Elderhostel: Travel Just for Seniors
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado spreads out before you, each layer gradually disappearing into a blue haze. How would you like to discover the secrets of the Canyon's unique geology while a happy raven turns cartwheels over your head? On another vacation, would you like to learn to speak Yiddish in upstate New York? Maybe you'd rather study about "uppity women of the west" in a peaceful setting near Portland, Oregon?
Do your fantasies include sunlight glinting off splashing waves as you handle the rudder of a sailing sloop? Perhaps you dream of following in the long-faded footsteps of Lewis and Clark. You can do many things you've dreamed about, and hundreds more than may never have occurred to you, with the over-55 senior travel and educational group, Elderhostel. Elderhostel provides travel with learning in settings like national parks and college campuses.
Is Elderhostel For You?
So, how do you know Elderhostel is for you? If you love to travel and exercise your mind and soul, and you don't work, you're just the candidate for Elderhostel. As their catalog says, "…all you need is an adventuresome spirit and a yearning to be challenged by new ideas and experiences." So, pack your bags, bring your wanderlust, and come along to explore your spirit with Elderhostel.
Just What is Elderhostel?
Elderhostel is a non-profit organization that's been around nearly 30 years, serving anyone over the age of 55. (Spouses and friends under 55 can also take part in activities.) Marty Knowlton, an educator and social activist, founded this extraordinary program in 1975 at the University of New Hampshire. He patterned Elderhostel after the hostels where he had stayed while traveling in Europe. Then he blended the hostel idea with the concept of the Scandinavian Folk Schools. His results was short-term instructive programs to fit seniors from every background. The original programs lasted six nights, from Sunday afternoon to Saturday morning.
Starting on a shoestring, the program grew into an international success story. Today, programs last from four to six nights or more at nearly 2,300 worldwide institutions. Programs are all educational, but some include a little adventure, too, like rock climbing or white water rafting. Approximately 200,000 older adults enjoy Elderhostel programs each year.
Where Are the Programs?
Elderhostel offers programs in every state, Washington, D.C., Canada, and around the world. If you're looking for specialties, they offer programs for women, RV'ers, hearing impaired participants, and intergenerational programs, which match elders with people under the age of 25. There are even programs geared to grandparents and their grandchildren. Programs in the U.S. and Canada typically cost about $115 per day per participant, and they offer a few scholarships every year for those who cannot otherwise afford travel. Costs include meals, accommodations, registration fees, and all classes. There are always a variety of extracurricular activities also covered in the costs. The only thing you have to provide is your travel to and from the sites.
Accommodations and Programs
Accommodations are usually in dormitories or other educational facilities. Your room may not be the Ritz, but it will help keep the costs affordable. Typically, you'll share the room with a roommate and eat your meals in college cafeterias. Again, the fare may not be fancy or gourmet, but you'll get three meals a day of good, wholesome food. Courses aren't for credit, and it doesn't matter where you ended your education. Attendees run the gamut from elementary school graduates to PhD's. You don't have to worry about tests or homework, but the teachers expect you to attend class every day. Each program includes three academic courses that meet for one-and-a-half hours each day. Coordinators schedule classes so you can attend all three during the week.
