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There’s something wonderful to be said for travel that happens when you reach your golden years. Your children are out of the nest and on their own. You may be settling into a well-deserved retirement, and perhaps have found yourself with some disposable income and a few unfulfilled dreams of seeing the world.
Adventure is calling!
Luckily, there are tour companies and travel agencies that cater to older adults. Tour companies for seniors offer a wide variety of services that make traveling much easier. Here are some of the most popular ones.
Road Scholar
Once known as Elderhostel, Road Scholar is meant for seniors who have a lust for learning that has not dimmed over the years. Today their educational tours cover all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Those who take part in these tours range in age from their 50s to their 90s, with an average age of 72.
You get to decide the difficulty of your journey. Choose your program based on the level of activity it requires, from “Easy Going” that requires little activity to “Outdoor: Challenging,” which pushes your body to its limits. Want to include the grandchildren? There are tours designed specifically for the family-friendly bunch. For those who can’t travel at all, the Online Adventures allow you to visit the world virtually from the comfort of your home.
Intrepid Travel
Some of the most common customers of Intrepid Travel are those over the age of 50. Their tours are structured for those who are in generally good health and fitness, so if you have mobility issues this might not be the option for you. The small group travel includes wildlife tours, cycling tours, walking and trekking through exotic destinations, adventure cruises, and even foodie adventures that take you from one amazing restaurant to the next. The mission of the company is to create positive change through travel – a very good reason to choose Intrepid for your next adventure.
American Cruise Lines
Do you want to stay in the country to see majestic sites? American Cruise Lines floats the rivers of the United States with their luxurious ships and caters to those of all ages, but is especially suitable for seniors. From rolling on the Mighty Mississippi to experiencing the charm of New England to taking in the wildness of Alaska, these cruises don’t take you too far from home. In addition to your time on the roomy ship, over 400 onshore experiences await you across 35 states.
More good news is that senior life-saving alert systems can go with you on these cruises! You can rest assured that getting help is easy with your on-the-go medical alarm. That means that no matter the emergency, day or night, your medical alert watch or pendant can get in touch with a 24/7 monitoring center. It’s really as simple as summoning fast help at a push of a panic button alarm for seniors.
Overseas Adventure Travel
Known as OAT by those who love to travel, Overseas Adventure Travel caters to seniors. Most of the trips offered here are two weeks or longer, taking into account that most of their senior customers are retired and have the time to truly immerse themselves in the experience. Not long enough for you? You can get an extension to spend a little more time.
OAT offers an activity rating system that helps the elderly decide if they can handle the excursions on a particular trip: “1” is for the easiest trips and “5” is for journeys that are more physically demanding. Solo travelers are especially welcome, with 30,000 slots for singles available in 2023 – and 92% of them are free. If you want to venture overseas with a group of others just like you but you’re strapped for cash, this is a unique opportunity!
It’s important to note that the vast majority of the trips offered by OAT will take you across the ocean. When you travel overseas, make sure you have a list of emergency contacts on you at all times, as well as a small pamphlet containing important information about you, such as chronic conditions and the medications you take for them.
Amtrak
Stay close to home but explore the country with the help of Amtrak. In addition to a discount for seniors who choose to ride the train, Amtrak offers many amenities that make traveling easier for those who have mobility problems. The wide, comfortable seating is ideal for a long journey. Overnight trains offer meals and a comfortable place to sleep. Medication storage and special accommodations for those with mobility issues or disabilities are available.
Take a trip to the destination of your choice, watching the scenery along the way, and then go back home when you choose – the flexible schedules on Amtrak allow you to create your own adventure timeline. As you travel the country, an affordable Alert1 medical alert system can be an excellent travel companion. It works in all 50 US states and can be used for any type of emergency from falls to medical issues to thefts or personal safety concerns.
Trafalgar
Well over 100 years old and still in the game, Trafalgar boasts that 60% of those who book tours with them fall between the ages of 50 and 71. Travel is carefully planned out with all details handled by seasoned travel agents, as well as local specialists who can take you to the deeper side of any destination. The company offers discounted trips of less than $2,000 per person, as well as longer excursions that are more expensive but also make the most of your time abroad. Guests seem to be quite pleased with their experiences, with 53% returning for another trip. Your options include 72 countries across seven continents!
Smithsonian Journeys
Hosted by the world-famous and respected Smithsonian Institute, Smithsonian Journeys offers many options suitable for seniors. Those who are interested in seeing the iconic sights they offer can choose Classic Land Journeys, while those who want to test their mettle can opt for Active Journeys, which take you outdoors in a big way. Smithsonian Journeys offers “Living In” programs, unique in that they allow you to truly immerse yourself in your destination for an extended period of time.
Educational enrichment is hallmark of everything Smithsonian, and to that end they offer a wealth of photographs and information about the various places you can go. That allows you to explore the potential trip in-depth to decide if it’s right for you.
Can’t travel to exotic locales? For a taste of history and travel here in the United States, visit one of the Smithsonian museums. There are currently 19 museums in the country, all of which are accessible for those with mobility issues. As an added bonus, if you choose medical alert technology to keep you safe on the go, the Alert1 Medical Alert systems can travel with you to any museum, zoo, or other center of education.
Backroads
Are you into fitness? Backroads specializes in sporty vacations that include hiking, cycling, and more, in locations across the globe. These trips can range from quite active and challenging to easy-going and suitable for those who have minor mobility issues. And you don’t have to commit to a certain level of working out every day – you can choose your own pace. If you want to keep things low-key the entire time, Dolce Tempo trips are held at exclusive resorts and focus on health and wellness, in addition to simply relaxing.
No matter where you choose to travel, be sure to go with a reputable company that has a long history of catering to seniors just like you. Don’t hesitate to talk to a travel professional at one of the companies you choose to ensure that any mobility issues or health problems can be accommodated while on the road. And remember, an Alert1 mobile medical alert system will work in all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. So if you choose to stay close to home, we’ve got you covered with the protection you need to keep you safe and secure both on the go and at home. Don’t hesitate to get out there and explore!