Well, I did make it home safely, in case you wondered. I got into returning to the barn mode and didn’t take many photographs or do much touristing on the way home. I am still sifting through the images and hope to have a gallery posted on my website soon.
But I wanted to take a moment to say a few words about Road Scholar, which sponsored the tour I was on. Formerly known as Elder Hostel, Road Scholar specializes in providing tours for older adults who are interested in learning something along the way. They are a non profit organization and frequently partner with university’s to put trips together. So far, I have only stayed in nice hotels but there are trips available that cut costs by staying in dormitories and such. But even without that feature I have found the trips to be reasonably priced with all hotel costs and most meals included. Some international trips are even priced to include airfare.
As for me, I’m a life-long learner extraordinaire and when I go on vacation I am interested in learning the history and natural history and seeing the museums, not laying on the beach. I know some people turn their noses up at tour groups and that is why I am writing this post. I’ve been traveling for many years, mostly alone, and I have to say I am very excited about having discovered Road Scholar. I made a decision quite some time ago that if I had to choose between traveling alone or staying home alone I would travel alone. But now I have another choice because on the two Road Scholar trips I have been on I have found like minded people interested in going deep with a place and not just skimming the surface. I know it is a small sample but on each of the trips the breakdown of participants was about half couples and half single women. No single men so far.
I am pretty good at researching a place before I go and finding the high spots but I have been impressed with the local experts on these trips who have revealed information and places I never would have discovered on my own. And they also know the best places to go for donuts and ice cream! But seriously, it is a treat for me not to have to eat all my meals alone. On the other hand, I appreciate the option of having a room to myself by paying a little extra for a single supplement.
I also appreciate not having to find my way driving or figure out where to park. I can leave my car at the hotel and just sit back and watch the scenery go by or chat up my seatmate to pass the time. Given the audience, they are also very good about knowing where the restrooms are and allowing frequent opportunities to use them.
Road Scholar has trips going all over the world and all over the United States. They have trips that specialize in certain activities such as hiking, birding, golf, art, yoga, you name it. Even photography! Some of the people I have met on these trips have been on 50 or more “adventures.” I want to be one of those people when I grow up! They even have months long cruises around the world (for those who just won the lottery or inherited a house in Ashland).
The hardest part is deciding where to go next. Well, I’ve got trip number three all lined up. San Antonio and the Texas Hill country for my spring vacation. Contemplating Ireland for September and have Cuba on my mind for next winter. I may be able to squeeze something else in before the year is out though.
I’m pretty sure Road Scholar can help me get through my bucket list. Let’s see, about 20 more years to travel at about 5-6 trips a year… Yep, I think I can get to the 100 trip mark!
And just in case you are wondering, my next post will be about traveling and climate change.