late Marty Knowlton, who spent four years backpacking around Europe while staying in youth hostels -- and wanted American adults to have access to similar cultural experiences.

If you consider yourself a lifelong learner and want to spend your vacation amongst others who share your passion for travel and education, Road Scholar is the place for you.

Covid-19 Travel Update for Road Scholar

In 2020, Road Scholar made the tough decision to temporarily suspend their programs through January 2021 due to the safey concerns surrounding the coronavirus. 

Given the Road Scholar traveler age range, the health risks could be severe. Not to mention the interest in international and group travel is significantly lower for this group at the present time.

You may enroll in future trips with the offer of a full refund with cancellation up to 90 days prior to the trip departure. This offer is currently in place through October 31st, 2020.

Road Scholar has a number of virtual classroom options available in a range of durations.

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About the company.

Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:

Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:

--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.

--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.

--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.

--Excellent value.

Explore Your Mind and the World:

There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.

Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Our Most Popular Tours:

Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.

Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.

Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.

National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.

Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.

Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.

Why Road Scholar?

You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value : Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."

Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends : When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.

Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.

Solo Participants Love Our Programs : Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.

Think Outside the Tour : The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.

You Go Where Others Can't : We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."

We've Covered All the Bases : From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.

Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan : The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.

Scholarships for Those in Financial Need : Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.

Our Donors : Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.

Road Scholar Trips & Specials

Explore Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

On the Home Front in Vicksburg, Key to the Confederacy

Independent Venice: Power and Beauty

Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest

Spring Training Baseball with the Boston Red Sox

City Walks: Exploring Stockholm’s Neighborhoods

Ultimate Opera: Two Productions at the Met

Beyond Red Square: An In-Depth Exploration of Western Russia

You get great value on every Road Scholar learning adventure, and this selection of programs offers special savings. Rest assured that when we reduce the price of our programs or offer other special incentives, we do not compromise the quality of your experience.

Please note that participants who are already enrolled in any of the programs listed below will receive the benefit as well. See our list of best-value tours below and then join us on the learning adventure of a lifetime. 

View the latest travel deals from Road Scholar

Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Top Road Scholar Trip Categories

Road scholar company ranking by category, similar companies, about travelstride, find your perfect trip, travel confidently.

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Road scholar announces floating campus programs for 2024: their newest shipboard learning adventures.

Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - April 18, 2023) - Not-for-profit Road Scholar , the world leader in educational travel for older adults, announces a new collection of fully chartered shipboard learning adventures around the world: Road Scholar's "Floating Campus."

"For our Floating Campus collection, we have carefully selected mid-sized ships that are ideal for the regions where they will be sailing," says Road Scholar's Chief Program Officer, Maeve Hartney.

Participants onboard the brand-new Ocean Albatros will learn together in Iceland or Scotland . This expedition vessel with 95 staterooms and suites is one of the most environmentally friendly ships on the sea. Also joining the Floating Campus fleet is American Queen Voyages' American Countess , a paddle wheeler built in 2019 that accommodates 245 guests in 123 staterooms, and MV La Belle des Oceans , a Premium ship from Crosi Europe, which accommodates 130 passengers in 54 cabins and suites. Road Scholars onboard the American Countess will study American music history along the Mississippi River , and La Belle des Oceans passengers will explore the island of Corsica from North to South, learning about art, culture, cuisine, history and more.

"Road Scholar is a nonprofit organization with an educational mission," says Hartney, "and participants can expect to do lots of learning both onboard the ship and during field trips on land."

On each Floating Campus, participants will be joined by two full-time instructors who will share their expertise on topics that will enhance their understanding of the region they're exploring. Road Scholars will enjoy onboard lectures, unique onshore field trips, and access to the instructors throughout the journey for insightful Q&A and discussions.

Road Scholar has been offering shipboard learning adventures, or "Adventures Afloat" since 1998. What makes these programs special is that all passengers onboard the ship will be Road Scholars, and, because the ship is fully chartered, Road Scholar's expert educational program designers have more control over the atmosphere, itinerary, and activities both onboard as well as in port.

"The vision for these programs is to create a college campus for older adults on the water," Hartney says. "The special camaraderie that comes along with traveling amongst a community of other lifelong learners is what makes these Adventures Afloat particularly special."

Participants will be divided into smaller groups for classes and field trips. For each activity, participants will be able to choose between two activity levels, based on their physical ability and level of challenge. Plus, small-group activities like book club sessions will be available for additional opportunities to meet and bond with fellow Road Scholars.

These Floating Campus adventures will embark in spring and fall 2024, and all programs are currently open for enrollments. The programs take place over 11-12 days, and prices start at $5,999 per person in a double cabin. Airfare from many cities is included in the cost of the trip when participants enroll early.

See the Programs:

The Hidden Coasts of Scotland: An Expedition on the Ocean Albatros - May 2024

Discover the Wilds of Iceland Onboard the Ocean Albatros - Sep 2024

Bonjour Corsica! A Voyage on the MV La Belle des Oceans - Oct 2024

Music & the Mississippi: A River Voyage on the American Countess - Sept 2024

Road Scholar Adventure Afloat Participants To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9315/161994_4f21af52d4783a72_001full.jpg

Scotland To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9315/161994_4f21af52d4783a72_002full.jpg

American Countess To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9315/161994_4f21af52d4783a72_003full.jpg

Learn more about Road Scholar's round-the-world learning adventures at www.roadscholar.org/floatingcampus .

Find photos here .

About Road Scholar : Road Scholar is the nation's largest not-for-profit educational travel organization for adults - a true university of the world - offering thousands of programs in nearly 100 countries and 50 states. Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, the world leader in educational travel since 1975. Learn more at press.roadscholar.org .

Contact : Kelsey Knoedler Perri | (617) 521-5301, [email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/161994

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• Watch the Alandis Travel introduction
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Succesful Business Case

Senior Educational trips to Spain & Cuba for Road Scholar

Road Scholar: Educational Travel & Learning Adventures

• https://roadscholar.org

Experiential learning through educational trips for lifelong learners: in Spain since 1985

Road Scholar is a not-for-profit organization, and has been a leader in educational travel for adults since 1975. They provide learning adventures to inspire people to learn, discover and travel. They offer 5,500 learning adventures in 150 countries, serving more than 100,000 participants per year.

• More than 35 years working together
• +250 participants per year
• +800 bookings per year
• +14 groups in Spain every year

Explorers, adventurers and students of the world

Throughout our long history with Road Scholar we have provided group travel in Spain and Cuba, inspiring non-conformist travelers with an avid passion for knowledge and learning to discover a new way of traveling.

Through our programs, Road Scholar participants deepen their knowledge of each destination through greater cultural understanding, participating in lectures and workshops that transform their socio-cultural appreciation. They discover history, culture, architecture, gastronomy, and society, among other aspects, allowing participants to become explorers, adventurers and students of the world. Alandis Travel is responsible for organising the operational logistics of these trips including the creation and maintenance of Specific Program Information (SPIs), which include program content, preparatory materials, as well as participant and customer service communications. We also manage the study courses, engaging and training local educators, lecturers, group leaders, and any other temporary staff following Road Scholar’s philosophy and standards.

Continuous innovation

Road Scholar has consolidated its expansion through growth over the years, consistently raising the bar, developing new working processes and ways to meet tremendous standards of quality. 

Both a challenge and an opportunity for Alandis, we make an immense effort to stay ahead of their updates and changes thanks to our excellent ongoing communication with the organization, ongoing training of our staff and through annual provider meetings. This has allowed us to grow together, and to create new initiatives and program opportunities, adapting to the latest needs of the industry.

During the pandemic we have faced the great challenge of continuing to offer our services at a distance. We now also offer virtual classes, with fully engaged lectures, and discussions that virtually recreate our experiences in Spain .

Safety & communication as a priority

We demand the highest standards of health & safety from our entire team – now more than ever – to deliver the best educational adventures with your customers’ well-being as a priority. We expect our trips to be carefree, and the extensive experience of our group leaders allows you to enjoy a safe trip, following established safety protocols and exceeding travelers expectations through our guided experiences. Continuous and effective communication remains a key facet of our service to Road Scholar at a time of ever-changing travel restrictions. We continue to expand safety information and develop additional protocols to be followed on all of our trips and at each destination.

We also ensure that we maintain the quality of our services by including post-program evaluations, a quarterly relationship survey, participant service evaluations and ongoing monitoring by Program Department staff.

Travel as a way of life: unique, authentic local experiences

Thanks to our collaboration as Road Scholar providers, we have been able to facilitate the management of programs in Spain through our wide network of local suppliers, adjusting to their budget margins, and providing quick resolution of incidents and 24/7 availability. We offer Road Scholar a wide variety of programs including tours throughout Spain, as well as combined trips to Spain and Morocco and ‘Living & Learning’ experiences, where you can experience daily life as a local.  The distinction of our programs lies in the depth, breadth and quality of their educational content which is transmitted through lectures, hands-on experiences and enrichment activities, and insight from local experts and group leaders. Participants can really interact with locals and understand what motivates them and holds them back.

What makes our tours even more special is the attention to detail from our entire team to meet the highest expectations of Road Scholar and its customers, offering the best educational experience and adapting to new trends in the sector. We work hard to offer exciting new experiences and reinvent ourselves in a way that strengthens the companies we work with. We offer our guidance to other tour operators to reduce their costs and find them new opportunities through our extensive knowledge of the industry and our work.

“Road Scholar has been working closely with Alandis for over 35 years, and over this time our relationship has grown from strength to strength.

We consider Alandis to be our expert partner in the South of Spain, and know that we and our participants are always guaranteed a rapid, professional and friendly service.

Road Scholar travelers are “lifelong learners” from all over the US and Canada, who have very specific educational and cultural requirements whilst “on the road”. We can be sure that all staff at Alandis Travel meet their needs —from the wonderfully innovative Spanish teaching staff who give classes on our 6-week Living and Learning programs, to the pastoral care and superb attention to detail provided by Eugenia López and colleagues at the language centre, the top-notch Group Leaders who lead programs around Spain, and the carefully selected lecturers who present information in a fun yet educational way, we know that Road Scholar participants are always in excellent hands.”

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Calle Harinas, 18. Sevilla, 41001. Spain

(US) +1 646 504 2897 (ES) +34 650 749 180

[email protected]

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Embark On Grandparent & Family Adventures With This Company’s Educational Trips

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It’s no secret that international travel is on the rise. What may be surprising, however, is that the number of grandparents traveling internationally with their grandkids is also surging.

Indeed, Road Scholar, which offers educational trips for adults, notes that enrollment in its 2023 international Grandparent Adventure programs has nearly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. On the other hand, enrollment in its 2023 domestic Grandparent Adventure programs lags behind, at just over half of the company’s pre-pandemic numbers.

“The appetite for global exploration is stronger than ever,” Maeve Hartney, Road Scholar’s chief program officer, told TravelAwaits in a statement. “Our participants have shown us that they’re really ready to get out there and explore the world again this year, and their grandkids are just as eager to travel abroad with them.”

To accommodate that demand, Road Scholar has announced it’s adding more international trips to its 2024 Grandparent and Family programs.

That includes grandparent and grandkid trips to Germany, Copenhagen, and the Amalfi Coast. Grandparent and Family Programs for grandparents, their kids, and their grandkids include trips to Alaska and the Barrier Islands. Both Grandparent and Family Programs will soon be offered in Panama as well.

For 2023, Road Scholar expanded its program by adding Grandparent and Family Adventures to Japan, Australia, Greece, Idaho Whitewater Rafting, Hawaii, Virginia’s Chincoteague Bay, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Sailing the Maine Coast, Puerto Rico, San Juan Islands, San Diego, and STEM Kansas to its offerings.

How The Program Works

Road Scholar has been offering a program for grandparents and their grandkids — or families of grandparents, their kids, and their grandkids — to travel together since 1985.

“Looking for a special way to spend time with your grandchild?” Road Scholar asks .

“Share the best of the great outdoors with them as you snorkel in coral reefs, go whitewater rafting, or learn about animals at a zoo. You can even share their love for STEM projects as you learn about robots or even rockets!” Road Scholar continues. “Each learning adventure is created with your grandchild’s age and learning level in mind, allowing you both to have fun, learn, and make new friends. Together, you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime!”

You can choose from several adventures tailored to suit grandkids’ ages, or by interest, such as STEM, animals and wildlife, city discoveries, active outdoor adventures, and nature and environment.

Another approach is to choose a trip based on destination, including those in France, Florida, North America, national parks, and locations around the world.

What Grandparents Think Of The Program

Cindy and Jim Horner took their two grandsons on an African safari with Road Scholar in 2022, and this year, they traveled to Iceland with their two granddaughters.

“We have chosen to take our grandchildren on international trips to expose them to different geographical settings, cultures, and standards of living,” Cindy Horner said, according to Road Scholar. “It’s our hope that they return with a broadened understanding of the world.”

Meanwhile, Jean McMillan has taken three of her grandchildren on Road Scholar adventures. Her grandkids chose international trips, with her encouragement.

“I would have taken them on any of the trips,” McMillan said, according to Road Scholar. “I encouraged them to dream big so we could share memories of big adventures we had together.”

For more about traveling with grandkids, or kids and grandkids, be sure to read our Family Vacations content, including:

• Our Writers’ 8 Favorite Places To Travel With Their Grandkids In The U.S.
• 10 Perfect Multigenerational Trips To Experience This Summer
• 17 Tips For Planning The Perfect Multigenerational Trip

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.